Persona or Myvi?

QUESTION:

I have a budget of around RM50,000 for a new car. I have been looking at the Persona M-Line and Myvi Ezi. Both are around RM50,000 each.

Which offers the best value?

- Allen 

ANSWER:

Both cars are good in their own way. The question is which suits your needs better. One is a compact hatch with limited boot space, which means little room to accommodate your groceries.

The other is a spacious sedan with much more room and better power if you need to go outstation with your family, luggage included.

Caldina or Civic? 

QUESTION:

I have a tough time deciding whether to go for the Caldina GT4 Turbo or the Civic 2.0. What drives me towards the Caldina is its sexy look and high power.

On the other hand, I am attracted to the Civic's up-to-date appearance and interior. I know that Toyota has stopped production of the Caldina, so I'm worried whether spare parts will be an issue.

- Ian

ANSWER:

The Caldina is a used imported car and whether the car has stoped production or not, spare parts will have to come from specialist importers and junkyards. There are many Caldinas running in Malaysia and their owners do not seem to be having any issue with maintenance.

So I think owning a Caldina will not be an issue for you.

The question is whether you feel that the Civic is a better car to suit your daily needs or not.

Manual to Auto Kelisa 

QUESTION:

I now drive a two-year-old manual Kelisa. I would like to change to auto transmission.

Where can get the auto gearbox and what is the cost?

- 012-5504275

ANSWER:

Finding a used auto gearbox for your Kelisa is not a problem as many car junkyards in Sungei Buloh and Sungei Besi have the parts and can even do the conversion for you.

I would recommend that you allow them to do the conversion to confirm that the gearbox is in working order.

If you buy a used gearbox from them and get your own mechanic to fix it, then make sure he offers a warranty of at least three months. Costs vary between RM600 and RM1,500, depending on the age and condition of the gearbox.

It would be better to shop around and then make a decision.

Between the 7-Series and the E-Class

QUESTION:

I have always admired the design/shape of the BMW 730I (E32) and intend to buy one soon. The price of a good condition used unit is estimated at between RM10,000 and RM15,000.

Friends have suggested that I buy a used Merc 300SE (126) instead.

Please advise on the running cost, maintenance and reliability of both vehicles.

- Simon

ANSWER:

Would you date a girl just because your friends say so, even when you are attracted to another person?

Would you wear a purple shirt with yellow sunflowers when you prefer a light blue one?

This is where I always say that personal tastes should be left to the individual when it comes to the looks of a car.

If you like the design of a car, then go for it.

The cost of maintaining a BMW 730i will be more than double that of the Mercedes 300SE. Also, the reliability of the Mercedes is much better while the BMW will be more on your wallet to run in the long term.