Small/Compact Car

[giibaht]

I drive mostly alone and it doesn't make sense to get a big car. Considering getting the Toyota Yaris at about 600K Bht and also for its fuel efficiency and reliability.

But like to find out whether there are other cars I should consider too. Anything that is about the same price range and easy to upkeep. Mostly doing city driving so Toyota Yaris will suit me fine. Although if I can get Toyota Rush (or any compact SUV) in thailand that will be great, as I like to do some off-road tours now and then. But haven't seen Toyota Rush in Thailand before (?)

All advice appreciated.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Toyota have no plans to import the Rush (AKA Daihatsu Terios), and neither do the gray market. The closest to this is the Nissan Juke (Qaxana) which is currently on the gray market for ~2M Baht, but will be officially imported by Nissan TH next year at which time it'll be priced at <1M Baht, but still well above 600K..

At 600K your choices are limited to the Toyota Yaris/Vios, Honda Jazz/City, Nissan March and Ford Fiesta. The latter two are what I'd be looking at most closely given your usage/needs.If you're looking to buy next year, additional choices will include the Honda eco-car (as yet unnamed), the Honda Jazz Hybrid (at ~800k) and the Nissan Juke. Come 2012 you'll also have the option of the new Mitsubishi eco-car, which will have a choice of E20, Hybrid and All-electric drivetrains.

[Isan Farang]

Toyota have no plans to import the Rush (AKA Daihatsu Terios), and neither do the gray market. The closest to this is the Nissan Juke (Qaxana) which is currently on the gray market for ~2M Baht, but will be officially imported by Nissan TH next year at which time it'll be priced at <1M Baht, but still well above 600K..

At 600K your choices are limited to the Toyota Yaris/Vios, Honda Jazz/City, Nissan March and Ford Fiesta. The latter two are what I'd be looking at most closely given your usage/needs.If you're looking to buy next year, additional choices will include the Honda eco-car (as yet unnamed), the Honda Jazz Hybrid (at ~800k) and the Nissan Juke. Come 2012 you'll also have the option of the new Mitsubishi eco-car, which will have a choice of E20, Hybrid and All-electric drivetrains.

MRO i checked the following article on Feb http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autoreview/33154/juke-box

I am at present looking for a vehicle for the wife, this would be interesting news if this Nissan juke will be available next year. I viewed a Nissan that looked very similar today in Baku, and it was named as a Qashqai LE-AWD. Thanks for the update.

[Isan Farang]

Couple of photos of the Juke, any input welcome.

[JohnLeech]

If the Nissan Juke comes in at the same price as a Toyota Yaris I'll be heading the queue!

[MoonRiverOasis]

The closest to this is the Nissan Juke (Qaxana) which is currently on the gray market for ~2M Baht

Quick correction: the Juke is currently selling on the Thai gray market for ~1.7M Baht, not 2M..

[ignis]

MITSUBISHI PAJERO GDi 1.8 Auto 2010 is around 700k

MITSUBISHI MINI PAJERO 1.1 Petrol Auto 2010 in around 500k

[giibaht]

MITSUBISHI PAJERO GDi 1.8 Auto 2010 is around 700k

MITSUBISHI MINI PAJERO 1.1 Petrol Auto 2010 in around 500k

Thanks all for the replies. The Jukebox looks good, although its hard to tell from the pics how compact they are! But I suspect I'll still end up getting the Yaris, which got me through the steep and sharp hairpin turns up Doi AngKhang in the north!

The Mini Pajero is such a "single/two person" car and its a model I will consider, but I've not seen the 2010 model pictures (any links?). Any idea whether its marketed up in Chiang Mai, where I'm heading?

[MikeyIdea]

If you only want a good and reliable transport and are not a car freak, then forget the grey market (cars not imported by "manufacturers parent company"). That's for people who absolutely want something that isn't formally imported into the country and are prepared to take the hassle

Yaris is a very good and very reliable car, excellent choice.

[MikeyIdea]

The closest to this is the Nissan Juke (Qaxana) which is currently on the gray market for ~2M Baht

Quick correction: the Juke is currently selling on the Thai gray market for ~1.7M Baht, not 2M..

I want a couple of more doors for that price

[Pdaz]

Don't forget the Suzuki Swift and the Neo from Proton. There's also the Proton Savvy if you really want cheap and simple.

I've had my Neo over a year now.. No complaints and it drives/handles far better than a Jazz/Yaris.

[ignis]

MITSUBISHI PAJERO GDi 1.8 Auto 2010 is around 700k

MITSUBISHI MINI PAJERO 1.1 Petrol Auto 2010 in around 500k

Thanks all for the replies. The Jukebox looks good, although its hard to tell from the pics how compact they are! But I suspect I'll still end up getting the Yaris, which got me through the steep and sharp hairpin turns up Doi AngKhang in the north!

The Mini Pajero is such a "single/two person" car and its a model I will consider, but I've not seen the 2010 model pictures (any links?). Any idea whether its marketed up in Chiang Mai, where I'm heading?

http://www.thaicar.com/en_showroom1.php?GID=127683&customer_id=Tent707

[giibaht]

I'm definitely not a car freak. Of al the gadgets a man can have, the car is the most expensive I have and the one which I've (somehow) the least interest in

Having said that, certain styles appeal to me. Yaris for its cutesy ( ) look, and the mini Pajero for its rugged looks. Now I've to figure out where is Samutprakarn :jap:

[MikeyIdea]

I'm definitely not a car freak. Of al the gadgets a man can have, the car is the most expensive I have and the one which I've (somehow) the least interest in

Having said that, certain styles appeal to me. Yaris for its cutesy ( ) look, and the mini Pajero for its rugged looks. Now I've to figure out where is Samutprakarn :jap:

You can't go wrong with a Yaris

Good Luck

[thaicbr]

Personally i would save a few hundred thousand baht and get the Nissan March. A bargain car if ever there was one in Thailand. Interior is Ok, door Plastic is a bit cheap but the rest inside is nice. outside its a nice looking car and economical.