A sister in law recently started university, her parents agreed to buy her a used hatchback for commuting (15km round trip) with the plan to buy her a brand new car after graduating in 4 years time.

They set a budget of under 100,000, as there will no doubt be a few pings and bumps over her first 4 years of driving.

Hatchback.

Automatic not stickshift.

Ford Fiestas in this price bracket are around 2012, and out due to notorious issues with the automatic gear box.

She prefers the look of the Nissan March to the Mitsubishi Mirage. Both are available for around 90,000 THB.

The very cheap ones are usually stickshift not automatic.

Same for the Mirage.

For this price the Hondas and Toyotas are usually much 5 or 6 years older, and have an extra 100,000 KM or so on them.

Now, to the Chevrolet Sonic.

2013

Automatic

1.4L

68,000 THB

2014

Automatic

120,000 KM

65,000

Not exactly a hatchback, but still small.

Back in America Chevrolet are seen as okay cars. Why are used Chevs so much cheaper (20-30% cheaper), with less mileage and a few years younger than the basic entry models of Nissan and Mitsubishi, the March and the Mirage.

AFAIK Chevrolet closed their dealerships in Thailand a few years ago, but the big main mechanics must still be able to get in parts and be able to work on them, right?

Or is there another reason?

This may be the answer.

Perhaps a 2010 generation Nissan March may be less problematic, and a better option.

Chevrolet officially ceased the sale and production of new vehicles in Thailand in 2020. At that time, its parent company, General Motors (GM), sold its manufacturing plant in Rayong and withdrew the brand from the Thai market.

In my oppinion - for Thailand - a Toyota or Honda is a better choice that Chevrolet.

6 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

Chevrolet officially ceased the sale and production of new vehicles in Thailand in 2020. At that time, its parent company, General Motors (GM), sold its manufacturing plant in Rayong and withdrew the brand from the Thai market.

In my oppinion - for Thailand - a Toyota or Honda is a better choice that Chevrolet.

Yes, Chevrolet dealers are all closed in Thailand, and while servicing is theoretically possible, getting parts for the cars will be challenging, although the trucks are OK as they're basically Isuzus.

While Toyota, Honda and Nissan are more popular - with many dealers and easy parts availability, you'll need to look at older models to fit the budget.

To have dealers and parts availability without the premium price for used models, maybe look at MG?

7 minutes ago, Kinnock said:

To have dealers and parts availability without the premium price for used models, maybe look at MG?

I doubt that @Packer will find an MG for under 100k baht?

As I wrote - only my oppinion to suggest Toyota or Honda.

8 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

I doubt that @Packer will find an MG for under 100k baht?

As I wrote - only my oppinion to suggest Toyota or Honda.

12 minutes ago, Kinnock said:

While Toyota, Honda and Nissan are more popular - with many dealers and easy parts availability, you'll need to look at older models to fit the budget.

To have dealers and parts availability without the premium price for used models, maybe look at MG?

I believe that MG are a Chinese company that bought the famous British MG brand name. From what I've been told they have lots of bells and whistles, which often end up going faulty after a few short years and then require full systems to be replaced when one small part goes haywire.

For less than 100,000 THB the Hondas and Toyotas are around 2006 or so, compared to 2010-2013 for the Nissan March.

The Sonic apparently has issues with plastic cooling systems.

Fiestas have issues with the automatic gearbox.

The Nissan March can sometimes have issues with the CVT system if not maintained with the proper oil on a regular basis.

Also around this year and price point is the Mazda 2.

It seems to not be known for any real mechanical issues, other than engine mounts, which are easy enough to replace and not a major engine issue.

There are also some Suzuki Swifts in the year and price point. Which is a little bit surprising. I recall them winning international car of the year or similar, when this generation was released.

Relatively minor issues, but not as minor as the Mazda 2, apparently.

If anybody has experiences etc of having a Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift from around 2012 I'd be happy to hear your comments. It would only be a daily commuter for 15km or so, but it would break her heart to buy her first car and then have to spend another 100,000 THB within the first month to fix it.

12 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

My college car cost about 100,000 back in 1987 and was crap. Amazing what China is doing! So cheap to fix mechanical issues here also.

51 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

33 minutes ago, atpeace said:

My college car cost about 100,000 back in 1987 and was crap. Amazing what China is doing! So cheap to fix mechanical issues here also.

That is interesting, thank you.

Maybe it is my bias, but I wouldn't recommend an MG to her, especially a 10 year old MG.

IMO they are very Chinese, if that makes sense. Chinese build quality, Chinese sneakiness (buying a famous UK brand name, then using it to release cars that have Union Jacks on the mirrors and roofs, etc), lots of bells and whistles to Wow people in the showroom or at a stall outside Big C, that are usually items people don't need but easily break or go faulty and then are expensive or difficult to fix.

But, I will look into it and perhaps recommend it to her above a 2012 Mazda 2 or Swift.

I often don't like first generation vehicles, as the following generations have usually ironed out the issues and glitches that the first generation will usually have.

Infotainment system. She has no need for such a thing on her 5-10 minute drive to university and back.

Clutch actuator, wear or failure, shuddering and jerky and hesitant low speed gear changes. This is what I mean about 2nd or 3rd generation cars being better than 1st generation, they will usually have ironed out these issues.

7 minutes ago, Packer said:

That is interesting, thank you.

Maybe it is my bias, but I wouldn't recommend an MG to her, especially a 10 year old MG.

IMO they are very Chinese, if that makes sense. Chinese build quality, Chinese sneakiness (buying a famous UK brand name, then using it to release cars that have Union Jacks on the mirrors and roofs, etc), lots of bells and whistles to Wow people in the showroom or at a stall outside Big C, that are usually items people don't need but easily break or go faulty and then are expensive or difficult to fix.

But, I will look into it and perhaps recommend it to her above a 2012 Mazda 2 or Swift.

I often don't like first generation vehicles, as the following generations have usually ironed out the issues and glitches that the first generation will usually have.

Infotainment system. She has no need for such a thing on her 5-10 minute drive to university and back.

Clutch actuator, wear or failure, shuddering and jerky and hesitant low speed gear changes. This is what I mean about 2nd or 3rd generation cars being better than 1st generation, they will usually have ironed out these issues.

One really does need to get hands on for the ride, and fit & finish. Don't expect a lot, in those two categories, but good to compare.

Most auto maker got the 1.5L engine down to a science, and the drivetrains are quite dependable. Other things tend to not age well, especially if not cared for.

As far as CN made, owned 2 so far, and first one was so good, MG ZS, we bought the EV version when they upgraded in 2022. Previous ICEV were T. Vios & Mazda 2, and for few baht more, when shopping to replace the M2, saw the ZS, while revisiting the MG3, took it, ZS for test drive, and stopped looking at cars.

Others we peeked at, Nissan Note, Honda Jazz, M. Mirage, besides what Toyota & Mazda had in the new, <700k range. All crap in comparison to ride & comfort, especially road noise.

We did peek at MG3 when it first enter Thai market, and was a 'get what you pay for' vehicle, as one of the cheapest at the time. Same with all <600k entry level cars. Did upgrade it in 2018, so maybe see if any out there in 100k price range, and probably better choice. Might get lucky. Happy shopping.

Edited July 19Jul 19 by KhunLA

27 minutes ago, Packer said:

IMO they are very Chinese, if that makes sense. Chinese build quality, Chinese sneakiness (buying a famous UK brand name, then using it to release cars that have Union Jacks on the mirrors and roofs, etc)

Reminds me, wonder where Transman vanished to... he loved the Chinese MG's!

Supply exceeds demand. 🥁

retired here 2019, after driving Toyotas for 40 yrs USA bought a new Chevy Trailblazer 2.5 turbo diesel 4x4 in CM then we moved to Sattahip. Too hot up north in summer.. 7 yrs later, had to replace AC compressor last year. Local Mechanic shop does all the maintenance. Have had an electrical problem but the X-Chevy in Rayong who is now Geeley EV sorted that out. There are 1000's of Chevys still running here. I also believe the build quality here in Thailand was as good as or better than anywhere else. No regrets on mine, great ride...

21 hours ago, Packer said:

If anybody has experiences etc of having a Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift from around 2012 I'd be happy to hear your comments.

Driven both, never owned either though both are great vehicles and can’t go wrong with either. Avoid the diesel Mazda2 unless it’s been modified with the DPF removed and bypass. Mazda (more expensive parts and usually need to source from the dealer), Toyota (abundant less expensive parts available) and Suzuki (inexpensive parts and maintenance) all are good reliable vehicles.

22 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I also would go for a Toyota or Honda- generally speaking I have found them bullet proof over the years regardless of the mileage as long as they are properly maintained of course

The mileage is super-important. Better to have a car never driven in Bangkok. Our start-stop traffic jams are hell on vehicles. That's why you don't see many old ones.

The main consideration will be them not needing to spend money on fixing/replacing parts after buying.

I'm leaning towards recommending:

1. Mazda 2 from around 2011 or so

2. Suzuki Swift from around the same year

3. Nissan March 2011 or so. Some are known for issues with the CVT systems.

4. Mirage. The girl has put this in number 4, she doesn't like the style, plus it is known to have slightly more issues than the March.

I don't think I would recommend the following in around the same price point.

2016 MG3. Too many bells and whistles, Chinese electronics etc. At 10 years old I don't trust they won't need major electronic systems fully replaced because of some small code fault.

Hondas and Toyotas. At this price point they are 20 years old. 20 years of unknown Thai maintenance is not something I would recommend.

The Chevy Sonic. No dealerships, not too much of an issue, but their plastic cooling systems are well known to have major issues, apparently.

Ford Fiesta, the generation from 2012 or so are famous for automatic gear issues.

Edited July 20Jul 20 by Packer

As a car mechanic, let me tell you: don't even think about buying a Chevrolet Sonic of this age when you have the option of getting a Mazda 2... they're worlds apart.

Why not a Toyota Yaris?

Otherwise, a Mazda 2 is a good choice. Close to Toyota reliability without paying the "Toyota Tax".

22 minutes ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

Why not a Toyota Yaris?

At that price point they are around 5 years older, and around 220,000km as opposed to around 150,000km.

A 2013 Yaris for 89,000 THB is a very good deal, and quite different to the prices I see.

40 minutes ago, Packer said:

At that price point they are around 5 years older, and around 220,000km as opposed to around 150,000km.

A 2013 Yaris for 89,000 THB is a very good deal, and quite different to the prices I see.

Yeah, the Yaris may have issues that aren't disclosed in that ad.

Buying a used car in Thailand can be difficult and I'd always be concerned about how well it was serviced, especially transmission fluid if a CVT, and motor oil.

We also bought a Yaris second hand. 2018, 54'000km, 320'000bht, all services documented by Toyota.

Normally with the correct maintenence this car shoud make 150'000km without problems. Then the brakes, shock absorbers, automatic gear etc. starts to cost money.

What I want to say... You spend now 100'000 for a car without knowing what has happened and has been done on it (or not).

After 2 years you spend again ... 200'000? ... for the next one. Again without knowing about the history.

You see, I like to complicate it a bit. But I personally try to "invest" in such things on the long run. But me too, I would never buy a brand new car either. The first 20'000km are the most expensive ones.

Sorry for this :-)

Wish you good luck!

On 7/19/2026 at 12:37 PM, Packer said:

I believe that MG are a Chinese company that bought the famous British MG brand name. From what I've been told they have lots of bells and whistles, which often end up going faulty after a few short years and then require full systems to be replaced when one small part goes haywire.

For less than 100,000 THB the Hondas and Toyotas are around 2006 or so, compared to 2010-2013 for the Nissan March.

The Sonic apparently has issues with plastic cooling systems.

Fiestas have issues with the automatic gearbox.

The Nissan March can sometimes have issues with the CVT system if not maintained with the proper oil on a regular basis.

Also around this year and price point is the Mazda 2.

It seems to not be known for any real mechanical issues, other than engine mounts, which are easy enough to replace and not a major engine issue.

There are also some Suzuki Swifts in the year and price point. Which is a little bit surprising. I recall them winning international car of the year or similar, when this generation was released.

Relatively minor issues, but not as minor as the Mazda 2, apparently.

If anybody has experiences etc of having a Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift from around 2012 I'd be happy to hear your comments. It would only be a daily commuter for 15km or so, but it would break her heart to buy her first car and then have to spend another 100,000 THB within the first month to fix it.

We have a swift from 2013. We've never had any issues with it in 140K km. The only major repair was an air condition component (I think the evaporator) that was 5K baht. More recently the map/maf sensor went bad. 1800 baht. That's about it. Service is very cheap at the dealer, but we modified it at an outside company a couple of years ago, so we often go to them now for regular servicing.

13 minutes ago, DavisH said:

We have a swift from 2013. We've never had any issues with it in 140K km. The only major repair was an air condition component (I think the evaporator) that was 5K baht. More recently the map/maf sensor went bad. 1800 baht. That's about it. Service is very cheap at the dealer, but we modified it at an outside company a couple of years ago, so we often go to them now for regular servicing.

13 years old now, 84000 THB cash? 😁

2 minutes ago, Packer said:

13 years old now, 84000 THB cash? 😁

lol it's not for sale:) We spent like 160K on it. Crazy, I know. A good one could be up to 150-160K but prices have dropped a lot over the last couple of years. Check facebook marketplace there are quite a few there. mazda 2 is another decent choice and a little more powerful than the swift.