As a 1st car: Sylphy, Cerato Forte, Rush or Jetta

**waterh2o** · 10-05-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm comtemplating between a Nissan Sylphy, Kai Cerato Forte, Toyota Rush or VW Jetta... It'll be my 1st car.. I'm totally new to cars and dont understand whats important while comparing their specs or which can be a more "cost efficient" car.

My main priority will be fuel efficient and safetly features.. Which will you choose?Appreciate if you can provide some opinions/advice and highlights. Thanks!!

**ms87** · 10-05-2009, 06:57 PM

Hmmm, i think Toyota Rush will be the right car to choose from then.

**bernut** · 10-05-2009, 07:22 PM

Below is a simple compilation of the car prices. As you can see , they varies from 42k to as much as 83k. You can get 2 cerato forte for a jetta !
Now ask urself , you going for a Auto drive or a Manual drive ? Certain models only have a fixed transmission.

Toyota Rush 1.5 (A) - $62k
Nissan Sylphy 1.5 (A) - $ 64k
Kia Cerato Forte 1.6 EX (M) - $42k
Kia Cerato Forte 1.6 EX (A) - $45k
Kia Cerato Forte 2.0 SX (M) - $53k
Kia Cerato Forte 2.0 SX (A) - $56k
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI DSG (A) - $77k
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 Sport TSI DSG (A) - $83k

First of all , how much are u willing to fork out for the car itself ?
You must be careful in ur planning as u still need to include your
- petrol (the biggest killer)
- monthly season parking , parking when going out
- insurance (remember put under parent name)
- washing (depends on how much you use ur car)
- vehicle servicing ?
- zheng ur car ?

the above could easily add up to a minimum of $500 monthly just on these few factors EXCLUDING the installment. of course , dont forget the downpayment and over how long are you going to pay ? Do you have financial support from parents, sugar daddy, mummy, generous frens ?

As for fuel consumption , have to hear from the car owners itself or perhaps some1 here with the relevant knowledge.
Safety aspects should not be a big issue to worry about since these brands have their own standing in the market. They will not compromise cost for safety. just my 2cents opinion.

**waterh2o** · 10-05-2009, 11:48 PM

Liked the Rush the 1st time i saw it, but i've got no experience in car purchase and this has to be purchased from a PI... afraid that if i'm unlucky, the PI will bring me to Holland...

Thanks for the analysis, Bernut! Getting an auto, else i'll be stalling most of the time..

hope to keep overall budget within $1200-$1500 each month.

Interested in (in accordance to when i've shortlisted them):
Toyota Rush 1.5 (A) - $62k
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI DSG (A) - $77k
Nissan Sylphy 1.5 (A) - $ 64k
Kia Cerato Forte 1.6 SX (A) - $50k
Kia Cerato Forte 2.0 SX (A) - $56k
You can see my budget "goes-tan", getting smaller..

After some thoughts, think i'll be paying more on Jetta's branding and image, which i can save on.

Think I'm down to 2 (Forte or Sylphy). Attracted to Forte's pricing, but prefer Sylphy's built and interior... Which attributes will you guys/gals go for? Cos most probably going to live with this baby for at least the next 5 yrs? (as mentioned in forums to breakeven?)

typeX · 11-05-2009, 01:07 AM

I was also wondering why the Jetta was inside since it's really the odd one out in terms of class and pricing.

Anw, I'd go with the Cerato from all these. The 10+k higher pricing of the sylphy doesn't justify the styling, which I think it's not that impressive. The styling of the Cerato isn't too bad also, the exterior takes some cues from the Accord i find, and the interior is pretty decent.

but ultimately if the pricing isn't too far off, u'd be much better off paying that little extra for something you feel good in, because these little irks might come back to haunt you in future.

St3aLtHIx · 11-05-2009, 01:23 AM

i would say , go for the forte , i bought the forte too .. should be here this week ..

from the choices above .. Y forte ? coz its much cheaper ..and the CC also higher.

from the info given by bernut abt the pricing , its at least 20K cheaper. get the 1.6 SX version will do.

vios21 · 11-05-2009, 09:31 AM

Fuel efficiency - Frankly none of the cars above makes the mark from my standard.

The above mentioned are averaging 12km/L from what i read in most forums.

Nissan was also never well known for fuel efficient cars.

Jetta is in a different league, setting the price gap alittle too wide with the cerato. Your budget is big?

Rush is a mini suv and it ain't known for efficiency too as a small engine with a weight to drag around.

Honda fit/jazz would be ideal for fuel efficiency as they haf a plugs

Vios is another contender as well.

Safety wise, all pass the global standards, unless you're looking for exceptional ones, then Jetta will score the highest in this category.

Fyi, i'm also considering the jetta as my next car. If can wait, yr end should see the Jetta mark6 launched.

**bernut** · 11-05-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typeX

but ultimately if the pricing isn't too far off, u'd be much better off paying that little extra for something you feel good in, because these little irks might come back to haunt you in future.

Yes i agree with this. The exterior must be pleasing to ur eyes but the interior is MORE important since u gonna spend a big chunk of ur time inside driving this very vehicle. If you dont like the interior , how to drive with a good mood ? Buy car might as well dont buy. Then when ur mood bad , u tend to step on the gas pedal more , then other people tot u wanna race , then join in , then end up illegal racing. Vehicle will get confiscated or maybe end up in serious accident have to scrap the car

Quote:

Originally Posted by vios21

Honda fit/jazz would be ideal for fuel efficiency as they haf a plugs

wad plug ? enlighten me. wad other car have this so call plug too ?

vios21 · 11-05-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernut

Yes i agree with this. The exterior must be pleasing to ur eyes but the interior is MORE important since u gonna spend a big chunk of ur time inside driving this very vehicle. If you dont like the interior , how to drive with a good mood ? Buy car might as well dont buy. Then when ur mood bad , u tend to step on the gas pedal more , then other people tot u wanna race , then join in , then end up illegal racing. Vehicle will get confiscated or maybe end up in serious accident have to scrap the car

wad plug ? enlighten me. wad other car have this so call plug too ?

I meant spark plug

**waterh2o** · 12-05-2009, 10:58 PM

TypeX: Jetta is kinda out from the rest, but was attracted to its pricing for a VW.

Sta3LtHIx: Congrats on your new buy, enjoy!

vios21: Thanks for analysing each car!

The jetta is nice... hope you'll get your intended soon. Fit and Jazz are nice, but find them a little small for my preference.

Bernut: ya manz... i'm going to pick the car with a long term view, with a lucky colour

Heng Heng Drive is important for all drivers yea...keke

No offence to Forte owners, but reading through some forums and reviews on Forte, lower quality interior was mentioned. Made me wonder, will parts of the interior "flake/tear off" after awhile?

Whats a spark plug?

**ashlynncheng** · 12-05-2009, 11:26 PM

Spark plugs is to use to start ur engine

typeX · 13-05-2009, 12:59 AM

spark plugs are the 'things' that ignite the fuel n air in the engine to give it the bang.

i believe the fit with i-dsi is using two spark plugs per cylinder instead of the conventional single setup, to give it a more efficient burn and together with the whole design, gives it a relatively better fuel consumption.

**greenapples** · 13-05-2009, 05:37 PM

I drive my dad's slphy, and i must say its a very smooth and comfortable ride. With plenty of leg and head room for the passengers. The vios however, evertime it goes over a hump, my head hits the roof.

I have nv driven the kia cerato, but my dad did went for a test ride in it and completely ruled it out, for what reasons i am unclear of. But he did shortlist a Hyundai Avante besides the suzuki swift.

**Infinite** · 14-05-2009, 03:23 PM

if ur budget allows a jetta, u should get. its very comfortable although i know u find it expensive. but continental car is totally different from japanese cars

**nazaki** · 15-05-2009, 01:14 PM

Forte is good for its price.

Do consider Toyota Allion as well. Its ard 60k, well designed, nice interior and good crusing fc.

vios21 · 15-05-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterh2o

TypeX: Jetta is kinda out from the rest, but was attracted to its pricing for a VW.

Sta3LtHIx: Congrats on your new buy, enjoy!

vios21: Thanks for analysing each car!

The jetta is nice... hope you'll get your intended soon. Fit and Jazz are nice, but find them a little small for my preference.

Bernut: ya manz... i'm going to pick the car with a long term view, with a lucky colour

Heng Heng Drive is important for all drivers yea...keke

No offence to Forte owners, but reading through some forums and reviews on Forte, lower quality interior was mentioned. Made me wonder, will parts of the interior "flake/tear off" after awhile?

Whats a spark plug?

Bro, i bought another car in the end

Omg you better read up on basic maintenance of a car.

Cause it's another cost as well

vios21 added 3 Minutes and 59 Seconds later...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infinite

if ur budget allows a jetta, u should get. its very comfortable although i know u find it expensive. but continental car is totally different from japanese cars

Jetta lowest model should be ard 72k. Got more money to spend, get the TSI at ard 82.

TSI is twin charged, very powerful for a 1.4L car.

Continental cars has got these little gizmos here and there but most of the time, lacks styling for interior, for the Jetta.

I like cockpits (driver frontal/console) to be a whole and my new japanese car has just that with good features like Rain sensor, light sensor (blackout), HID, auto levelling, steering control for audio, climate control for individual AC, activematic 5 speed, etc.

First car usually ppl say they want it for A to B.

But trust me, soon it'll be more then tt when we look onto the next car.

Addictive, at least for me.

**Infinite** · 15-05-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vios21

Bro, i bought another car in the end

Omg you better read up on basic maintenance of a car.

Cause it's another cost as well

vios21 added 3 Minutes and 59 Seconds later...

Jetta lowest model should be ard 72k. Got more money to spend, get the TSI at ard 82.

TSI is twin charged, very powerful for a 1.4L car.

Continental cars has got these little gizmos here and there but most of the time, lacks styling for interior, for the Jetta.

I like cockpits (driver frontal/console) to be a whole and my new japanese car has just that with good features like Rain sensor, light sensor (blackout), HID, auto levelling, steering control for audio, climate control for individual AC, activematic 5 speed, etc.

First car usually ppl say they want it for A to B.

But trust me, soon it'll be more then tt when we look onto the next car.

Addictive, at least for me.

i am more to the continental side.

**waterh2o** · 16-05-2009, 05:07 PM

vios21 Bro, a sis here not bro...

have been reading up but kinda hard to digest..keke.. so taking a short cut here, getting some advise from you guys instead...

nazaki: yeah, Allion caught my eye too... but like Rush, gotto purchase from PI...

Infinite:

the looks of continental cars... but as my first car, think i shall stick to a basic-pocket-happy car first....

greenapples: thanks for sylphy's review.

ashlynncheng and typeX: thanks for explaining the spark plug!

ScryonX · 19-05-2009, 11:13 PM

how about the suzuki swift?

**funni bunni** · 20-05-2009, 02:30 PM

Too bad the Jetta will stretch your budget cos it's a great car with good performance, build quality and fuel economy too.

Safety's important to me, so I always ask about safety equipment like ABS, ESP, number of airbags, etc. From this point of view (as well as build quality and ride comfort), between the Sylphy and Cerato Forte, I'd definitely choose the Sylphy.

Good luck with your search!