Proton Persona - used car scenario

Proton Persona was introduced to Malaysian market in July 2007, and subsequently was officially launched in August 2007. The sedan was derived from the Proton Gen2 Hatchback, with a host of improvement to further enhance if effectiveness as family sedan, and to rectify the shortcoming of its Gen2 donor model. Prior to its facelift in March 2010, the car has received in its Campro engine with the introduction of IAFM. With the next generation of Persona looming around, scheduled to arrive in April 2012, it is a good time to buy the Proton Persona, which can be considered as very good value, in terms of bang perbuck, before the model is phased out and considered as buying "an old generation model".

Introduction of Proton Persona

The car was officially launched in August 2007. Persona is very much based on Gen2 model, with thorough engineering work concentrated on the rear end of the car. Side panel has been elongated to accomodate a 430 litres of boot space, and the hatch tailgate has been replaced by multi-link hinged trunk lid. The car is 167mm longer than Gen2 at 4477mm. The revised packaging of the car liberates extra 43mm of headroom and around 40 litres of boot space.

There's more enhancement that the one immediately apparent to the eyes. The multi-link hinge for the boot for example does not impede the boot volume when the trunk is closed, unlike the goose-neck hinge which is used for car like Honda Civic FD. The key cylinder was also thrown in, over the lack of one in Gen2. The interior has been entirely revised with, a tempest grey color scheme for one, and with better looking and greater quality door trim. Glove box was thrown in too for good measure. Read more after the jump.

Toyota Wish Unreg/Recond - buying guide

The first generation of Toyota Wish (ZNE10G) is very popular to Malaysian market for the last few years. Even when the second generation already been launched, there are still plenty of "old" Wishes running around with new registration plate.

There are many different specifications of this car available, as usual for JDM cars. Plenty of options are available too. It is very hard to find a consolidated information as details of this cars are scattered around the sites, forums and directory with various languages. Hence, the purpose of this entry is as a one-stop centre for potential Wish buyer who want to know the detail of their potential ride. I will cover the details of specification, engine option and equipment level for each variants.

More details after the jump.

Perodua MyVi - Used Car Scenario

Overview

With the launch of new Perodua Myvi approaching, soon the market will be flood with current generation of Myvi, as if it not yet flooded the used market right now. With soon to be cheaper used price, combined with reasonable build quality and component price, the spacious Myvi is perfect car for young family who is starting family life, especially if one can find a good, cheap used examples.

I’m talking from point of view of Myvi owner. I bought 1.3EZ (standard line, automatic transmission) in 2006 for RM46k. At that time I have a kid and frequently travelled up north from KL, Myvi served the purpose fuss free. Lack of boot space was not a problem as I have only one kid, so the flexible rear seat can be used for additional boot space.

Performance wise, the auto version can be pushed to 160 km/h (at least that as fast as I dared) although in-gear acceleration leave a lot to be desired ( but OK for 1.3 auto I guess). NVH is not too bad, better than Proton LMST I owned at that time. Handling is bit of mixed story; body roll is plenty, sharp braking together with steering input accentuates this further. But the lack of roll stiffness does result in positive turning in, with strong chuckability, good for darting around tight corner. Ride is a bit on the firm side, bump absorption is not that good where minor road imperfection can be felt. Fuel consumption is good if one drive at 90 km/h on average, but once you pushed beyond 3000 rpm at top gear, i.e beyond 130 km/h it starts to guzzle fuel like nobody business.