advice needed on old car to buy

[fleshypork]

hi Guys,

 

I been looking at sgcarmart and considering older so called COE cars

 

here are my options:

 

Mitsubishi lancer 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corolla 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corona 1.6 Manual

from reading up on the Net, it seems better to avoid the honda civics

 

I have been advised to avoid the auto versions, cos due to the age they could be an expensive proposition

 

I am a newbie to car ownership.

 

My pay is close to 5K, but before anyone says why dont I consider a slightly less older car or even a new car. I just dont believe in paying so dear for a depreciating asset and am uncomfortable with a car loan and I look to changing cars in a span of 3-4 years like how I change bikes. I am a 'serial monogamist'

 

following are my criteria:

 

- as fuel efficient as possible

- as trouble free as possible ownership

- easy availability of spare parts esp in JB ( I intend to do most servicing there, to take advantage of the cheaper RM)

- no need for a 'fastest' car or anything like that, just a car to bring me fr. point A to B and for the odd trip up north to KL.

 

 

I have been told the 1.3s will struggle with a full load (family of four)

but not sure of this though.

 

There are various version in sgcarmart - GLi, GLXi, etc

 

I m not considering the smaller cars as they just seem v. tight for me and seem uncomfortable.

 

looking fwd to your advice.

 

thks

[nhyone]

If you want such old cars, it's better you know something about cars, or you better learn fast!

 

Such cars have a long list of things to change that, even if your wallet is deep enough, it is enough to negate whatever savings and trouble they are worth. Like magic, things will break down one after another.

 

Workshops have very sharp blades if you are clueless about maintenance...

 

This is not to say a COE car is not good. But you should at least know how to tell the condition of the car -- and what needs to be done -- before you buy it. This is partially to budget for the repairs/servicing you need right away. If you can't tell, hopefully you have a mechanic who does. It'll be too late after you bought it.

 

Just to tell you my experience. I went through a 16 year old COE car with a friend of mine for about an hour, including a test drive. I was pretty happy with the car even though my friend had uncovered some faults. I didn't mind cos they were repairable and I could live with them. Within 3 days after I bought it, I discovered over 20 issues, mostly minor, that I had overlooked during my inspection.

 

Oh yah, I kept a record of the issues, so if you are interested, I can send the link to you.

[Demon]

hi Guys,

 

I been looking at sgcarmart and considering older so called COE cars

 

here are my options:

 

Mitsubishi lancer 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corolla 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corona 1.6 Manual

from reading up on the Net, it seems better to avoid the honda civics

 

I have been advised to avoid the auto versions, cos due to the age they could be an expensive proposition

 

I am a newbie to car ownership.

 

My pay is close to 5K, but before anyone says why dont I consider a slightly less older car or even a new car. I just dont believe in paying so dear for a depreciating asset and am uncomfortable with a car loan and I look to changing cars in a span of 3-4 years like how I change bikes. I am a 'serial monogamist'

 

following are my criteria:

 

- as fuel efficient as possible

- as trouble free as possible ownership

- easy availability of spare parts esp in JB ( I intend to do most servicing there, to take advantage of the cheaper RM)

- no need for a 'fastest' car or anything like that, just a car to bring me fr. point A to B and for the odd trip up north to KL.

 

 

I have been told the 1.3s will struggle with a full load (family of four)

but not sure of this though.

 

There are various version in sgcarmart - GLi, GLXi, etc

 

I m not considering the smaller cars as they just seem v. tight for me and seem uncomfortable.

 

looking fwd to your advice.

 

thks

 

 

Generally preventive maintenance is reduced as the car ages, and the tendency of getting a lemon increases exponentially with the age of the car.

 

Since you have already highlighted that it's for the family, and you like an occasional trips to KL, then getting a COE car would not be advisable.

 

Upkeeping, maintenance and road tax, for an COE car is naturally higher.

 

Since you have already highlighted that it's for the family, and you like an occasional trip to KL, then getting a COE car would not be advisable. If you are dead against buying new car, then do consider used car of age less than 5 years.

 

[fleshypork]

hi all,

 

thks nhyone for the offer

are the issues basically the ones mentioned in ur website?

if no, appreciate if you can PM me

 

any advise on what I shld look for when I go car hunting?

I dont know any mechanica frens

 

thks

[Throttle]

no such thing as "as fuel efficient as possible" and "as trouble free as possible"

 

becos there's a trade off for everything.

 

I would recommend you consider buying a 7 yr old car direct from owner.

You should be able to get it cheap. You will also be able to tell exactly how much you will lose upon COE end. thereby, you will have certainty to control cost. It's also good becos you know that you have a choice to renew or get back money.

[ManInWhite]

hi Guys,

 

I been looking at sgcarmart and considering older so called COE cars

 

here are my options:

 

Mitsubishi lancer 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corolla 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corona 1.6 Manual

from reading up on the Net, it seems better to avoid the honda civics

 

I have been advised to avoid the auto versions, cos due to the age they could be an expensive proposition

 

I am a newbie to car ownership.

 

My pay is close to 5K, but before anyone says why dont I consider a slightly less older car or even a new car. I just dont believe in paying so dear for a depreciating asset and am uncomfortable with a car loan and I look to changing cars in a span of 3-4 years like how I change bikes. I am a 'serial monogamist'

 

following are my criteria:

 

- as fuel efficient as possible

- as trouble free as possible ownership

- easy availability of spare parts esp in JB ( I intend to do most servicing there, to take advantage of the cheaper RM)

- no need for a 'fastest' car or anything like that, just a car to bring me fr. point A to B and for the odd trip up north to KL.

 

 

I have been told the 1.3s will struggle with a full load (family of four)

but not sure of this though.

 

There are various version in sgcarmart - GLi, GLXi, etc

 

I m not considering the smaller cars as they just seem v. tight for me and seem uncomfortable.

 

looking fwd to your advice.

 

thks

 

 

As somebody has mentioned, getting a COE car for whole family ride and going to Malaysia is DEFINITELY NOT a good idea.

 

As you also knows that COE car tends to have many problems, especially few months after you bought it. All the problem starts to appear from the day after you take over. And minor problems continue appear as long as you drive.

It's very difficult to calculate or anticipate the cost for repairs.

I have a friend who had also bought an COE car. Then problem starts to appear after a well. Think like Aircon spoilt and some other important part need to change. In the end, he got to spend a few thousands dollars to repair it.

Another friend bought a Mitsubishi, then later realized that the gear box spoilt and need to change it. According to him, it cost abt $4000.

 

You can also search the forum, I remember reading someone mentioned that he also had spent a bomb to repair his COE car, then later decided to changed to a brand new car.

 

Since you are earning about $5k, then I really suggest you get a brand new car or the least a 1 or 2 year old car.

Actually, if you calculate the difference is only about 10K to 20K,

Considering COE car cost:

repair cost + cost price of the COE car + HIGHER interests for loan + HIGHER road Tax + Insurance ( not sure if it is higher).

 

Moreover, it will be more comfortable for your family to take the ride, especially to Malaysia. You must remember, the whole family is going to sit in the car for 3 to 4 hours if going to KL.

I remember sitting in my friends COE car, Toyota Corona to Malaysia. The space inside was cramp, the suspension is not good ( very different from recent car). Everyone was feeling cramp. After awhile, I was feeling headache. And remember that COE car normally has no ABS.

 

So, I think paying that $10 k more for the comfort and safety for the family, it's worth it.

 

You see, if your usage for the car is only for your work purpose, bringing you to work and back. comfort does not mean that much.

But if you wish to bring your family out for car ride and to Malaysia, comfort and safety is also important

What if the car break down when you and your whole family is travel at Malaysia highway? It will spoil everything.

 

I was also looking into COE cars last time and have done some calculations.

Things like: interests for loan + COE car price + repairs + HIGHER ROAD tax

Making the difference of it from a recent car or new car quite close.

 

Likewise, you should do a calculation of it and compare it with a recent car or new car.

 

no such thing as "as fuel efficient as possible" and "as trouble free as possible"

 

becos there's a trade off for everything.

 

I would recommend you consider buying a 7 yr old car direct from owner.

You should be able to get it cheap. You will also be able to tell exactly how much you will lose upon COE end. thereby, you will have certainty to control cost. It's also good becos you know that you have a choice to renew or get back money.

 

 

Well Said. I have never considered this before. After reading your idea, think it does make sense.

[nhyone]

Considering COE car cost:

repair cost + cost price of the COE car + HIGHER interests for loan + HIGHER road Tax + Insurance ( not sure if it is higher).

 

1. A COE car is cheap enough to buy with cash, so no loan is needed.

 

2. Higher road tax is inescapable. Get a 1600cc or lower car. It's still affordable.

 

3. Insurance is cheaper, cos you'll get TP or TPFT instead of comprehensive. In fact you can't get comprehensive.

 

4. Repair? There's a difference between repairing the car to the point of restoring it and repairing the car so that it works for the next 3-1/2 years (till end of 20 years).

 

The first will cost you. The second can still be affordable, as long as you can put up with minor faults.

 

 

I remember sitting in my friends COE car, Toyota Corona to Malaysia. The space inside was cramp, the suspension is not good ( very different from recent car). Everyone was feeling cramp. After awhile, I was feeling headache. And remember that COE car normally has no ABS.

 

Older cars are smaller -- or people has grown wider -- so you may want to treat the car as a 4-seater.

 

Suspension, of course need to change already.

 

I still think COE cars are a cheap way to own cars in Singapore. However, it's not hassle free. As for FC, I read that the old manual cars use 12 km/l, which I think is still reasonable.

[fleshypork]

hey Guys,

 

thks a bundle for the considered replies...glad to see there is an active community of people to give guidance here

 

anyways

 

if given the choice between

Mitsubishi lancer 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corolla 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corona 1.6 Manual

 

 

which one would u recommend?

 

and what shld I look out for?

 

 

I been riding bikes for abt 7 yrs now, took my class 3 lic abt 14 yrs back...

 

but dont know enough abt cars to make a considered 'guesstimate' before I plonk down the cash...so need as much guidance as possible.

 

 

thks mates!!!

[ManInWhite]

hey Guys,

 

thks a bundle for the considered replies...glad to see there is an active community of people to give guidance here

 

anyways

 

if given the choice between

Mitsubishi lancer 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corolla 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corona 1.6 Manual

 

 

which one would u recommend?

 

and what shld I look out for?

 

 

I been riding bikes for abt 7 yrs now, took my class 3 lic abt 14 yrs back...

 

but dont know enough abt cars to make a considered 'guesstimate' before I plonk down the cash...so need as much guidance as possible.

 

 

thks mates!!!

 

Are you taking loan or pay all?

 

What are the prices that you have checked?

[Refugee]

Why do you only look at manual cars?

 

is there a preference of manual cars here?

 

drive auto car more stylo leh.... no roll backs... no engine stalls...

 

muahaa

[gerard126333]

Hi bro,

it's actually quite ok to buy a coe car, but buy it from a direct owner.

All my previous cars were coe cars including my current one.

My experience, try not to buy from dealer.

I bought my current coe car which is a Toyota Starlet from a direct owner from sgcarmart whom is a elderly teacher.

So far i spent abt 1k on wear & tear which should last till the car is sent to the scrapyard in 2011

Even my bike, a phantom 150 i also bought from a direct owner.

Oh and finally, get the Toyota Corolla 1.6.

Afterall it's still a Toyota

 

hi Guys,

 

I been looking at sgcarmart and considering older so called COE cars

 

here are my options:

 

Mitsubishi lancer 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corolla 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corona 1.6 Manual

from reading up on the Net, it seems better to avoid the honda civics

 

I have been advised to avoid the auto versions, cos due to the age they could be an expensive proposition

 

I am a newbie to car ownership.

 

My pay is close to 5K, but before anyone says why dont I consider a slightly less older car or even a new car. I just dont believe in paying so dear for a depreciating asset and am uncomfortable with a car loan and I look to changing cars in a span of 3-4 years like how I change bikes. I am a 'serial monogamist'

 

following are my criteria:

 

- as fuel efficient as possible

- as trouble free as possible ownership

- easy availability of spare parts esp in JB ( I intend to do most servicing there, to take advantage of the cheaper RM)

- no need for a 'fastest' car or anything like that, just a car to bring me fr. point A to B and for the odd trip up north to KL.

 

 

I have been told the 1.3s will struggle with a full load (family of four)

but not sure of this though.

 

There are various version in sgcarmart - GLi, GLXi, etc

 

I m not considering the smaller cars as they just seem v. tight for me and seem uncomfortable.

 

looking fwd to your advice.

 

thks

[scoobydoo]

drive auto car more stylo leh.... no roll backs... no engine stalls...

auto cars are more comfortable to drive, especially when caught in a long jam. i drove both manual and auto before... clutch control for manual gears is very tiring on the left leg when gotta move bit by bit in the jam. auto gear, a breeze. but do note that auto gears are hungrier for petrol compare to manual ones. another big thing is, cost of replacing/repairing the clutch assemble for manual and auto cars has a big difference. previously, my 14 yr old honda accord auto clutch got worn out and also leaking gear oil. my mech friend told me estimated cost about $4k to get it fixed. if manual gear, only a fraction nia. sold the accord and bought a manual ford in the end

[lycan]

Normally.

 

People will avoid Auto COE car.

 

Reason?

 

If the Gearbox is faulty. It will cost a ton to repair it.

[elephant]

just wondering,

 

in terms of road tax,

 

are so called coe cars more ex also?

 

PS: I would get a toyota too....very popular wat

[Demon]

just wondering,

 

in terms of road tax,

 

are so called coe cars more ex also?

 

 

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/udaloy/captured-10.jpg

[fleshypork]

hi guys,

 

auto can be stylo...but i dont want to only drink milo for the next few

years....need money to eat abalone also heheheh

 

 

auto cars cos higher repair costs and it wont be fuel economical

and its sometimes more fun to drive manual

 

gonna pay full cash, budget abt S$12k, as stated in 1st post I dont want to be burdened with installment on a car...esp in singapore

 

any ups for the lancer?

will it be easier to repair in JB since proton and lancer share the same platform?

 

I am looking for something to use for the next 3+ years then scrap...dont want to spend too much

 

I hear 1.3 'no power' is there a huge difference between the 1.3 and 1.6?

[jia_yvon]

siao.. 1.3 no power.. who say one ?

 

even 0.8 can fetch 3 big size adults n 1 lady up the hill ok ? not so steep one of course.

 

1.3 confirm enough for family of 4 la..

[BadgerBadgerBadger]

Get a near 10 yr old car if u wanna scrap after 2 or 3 yrs. At least you are assured of your scrap value.

 

Choose the car based on how little repairs you need to do as you can live with minor problems. You wanna avoid being nailed for a major one.

 

Save your $$, dun do it up. drive , drive , drive and then scrap it!

 

if you want to do it up, then better buy new or a newly used one. it will save you lots of headache.

[gentoro]

I present driving my 3yrs+ Kia cerato auto. For family outing, very nice and comfort? Why at 1st during my 1-2yrs drive of my Kia, i get bored and thinking COE or manual car more fun to drive.

 

One weekend fri to sun, due to my dad using car to Malaysia. I need a car to chalet and so I borrow my bro-in-law for the weekend. His car is Toyota corona GLi 1.6 Manual COE - 16yr car.

 

I was quite thrill to drive this COE car for a while 3days. And yes, i do able to drive manual well but in 1/2 day, i got bored of the car. The suspension suck and petrol FC is high. Driving the car wasn't a problem but the sitting posture, the windscreen size all not comfortable.

 

While the COE car, the engine noise loud due to noise insulation olden and koyak. Drive thru hump is so exciting as the car bounce high and low and sometime hit the under carriage.

 

During a traffic jam, 1/2 clutch at 1st gear moving is ok but later on, the engine got heat up and over heat. Stop by road side to cool down and under the hot noon sun.

 

Yes, i also thought about the cost different between this COE toyota and New Kia. I only need to pay 3 more years of insurance and Road tax only for the COE car.

 

Sunday, i got back, return the toyota and immediately drive my kia, It felt so nice and comfortable to ferry my wife and kid in Kia. It was stressful while driving the toyota.

 

From that time on, i never complain about my kia as I compare to COE car. I'm blessed with driving a nice comfort car.

 

Once a while, i stil get to drive the toyota but still the same uncomfort feeling even thou I have no worry about damaging the COE car. I drive even more alert and careful in that toyota. Stressful. I heard from my bro in law that he done alot of repair on his toyota until duno how much. Anyway, he also prefer drive his wife's vios then to drive his own toyota. lolz...

 

My another bro-inlaw just bought another COE mitshubishi 1.3 manual 16yr+. Test drive for a day and I give up, i really prefer my Kia.

[duracellb]

hi friends,

 

Why the 8/2011 nissan sunnys are only asking for $6k+? Is the car not good?

[YEN96]

6K of cos la...the car is old already wat...probably 1991 registered car

[duracellb]

it seems that the other cars of the same age are asking for more leh.... civic, corolla, and even suzuki swift.

[Wildswans]

Sunnys are known to be guzzlers

[reddy]

hey Guys,

 

thks a bundle for the considered replies...glad to see there is an active community of people to give guidance here

 

anyways

 

if given the choice between

Mitsubishi lancer 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corolla 1.3 or 1.6 (Manual)

Toyota Corona 1.6 Manual

 

 

which one would u recommend?

 

and what shld I look out for?

 

 

I been riding bikes for abt 7 yrs now, took my class 3 lic abt 14 yrs back...

 

but dont know enough abt cars to make a considered 'guesstimate' before I plonk down the cash...so need as much guidance as possible.

 

 

thks mates!!!

 

 

 

 

that is no mistaking if u go ahead with toyota..... toyota engine are bombproof just like rxk engine. haha. i used to drive one 1.3 coe'd corolla and it served me well. engine still rocks and max out at the speed limit. of course when you buy a coe car, you have to have spare cash lyring around to change some wear and tear parts like suspension, radiator, air cond. im sure it wont be much and also there a recon part that u can get also to keep cost down. from ya post i see that you are dead keen on getting a coe car. once u chose ya prefered car u can bring it to inspection centre for a full check up at a minimal price. u can check it out at their website.

gd luck in ya quest.

[gentoro]

Btw to the Thread starter, me pay is about 3k. You got 5k salary and still worry about financing a car?!