What do you really need at this price point?
We have a family friend who is need of a new family vehicle. Their current Proton Exora has seen better days and with two growing kids they need a vehicle with space for 5 persons as one in-law lives with them and there is need to go out for dinner or to the supermarket often and comfortable seating for all would be appreciated.
The new purchase should be reasonably fuel efficient with good safety features included. The audio system does not need to be super high tech, just a decent sounding system and connectivity for smart phone usage is needed.
The kids are 14 years and 9 years and they would like to start a more frequent cuti-cuti Malaysia program for the next few years as overseas travel will not be happening. This means the new car must have ample luggage room for a 4 to 6-day trip, be super reliable, have comfortable seating in the rear, have at least 4 airbags, have authorized service centers around the country in case of any unwanted issues and be an easy car to drive for both mum and dad.
With the used trade in value of their first generation Exora sitting between RM15,000 to RM18,000 this fully paid up family vehicle has done its fair share of moving the family around the country. With no more loan on it, the selling price will be the cash down-payment for their new purchase as they do not want to take out any money from their savings for their new car.
This means their budget for a new car sits between RM85,000 to RM105,000. So what are the options available?
There is the brand new Nissan Almera which was launched in early September this year at about RM80,000, or the just launched Honda City at RM89,000, or the Proton X50 which is about to be launched at an estimated RM85,000 and the soon to arrive Mitsubishi Xpander at an estimated RM98,000.
This Xpander price mentioned above is an estimated price shared with us by a Mitsubishi showroom sales person when we visited the showroom to ask about its launch date and possible specifications.
This Malaysian middle class family automotive needs are very common needs shared with many other families in our country and with these new exciting vehicles coming into Malaysia in the last quarter of 2020, one similar objective will be delivery timeline with the current sales tax discount before 31st December. This will be hard for some of these automotive brands to commit to all their orders as response for the new Honda City and Proton X50 have been beyond supply expectations.
The decision is moving closer to the Xpander more than the rest with its better cabin space, high reliability ratings from past experience and the good cabin features that have been shared with us.
Our friend does not need a high technology infotainment system. He is very happy to use his smart phone navigation system. The simple tried and tested engine and gearbox system ensures trouble free motoring for years to come. Mitsubishi has a good record with after sales and spare parts availability. There are dealers in every state around the country.
Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks.
