What To Buy Within The Price Range Of 700,000 - 900,000?

[Thaisteve]

Hi all,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I'm now in a position to buy a vehicle in Thailand.

I'm married to a Thai with two kids. I will be doing approx 300kms a week highway driving and 50kms city.

I really like the fiesta but I think it'll be too small for my needs, the main reason I like it as it seems cheap to run on fuel.

I like the idea of a diesel too, also cheap to run.

I've looked at the new shape isuzu in the showroom and I like the look of it but unsure of the size but seems like the right choice for the family.

I'm going to finance with 300,000 down or less and paying no more than 10,000 a month, that's comfortable for us.

What are the good choices and bad ones out there, if there is any?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[MoonRiverOasis]

What sort of finance term are you comfortable with? If financing in your wife's name, up to 72 months is possible.

Any ideas on what style of vehicle you wanted? Your post mentions both a small B segment hatchback and a pickup truck, which are wildly different vehicles. Or are you completely open to suggestion?

Any specific capabilities you're looking for? (i.e. high ground clearance, 4WD, 7 seats, ability to carry heavy/big loads etc).

Are you eligible for the 1st car buyer rebate (i.e. Wife has never owned a car before, and you want to keep it for at least 5 years)? How much will the rebate value factor into your decision?

Any brands you prefer to buy or stay away from?

[Thaisteve]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply!

I wouldn't really want to keep it long than 5 years so 5 years would be my max and up to 10,000 a month would be comfortable.

I liked the fiesta just don't think it's practical due to size as I would like to travel away at weekends.

Two adults, two kids and baggage is just too much I would have thought, not comfortable?

I really want keep it as economical as possible.

I'm now leaning towards a pickup due to size and diesel engine that shouldn't hurt to much on the wallet?

I wouldn't use 4WD or 7 seats.

My wife has had a car previously so no chance of saving some there :-(

I'm totally open to suggestions.

Thanks,

Steve

[george]

Have a test ride in the new Nissan Tiida. Amazing car in your price range.

http://www.nissan.co.../home/hpage.htm

[rixalex]

Have a test ride in the new Nissan Tiida. Amazing car in your price range.

http://www.nissan.co.../home/hpage.htm

Decent enough car but not really new anymore. Due to be replaced in the next year or so. That would bother me, but if it doesn't you, they'll do you a good deal.

[naboo]

Can't the OP stretch to the Ford Focus 999,000Baht in this thread?

Seems to me it would be an ideal car for his needs. If not, it starts at 800k.

http://www.ford.co.th/en/cars/focus

[katabeachbum]

with a budget of 300k down and 10k baht/month I would suggest aiming at lower prices than 900k baht. Finance cost increase much above 48 months, both in annual interest and in total interest, due to the way finance is designed here calculating interest on initial balance

the lowest end car I would go for is the Mazda2 sedan at 574k baht. the sedan has a very large trunk and a good size rearseat. Approx 6300baht/month x 48 terms

If you live/and/or work close to a NGV/CNG pump, you could consider a Mitsubishi Lancer or Corolla Altis NGV/CNG to reduce your fuel bills. Just be aware both will have smaller trunks than above Mazda due to its CNG tanks taking half the trunk, and with your milage the higher purchase prices would not be covered by the lower fuel price. Altis approx 12200/month x 48

If you want something larger, the financial benefitial way to go is pickup. at 800k baht you get well equipped 4 doors auto like Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. They are large to park and negotiate, but provides great comfort and sturdyness on crap Th roads. Fuel costs on par with petrol sedans. Approx 11.500 baht/month x 48

[transam]

with a budget of 300k down and 10k baht/month I would suggest aiming at lower prices than 900k baht. Finance cost increase much above 48 months, both in annual interest and in total interest, due to the way finance is designed here calculating interest on initial balance

the lowest end car I would go for is the Mazda2 sedan at 574k baht. the sedan has a very large trunk and a good size rearseat. If you live/and/or work close to a NGV/CNG pump, you could consider a Mitsubishi Lancer or Corolla Altis NGV/CNG to reduce your fuel bills. Just be aware both will have smaller trunks than above Mazda due to its CNG tanks taking half the trunk, and with your milage the higher purchase prices would not be covered by the lower fuel price

If you want something larger, the financial benefitial way to go is pickup. at 800k baht you get well equipped 4 doors auto like Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. They are large to park and negotiate, but provides great comfort and sturdyness on crap Th roads. Fuel costs on par with petrol sedans

Agree, and those kids will have more protection from the natives in the truck.

[katabeachbum]

with a budget of 300k down and 10k baht/month I would suggest aiming at lower prices than 900k baht. Finance cost increase much above 48 months, both in annual interest and in total interest, due to the way finance is designed here calculating interest on initial balance

the lowest end car I would go for is the Mazda2 sedan at 574k baht. the sedan has a very large trunk and a good size rearseat. If you live/and/or work close to a NGV/CNG pump, you could consider a Mitsubishi Lancer or Corolla Altis NGV/CNG to reduce your fuel bills. Just be aware both will have smaller trunks than above Mazda due to its CNG tanks taking half the trunk, and with your milage the higher purchase prices would not be covered by the lower fuel price

If you want something larger, the financial benefitial way to go is pickup. at 800k baht you get well equipped 4 doors auto like Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. They are large to park and negotiate, but provides great comfort and sturdyness on crap Th roads. Fuel costs on par with petrol sedans

Agree, and those kids will have more protection from the natives in the truck.

yeah, within this budget it is not possible to get safer vehicles than the 2 mentioned pickups above

in addition huge rearseat with high seatingposition kids any age love, and unlimited luggage space, just get a soft cover at 2k baht to keep the rain and thieves out

performance is on par with mentioned cars, loaded for a trip they are faster out on the highway.

If OP wants a manual gear, I would ad one more pickup to his list, MazdaBT50 at 764k baht. 10.600baht/month x 48

I see only 2 drawbacks in these pickups, size and monthly repayments

[Histavia]

Pickups are much more dangerous for kids in a collision than sedans. In fact they are less safe in collisions full stop.

[transam]

Pickups are much more dangerous for kids in a collision than sedans. In fact they are less safe in collisions full stop.

Your quite right if there in the back with the chickens but belted up in the rear seat l don't see your logic. I cannot show here pics of the remains of folk in small car collisions.

[kartman]

Pickups are much more dangerous for kids in a collision than sedans. In fact they are less safe in collisions full stop.

New to this forum then

[katabeachbum]

Pickups are much more dangerous for kids in a collision than sedans. In fact they are less safe in collisions full stop.

Suggest you read up on latest Euro NAPCAP crashes, you are in for a surprice. On all occupants safety. On pedestrian safety. Great how objective information can teache us

[katabeachbum]

Pickups are much more dangerous for kids in a collision than sedans. In fact they are less safe in collisions full stop.

New to this forum then

No he is just saying the same thing over and over again, doesnt trust objective crash tests or real world crash stats

I am presently driving a 2012 Mazda2 sedan with 2 airbags. Despite good crash tests, I realise this is a small tin can, and any impact above 60kmh we probably need coffins

Looking forward to get a much, much, much safer pickup again, as soon as they can deliver

[2unique]

the Mazda Spirit Sport comes with all the optional upgrades except the DVD player and leather steering wheel cover to the Maxx Sport - at around 550k baht it's excellent value and being that it is 1500cc you get 100k back after a year.

The Ford Ranger 2.2 looks awesome in the 4 door and is around 800k

There's no point getting any version other than the 1.6 Sport Plus Fiesta, which will cost you 60k more than the Mazda equivalent with a lower resale value, no 100k back but 6 speed gearbox, leather seats and voice control features.

You may consider pushing up to the Civic, great family of 4 car.

[rixalex]

There's no point getting any version other than the 1.6 Sport Plus Fiesta, which will cost you 60k more than the Mazda equivalent with a lower resale value, no 100k back but 6 speed gearbox, leather seats and voice control features.

Aware of the Fiesta 1.6 Sport, but not the 1.6 Sport Plus. What is a Sport Plus? And why is it the only Fiesta worth getting?

[rixalex]

You may consider pushing up to the Civic, great family of 4 car.

Thaicruze would have kittens to hear you say that!

[transam]

You may consider pushing up to the Civic, great family of 4 car.

Thaicruze would have kittens to hear you say that!

Where is TC, hope not still waiting for the break down truck.

[rixalex]

You may consider pushing up to the Civic, great family of 4 car.

Thaicruze would have kittens to hear you say that!

Where is TC, hope not still waiting for the break down truck.

Last i heard mate he was gazing lustfully from his classroom window at the object of his adoration.

[transam]

You may consider pushing up to the Civic, great family of 4 car.

Thaicruze would have kittens to hear you say that!

Where is TC, hope not still waiting for the break down truck.

Last i heard mate he was gazing lustfully from his classroom window at the object of his adoration.

Oh, the one with the Orchids hanging on it.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Have to agree with the people who've suggested the Ranger 4-door XLT for 799K - so long as you're open to buying a pickup that is. For 80K more than the top-spec Fiesta, you're getting a crapload more car..

[2unique]

There's no point getting any version other than the 1.6 Sport Plus Fiesta, which will cost you 60k more than the Mazda equivalent with a lower resale value, no 100k back but 6 speed gearbox, leather seats and voice control features.

Aware of the Fiesta 1.6 Sport, but not the 1.6 Sport Plus. What is a Sport Plus? And why is it the only Fiesta worth getting?

i think there's around 50k difference in price between the Sport Trend and the Sport Plus PowerShift (i may have the names incorrect) but you gain front fog lights, reversing sensors, more lines on the silly little screen, extra speakers, USB, Bluetooth, Voice Activation, Fuel Consumption reader, steering column controls and 16inch alloys over 15. Oh and leather seats, leather steering wheel plus sports finishing (chrome and skirts/spoilers)

The 1.4 has even less. 1 airbag, no folding wing mirrors, no alloys, no fun

spot the difference below:

.

[rixalex]

i think there's around 50k difference in price between the Sport Trend and the Sport Plus PowerShift (i may have the names incorrect) but you gain front fog lights, reversing sensors, more lines on the silly little screen, extra speakers, USB, Bluetooth, Voice Activation, Fuel Consumption reader, steering column controls and 16inch alloys over 15. Oh and leather seats, leather steering wheel plus sports finishing (chrome and skirts/spoilers)

The 1.4 has even less. 1 airbag, no folding wing mirrors, no alloys, no fun

spot the difference below:

Not wishing to be pedantic, but i think the line up is the Fiesta Style, the Fiesta Trend and the Fiesta Sport. Leather only comes in the 4 door Sport version by the way. As for the Sport being the only one worth having, i like the toys as much as the next overgrown little boy, but i could live without them if on a budget and i don't the lower models deserve dismissing from consideration.

[2unique]

i think there's around 50k difference in price between the Sport Trend and the Sport Plus PowerShift (i may have the names incorrect) but you gain front fog lights, reversing sensors, more lines on the silly little screen, extra speakers, USB, Bluetooth, Voice Activation, Fuel Consumption reader, steering column controls and 16inch alloys over 15. Oh and leather seats, leather steering wheel plus sports finishing (chrome and skirts/spoilers)

The 1.4 has even less. 1 airbag, no folding wing mirrors, no alloys, no fun

spot the difference below:

Not wishing to be pedantic, but i think the line up is the Fiesta Style, the Fiesta Trend and the Fiesta Sport. Leather only comes in the 4 door Sport version by the way. As for the Sport being the only one worth having, i like the toys as much as the next overgrown little boy, but i could live without them if on a budget and i don't the lower models deserve dismissing from consideration.

understood however what does the 1.4 Fiesta have over the similarly priced 1.5 Mazda 2? That's why I only see the 1.6 as the viable option and the Sport over the Trend.