Car Purchase - Which Model?

[buadhai]

I'm about to buy a car. I want to spend about 6 or 700,000 baht. For that I could get a new Toyota Vios or a late model Corolla. The car would mainly be used for short trips in and around Korat, but I'd also like to take longer road trips now and then. (Say, down to Pattaya or up to Chiangmai.)

Although the Vios seems a bit small for highway driving, my last vehicle was a Toyota Paseo (two door small coupe) and I was pretty happy with that.

Any thoughts?

[Gary A]

Have you considered a pick up truck? For the money you want to spend you could get one pretty well loaded and brand new with a warranty. Trucks are a bargain because of Thailand's tax structure and since most of them are diesel they are economical to run. Extended cab and automatic transmissions make them drive about like a car and they are much more rugged for the bad roads.

I'm about to buy a car. I want to spend about 6 or 700,000 baht. For that I could get a new Toyota Vios or a late model Corolla. The car would mainly be used for short trips in and around Korat, but I'd also like to take longer road trips now and then. (Say, down to Pattaya or up to Chiangmai.)

Although the Vios seems a bit small for highway driving, my last vehicle was a Toyota Paseo (two door small coupe) and I was pretty happy with that.

Any thoughts?

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[Jai Dee]

It really depends on your (anticipated) driving habits Mike...

If you are only looking at driving to Pattaya or Chiang Mai 3 or 4 times a year, and with only 2-3 people in the car, then either the Vios or Corolla would be fine.

If you have more than 3 in the car, and you're doing more miles then maybe you should consider a car with a larger wheelbase and engine for comfort.

My local driving is between Sri Ratcha, Pattaya, and Rayong, but I have driven to/from BKK at least 10 times in the past 12 months, Phuket return once, Korat return 4 times, Koh Chang return twice, and Loei return once... total about 40,000 km.

Most of the time it's usually only me and the missus, but on a couple of trips to Korat, I've had 5 people in the car.

I drive a Ford Laser Tierra RS, 2 litres under the bonnet, and although it cost me a bit more than 6-700,000 THB (but still under 1 million), it has proven to be the perfect vehicle for my needs.

[buadhai]

I've thought of a truck. One of the family members has one of those massive Izusu D-Max four door models. It seems a bit of overkill for mostly city driving. Plus, I think the spouse would have a hard time getting one of those into a parking spot at The Mall or Lotus. I agree, however, that price wise they are a bargain compared with a sedan.

Thanks for your input Jai Dee. As usual, helpful and well thought out.

(Not as funny as the jokes, though!)

[Jai Dee]

Thanks for your input Jai Dee. As usual, helpful and well thought out.

(Not as funny as the jokes, though!)

I haven't had a beer today yet!

Although I see you had a few recently...

[paulfr]

Mike

I am about to do the same as you in that price range. I have driven both the Vios and Corolla and the latter has a much better/smoother ride IMO. Also the Corolla surprising feels like a Lexus inside whereas the Vios very much like an economy car. So I suggest you test ride first as the extra 150K for the Corolla may be worth it to you.

As you know, financing is readily available if you can show an Embassy endorsed/notarized statement of your retirement income. But figure the real interest rate to be 2x what they say (if you go thru the numbers for simple interest rate) and if you buy from a used car dealer with financing almost 13% (yes, no kidding no matter what they say is the rate .... check it yourself).

[buadhai]

Also the Corolla surprising feels like a Lexus inside whereas the Vios very much like an economy car. So I suggest you test ride first as the extra 150K for the Corolla may be worth it to you.

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Thanks, paulfr. Pretty much what I expected.

I'm planning to pay cash, so financing shouldn't be an issue unless there is a good reason to finance part of the purchase. At those interest rates, I can't see any....

[Dragonman]

Have always felt a great deal safer in my Toyota pick up compared to the saloons I prevoiusly had. My wife found it too big (the pick up that is ) at first, but she's got used to it. Besides she doesn't do as much damage to the vehicle when she hits something. Also when you're in Pattaya motorbikes bounce off you easier

The only downside is that at Songkran in Korat I have to take 22 people out for the day.

[Gary A]

Reminds me of a Thai lady who managed to hit the rear quarter panel of my Toyota pick up truck. My truck was diagonally parked in the parking lot of my condo. She hit it hard enough to push the back of the truck over about 18 inches. Repairing my truck ? 1,500 baht and they did a super job. You couldn't tell it was ever damaged. The cost to repair her little car? 65,000 baht.

Have always felt a great deal safer in my Toyota pick up compared to the saloons I prevoiusly had. My wife found it too big (the pick up that is ) at first, but she's got used to it. Besides she doesn't do as much damage to the vehicle when she hits something. Also when you're in Pattaya motorbikes bounce off you easier

  The only downside is that at Songkran in Korat I have to take 22 people out for the day.

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[Plus+]

Don't forget the social image of owing a car instead of a pickup truck. Any accident damage should be covered by insurance (usually included when you buy a new car) so don't worry about that.

Ford is about to start taking orders for a new Focus, so you might get big discounts on those old Lasers. Japanese cars have better resale value though - try asking Mazda for old 323 models - same as Ford. If you need power, 1.8 Corolla has as much as 2.0l Ford, or Mazda.

Hold on a bit if you want a new pick up - the rules and taxes have been changed recently and not all manufacturers have adapted. Best selling Isuzu is essentially a past generation model but even the old Nissan is more powerful. New Toyota Vigo is superior in many ways - power, interior, but most importantly in ride quality. Mitsubishi is going to sell a new truck that is even more powerful than Vigo. Then next year Ford is coming up with all new model.

90% of people upcountry drive pick ups. If they can park at Big C, your wife surely can learn.

Pickups are more practical, but cars are still more comfortable and carry more social weight.

[expatgaz]

I've just gone for the top of the range Honda Jazz, looks small but very roomy inside, 1.5 I-VTEC engine, goes like shit off a stick.Iam extremely impressed with it.Cost a little over 700,000.