I have a problem. And I need a solution.
The problem is, my wife’s Proton Saga is going to be 13 years old.
The solution is simple. I need to replace it.
Here’s where it gets complicated.
What I want is:
But if I’m really honest with myself, what I really really want is:
What I actually need is:
What I can afford is:
So how? What do you think I should do?
Actually there’s a shortcut. Daddy has offered to lend some a$$i$tance, but that’s not something I want to explore just yet.
May 22, 2008 at 12:05
Can motorbike pay for downpayment ah?
Adino: Downpayment no problem… it’s the monthly installments I can’t handle!
May 22, 2008 at 16:19
honda jazz is a good car…
Adino: It’s quite expensive wor… actually the photo is a Honda Civic Hybrid
May 22, 2008 at 17:23
This car business very very rugi…..sigh…choose one that will last that is the most important then be really contented…..forget about wants. Go for needs. Dun get to small a car as it is practically unsafe to drive actually my mechanic advice to get somethin with both a front and back not a noseless and backsideless car….
In the end though it is your choice….
on the bias side, the motorcycle is nice but knowing pc…she wont like. Bike is economically friendly hehe….easy on the pocket
Adino: It’s a hard choice. I’m too stingy sometimes.
May 22, 2008 at 18:28
family is family. get a loan if necessary from them but get a fuel saving small car. no need for false pride as Rach needs the safety of a car. that is the main consideration. PC can’t always b sure her old car wont break down suddenly with Rach inside. It happened once with my old Wira. with a baby n traffic n heat etc..it was a nightmare.
Adino: I’m still waiting for the best time to buy a car. If the economy really slows down (according to some predictions), there will be lots of second hand cars at bargain prices next year.
May 22, 2008 at 21:47
Have you considered a secondhand car (around 3-4 yrs) that might be easier on the budget?
If you want brand new, compared to the Perodua Viva I’d suggest the Hyundai Atos as a more practical alternative.
Adino: Don’t know la. I’m hovering between stinginess and going all out, between a new bad quality car and a used good quality car.
May 23, 2008 at 08:28
Viva is not bad. My sister just got one earlier this year.
Few tips which work for us:
- Get the car during festive season or year end, that would save you 2~3k because of the ongoing promotion.
- Shop around, some car dealers might be willing to give additional RM500 discount, just to close a deal.
Consider 2~3k discount plus the $$$ from old car trade in, then it wouldn’t be too expensive. I know 2 car dealers (one in Kepong, another one in Cheras), can give you the contact if you want.
If you are going for a secondhand car, be careful. We have some really bad experience. Also, Hyundai cars’ fuel consumption tends to go higher after 2~3 years.
Adino: Thanks for the tips!
How are you sisters doing?
May 23, 2008 at 08:58
I would think that the new proton will be a good bet at around Rm33K
Adino: I’m trying to avoid getting another Proton. That will be the last desperate choice I’ll make.
May 23, 2008 at 12:56
I would ask you to go for the “afford” one, until I saw that motorbike photo… I don’t think having a motorbike would be good enough for your transportation “needs”. So I think the “need” option is the best, but I don’t know how you are going to ‘afford’ that. (Sorry, I never had any taste in cars or car-buying.)
Adino:
Actually I can afford more, but I’m not willing to part with the money
May 23, 2008 at 14:42
I’m sure the motorbike won’t work…
Just don’t be rash like me….and don’t be stingy also. God will provide your needs. Pray about it dear friend….most importantly be a good steward of what God has given you. I trust your judgement because you always were the wiser one among us in many senses…cheers have fun choosing. its really fun…bring me along pleasssseeee.
Adino: Wise one? Not really hehe…
May 23, 2008 at 17:44
Switch to a sales job with transport allowance. My sis-in-law has her monthly installment paid for AND receives a fat fuel allowance.
Adino: That’s a good idea! Or… I could try to get a management job with company car benefits!
May 23, 2008 at 17:47
Oh whatever you do, don’t get a Hyundai. My bf’s Hyundai Getz consumes more fuel that his dad’s Mercedes big-small eye, per kilometre.
Adino: Noted!
May 24, 2008 at 01:33
Since this is for the wife, go ahead and get the motorbike as long as you are prepared to sleep on the couch for the rest of your life.
Adino: Good point!
Don’t worry, I won’t treat my wife like that.
May 24, 2008 at 09:48
LOL　at the comment by precious
(still laughing, can’t stop)
Adino, I also try avoid
But seems that is the only car wife wanna get
Adino: Hehe
May 24, 2008 at 12:29
My sisters are doing fine, thanks. Older sister is getting married end of this year =)
Oh, congratulations to you and PC. I think baby Rachel looks a bit like you =D
Adino: That’s good news.
And yes, everyone says Rachel looks like me!
May 25, 2008 at 13:37
that should be easy; get daddy to buy you a Honda Accord! Who’s Your Daddy Now?!
Adino: If I call you daddy can you buy for me? Hehe
May 25, 2008 at 19:30
Hahaha… interesting one !
Buy viva la.. or proton sage new version??
Adino: I’m still deciding… buy something cheap right now that can solve my problems? Or pay double for a better car that can last, is safer, saves more fuel, and is more comfortable?
June 6, 2008 at 23:38
given the circumstances, consider a new saga (for the affordability & warranty) & seriously consider converting to LGV (for fuel/road tax savings).
my friend, in sales, is laughing out loud when the new fuel prices were announced. he converted to LGV early this year & is receiving petrol allowances for his travels.
Adino: I have bad experience with Proton warranty before. They will only replace minor parts, and even then it’s up to the mechanics at Proton to decide. In the end I had to replace a faulty component at my own cost.
But I may not have the luxury of being picky now…
NGV is economical, but I worry about finding a reliable gas supply.
September 16, 2008 at 14:36
Hey, stumbled across your blog. Gotten your car yet? i’ve got a viva and it’s pretty good!
economical, 5 months and counting - still no problems yet! 
i got the full specs one at 37700 as they were clearing last year’s stock.
Adino: Right now we’re looking for a second hand Kenari or Kelisa. Don’t have the budget to get a new car right now.
January 7, 2009 at 16:02
Hey there..same problem here…have you buy a car for your wife yet? I am thinking kenari..but still indecisive coz add 6k more, and can get the new myvi…;( plus, hubby not so keen for kenari…
but either way, we need to get one to replace our problematic wira..and this will be my car, which will serve as second car, and later on hubby might get a proper car for himself, when he could afford it.:(
also wondering whether this year, car price will drop???
Adino: Hi, sorry for the late reply. I haven’t bought a car yet. We are waiting to see if prices will drop this year. Right now we’re seriously considering the Proton Persona SE.
January 9, 2009 at 13:29
my sis have one…not bad…
Adino: I just worry about the quality, which is why I didn’t want to consider local cars in the first place. See how la, this year maybe there will be good promotions.