2-3 Million Baht Machine

[rics21]

This topic has got nothing to do with opinions on the worth to buy a 2m car in Thailand.

I just want to know which is the best car can I get within this budget.

1) BMW X1 18i

2) BMW X1 20d

3) Merc Benz C200

4) BMW 318i

5) Volvo S60

etc.

Sent from my XT910 using Thaivisa Connect App

[anon210]

Excluding the X1 and the Benz, I think this review says it all:

If you're shopping for a BMW 328i based on that car's enthusiast-cult credentials, you likely won't give the Volvo a second look. If, on the other hand, you're concerned with style, comfort, value for the money, safety and the badge of just-outside-the-norm respectability, the S60 T5 AWD is a solid choice.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120726/CARREVIEWS/120729893

The Volvo seems the best choice of those you mentioned (mainly because of its safety credentials and its reputation - most of the higher-ranking Directors at our company got Volvo SUV's). In terms of face, you stand to gain certainly, and in terms of overall comfort and safety, I believe it is hard to find better at that price.. A SUV would be maybe better suited to Thai roads, but that's up to you.

[ignis]

With that money would want something that you do not see often,

so low 2 million up 2012 Skoda Superb or 4x4 type then 2012 Subaru Outback, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan or just over 3 million the Audi Q3

Volvo S60 look good, the V60 also brand new model, V50 looks better and a lot cheaper 1.6 million

[eaustev]

When I looked at 2 million baht options I found that for the German cars you need to go closer to 3 million to get a decent specification such as the X1 2.0D, 320D or C220CDI. The very base models don't give you much in the way of comforts, gadgets, or decent mechanicals. Keep in mind also that the X1 is a pretty small car particularly in the back, so if you have a few people to carry around on a regular basis they may not enjoy their time in the back pews. Sadly to get a full size BMW/Merc/Audi (520D, X3, Q5, etc) you are really looking at closer to 4 million baht.

The only car I found interesting in the 2 million range at the time was the V60 as I think it is better looking than the S60 and I have a tendency to lean towards wagons. You often hear rumours about the difficulty in maintaiing and servicing volvos here but I still have not had the rumours substantiated and have not heard it directly from a volvo owner. Of course where there is smoke there is usually fire but I have not seen it mysefl yet!!

What put is out of this segment in the end was more children and therefore needing a 7 seater which sent the price equation for a euro car completely out of control. Therefore it was back to a more pragmatic decision for us, at least for now.

[thaicruze]

So, 2-3 Million baht Machine means, ANY machine right? I mean, you're not saying only that list? Because I don't like any in that list.

If you asked me to get you a 2-3 million baht car in Thailand, I would come to your house with this:

VOLKSWAGEN - PASSAT - VARIANT 2.0TSI AT

[arthurwait]

Is 3 million enough to import a S60 T5 AWD ? The only model Volvo offers in Thailand is the 1.6 turbo 2wd.

The V50 looks so cheap in comparison. The throttle lag on it from standstill is poor.

[vspin134]

I have had Volvo xc60...been happy about it. Styling isn't that bad Not too mention economical 2.0 d3 diesel engine with high torque at very low rpm. The only complaint I might have is a bit noisy engine. If you are going to save money...go for captiva diesel.

[IMHO]

At up to 3M, the very first car that springs to mind is the BMW 320d 2.0L twin turbo 8AT (2.9M) - it's just such a hard car to find any fault in. Drives superb and looks fantastic IMHO.

Of course, you're also in range of the C-Class without all the compromises.. It's a nice car, but after test driving, hard to choose over the 320d.

You're also in the price range of an official-import Mini Cooper or Countryman (which are also BMW's) - if it's the kind of car that floats your boat.

If it doesn't absolutely have to be European, the Lexus CT200h (1.8L hybrid hatchback) and IS250 (2.5L sedan) are also within this range, but IMHO you'd have to be a devout Toyota/Lexus fan to buy an IS250 over the 320d

There's also the Passat CC 2.0L turbo, but well outclassed by the 320d again IMHO.

Did I mention the BMW 320d BTW?

[thaicruze]

At up to 3M, the very first car that springs to mind is the BMW 320d 2.0L twin turbo 8AT (2.9M) - it's just such a hard car to find any fault in. Drives superb and looks fantastic IMHO.

Of course, you're also in range of the C-Class without all the compromises.. It's a nice car, but after test driving, hard to choose over the 320d.

You're also in the price range of an official-import Mini Cooper or Countryman (which are also BMW's) - if it's the kind of car that floats your boat.

If it doesn't absolutely have to be European, the Lexus CT200h (1.8L hybrid hatchback) and IS250 (2.5L sedan) are also within this range, but IMHO you'd have to be a devout Toyota/Lexus fan to buy an IS250 over the 320d

There's also the Passat CC 2.0L turbo, but well outclassed by the 320d again IMHO.

Did I mention the BMW 320d BTW?

I got a guy next to my house that will sell you a Cooper for 800,000. Only fair price for a Cooper.

BMW 320d. I think that's over 3 million. I'm looking at one now in one2car for 3.3 million.

If the budget is 2-3 million I would stay away from BMW or Mercedes. Why pick from the bottom of the pile when you have 2-3 million for a car?

I've been in a 3 series. 318d I think, falls within the budget?. It was the new redesigned model. It was OK, but not 2.9 million OK. It is very crammed in the back. Feels very small inside. Seats are comfy. Lots of hard plastics.

Not sure if the seats are real leather or fake. I read its fake leather.

[thaicruze]

I like the IS250 more than the BMW 3. I think it's new quality inside. But that engine must be a gas guzzling monster. Since the IS250 is a Toyota, just get a tip of the line Camry Hybrid and save a few.

[thaicruze]

OK. Final offer. How bout one of these

[IMHO]

Hate to repsond like this, but..

I got a guy next to my house that will sell you a Cooper for 800,000. Only fair price for a Cooper.

Fair price for an used gray import with no factory warranty, yes. Not for a brand new official import though.

BMW 320d. I think that's over 3 million. I'm looking at one now in one2car for 3.3 million.

All 3 variants of the F30 320d are priced exactly the same at 2,899,000 Baht.

I've been in a 3 series. 318d I think, falls within the budget?. It was the new redesigned model. It was OK, but not 2.9 million OK. It is very crammed in the back. Feels very small inside. Seats are comfy. Lots of hard plastics.

There's no such thing as a 318d in Thailand. And every single one of your other observations there clearly outlines you've never actually sat in the F30 3-series.

Not sure if the seats are real leather or fake. I read its fake leather.

You're getting confused with the base model C-Class now, which has MB-Tex seat coverings.

Any chance you can limit your posting of replies here to things you actually have some insight on?

[thaicruze]

There's no such thing as a 318d in Thailand. And every single one of your other observations there clearly outlines you've never actually sat in the F30 3-series.

http://showroom.one2...ar_id=h17120236

There you go. Wiz Auto = 02-718-3906. Give them a call.

Maybe it was a 318i. Who cares. It's a 3 series. It was OK, but it wasn't as nice as you describe it. Actually, my wife's dream was always to own a BMW until we sat in that 3 Series. It's an OK car, but it's not 3 million baht OK. and YES, I've sat in the new 3 Series. It was an Central Pinklao not too long ago. They have the Peugeot now. I also sat in the Cayenne and checked the C class Mercedes, which I personally like much more than the 3 series.

My observations aren't wrong. Just because I don't like it as much as you do doesn't mean I'm wrong.

A Camry Hybrid is just under 2 million with Navigation. Better that. More comfortable as well.

ou're getting confused with the base model C-Class now, which has MB-Tex seat coverings

http://news.drive.co...0412-1wvnd.html

BMW 320d Modern

From $60,900 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.0-litre turbo diesel 4-cyl; 135kW/380Nm; 8-sp auto; 4.5L/100km and 118g/km CO2; RW.

Value

Gets cruise control with braking function, Bluetooth, powered driver's seat with memory function, 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, 6.5-inch display and artificial leather. Six airbags and a crash-anticipation system. Metallic paint costs $1415.

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Do YOU have any insights??

[Woodsie888]

There's no such thing as a 318d in Thailand. And every single one of your other observations there clearly outlines you've never actually sat in the F30 3-series.

http://showroom.one2...ar_id=h17120236

There you go. Wiz Auto = 02-718-3906. Give them a call.

Maybe it was a 318i. Who cares. It's a 3 series. It was OK, but it wasn't as nice as you describe it. Actually, my wife's dream was always to own a BMW until we sat in that 3 Series. It's an OK car, but it's not 3 million baht OK. and YES, I've sat in the new 3 Series. It was an Central Pinklao not too long ago. They have the Peugeot now. I also sat in the Cayenne and checked the C class Mercedes, which I personally like much more than the 3 series.

My observations aren't wrong. Just because I don't like it as much as you do doesn't mean I'm wrong.

A Camry Hybrid is just under 2 million with Navigation. Better that. More comfortable as well.

ou're getting confused with the base model C-Class now, which has MB-Tex seat coverings

http://news.drive.co...0412-1wvnd.html

BMW 320d Modern

From $60,900 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.0-litre turbo diesel 4-cyl; 135kW/380Nm; 8-sp auto; 4.5L/100km and 118g/km CO2; RW.

Value

Gets cruise control with braking function, Bluetooth, powered driver's seat with memory function, 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, 6.5-inch display and artificial leather. Six airbags and a crash-anticipation system. Metallic paint costs $1415.

Advertisement

Do YOU have any insights??

A very useful insight for you to remember might well be quoting Thai spec cars as opposed to US Spec.

Once again you are wrong and out of your depth.

[anon210]

TC, Thai models and US models (reviews you are quoting) may differ in the specifications for similar models. So, artificial leather in the US may be replaced by genuine leather in Thailand.

[thaicruze]

TC, Thai models and US models (reviews you are quoting) may differ in the specifications for similar models. So, artificial leather in the US may be replaced by genuine leather in Thailand.

That's Australia. But, there is no evidence to show it IS in fact real in Thailand.

[thaicruze]

We should stop speaking hypothetically and put it to the test for real. Let's be about it and not talk about it.

Here is the 318d that you say isn't in Thailand.

Let's start with the exterior. I like it. The body redesigned is way better than the last one, which looked a bit gay to be honest.

Now, as I said before, the issue is in the inside. NICE, yes, but NOT 3 million nice. Seats, as I said, comfy. Real or Fake leather, it doesn't matter. It's comfy. Then we start. It's really cramped in there. Not ME saying, you can see that. The dash is OK hiding the cheap plastics.

The back seats, as I said, really cramped in there. Adults won't be very comfortable.

Mix of hard plastics and soft surfaces in the door. Neither here nor there. Just OK. The flimsy door handle doesn't give much confidence when it flexes as you squeeze it.

and an overall view of the cockpit. This is way too cramped to spend 3 million. It really DOESN'T feel like 3 million in there no matter now much IMHO likes it.

But people don't have to listen to what we say, they can just get inside one and judge for themselves.

You can certainly get MUCH more car than that for 3 million.

[anon210]

TC, while I can understand your point, in Europe, people would not dream of suggesting a VW over a BMW. Two different categories of cars, as far as prestige is concerned (and I guess in these price ranges, that is all that really matters for the buyers).

You have to understand that the buyer is paying for the brand (the badge), or the "face", and does not care much if it is cramped, bad quality etc. All that counts is the name and the knowledge that there is a lot of money behind. Otherwise, who would buy a porsche 911 or a Ferrari?

Hence, even if VW does excellent reliable and comfortable cars, it is not the main criterion for buyers at this level of revenues.

[eaustev]

Is 3 million enough to import a S60 T5 AWD ? The only model Volvo offers in Thailand is the 1.6 turbo 2wd.

The V50 looks so cheap in comparison. The throttle lag on it from standstill is poor.

The other issue with the V50 is that you would be lucky to fit a packed lunch in the back, very small.

[thaicruze]

Now, the 1.9 million Camry Hybrid. E-CVT smooth transmission. You put a couple of extras in there and it'll get to the 2 million range that we are talking about.

Nice and spacious. Seats are superbly comfortable.

Adults will be very comfortable with all that leg room

Door trim is nice and quality.

Awesome steering wheel. Soft touch dash surface. Navigation.

[thaicruze]

TC, while I can understand your point, in Europe, people would not dream of suggesting a VW over a BMW. Two different categories of cars, as far as prestige is concerned (and I guess in these price ranges, that is all that really matters for the buyers).

You have to understand that the buyer is paying for the brand (the badge), or the "face", and does not care much if it is cramped, bad quality etc. All that counts is the name and the knowledge that there is a lot of money behind. Otherwise, who would buy a porsche 911 or a Ferrari?

Hence, even if VW does excellent reliable and comfortable cars, it is not the main criterion for buyers at this level of revenues.

I get that. But then, let the beemer devalue and THEN get one.

For example, what's wrong with a previously loved 2010 520d for 2.5 million? Cheaper than a 3 series, AND you get more car

http://showroom.one2...ar_id=g11120569

[anon210]

TC, while I can understand your point, in Europe, people would not dream of suggesting a VW over a BMW. Two different categories of cars, as far as prestige is concerned (and I guess in these price ranges, that is all that really matters for the buyers).

You have to understand that the buyer is paying for the brand (the badge), or the "face", and does not care much if it is cramped, bad quality etc. All that counts is the name and the knowledge that there is a lot of money behind. Otherwise, who would buy a porsche 911 or a Ferrari?

Hence, even if VW does excellent reliable and comfortable cars, it is not the main criterion for buyers at this level of revenues.

I get that. But then, let the beemer devalue and THEN get one.

For example, what's wrong with a previously loved 2010 520d for 2.5 million? Cheaper than a 3 series, AND you get more car

http://showroom.one2...ar_id=g11120569

Nothing's wrong with you and me (or maybe just the high mileage, and lack of knowledge of the history of the car). For some others, new car with red plates, means additional prestige in Thai society. That's all. Their call on that one, even if you and I may find it a bad allocation of resources (esp. if bought on finance!).

[ignis]

But then, let the beemer devalue and THEN get one.

Fully agree, problem with that it no one bought one new then there would be NO 2nd cheaper ones........

Myself would only buy such a car 2nd hand, from what I have seen over the years, most of the Luxury cars are bought and sold after X amount of years most one owner and low Km, often used as a Sunday car as we would call them in the UK. the maid or gardener washes said car if there is a little mark or dust on it + when it is used inside and out.

many are sold after 5 - 10 years as that is the time to buy new again, lots are in showroom condition and very low use, and cost very little more than a Honda or Toyota of the same year.

[eaustev]

Just to quote the first line of the OP in this thread.

"This topic has got nothing to do with opinions on the worth to buy a 2m car in Thailand."

Can we just let rics21 get the opinions that he wants regarding the specific vehicles and range he is interested in. I think the whole reason he started this new thread was to get away from all of the repetative banter that was happening in the earlier thread.

[thaicruze]

TC, while I can understand your point, in Europe, people would not dream of suggesting a VW over a BMW. Two different categories of cars, as far as prestige is concerned (and I guess in these price ranges, that is all that really matters for the buyers).

You have to understand that the buyer is paying for the brand (the badge), or the "face", and does not care much if it is cramped, bad quality etc. All that counts is the name and the knowledge that there is a lot of money behind. Otherwise, who would buy a porsche 911 or a Ferrari?

Hence, even if VW does excellent reliable and comfortable cars, it is not the main criterion for buyers at this level of revenues.

I get that. But then, let the beemer devalue and THEN get one.

For example, what's wrong with a previously loved 2010 520d for 2.5 million? Cheaper than a 3 series, AND you get more car

http://showroom.one2...ar_id=g11120569

Nothing's wrong with you and me (or maybe just the high mileage, and lack of knowledge of the history of the car). For some others, new car with red plates, means additional prestige in Thai society. That's all. Their call on that one, even if you and I may find it a bad allocation of resources (esp. if bought on finance!).

Well, before plopping down 2.5 million on a pre-loved Beemer I would find everything about it. There's a place in Bangkok that does that and gives you a complete diagnosis of the car. They don't repair cars, they just have set fees and inspect everything.

[thaicruze]

Just to quote the first line of the OP in this thread.

"This topic has got nothing to do with opinions on the worth to buy a 2m car in Thailand."

Can we just let rics21 get the opinions that he wants regarding the specific vehicles and range he is interested in. I think the whole reason he started this new thread was to get away from all of the repetative banter that was happening in the earlier thread.

But we are all giving examples of cars in this range. Nobody is saying it isn't worth buying a 2m car in thailand, we are saying which one of the 2-3 million baht cars we think is the best value.

[thaicruze]

But then, let the beemer devalue and THEN get one.

Fully agree, problem with that it no one bought one new then there would be NO 2nd cheaper ones........

Myself would only buy such a car 2nd hand, from what I have seen over the years, most of the Luxury cars are bought and sold after X amount of years most one owner and low Km, often used as a Sunday car as we would call them in the UK. the maid or gardener washes said car if there is a little mark or dust on it + when it is used inside and out.

many are sold after 5 - 10 years as that is the time to buy new again, lots are in showroom condition and very low use, and cost very little more than a Honda or Toyota of the same year.

Yes. If I wanted a BMW or Mercedes I would do some homework and footwork and find a hidden gem somewhere and save myself a million.

[thaicruze]

Here is the link for the pre-loved BMW from the official BMW dealers. They say whether it's red or white plates

http://www.bmw.co.th...mw/content.html

They have this 2007 BMW 7 series. MINT condition. Only 7,000km on it. RED PLATE! 6 Million

http://www.bmw.co.th...6Sx7l5VRSs2&t=7

They have a 2009 325i for 1.7 million. 45,000km.

[steveromagnino]

If you look at depreciation, then the BMW will be ok until the BSI runs out, at which time the price slumps a bit. However, the lower end models tend to do ok. Benz depreciation is better...but then you don't get BSI which comes with the BMW to make up for the higher depreciation. And yes, both these brands cars will have a few issues as will Minis etc e.g. the roofing will come away as the glue can't handle the heat; the electronics in some cars will be a bit odd in rainy season sometimes etc etc; all a small price to pay for a car that drives a fair bit better in some cases. In other cases...not so much.

Volvos are lovely cars....depreciation is a beast though as they have a reputation of more costly service and are just less popular, pity as the new S60 is a lovely lovely car.

At the moment Millenium Auto the BMW dealership have a close out for demonstrators etc the flyer I got as a former customer of theirs said something like

523 2.99m (1 car)

318i 1.79m (1 car)

and various others; no doubt they still have some available. These are all ex mgt staff/test cars etc so are basically new. Those 2 listed above will both be sold for sure I think.

If you want to get around the depreciation, then ex demos, 2-4 year old Beemers or Volvos are one way; look closely at the model life. 2nd hand an X1 probably will be very hard to come by though, as they are an entry level car and supply hasn't really kept up with demand I suspect...not sure i would want one have you test driven one? Hmmmmm. The 3 series is a nicer ride by quite a bit, but the entry level ones are slugs. Issue of buying anything not first hand is dealer financing you have to pay VAT on the financing (AFAIK) and interest rate can be higher...hence my suggestion to speak to Millenium NOW about what they have.

Benz you can handle new as the price drops less sharply, however the 2.15m baht model is quite basic in some respect; however the interior cost savings are not really worth the additional 700,000b to go to the next C200 model up, and it's same engine etc. Car for car the benz (surprisingly) drives with a fair bit more pep, has the usual turbo lag and feels a bit like a tank, but it's a benz. However, on the down side, Benz C class is about to replaced in 2014...BMW is new.

Your other option from Benz will be at this year's motorshow (maybe) when they unveil the new A class, which is X1 size but a true hatch; pricing will be their entry level Benz but if you can handle 2.5m+ then maybe the mid level variant is possible; they haven't disclosed much info yet. The A class looks sweet, like a hot hatch should, and goes up head to head with the A3, 1 series, VW Golf, etc. But Benz doesn't have a lot of strength in hot hatches so it won't drive like a Golf GTI. Just to be clear.

If you can handle it a Mini Cooper S (2.7-2.8m) is an overpriced little toy car, but holds its value reasonably well and will drive circles around any of the options named above. As will a VW Scirocco (2.4m) TSI 2 litre, although the VW may suffer from slightly more depreciation; however it's an awesome car. Golf has the issue that the mark 6 will be replaced by a mark 7 next year, but that means you can get some sweet deals.

Lexus IS250 gets the tick except it's expensive and will be replaced next year worldwide.

The only other options are grey market A1s (122HP is about 2m and likely to depreciate chronically), the official beetle by VW Thailand comes out at the motor show AFAIK, toyota GT86 (2.5m), etc Few of these get you the 'kouros' (AKA Kudos or also known as the sweet stench of used car salesmen the world over) that a Beemer or Benz will on some level; but there is also the reality that a low end BMW or Benz looks like a person trying to get face, whereas a Scirocco especially heavily lowered, tinted out and with a preponderance of bass and a slight whiff of ganja is the car that the average 'sao klang kuen' will say 'rot suay pee kaaaaaaa' and you can say 'yahk bpai duay mai?' and she says 'pee mai mee rot motorsai fino ler kaaa. noo chorp fino mak mak kaa'

That's worth way more than 2m.

Although it might be difficult to pull this off with your wife onboard. All the more reason to have 2 cars.

[thaicruze]

I saw the new Beetle. It's 2M. I didn't sit inside but boy it looks very nice. and BIG..