Which Car To Buy?

[eljeque]

My friend is looking to buy a car for driving around clients looking at real estate in Pattaya. She wants something larger than a Vios, as it is the little economy car, and she needs to have more face with a larger vehicle.

Please give me your impressions and experience with both of these vehicles. The prices are similar and the lower interest rate on one of them makes up for the slightly higher price.

Thanks for your input.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

My friend is looking to buy a car for driving around clients looking at real estate in Pattaya. She wants something larger than a Vios, as it is the little economy car, and she needs to have more face with a larger vehicle.

Please give me your impressions and experience with both of these vehicles. The prices are similar and the lower interest rate on one of them makes up for the slightly higher price.

Thanks for your input.

IMHO you have missed out the 2 nicest cars in LOS - the new Civic and the Ford Focus.

I would go for the Civic, it is easily the nicest looking car on the road here today - except the Vios!

Ps. I have a Vios

[Plus]

She won't gain much face with Chevrolet. Toyota or Honda are two most sensible choices, Toyota being less conspicuous.

[Tywais]

Most Thai's I've talked with feel the Civic has more 'class' or sophistication then the Altis considering the Altis is the primary choice of taxis in Thailand.

[Vespa]

Most Thai's I've talked with feel the Civic has more 'class' or sophistication then the Altis considering the Altis is the primary choice of taxis in Thailand.

re: Civic , the back window has an odd slant . The Altis design allows for better viewing

[dvk1951]

Have driven the Optra and the Civic as a daily commuter and the Honda wins hands down in comfort, performance, driveability and a solid safe feeling car.

I would agree with the DS Kid and definitely replace the Optra with the 4 door Focus on the list for consideration.

The Altis/taxi syndrome is also a valid point.

[Loz]

If its for show: Honda

If its for GO: Toyota

If you don't know smack about cars and have money to burn and don't mind numerous warranty claims: Ford ( Fix Or Repair Daily) or Chevy (The same without a snazy acronym thus offered at a lower price)

The Drivers Choice is the Focus but she ain't Jason Plato so thats not relavant really is it?

[Gary A]

The Optra didn't impress me at all. I think the Civic is probably the best car on the road, BUT I like the looks and feel of the Focus.

[Jim's_a_Thai_Fox]

Hi,

yesterday test drove the 1.8 Focus Ghia automatic saloon/sedan (top of the range) price: 939,000 baht.

Also drove the Honda Civic 1.8 E at 969,000 baht.

Absolutely no comparison at all - the Civic was worlds better. interior space, luxury feel, the lot. The ford wasn't a bad motor, just the Honda was better.

The first price Honda, 1.8 manual, is 780,000 baht.

however, drove the top of the range Jazz at 705,000 bhat and was also mightily impressed. Though it won't score highly on the 'face' thing - big plus for estate agents (exactly what I'm looking for).

My heart says Civic, my bank balance says Jazz. Not even considering the focus. Had one in the UK and it was very good, the Honda simply raises the bar.

The Chevy Optra is reliably priced, but, from what I've heard, not that reliably engineered... but then we've all heard horror stories from different people.

James

[sibeymai]

With the new Toyota Camry just out there must be quite a few of the previous model being traded with low mileage. Why not consider a 12-18 month old Camry. It has heaps more face than a Civic or Altis, heaps of space for clients too. And you'll get a significant discount compared to a new Camry.

[Plus]

Jazz will not cause a loss of face - initially lots of well off people bought it because it was cute, not because it was cheap. That novelty has worn off already, though.

All of these cars have a distinct image in Thailand. Chevy and Ford are alternative lifestyle choices - people generally don't believe that it's possible to have a nice car that is not Toyota or Honda.

Honda projects inspiration, it's widely believed to be a racing car, scores highly with other Honda owners.

Toyota is your reliable life supply, the car you can trust.

Size DOES matter. Camry/Accord carry double face as they are the most expensive Japanese cars.

[eljeque]

I want to thank everyone for all of their input.

I will have her leaning far away from the Optra and towards the Altis. She does not want to spend the extra money for a Civic, and even a one or two year old Camry is still too high.

Thanks again.

[pal78]

I would go for Toyota Altis if it wasn't due for replacement next year. New one should be out soon.

I have driven the Optra, and it's okay, but the suspension is a bit too fussy for Thai roads. However, the new 5 year chevrolet warranty might be of interest to some people.

Given the options, - Out of date Toyota, or Optra..... I would ignore them both and go for Honda Civic. Easily the nicest car in the class.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

I think that you are with an Altis, as long as you avoid yellow or green!