New Car Purchase In Thailand

[gdhm]

Hi,

Having just managed to sell my Spanish home at last I am now after 18 months in a position to get a house and a car.

Get a car first quick and easy I thought. Silly me I clearly have no idea how it works in car sales rooms here in Thailand (or is it just Khon Kaen.

My wife and I decided yesterday to visit the Toyota showroom next to Big C.

"Have you got an Avanza we can look at?

( my wife had to interpret as no English speaking salesman was there).

" No. We will not have any in showroom until new year"

"Have you got an Innova we can look at"

"No, not until January. But I can tell you price and give you a brochure (only in Thai). If you want an Avanza we can get automatic this month. YOU WANT TO ORDER NOW?"

Via my wife I said "No thank you, I would not buy a house having only seen a picture and neither will I buy a car. I need to see how I fit in it and if the driving position is comfortable".

After we had left I said to my wife “Incredible do they wish to sell any cars. I cannot believe a showroom has not got one version of each type of car it sells for people to look at".

"No problem" said my wife “we go to what I think Toyota head Office past Tesco/Lotus on other side of road".

Off we went. When we got there we had an identical discussion, including did I want to order then and to add further insult to injury I was told an Avanza automatic would be about 689,000 baht and I could have an English manual if I like but it would have to be ordered and I must pay an extra 800 Baht.

Yer right!! if I am paying in the order 700,000 baht for a new car (probably in cash) probably Little or no discount will be permitted I sure an going to pay 800 baht for an English manual

NOT AMUSED!!!.

Then as we walked away we had the first bit of helpful intelligent thought process so far. The salesman raced after us and told us he had a new Avanza in the back yard that had been ordered for someone else (so we could not buy that one) BUT he was happy for us to have a look and sit inside to see if it was big enough for me (even offered to allow me to drive around the very large compound . I should explain to those who do not know. I am currently 146 kilos so fit and head room are VERY relevant.

OK the Avanza was fine and my wife definitely liked it. Like most Thais the bigger the better. I have told my wife I am reluctant to spend some 1.4 M on a Fortuna or MU-7 to show off to people when we do not need the capacity, the off road ability and that they guzzle gasoline, are high to climb into AND we could almost get 2 Avanzas for the price of one Fortuna.)

The other car I had short listed as a prmary target is the Honda Jazz.

So off past Tesco Lotus we go today to look at one.

Guess what!! No Jazz in the showroom. "When will you have one in the showroom for us to look at"

"Around April Next year":

I said to my wife. "of course we are going to wait 4½ months to look at a car in a showroom and then wait longer to actually get one if we want one ".

As we left the showroom my wife mirrored my faults with “I do not understand Thai Car salesroom's they seem not care if they sell car or not”

It seems to me that the Showrooms feel the client should buy the cars THEY want them to buy and are able (or want ) to show in their showrooms (well certainly where I have been so far). Maybe I am making an incorrect assumption that they are actually interested in selling any cars at all.

I understood the car sale market is heavily down in Thailand this year. That may explain minimal stock BUT NOT the apparent lack of interest in trying to sell to the customer and what the customer wants.

Can anybody tell me

1) how to operate here in Khon Kaen (Or other parts of Thailand) when wishing to buy a car?

2) What to expect as far as delivery?

3) Usual Loan options (my wife and I have Tabian Baans (I’m on a retirement Visa – so no work permit) if I decide that is best (can it be taken out in the name of my non working Thia wife but car sold to me in MY name and me pay the instalment of course?. Only reason I am considering this is because interest rates seem around 3% on a car loan through salesrooms and I earn 4.6% in my UK Nationwide e-saving account (after UK tax) so seems a good financial decision. Are the loans Hire purchase or non or secured loans?.

4) Is it viable/possible to buy cheaper via the Internet and if so does anybody now any sites worth looking at.

Types of car.

My wife is dead keen on the Avanza as it is a MPC (be it smaller than some) and not small like the Jazz (which seems more highly rated in reviews).

If anybody has knowledge of the Avanza and can comment on it, its fuel consumption and ESPECIALLY on reports I have heard that it is vulnerable to being blown sideways by the side wind when other cars/lorries overtake at close quarter.

For me I am very happy to go with the Avanza as it is bigger than a Jazz but cheaper and smaller than a Fortuna, Innova, MU-7 etc. AND it will also be cheaper on fuel costs.

HOWEVER, I wish to find out how much of a safety issue the reported problem of side wind buffeting is on Highways when moving at speed (or whether these weaknesses exist but their impact in real life is being exaggerated but fussy reviewers).

I also considered the Nissan Tiida and Mazda 3.

I am not interest in a Saloon, sedan or Cab/truck. Hatchback or Wagon design are what I want and am happy with either gasoline or diesel. I do not wish to go above 1m Baht unless there is a very, very good good reason to do so.

I feel the Innova is probably an unnecessary middle car between the size of the Avanza and Fortuna but guzzles fuel all the same and is big when it comes to parking.

To be honest the size of car I am used to is the Jazz or VW Golf, which in the past for me have been a good compromise on size, ease of parking, cost and fuel consumption. However I have always been one person until now and now I have a household of 2 adults and 2 growing children AND the way I see how people drive in Thailand it strikes me as a safety issue to have a car that is a little more substantial/larger than a Jazz or Golf size car.

Any additional suggestions or input on any of the matters raised here will be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

My head is spinning with an overload of obstacles I have not been used to in the UK or Spain, lack of finding a showroom sales person who can speak to me in English and Internet reviews arguing against each other at times.

Kind regards

[North]

gdhm,

Just a quick remark from me, as I am on the way out:

I know what you are talking about, because I live in Khon Kaen too and I am also looking for a new car/pickup. !

North

[ignis]

The new 1.5 Avanza maybe different…… The 1.3, the 1^st one that came to Thailand was no good for me at all……… I am 1.90 tall and some 130kg and size 48 feet…. There was just nowhere to put your left foot in the one I sat in, could not drive it as it had only just arrived in Thailand none were on the road….. I had already paid a booking deposit 3 months before it had arrived in Thailand.

I bought the Honda jazz 1.5 CVT Sport, great car no problems.

You may want to look at the Suzuki AVP, nice to drive and the top model is cheaper than the Avanza [The swift is a crazy price here more expensive then the Grand Vitra

http://www.suzuki.co.th/apv.php

[mijan24]

Hi also from Khon Kaen two points:

1.Try Toyota dealership on Maliwan road heading to airport opposite the entrance to the uni.

2.Your wife needs to be stronger with your requirements if not happy ask for th head man At that particular dealership I found he bent over backwards to help don't take "We dont have it until?" they will produce something out of their back-pocdket.

[North]

Dave, as I said earlier, I know what you are talking about, living here in KK and wanting a new car.

Since I decided to buy a new car/pickup, I also decided to have a closer look around at the dealers to find the best vehicle for me and my wife, and that included the car market from the Jazz and up to the Toyota Camry 2,0G priced at 1,299,000 baht.

Here is what I have found out typing in red.

Hi,

Having just managed to sell my Spanish home at last I am now after 18 months in a position to get a house and a car.

Get a car first quick and easy I thought. Silly me I clearly have no idea how it works in car sales rooms here in Thailand (or is it just Khon Kaen.

My wife and I decided yesterday to visit the Toyota showroom next to Big C.

"Have you got an Avanza we can look at?

( my wife had to interpret as no English speaking salesman was there).

" No. We will not have any in showroom until new year"

"Have you got an Innova we can look at"

"No, not until January. But I can tell you price and give you a brochure (only in Thai). If you want an Avanza we can get automatic this month. YOU WANT TO ORDER NOW?"

You may be lucky to find an Innova at the Toyota dealer on Maliwan road, - the left side when driving towards the airport, but I think it is very big and not too smart looking, and as per memory it only has one airbag.

Via my wife I said "No thank you, I would not buy a house having only seen a picture and neither will I buy a car. I need to see how I fit in it and if the driving position is comfortable".

After we had left I said to my wife “Incredible do they wish to sell any cars. I cannot believe a showroom has not got one version of each type of car it sells for people to look at".

"No problem" said my wife “we go to what I think Toyota head Office past Tesco/Lotus on other side of road".

This Toyota company is not a kind of head office for Khon Kaen, just another dealer, the "oldest" Toyota dealer in KK.

Off we went. When we got there we had an identical discussion, including did I want to order then and to add further insult to injury I was told an Avanza automatic would be about 689,000 baht and I could have an English manual if I like but it would have to be ordered and I must pay an extra 800 Baht.

Yer right!! if I am paying in the order 700,000 baht for a new car (probably in cash) probably Little or no discount will be permitted I sure an going to pay 800 baht for an English manual

One of my friends has just bought a Camry priced at approx. 1,600,000 baht at this dealer and got a 70,000 baht discount, I was offered 50,000 baht discount on the Camry 2,0G, so it is possible to get a good deal, but you have to talk a lot for them to come up with a good offer

NOT AMUSED!!!.

Then as we walked away we had the first bit of helpful intelligent thought process so far. The salesman raced after us and told us he had a new Avanza in the back yard that had been ordered for someone else (so we could not buy that one) BUT he was happy for us to have a look and sit inside to see if it was big enough for me (even offered to allow me to drive around the very large compound . I should explain to those who do not know. I am currently 146 kilos so fit and head room are VERY relevant.

OK the Avanza was fine and my wife definitely liked it. Like most Thais the bigger the better. I have told my wife I am reluctant to spend some 1.4 M on a Fortuna or MU-7 to show off to people when we do not need the capacity, the off road ability and that they guzzle gasoline, are high to climb into AND we could almost get 2 Avanzas for the price of one Fortuna.)

The other car I had short listed as a prmary target is the Honda Jazz.

So off past Tesco Lotus we go today to look at one.

Guess what!! No Jazz in the showroom. "When will you have one in the showroom for us to look at"

"Around April Next year":

I said to my wife. "of course we are going to wait 4½ months to look at a car in a showroom and then wait longer to actually get one if we want one ".

This is correct, I had the same experience, but before they told me that they gave me a testdrive in the Jazz top model, and after that they told me I could not have that one !

Exactly this is probably not to blame on the Honda salespeople in the shop. I think it is the Honda factory, that have decided that, because they are now starting to produce the new Jazz model, but the first few months they will only manufacture for export, so the home market can just wait !

As we left the showroom my wife mirrored my faults with “I do not understand Thai Car salesroom's they seem not care if they sell car or not”

It seems to me that the Showrooms feel the client should buy the cars THEY want them to buy and are able (or want ) to show in their showrooms (well certainly where I have been so far). Maybe I am making an incorrect assumption that they are actually interested in selling any cars at all.

I think you have a very good point there, at least for showrooms here in Khon Kaen.

I understood the car sale market is heavily down in Thailand this year. That may explain minimal stock BUT NOT the apparent lack of interest in trying to sell to the customer and what the customer wants.

Can anybody tell me

1) how to operate here in Khon Kaen (Or other parts of Thailand) when wishing to buy a car?

If you want to buy a car in Khon Kaen then go to Bangkok (only joking of course )

2) What to expect as far as delivery?

Next year, 2-6 months, unless you would buy one of the many cars/pickups, they actually have on stock in KK, at the southern Toyota dealer they had numerous amounts of the 2WD Vigo, same same !

3) Usual Loan options (my wife and I have Tabian Baans (I’m on a retirement Visa – so no work permit) if I decide that is best (can it be taken out in the name of my non working Thia wife but car sold to me in MY name and me pay the instalment of course?. Only reason I am considering this is because interest rates seem around 3% on a car loan through salesrooms and I earn 4.6% in my UK Nationwide e-saving account (after UK tax) so seems a good financial decision. Are the loans Hire purchase or non or secured loans?.

4) Is it viable/possible to buy cheaper via the Internet and if so does anybody now any sites worth looking at.

Types of car.

My wife is dead keen on the Avanza as it is a MPC (be it smaller than some) and not small like the Jazz (which seems more highly rated in reviews).

If anybody has knowledge of the Avanza and can comment on it, its fuel consumption and ESPECIALLY on reports I have heard that it is vulnerable to being blown sideways by the side wind when other cars/lorries overtake at close quarter.

I have never heard anything nice about the Avanza, and if you think about safety, did you check what active "safety goodies" it has, like two airbags, ABS EBD and more ?

My guess is, not more than one airbag and maybe not even ABS.

For me I am very happy to go with the Avanza as it is bigger than a Jazz but cheaper and smaller than a Fortuna, Innova, MU-7 etc. AND it will also be cheaper on fuel costs.

HOWEVER, I wish to find out how much of a safety issue the reported problem of side wind buffeting is on Highways when moving at speed (or whether these weaknesses exist but their impact in real life is being exaggerated but fussy reviewers).

I also considered the Nissan Tiida and Mazda 3.

The Nissan Tiida does not get good reports, as far as I read on Internet, the Mazda 3 is nice, but the 1,6 comes with only one airbag and in my opinion lacks a real overdrive gear (5th. gear)

I am not interest in a Saloon, sedan or Cab/truck. Hatchback or Wagon design are what I want and am happy with either gasoline or diesel. I do not wish to go above 1m Baht unless there is a very, very good good reason to do so.

The best guess for your next car must be the car, I am interested in myself, the new Ford Focus TDCi , that comes with a 2 litre commonrail diesel. It´s a hatchback too, 5 doors. Price should be 1,055,000 baht, it is very fuel efficient and I have read test reports from Europe that are praising this car for it´s good engine and driving capabilities.

The only drawback as I see it is, that they probably will only sell it in black !

I feel the Innova is probably an unnecessary middle car between the size of the Avanza and Fortuna but guzzles fuel all the same and is big when it comes to parking.

I think you´re right about this one.

To be honest the size of car I am used to is the Jazz or VW Golf, which in the past for me have been a good compromise on size, ease of parking, cost and fuel consumption. However I have always been one person until now and now I have a household of 2 adults and 2 growing children AND the way I see how people drive in Thailand it strikes me as a safety issue to have a car that is a little more substantial/larger than a Jazz or Golf size car.

Any additional suggestions or input on any of the matters raised here will be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

My head is spinning with an overload of obstacles I have not been used to in the UK or Spain, lack of finding a showroom sales person who can speak to me in English and Internet reviews arguing against each other at times.

Kind regards

[ignis]

There is a good reason why there is a 4 month waiting time for the Honda Jazz....

The NEW model is out in March it is a bit longer, wider and lower than the present one, If you want the present model then a GOOD Honda Dealer should search the dealers in Thailand on his computer, and find out who still has them in stock. The 1st New Jazz will come with the Civic 5 speed Auto, the all new CVT will arrive in the Jazz about November 2008

March_2008_Honda_Jazz.bmp

[gdhm]

Thanks everybody for the information to date. Things and reasons are becoming much clearer

I have read views and continued my own analysis on the Internet.

and have a short list (unless someone adds a new consideration I had not thought of.

In order of suspected preference (me)

1) Ford Focus

2) Mazda 3

3) Avanza

4) Jazz

Jazz is 3rd purely due it being the smallest. Avanza would be first IF I did not have the concerns mentioned in the next para

My wife's favourite is still the Avanza but I worry that not many are speaking favourably about it and reviews on fuel consumption, width and road holding with passing traffic is not good.

Her preference is:

1) Avanza

2) Mazda 3 or Ford Focus

3) Avanza

4) Jazz

5) Avanza

My wife of course sees the Avanza as a 7 people (quite) impressive carrier and looks big for the money which all adds up to "looks impressive to friends and family and can carry quite a few as well".

She accepts I am not going to spend 1.3m baht plus on a wagon MPC gas guzzler which I cannot park in car parks or easily in Khon Kaen City. I am thinking that if we pay 4 or 500,000 baht less then that goes a long way to a second new car 8 years or so down the line. My money is limited and I would sooner use it on our forth coming house purchase (or keep in bank for reserve).

My wife would probably go for a cab/truck given 100% the choice looks even bigger and can carry even more people stuff. "Good for moving' she said. "How many times do you plan moving darling" I asked "or are you planning that we help many of our acquaintances move ".

In reality we will have 4 in a car (2 children) maximum MOST of the time and drive around town. I personally cannot get to excited for the odd occasion or two that we would wish more passenger capability. I buy a car for your daily needs and practicality not other's occasional need of a group lift. Having said that my wife and I must be BOTH happy with the decision and not only me

I have to be honest I do feel for Thais "show" comes as a much higher consideration at times than practicality. Yes of course in a areas where you may be wishing to move stock, workers, large families and want a reasonably low priced value for you money vehicle a cab/truck is ideal, BUT how many of us see townies with just husband and wife driving around in a Cab/truck that guzzle fuel, are hard to park due to size and any purchases need to go in the open back where rain can soil or passers by can steal as you wait at traffic lights or nip into a shop.

Does anybody have any views or opinions on:

1) the Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Jazz, Avanza specifically

2) I'm particularly interested in comfort, ride & road handling (not off-road as not interested), fuel consumption, price and arability of spare parts and servicing, holding value (do Fords devalue much quicker than Japanese cars in Thailand or only a little faster)

3) how and who is permitted financing? If I pay cash does that interest dealers when it comes to discounting or is financing and cash all the same to them?

4) Internet purchases? Where?

Kind Regards

Dave

[Guest madcow]

You will find any dealer has little or no stock at this time of year , the cut off is usually the first week of December .

In a couple of weeks time any unmoved stock becomes last years model , no one wants last years model ,

or if they do it is at a heavily discounted price .

If you insist on buying now , scour all the dealers , you may be lucky to find what you are looking for ,

THEN BARGAIN HARD they will want to get rid off it !

[ignis]

My wife of course sees the Avanza as a 7 people (quite) impressive carrier and looks big for the money which all adds up to "looks impressive to friends and family and can carry quite a few as well".

? 7 seated Avanza ? to get 7 in = 3 very thin people in the row for 3......... Did you have a good look at the Avanza ? the 3rd row of seats touch the back screen = no luggage space + if grown up people sit on this row they keep banging there heads on the back window.

+ + + the lack of the 2nd airbag + NO ESP and the truck chassis + the price........ + there has been talk of the Avanza being discontinued because of the poor sales in Thailand.......... The Suzuki APV is the same size and the top model is some 160,000 cheaper and a 1.6 engine.

The new ?? Ford Focus TDCi here in Thailand, there is only 100 of them all are black + this is NOT the Brand new Focus it is the old model.... you can check this yourself, go to Ford UK or de [Germany]

Sadly none of these 3 will be that great at holding there value as there not the everyday popular models

You may not get a cash discount on any of these cars but try to get as much extras as possible free [extra servicing, window film/ tints, alarm, extra trim, extra mats, extra chrome bits etc]

[ignis]

I know I had read it somewhere........

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1471940

[phupaman]

Hi Dave.

Definitely stay away from Mitsubishi KK I can tell you from personal experience that they are all Liars, Cheats and Thieves ,The big boss ,The sales manager and a salesman named Gore.

Definely do not spend your money with them, I hope all the readers on Thai Visa heed my words. phupaman.

[gdhm]

My wife of course sees the Avanza as a 7 people (quite) impressive carrier and looks big for the money which all adds up to "looks impressive to friends and family and can carry quite a few as well".

? 7 seated Avanza ? to get 7 in = 3 very thin people in the row for 3......... Did you have a good look at the Avanza ? the 3rd row of seats touch the back screen = no luggage space + if grown up people sit on this row they keep banging there heads on the back window.

+ + + the lack of the 2nd airbag + NO ESP and the truck chassis + the price........ + there has been talk of the Avanza being discontinued because of the poor sales in Thailand.......... The Suzuki APV is the same size and the top model is some 160,000 cheaper and a 1.6 engine.

The new ?? Ford Focus TDCi here in Thailand, there is only 100 of them all are black + this is NOT the Brand new Focus it is the old model.... you can check this yourself, go to Ford UK or de [Germany]

Sadly none of these 3 will be that great at holding there value as there not the everyday popular models

You may not get a cash discount on any of these cars but try to get as much extras as possible free [extra servicing, window film/ tints, alarm, extra trim, extra mats, extra chrome bits etc]

Firstly thanks for the ongoing advice.

I agree the Avanza is looking out of the picture as far as I am concerned.

I did visit a Ford garage today. Guess what no Focus to be seen except one BLACK Ghia saloon. The salesman said that is the cold model (and being discounted 5% by Ford. He expects the NEW Focuses and hatchback Focus to be in the showroom on the 22nd Dec. I will wait go back and we shall see.

The Suzuki APV has been mentioned twice. Is that a good car or just a like cheaper Avanza with all its inherent problems of lightness at speed and vulnerable to side wind buffeting from passing traffic?

Regards

Dave

[expat]

I know when I bought my truck that they had about 100 silver ones but I wanted (read the wife wanted) blue. Wait one month then it came black ! Still, we got some cash off.

As to the interest rate, I'm sorry to say but your numbers are wrong. The 3% quoted is a flat rate which is about 5.75% APR and thus, more than your savings rate. However, having a loan at near zero cost can be a good thing as it builds a credit history and you never know when that will be useful.

[Moonfruit]

When we bought our Camry a couple weeks ago the guy in the shop, albeit here in Bangkok warned us away from the Avanza and said it was a crap car with many problems. and will be discontinued. Not bad coming from a Toyota sales guy.

the reason i believe him is that his service has been excellent, beyond excellent actually, he has really gone out of his way to make it an easy experience for us.

and you know what his commission is for a car worth a mill and a half and change? 3,000THB! Unbelievable!

[thai_narak]

buy a safer family car. in thailand, there are lots of crazy drivers (yes of course khonkaen too, i had one accident there in '96) and you better be in a safer car in an accident. having said that, i will not recommend any small car, get a mid-size car or a 4x4 with security features like ABS, dual Airbags, etc. if you have more budget get a euro car as they are safer. when i was younger i prefer fast cars with little or less safety features but now with my lovely family my priority on buying cars shifted to safety.

[ignis]

Do you need brand new ? Just to give you an idea of another option

For around the price of a new Avanza you can get:

2 yr old around 20,000 km TOYOTA WISH 2.0 Q VVT-i VSC AT

or

2yr old around 20,000km HONDA STREAM 2.0 i-VTEC AT

or

2yr old 20,000km VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.9 TDi AT ESTATE

or

1 yr old 8 - 10,000km CHEVROLET ZAFIRA 2.2 AT

[gdhm]

I know when I bought my truck that they had about 100 silver ones but I wanted (read the wife wanted) blue. Wait one month then it came black ! Still, we got some cash off.

As to the interest rate, I'm sorry to say but your numbers are wrong. The 3% quoted is a flat rate which is about 5.75% APR and thus, more than your savings rate. However, having a loan at near zero cost can be a good thing as it builds a credit history and you never know when that will be useful.

Thanks for this useful info on flat/APR interest rates. My assumption was niaive without checking - I am learning all the time .

I suppose allowing for yearly inflation the figures get closer, although one or two Showrooms are quoting 5% in which case which I feel a cash payment would be the best option for me.i

Can you tell me how the loans work expat.

1) As a Retirement Non Imm O Visa person can I get it in my name, or must it be in my wife's.

2) If in her name can I be car owner.

3) If in her name would they be OK with fact that my wife does not work but I would be 100% responsible for all payments.

Personally I prefer everything in my name as my car my responsibility to ensure payment of loan.

4) Is it an unsecured, secured on car or Hire purchase arrangement?

Thanks

Dave

[gdhm]

buy a safer family car. in thailand, there are lots of crazy drivers (yes of course khonkaen too, i had one accident there in '96) and you better be in a safer car in an accident. having said that, i will not recommend any small car, get a mid-size car or a 4x4 with security features like ABS, dual Airbags, etc. if you have more budget get a euro car as they are safer. when i was younger i prefer fast cars with little or less safety features but now with my lovely family my priority on buying cars shifted to safety.

I agree with you 100% about safety being important.

I have to use a Motorbike at present - Russian Roulette.

No good me knowing Highway and logical manoeuvres in incident or risk situations if nearly all other drivers do their own thing as it takes logic out of the scenario.

I have often said to my wife that even if I take the recommended and appropriate evasive action I cannot rely on the other driver doing the same and as a result I may cause an accident because I do not do it the Thai or incorrect way and I take the other driver by surprise.

I am seriously leaning toward the new model Ford Focus myself. Any views anybody

Dave

[gdhm]

Do you need brand new ? Just to give you an idea of another option

For around the price of a new Avanza you can get:

2 yr old around 20,000 km <a href="http://"http://www.thaicar.com/en_showroom1.asp?GID=45834&Customer_id=Tent660&band=&model=&searchtype=&bn=&idcar=&type="" target="_blank"> TOYOTA WISH 2.0 Q VVT-i VSC AT </a>

or

2yr old around 20,000km HONDA STREAM 2.0 i-VTEC AT

or

2yr old 20,000km VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.9 TDi AT ESTATE

or

1 yr old 8 - 10,000km CHEVROLET ZAFIRA 2.2 AT

It is an interesting option indeed but it makes me somewhat nervous on two counts

1) IF in Thailand new car warranties are 3 years (I do not know this) then I would lose that protection AND

2) more importantly how I see most drive, I cannot believe most 2nd hand cars have been driven with TLC (indeed many may have had hidden accident repairs).

Regards

Dave

[North]

I agree with you 100% about safety being important.

I am seriously leaning toward the new model Ford Focus myself. Any views anybody

Dave

If we for one moment forget about the fuel economy and look at the segment around 1 mill. baht, then the Honda Civic is also worth looking at.

They have 1,8 and 2 litre engines available, and the top models in each line have most of the safety features needed:

Civic 1,8 E AT (AS) has two airbags, ABS & EBD.

Civic 2,0 EL AT(AS) has the same + two side airbags & VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), that is just about how much you can get, at least here in Thailand.

Personally I like the Civic, just as I like the Ford Focus. In my opinion the Focus hatchback looks better than the Civic from outside, inside I like the Civic better, the plastic doesn´t look "cheap" as on the Focus.

Both of the cars (with petrol engines)will from january 2008 be E-20 compliant, therefore the price will be approx. 5% lower.

The Civic has an auto 5 gearbox, that in my opinion does a good job, whereas the Focus diesel has a manual 6 speed gearbox, and I think I will love that one, right now I am just waiting for the Focus to arrive.

Fuel economy for the Civics will probably be around 12-13 km/l - mixed driving, the Focus diesel more like 18-18,5 km/l, and then you will have that diesel enigne with a lot of torque too (320nm at 2000 rpm), good when passing other cars and meaning, you don´t have to shift gear all the time, even you have 6 of them !

If my need for a car was driving only a few kilometers every year, I probably would select the Civic 2,0 , but since I would like to go around in Thailand a lot in the next few years I am leaning towards the Focus diesel.

There are many things to think about when buying !

North

[Guest madcow]

You seem very undecided as to what you should buy , and as I pointed out previously , if you buy now ,

in a couple of weeks it becomes last years model .

If you have half decided on a particular model , why not go and rent one for a week or two .

My advice though , is stick with Toyota , they hold their value better , have better parts and service

backup and if at some time in the future you wish to trade or sell , you wont have any trouble

getting rid of it .

[North]

and as I pointed out previously , if you buy now ,

in a couple of weeks it becomes last years model .

If you have half decided on a particular model , why not go and rent one for a week or two .

Even we are looking for the new car now does not mean, that we are buying it before january !

Can you advice for a place where one can rent:

A Civic 2,0

A Focus diesel

North

[gdhm]

Both of the cars (with petrol engines)will from january 2008 be E-20 compliant, therefore the price will be approx. 5% lower.

The Civic has an auto 5 gearbox, that in my opinion does a good job, whereas the Focus diesel has a manual 6 speed gearbox, and I think I will love that one, right now I am just waiting for the Focus to arrive.

North

It will be interesting to see if the 5% saving is passed on or whether Ford decide that their new Model is 5% more expensive so the price remains as before (cynical am I or wot )

I agree with what madcow says about Toyota but resale value is not my primary concern. I am definitely leaning toward a Ford Focus if I like what I see in the showrooms in a few weeks and provided spare parts and access to them are up to scratch here in Khon Kean (they have 3 Showrooms)

I do know am not wanting a sedan style car as I just don't' like them compared to hatchbacks which I consider more attractive (personal taste) and much more flexible with boot/storage access and size of items they can be loaded with. That unfortunately rules out the Civic for me.

Kind regards

Dave

[North]

Dave,

I have tried to PM you on this forum, but it seems it is not working, therefore I have sent you a PM on the Khonkaen.com forum.

North

[bino]

You seem very undecided as to what you should buy , and as I pointed out previously , if you buy now ,

in a couple of weeks it becomes last years model .

This isn't quite correct. The model year on the registration will be desegnated when the vehicle is registered... IE- you get white plates to replace red plates.

We just bought Ms. Bino a new VIOS, and the salesman offered to wait until after the new year to register the car for this reason.

[Gary A]

buy a safer family car. in thailand, there are lots of crazy drivers (yes of course khonkaen too, i had one accident there in '96) and you better be in a safer car in an accident. having said that, i will not recommend any small car, get a mid-size car or a 4x4 with security features like ABS, dual Airbags, etc. if you have more budget get a euro car as they are safer. when i was younger i prefer fast cars with little or less safety features but now with my lovely family my priority on buying cars shifted to safety.

I agree with you 100% about safety being important.

I have to use a Motorbike at present - Russian Roulette.

No good me knowing Highway and logical manoeuvres in incident or risk situations if nearly all other drivers do their own thing as it takes logic out of the scenario.

I have often said to my wife that even if I take the recommended and appropriate evasive action I cannot rely on the other driver doing the same and as a result I may cause an accident because I do not do it the Thai or incorrect way and I take the other driver by surprise.

I am seriously leaning toward the new model Ford Focus myself. Any views anybody

Dave

I have a 2007 Focus Ghia. Really fun to drive. Corners like it's on rails. No problems at all the first year. Last week I had it at Ford for service and they didn't have a single Focus on the lot. Said they were waiting for the 2008 models.

[torrenova]

Can you tell me how the loans work expat.

1) As a Retirement Non Imm O Visa person can I get it in my name, or must it be in my wife's.

2) If in her name can I be car owner.

3) If in her name would they be OK with fact that my wife does not work but I would be 100% responsible for all payments.

Personally I prefer everything in my name as my car my responsibility to ensure payment of loan.

4) Is it an unsecured, secured on car or Hire purchase arrangement?

Thanks

Dave

1. You can purchase it in your name on a non immigrant visa.

2. If it is in her name then she is the owner, your name, then you are the owner.

3. You cannot guarantee a loan in your wife's name as you don't have a job, are not Thai, cannot own land etc.

4. The loan is akin to HP. The lender keeps the registration until you have finished paying for the car.

I was in a similar situation to you. Because of non Thais needing to put down a larger deposit than Thais, we went to put it in the wife's name. We then put down 15% on a near 800k truck. We had made her a financial history with a 40k+ income for over 6 months previously so she had enough income to service the loan (circa 16k over 4 years). We did all the paperwork in Buriram at the family house but prior to that, we played with Toyota and Isuzu to see who would give the best deal, best rates and who would give the easiest financiing. The Siam Commercial Bank guy who does the financing for Isuzu told us it was a rubber stamp job and he was happy to recommend us before we even decided to buy the truck. Had Toyota done the same we may have bought Toyota but with a new baby on the way, we needed surity.

In your situation I think you have 2 options. You pay cash and try to get as much off (research private insurance and ask how much off if you decline theirs), get as many extras as possible etc. The second option is a largish deposit (perhaps 40% or more) and they may finance you. They might not.

[gdhm]

Hi Torrenova,

Thanks a million for you very complete answer which has made my decision very easy.

I will pay cash and have the car in my name. My wife cannot drive anyway.

One thing is certain if I am paying a large cash sum the showroom that wants my sale had better out do the others in town on discounting and freebies.

I suppose at the end of the day it will be who wants the sale most. One thing about certain commodities such as cars is that they are all the same no matter who sells them (except asking price). Admittedly after sales service is a factor as well but as I have no knowledge of which showrooms are best that is not a factor for me.

I cannot speak Thai but my wife, quiet and unassuming as she is, is a tiger when it comes to bargaining. I have often thought my being with her when shes tries to discount would impede her, but I think not so in most cases and the shops (or whoever) quickly realise it is not me they have to satisfy it is her and th trump card is that my wife WILL walk away if she feels the asking price is too much after negotiation (even if I am happy).

Thanks again Torrenova

Dave

[Guest madcow]

You seem very undecided as to what you should buy , and as I pointed out previously , if you buy now ,

in a couple of weeks it becomes last years model .

This isn't quite correct. The model year on the registration will be desegnated when the vehicle is registered... IE- you get white plates to replace red plates.

We just bought Ms. Bino a new VIOS, and the salesman offered to wait until after the new year to register the car for this reason.

You believe a salesman ? You could put it in a shed for ten years and then register it will that make it a 2018 model ?

If you buy now it is still a 2007 model 2008 models are still being built

[Dave the Dude]

One thing is certain if I am paying a large cash sum the showroom that wants my sale had better out do the others in town on discounting and freebies.

I cannot speak Thai but my wife, quiet and unassuming as she is, is a tiger when it comes to bargaining. I have often thought my being with her when shes tries to discount would impede her, but I think not so in most cases and the shops (or whoever) quickly realise it is not me they have to satisfy it is her and th trump card is that my wife WILL walk away if she feels the asking price is too much after negotiation (even if I am happy).

Hi gdhm

You are a lucky man to have 'you little tiger'

Yesterday I finalised a deal with Isuzu to buy a truck cash, like you are contemplating. One thought sprung to mind when reading your post:-

I believe its a good time to buy a vehicle now,cos all the sales staff are franticly trying to get rid of stock before the new year. It may be something to do with their 2007 bonus or just because the factories are all closing down for hols. I think orders will take a little longer if the vehicle is not in stock.

DON'T expect much of a discount for cash here, it doesn't seem to happen but DO insist on an unreasonably large amount of freebies (plus keep one further item 'up your sleeve' in case they get really eager)

I got NO discount for cash (890k truck, new 2008 model)

I got NO discount for agreeing to have 'show car'

I got extra's totalling >70k !!!! (some were already fitted)

I also got a very very small deposit amount agreed as my cash not available until 7/1/08

I AM HAPPY WITH THIS AGREEMENT

Dont forget to get it registered in 2008, it looks better for resale.

Dont forget to get Little Tiger to do the 'walk away act' it usually works a treat, as long as they have your phone number to call you back.

HAPPY HUNTING

Dave