Buying a car in the Phlis

[subseastu]

So we had buying a house in the philippines a few weeks ago, so any tips on buying a motor.

Tips on make and model, new or used, employing a driver or not etc.

For instance I was warned about buying cars imported through subic freeport as they would often be stripped down and parts would be replaced by locally made ones while the originals would be sold on, normally by the customs men. I heard a story a couple of years ago that 400 cars where found hidden in the jungle in subic freeport. Hidden by the custom blokes!! Apparently they'd levy such a massive amount of tax on the vehicle that it wasn't worth the owner bringing it in so they'd just have it away. Also heard this can happen down Cebu way.

Also I hear Toyota is a bit of a bargin as they manufacture them south of manila I think. But saying that after looking on their dealer websites and sulit.com I can't see it. Maybe its the crap exchange rate we're still getting.

So what do you folks think?

[junior02]

best to buy jap or korean, parts are less expensive, if you buy second hand bmws or mercs expect to pay 10 times more than what you would pay in uk,, and also it has probley bin bodged up..

[somebody]

One of the Wifes friend who is an air stewardess has bought an old Beetle and having it rebuilt frame up. Id love to find out the cost but at least she knows its pukka. Shes having this all done at a Garage with Mechanics who seem to know what they are doing and she can trust..

I think with the state of the roads in Phill plus the heat and humidity finding a decent Garage and mechanic then finding what car brands they are best with was almost more important than which car to get.

[triple5]

A few expats I talked to reckoned it worked out cheaper getting taxis everywhere.

[subseastu]

One of the Wifes friend who is an air stewardess has bought an old Beetle and having it rebuilt frame up. Id love to find out the cost but at least she knows its pukka. Shes having this all done at a Garage with Mechanics who seem to know what they are doing and she can trust..

I think with the state of the roads in Phill plus the heat and humidity finding a decent Garage and mechanic then finding what car brands they are best with was almost more important than which car to get.

THats actually a v good idea. I'd have thought that trying to find a trustworthy garage etc would be quite difficult as a foriegner. Lots of people out there ready to take advantage.

[junior02]

and even cheaper if you get the non aircon taxis in davao

[triple5]

and even cheaper if you get the non aircon taxis in davao

ah the type which are driven by guys who were driving carabous and buffalos before there's always the jeepneys, even cheaper

[junior02]

ah the type which are driven by guys who were driving carabous and buffalos before there's always the jeepneys, even cheaper

is it still 10peso cheaper for non aircon taxi than aircon taxi? 4 years ago i was last in davao. but like you said much cheaper to get a jeep, just make sure you keep your wallet safe wen on jeepney..

[fred]

We tend to buy Mitsubishi as parts and dealers are common.. Looking at the Monterro 4x4 which is a bit pricey here for what it is..1.6M..
Kia s are not cheap here any more..Looking at the Sorrento...5 seater 2.5 ltr..1.5 Million!! The 8 seater is 1.8M ! You can get good second hand Jap imports but not from Subic.. We have a friend that converts and refurbishes them near Manila..A 10 seater Pajero 2004 costs around 450/500K.
One thing to remember if buying any car here is that although they may seem pricey,motors seem to hold their prices well for years..

[Steve.r]

Nice thread Stu, and thanks for the contributers too

[Pete/London]

We tend to buy Mitsubishi as parts and dealers are common.. Looking at the Monterro 4x4 which is a bit pricey here for what it is..1.6M..
Kia s are not cheap here any more..Looking at the Sorrento...5 seater 2.5 ltr..1.5 Million!! The 8 seater is 1.8M ! You can get good second hand Jap imports but not from Subic.. We have a friend that converts and refurbishes them near Manila..A 10 seater Pajero 2004 costs around 450/500K.
One thing to remember if buying any car here is that although they may seem pricey,motors seem to hold their prices well for years..

I looked at 2nd hand cars a few years back and they were so pricey compared to uk, but I think you have to stop comparing and just accept the market in P.I. I never bothered in the end cos they dont seem to bother with service history and mileage, well who knows. Probably ok if like you Fred you know a good mechanic but I followed Triple5 line and hired or used taxis.

once spent a sweaty afternoon watching some auto electricians change a car radio and speakers for an in law, reminded me of the old ad where they beat a car into shape in India, if it didn`t fit hit it with a big hammer and screwdriver

[RickyR]

We're in the process of buying a car, certain Japanese models are fairly reasonably priced, but you won't get a bargain here. Anything imported is levied a luxury tax on sliding scale from 200% of the cars value, which means that European cars aren't really an option.
The other thing to look for with some of the Japanese imports is that they start of in life as RHD and go through a conversion to LHD, which I personally don't like the idea of. Also with the Japanese imports, is that they will tell you a car is such and such a year, yet this is the year it was important and not built.... Confusing, yes.
Then the paperwork, you have to get the car checked with the LTO, ensuring that you have the proper paperwork with no outstanding finance on the vehicle. There is a good British guy I can give you the details of who for a fee does a lot of this work on your behalf and can arrange people to check cars out.

We are looking for a 5 - 7 year old Rav 4, and expecting to pay 500 - 600,000 php. We have been renting cars here and thats not too bad, have been stopped a few times by the police for white man tax, but tinted windows would put a stop to that!

[subseastu]

Nice thread Stu, and thanks for the contributers too

Ta. Its amazing wjat ideas pop into your head when your having a hard time at work. Of course thanks to those who have added to it as well

[subseastu]

We're in the process of buying a car, certain Japanese models are fairly reasonably priced, but you won't get a bargain here. Anything imported is levied a luxury tax on sliding scale from 200% of the cars value, which means that European cars aren't really an option.
The other thing to look for with some of the Japanese imports is that they start of in life as RHD and go through a conversion to LHD, which I personally don't like the idea of. Also with the Japanese imports, is that they will tell you a car is such and such a year, yet this is the year it was important and not built.... Confusing, yes.
Then the paperwork, you have to get the car checked with the LTO, ensuring that you have the proper paperwork with no outstanding finance on the vehicle. There is a good British guy I can give you the details of who for a fee does a lot of this work on your behalf and can arrange people to check cars out.

We are looking for a 5 - 7 year old Rav 4, and expecting to pay 500 - 600,000 php. We have been renting cars here and thats not too bad, have been stopped a few times by the police for white man tax, but tinted windows would put a stop to that!

Didn't think about the paperwork sde of things. Its certainly a minefield this. I've been looking at mitsubishi outlanders myself, seem to tick the boxes required. Big enough to be noticed by other road users and capable enough to deal with the differing road surfaces in the phils, especailly down near the province.

[subseastu]

So does anyone employ a driver? Whats the going wages for these guys? I find it strange to trust my car to basically a complete stranger. Then again I'm not overly keen on have a maid either. Can't stand the idea of someone else going through my stuff. The wife of course wouldn't mind one!!

[RickyR]

Drivers, depending on location can be around 7,000 - 10,000 php a month for live in. Maid's around 3000 - 6000 php live in. Our maid has been with us years on and off, and is very good. Live a very comfortable life.
Other things to consider with cars, if your staying nearer to Manila, you get a sticker which allows you to drive 6 days a week, but your not allowed to use your car one day per week! Yeah, wierd, but thats the way.

Driving here makes sense once you've been doing it a few weeks, its actually not as bad as people suggest.

[rani]

its good to have SUV here as there's always been flash floods during rainy season

[subseastu]

That makes sense. I'd have thought you'd be taking a chance buying a normal salon typr car?

[Travellor]

If I was in the market for a vehicle there, it would have to be new and my choice of manufaturer would be Toyota.

Toyota probably has the biggest global share of cars and parts of any manufacturer.

Then you look at second hand stuff and you are into a mine field.

Firstly check the chassis number is original to that vehicle.

Secondly check the chassis number with the manufacturer, this will give you a month and year build date of that vehicle. Many try to disguise the yr of vehicle by import date.

Thirdly, ask to see the paperwork to prove that the actuall import duties have been paid, and the relevant paperwork is complete in the sellers name.

Amongst other things if the vehicle has been imported and converted check the work out of the conversion. Use an independant mechanic to verify the work is of a good standard.

Officially imported vehicle by the agents is a better choice as it will have been built lhd and comply to all other pina specification

Once you find the right car just use your head like you would back home. Check for damage repairs, excessive wear on low mileage cars, a service history booklet or reciepts to back any service or warranty work.

It may sound like a lot but these are basic checks, once you have parted with your cash theres no going back for refunds.

[fred]

Just had a long drawn out discussion about buying a another motor (3 year old Toyota fortuner) with the Mrs and she reckons its best we sell our land in Baguio which we will probably never utilise..
So..Anyone looking for titled land in Baguio give me a shout.. Its a small titled lot..135 sqr mtrs in Cuidad grande 11 with (from memory) a nice view
Fred.

[sars_notd_virus]

any tips on buying a motor.

Tips on make and model, new or used

So what do you folks think?

I like HONDA,im satisfied with the quality and performance and their service centers are accessible

NEW OR used

Every car owner or buyer should know that a new car depreciates quickly in the first few years and after 3 years, it is worth only about 60-70% of the original price.

When purchasing a used car the primary goal is choosing the best deal and the car in good condition for a reasonable price,so I strongly recommend you hire a reliable mechanic to check the following:

engine rebuilt
Internal Parts
Oil Pressure
Oil Level
Repairs
Breather Pipe
Coolant Level
Pipe
Engine
Air condition
warning Lights

*Your job when buying used car is to check the Car history(find out the following: Totaled in an accident/salvaged, Flood damage, Odometer rollbacks, Lemon histories, Junked Titles, State emissions inspection results, Lien activity, and/or Vehicle use (taxi, rental, lease, etc.).
and Test Drive the car there shouldnt be any noise,knocking or whistling during accelaration or idling.*

[subseastu]

Just thought of another thing. What about insurance? I assume its not the same as the uk.

[RickyR]

insurance ranges from around 10,000 to 40,000 per year (max) fully comp. Covers any driver on the vehicle.