13 Hot Tips For Buying A New Car

1. What is your budget/how much do you intend to spend?

To us, this should be the No.1 checklist question that should be answered honestly by you. Stick to a budget that you’re really comfortable with, because there are many who fall prey to the low monthly payment promises that often gets unsuspecting new car buyers in way over their heads. Also when you’re doing your budget for this, make sure to include your monthly and/or annual - finance charges, interests, road tax, insurance, and everything else that you will need to spend to own and drive the car.
Once you’ve settled on that right figure, you can further narrow down the potential new cars on your list.

2. Should I get a Local branded car or should I get an Imported model? How important is this and will it make a difference?

3. Should I get a Large/Medium/Small sized car? What is my actual need?

4. Should I get a car that can carry cargo? Is this totally a family car or would it be used for both, work and home?

5. Should I get a car that hits 100mph in 60 secs? Is this very important to me - performance & power?

6. What is the petrol consumption for this car? How much of mileage will I get from a full tank? Will this ultimately cost me a bomb?

7. Are parts easily available for this model? Are they costly? How much is a routine service package going for on this model?

8. Does all the technical specifications and safety aspects like - BA, air-bags, crash-tests, stability control, ABS, etc) look acceptable to me? Would I need additional fittings later on?

9. Should I get a car that has front-wheel drive, full time 4×4, rear-wheel drive, etc? Is this highly needed?

10. What is the warranty package for this car? Does it cover parts and labour? Do they give any extensions?

11. What is the trade-in/resale value for this car in the future? Will this brand hold its value better than others in the market?

12. What is current promotion offered, if any? Are there any added benefits to me if I were to trade-in my old car?

13. How long is the delivery period, once an order is placed? Is the delivery time important for me in making a decision?

New Honda City

The new Honda City is probably the most successful model marketed by Honda in the ASEAN region.

The best part of the new City VTEC is the L15A VTEC engine. This is a 16V SOHC version of the L15A engine. It is rated for 110ps and has 4 extra valves and is equipped with VTEC, using the standard 1 spark-plug per cylinder.

The City’s cabin has been designed to maximize space and there really is a lot of space inside it. The City VTEC is really very comfortable - plush and comfortable, loads of legroom and headroom. Yet the City VTEC is not perfect. On the highway, at medium to high speeds, a slight amount of wind noise can be heard inside the City’s cabin. Simple, ergonomic controls, uncluttered dashboard layout, an adjustable steering wheel, easy to read instruments make everyday life with this car as hassle-free as possible.

The engine’s selling point is its Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control mechanism. This increases the combustion efficiency and enhances the power delivery characteristics.

The City VTEC is equipped with a very slick five-speed gearbox which transfers its 101PS to the front wheels. The City VTEC won’t provide astounding performance though since it has a kerb weight of 1065 kilos, which can be hauled by the 101PS only to a limited extent. The City VTEC goes from zero to 60km/h in 5.46 seconds, from zero to 100km/h in 11.52 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 185km/h. Since it has a light clutch, really smooth gearbox and a tractable engine, driving the City VTEC over long distances leaves you relaxed and comfortable. The car also averages a very economic 17kmpl, so there is a nice mix of performance and fuel efficiency.

The City VTEC’s suspension system employs McPherson struts at front and H-type torsion beam suspension at the rear. Spring and damper rates have been tweaked and have been firmed up at both front and rear. Since it has 14-inch wheels running on 175/65 rubber, road holding is quite adequate. The VTEC gets disc brakes both in the front as well as in the rear.

The City VTEC’s weight to power ratio is better than any other car in its class. The 16 valve MPFI engine provides 100 bhp in the 1.5 litre engine model and 90 bhp for the 1.3 litre engine. Other features include internally adjustable rear view mirrors; rear centre armrest, body colour bumpers, remote fuel cap release, remote hood release, childproof rear door locks, trunk light, driver’s tray and pocket, intermittent wipers with mist plus optional alloy wheels are available as well.

Proton Gen-2

Perusahaan Otomobile Nasional Berhad, or PROTON, was incorporated on the 7th May 1983. Proton made a major step in upgrading its engineering capabilities when it acquired a share in Lotus Group International in October 1996 - this stake was increased to a 100% share in 2003.

The Proton GEN-2 as a replacement for the Proton Wira.

The GEN-2 is a 5-door hatchback which has been developed in conjunction with the Norfolk based sports car manufacturer Lotus.

A review on Perodua VIVA

By AUDREY EDWARDS

audee@thestar.com.my

There were definitely pangs of sadness when Sophie - my faithful Perodua Kelisa - and I parted more than a year back.

Although I did not shed any tears, the thought of ending a four-year relationship still leaves me sad.

Especially when I think of all the good and bad times we went through together before I sold her off.

Bad included the many bangs that she endured in the time I owned her and good was when she brought me everywhere in great time.

Sophie was one good car to zip around city streets and highways on.

Yes, I was laughed at many times when I gushed about Sophie (’it’s only a Kelisa’ was the main comeback line from friends) but to me, she was comfortable enough to bring places.

Whether it was a short drive to pick friends up or going all the way to Johor Baru for an assignment, she was always up to the task.

Besides, of course, the joys of parking her easily in cramped spaces.

And yes, it could fit five adults and one child. Whether it was comfortable or not, it always kept mom quiet about the air-conditioning.

Besides, the baby was a fuel sipper. An important point in this day and age when prices are up.

And now, Perodua has gone one step forward. My dear Sophie is being replaced with the Viva by the powers that be at the manufacturers known to churn out compact and affordable cars.

So, I was naturally very excited when given the chance to check out the new Perodua model.

The Perodua brand has been a mainstay in my family seeing how my parents have Jack (that’s the Kancil) and now there is Ding-Ding (that would be my few months old Myvi).

Now, while Sophie had me feeling wicked and mischievous most of the times I drove her, Ding-Ding somehow has me subconsciously driving at a slightly slower pace.

Plus, it does not help that my new car simply cannot rev it up the way the old Kelisa could.
Anyway, it was the 1,000cc auto version of the Viva that I got acquainted with.

At first glance, the Viva clearly has the Myvi DNA but as Peroduas go, this is more like the diet version of that car.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. As with all things that are smaller, it sips less fuel.

But what I felt, I liked. It was zippy and brought out the impish glee I felt every time I drove my old Kelisa.

And it felt more stable and assured, even at speeds of 130kph.


more review from

New Corolla Altis, 10th Generation

It’s been a busy weekend for the people at UMW Toyota, but nevertheless I’m pretty sure no one there is complaining, why would they anyway, as the car which the entire market has been waiting in anticipation for, the 10th Generation - all New Toyota Corolla Altis (301L), has finally reached our shores! This particular model will be sold as a CBU - from Thailand.

The earlier local assembled generation Corolla Altis 1.8 was without a doubt, a market leader from 2001 - 2005, doing on average of 33% market share and after selling a whopping 32,000 units since its first release back in 2001, the all New Corolla Altis is now back and is all set in Raising The Standards.

One look at the exterior of the all New Corolla Altis and you will immediately notice its lower and wider body characteristics present. This we know for a fact, provides a sense of increased stability and presents the overall vehicle with a more bold and advanced look - if shape is an issue for you.

Points such as - Sweep Cut Pillars and Deeply Contoured Design defines the uniqueness of the all New Corolla Altis. We at Car Crazy, find the exterior of the Corolla Altis to be :

• Beautiful, natural form, created with smooth flowing lines from front to rear .
• Simple, yet intricate appearance with blending sweep cuts.

Inside, the interior of the all New Corolla Altis is no short of class, where one can indulge in its plush and modern design with flowing curve elements. The interior also has a spacious cabin that will give both driver and passenger a more comfortable ride and the feel of luxury ever so present. The wide and spacious interior cabin is evident due to the fact of the smaller engine room allotted. Furthermore, the front and rear pillars for the all New Corolla Altis have been moved outward for a balanced design, thus giving more space.

Let’s look at some dimension comparisons below, as we discuss further regarding its exterior and interior aspects :

EXTERIOR

Length (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 4,540 / CIVIC @ 4,540 / Previous Altis @ 4,530 (-10)

Width (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,760 / CIVIC @ 1,755 (-5) / Previous Altis @ 1,705 (-55)

Height (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,465 / CIVIC @ 1,435 (-30) / Previous Altis @ 1,480 (+15)

INTERIOR
Length (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,810 / CIVIC @ 1,890 (+80)/Previous Altis @ 1,850 (+40)

Width (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,420 / CIVIC @ 1,380 (-40)/Previous Altis @ 1,380 (-40)

Height (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,200 / CIVIC @ 1,165 (-35)/Previous Altis @ 1,230 (+30)

We are quite sure that Toyota is on the right track, as they progress towards implementing positive image changes, with the launch of this 10th Generation Corolla Altis - creating a personality of its own.

Looking at the projection given by the Malaysian Automobile Association this year for the Malaysian car industry, it seems that the total vehicle sales will be between 480,000 and 510,000 units, and with the launch of the all New Corolla Altis, Toyota Motor will surely make a run ahead in its quest to better its 17.1% overall market share held from last year, to ultimately a sales growth better than the industry average!

So don’t forget to join us for Part II, as we continue our review of the all New Toyota Corolla Altis - 10th Generation model. But, if you’ve made up your mind and wanna head straight to the nearest UMW Toyota showroom around, and to make sure that this car will be in your car porch in a blink-of-an-eye, here’s a little help on working out your budget :

THE PRICE LIST (Individual Private - OTR) * All prices are Inclusive of Toyota Solar and Security Film

Altis 1.6 E (A) = RM102,900
Altis 1.8 E (A) = RM109,900
Altis 1.8 E (A) Sporty = RM112,250
Altis 1.8 G (A) = RM117,900
Altis 1.8 G (A) Sporty = RM120,250

* Peninsular Malaysia Prices

Source : cars.gidblog.com

Hyundai Matrix - 2009

Hyundai has given its Hyundai Matrix a facelift for the 2009 model year and the mini-MPV now features Hyundai’s new corporate nose, similiar to the one on the new generation Hyundai i30. There are minimal changes on the rear.

Three engine choices are available - a 103 PS 1.6 liter from the Alpha family of engines, a 128 PS 1.8 liter from the Beta family of engines, and a 1.5 liter CRDi turbodiesel putting out 110 PS. The Malaysian Inokom Matrix is only available with the petrol engines.

Naza Citra

If you are looking into buying a Kia Citra, here is some review for you. This review was from one of my cousin who has been driving this car for sometime, thanks to him!
I will rate this a 6 to 7 out of 10. Keep in mind that this is a MPV. The car is heavy and consumption is high for town driving and highway driving above speeds of 120 kph, so dont speed!

Will i recommend this car?

Definately i will recommend it to others but it depends on your budget for a MPV. Mind you this is the cheapest 2.0 litre MPV that is available in the market. If you are tight on budget and looking for an MPV, this is a very good choice as it also comes with a very easy payment scheme from local banks. If you have more money to spare than go get a Toyota Estima!

Any issue to be noticed?

So far only problem was with the radiator which Naza recalled and replaced it for free.

Service?

Service is not a issue at all, there are so many KIA service stations and also authorised service workshops all around Malaysia. All you need is to book your service schedule and send in your car. Every 10,000 km will have it’s own standard items that they will change. Any further complaints can be highlighted. Cool ha?

Monthly Cost?

Cost of service and spare parts is slightly high but manageable. They use Petronas Synthium 5000 (fully synthethic) engine oil.
So if you are thinking of buying this car, i would say go all out and buy it today!