Carmudi’s Ultimate Car Guide: How to Find the Right Vehicle

So you’re looking to buy a new car, eh? A nice, shiny ride that is stylish but can do everything you ask, any time of the day? A car that will never break down, that will hold its value once you decide to pass it on, that can carry your entire family and belongings but is still nifty on the road? You’ve read all the “new car articles”, right? Giving you all sorts of vague advice like “choose a reliable car”. Well, fret not because help is at hand! The car experts at Carmudi have created the ultimate guide to help you find your match made in car heaven. With over 70,000 cars produced on average in the Philippines each year, the amount of choice for car buyers out there is, to put it mildly, intimidating. In addition to these new kids on the block, there is also a plethora of preloved cars roaming Filipino roads and lying in dealerships across the country looking for a new owner to give them some TLC. So what exactly do you need to know to find the right car for you? Ask yourself some of the questions below to find your ideal match.

What does your current lifestyle look like?

Are you a student looking for your first motor, a young professional with a bit of extra cash to splash, the mother or father of an expanding family or a wild adventurer looking for thrills? If you are a first time car buyer or a college student you will want a car that is small and nifty. Although you may have passed your driving test, you shouldn’t give yourself extra stress on the road by driving a car that is bulky and hard to handle. Hatchbacks or mini cars are ideal for the driver making his or her debut on the road. Models like the Suzuki Alto, Toyota Vios or Mitsubishi Mirage are a good place to start, providing a smooth and somewhat forgiving driving experience. For the young professional who can afford something a little more opulent, a sports or luxury car is a nice way to spend those extra pesos. With fewer responsibilities, purchasing something flashy shouldn’t be completely out of your price range. Models such as the Lexus LX 570, BMW 316i or Audi A4 are striking status symbols that will stand the test of time. The family man or woman will want something with space that is reconfigurable for those extra passengers and cargo. SUVs, MPVs and mini vans make great family vehicles as they provide space but also have enough power to take on additional weight. Good models to start with are the Honda CR-V, Kia Carens, or Toyota Innova. For the more adventurous types, engine size, power and ground clearance are musts when driving on uneven or rocky terrain. With rainy season bringing monsoons and in turn flooding, a decent ground clearance can help you drive through shallow waters without damaging your mechanics or interior. Full-size SUVs are ideal off-roading vehicles, but they do have some disadvantages such as a higher fuel consumption and stiffer handling. Cars like the Ford Ranger, Toyota land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Montero Sport are some of the best options in this segment.

What features are you looking for in your car?

You should now have an idea of what body style to buy in relation to your lifestyle, but what about features and other factors? Ask yourself the following questions to find out what you should be looking for in your new car.

• Will I be traveling frequently and occasionally go long distances? If yes, look for a car that has an exceptionally good fuel economy (more than 20km/L).
• Will I be off-roading on precarious terrain? If yes, look for a car with a decent engine size (anything above a 1.5 L), good torque, and horse power. You need something reliable and sturdy to fight the elements.
• Is my car’s resale value important to me? If yes, choose a well-known, durable model. Big brands like Toyota and Mitsubishi stand the test of time.
• Will my family also be using/riding in the car? If yes, safety features are paramount. Make sure your vehicle has basics like airbags, 3 point seatbelts and head restraints.
• Will I be carrying a lot of cargo (luggage, passengers etc.)? If yes, look for a vehicle that has ample trunk space or one that is reconfigurable. Many smaller models like the Honda Jazz have foldable seats making them a practical choice.
• Will I be using my iPhone or iPad on the road? If so, then make sure your prospective car has all the necessary equipment to facilitate ease of use. Features such as chargers, hands free kits and Bluetooth connectivity are pretty standard in most cars today.
• Am I looking for a car that I can relax in, an extension of my own home? If so, look for models that have extra dealer options such as leather upholstery or more storage space. They may be a little out of your price range, but if you plan on spending a significant amount of time in your car, they are worth every penny.

How much do you want to spend?

It’s the question everybody hates to ask themselves, but you need to be honest. What can you really spend on a new car (whether brand new or used)? Let’s break it down. Paying up front is the best way to get a great deal. However, very few of us have stacks of cash lying in wait ready to pounce on the next best offer. Car financing is a good option for many and although it may end up costing more in the long run, it gives you the opportunity to purchase a much needed essential at a time when your finances may be floundering. Having deduced the type of car you want, you should have an idea of the price range for your desired vehicle, but always be open to negotiations. Test drive models that are similar to the car you have your eye on. If there is a good deal to be had, it may be worth upping your spending money marginally. But remember: Always shop around. You will be amazed at how much you can save by visiting one or two more dealerships in your area.

What about after sales service?

After sales service is important, especially if you want to buy a brand new car. However, even used cars can still have valid warranty periods attached to them. Look online and read reviews from present and previous customers of the brands you are interested in. If some brands are difficult to deal with or there have been numerous recalls or issues with their models, think long and hard before purchasing a model from this particular brand. Furthermore, be wary if there are lots of things to repair after every service or if the warranty doesn’t actually cover common problems (timing belt, worn out clutch).

Don’t forget the plate number!

When buying a car in the Philippines, remember to check the last digit of its number plate. LTO license plate rules state that only cars ending in a certain number can drive into the city on specific days. If you work part-time in the city, make sure that you pick a car that permits city driving on the days you need. This is a factor that is all too easy to lose sight of, but can greatly impact your quality of life. This informative article will tell you all you need to know about the LTO number coding scheme.

A little something extra

Be aware that a car is an investment and a loss all at the same time. It is somewhat of a neatly packaged contradiction. If you take care of your car, you should expect a decent return once sold, but it will never match or even come near the price you paid for it (even if buying used). Brand new cars depreciate the second you put your foot on the pedal, but for the convenience and independence a car can provide an individual and/or a family, the amount lost over time should be looked upon as a service rendered. So go forth and drive into the sunset with your newly acquired ride!