The challenge buying a used car within a budget

 Ok, here is the challenge, getting a second hand car OTR for 20k MYR, preferably in good conditions.

Cars will be tested via our Ultrasound device and let’s see, what is floating around in this price range.

We can only speak for the tested car in no way are the results representing the quality of all cars of same make and year.

First tests:

We tested

- Toyota Innova OTR 27000 , engine 50% wear and tear, looks very good, however, there has to be better in the market and more affordable

- Ford Everest Diesel 24k OTR, engine 50% wear and tear, diesel injector test was good (injectors very expensive), test drive good, but still we want better

- Honda CR-V 1996, same, 50% wear and tear of engine, test drive not good as well

- many cars did not give much confidence as they already showed too much wear in the interior, on the outside chassis, had water in the trunk, all not good signs.

Those first cars in our own quest for a second hand car confirmed what we already know, not the year and mileage is a good indicator but the actual condition in terms of the mechanics, the maintenance from previous owner.

The Innova and the Ford where by no means bad, but I personally would prefer better results for the money to spend. That is everyone’s own decision.

50% wear and tear shouldn’t break down the next corner, the risk is still rather low, but why settle for this when better ones might be available??? We will see in the next tests.

- Damn, I was too slow with booking fee

Next car tested was a Hyundai Sonata 2.4l (2005 model, EF-B) Price: 5999 MYR

Result:

Engine 40% wear and tear, 3 stars, meaning the mileage of 140k is realistic and the car in a good condition

Alternator 10% wear and tear, 4.5 stars, like new

Gearbox 10% wear and tear, 4.5 stars, like new

Now this was a deal worth considering, the price was really low, the wear very good. In fact a bargain with a very honest dealer as well. (ET Car World)

And then………………I was stupid enough to be slow with the booking fee…………………...hilang, lost, kaputt…….another buyer was faster.

Seriously, congrats to the buyer, a buy really worth it.

Clearly -- good quality cars on a budget are out there -- more to come