Need advice on choosing a vehicle - KIA, Ford or Lancer

Gihan138 · September 22, 2019

Hey guys,

I am going to buy my first vehicle. I need some advise on choosing it. My budget is 2.5 - 3 million. These are the cars that I am interested in so far.

Kia Cerato (something around 2010)
Kia Rio (Not sure if I can find one, but interested in something around 2010)
Ford Focus (around 2010)
Mitsubishi Lancer GLX (I think I will have to settle for 2008, if I am going for this option)

Could you please comment on the fuel consumption and the reliability. I am trying to find fuel economical car that doesn't cost a fortune to maintain. I am very attracted to Kia vehicles and Ford. However, I am not sure if they give a good mileage. Also no clue about their maintenance cost. I know these vehicles are hard to sell. However, that is not a big importance for me. Feel free to suggest new vehicles to my watch list. (I am trying to avoid Indian cars and old Japanese cars.)

Please share your opinion. I really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance !

Hyaenidae · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 6:19 PM, Gihan138 said:

Thanks mate for the confirmation. I have already checked few Lancers. Most of them are CS1. What is exactly different between CS1, CS2 and CS3.

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CS1 - 1300CC

CS2 - 1500CC

CS3 - 1600CC

Hyaenidae · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 11:07 AM, Gihan138 said:

Thanks Hyaenidae I am leaning towards the Lancer.

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1

Well I'm wayyyyyy too into lancers its creepy af

On 9/23/2019 at 11:07 AM, Gihan138 said:

I also heard good things about the Toyota Vios. If any of you can compare those two options that would be really helpful.

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...with that out of the way, I can't fathom why anyone would buy a Thailand-made car that is meant to be used as a taxi if you can find a CS2/CS3 in good condition for the same budget... even the CS1 is much loved among its owners, there's an ad on the quick site for a 1st owner GL that has done frigging 232,000kms!

Edited September 23, 2019 by Hyaenidae

tiv · September 23, 2019

On 9/22/2019 at 10:42 PM, Gihan138 said:

Hey guys,

I am going to buy my first vehicle. I need some advise on choosing it. My budget is 2.5 - 3 million. These are the cars that I am interested in so far.

Kia Cerato (something around 2010)

Kia Rio (Not sure if I can find one, but interested in something around 2010)

Ford Focus (around 2010)

Mitsubishi Lancer GLX (I think I will have to settle for 2008, if I am going for this option)

Could you please comment on the fuel consumption and the reliability. I am trying to find fuel economical car that doesn't cost a fortune to maintain. I am very attracted to Kia vehicles and Ford. However, I am not sure if they give a good mileage. Also no clue about their maintenance cost. I know these vehicles are hard to sell. However, that is not a big importance for me. Feel free to suggest new vehicles to my watch list. (I am trying to avoid Indian cars and old Japanese cars.)

Please share your opinion. I really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance !

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Avoid the kias if you consider what you spend on the car an investment,

Crosswind · September 23, 2019

I owned a 2011 cerato and currently own a 2011 focus.

You might not be able to find a properly maintained car below 3 million. You can always find them for cheap, but especially with focus, if it's not maintained properly from day 1, it will eventually be expensive. This is true for any euro.

Cerato is more nippy than the focus. Both do around 8.5 to 9 in the city. It's my 8th year with the focus and I didn't face any significant repairs. Just a broken bonnet lock, broken gear shifter Bush and simple problems like that. It all depends on how the cars were maintained.

Devinda_Z · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 2:03 AM, Crosswind said:

I owned a 2011 cerato and currently own a 2011 focus.

You might not be able to find a properly maintained car below 3 million. You can always find them for cheap, but especially with focus, if it's not maintained properly from day 1, it will eventually be expensive. This is true for any euro.

Cerato is more nippy than the focus. Both do around 8.5 to 9 in the city. It's my 8th year with the focus and I didn't face any significant repairs. Just a broken bonnet lock, broken gear shifter Bush and simple problems like that. It all depends on how the cars were maintained.

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I'm with Crosswind on this - maintenance and even more so preventive maintenance is key in ensuring one has a reliable and pleasant vehicle ownership experience, especially when it comes to Euro's, so don't be afraid to pay a premium for a vehicle with all the work done in good order, verified by a specialist or independent assessor as well

Edited September 23, 2019 by Devinda_Z
typo

Gihan138 · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 2:03 AM, Crosswind said:

I owned a 2011 cerato and currently own a 2011 focus.

You might not be able to find a properly maintained car below 3 million. You can always find them for cheap, but especially with focus, if it's not maintained properly from day 1, it will eventually be expensive. This is true for any euro.

Cerato is more nippy than the focus. Both do around 8.5 to 9 in the city. It's my 8th year with the focus and I didn't face any significant repairs. Just a broken bonnet lock, broken gear shifter Bush and simple problems like that. It all depends on how the cars were maintained.

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Thanks Crosswind,

How long did you have the Cerato? Did you sell it due to any problems? 2011 cars are 8 years old now. Do you think these cars are still worth the investment?

I was told the Kias are costly to maintain. Is that true? Even if I manage to find a well maintained vehicle, will it break down often? are the spare parts expensive for KIA?

Gihan138 · September 23, 2019

Thanks Devinda for the heads up. I will be sure to check all the service records and get it checked by a reliable third party.

Devinda_Z · September 23, 2019

@Gihan138 also don't forget that some Fords have the added advantage of sharing the same platform as some Mazda's - so contrary to what people/the masses assume, it's actually quite easy to source original or equivalent high quality parts for these cars.

As an example, the Fiesta shares the same suspension components as the Mazda Demio & Mazda 2 so things are very straightforward

ajm · September 23, 2019

2nd hand market point of view would be Lancer>Kia>Ford. Driving pleasure+Handling+Comfort would be in the other order

Hyaenidae · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 5:59 AM, ajm said:

2nd hand market point of view would be Lancer>Kia>Ford. Driving pleasure+Handling+Comfort would be in the other order

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No idea about the focus but both CS2 and CS3 lancers are way better in driving pleasure + handling + comfort compared to a Cerato...

Gihan138 · September 23, 2019

Thanks Hyaenidae I am leaning towards the Lancer.

I also heard good things about the Toyota Vios. If any of you can compare those two options that would be really helpful.

Edited September 23, 2019 by Gihan138

Devinda_Z · September 23, 2019

The Vios feels light and nimble but at the same time flimsy

It'll also be a lot older, twice as old as the Cerato, Focus or Fiesta, with a lot more km's on the clock in most cases - the newer shape post 2007 ones will be well above 3 Mn

matroska · September 23, 2019

You can get a 2011-12 Lancer CS3 for below 3 Mil. Saw a 2011 CS3 Auto for sale at 2.8 on a classified site. Manuals will be even cheaper. If it were my choice to make I'd simply go for the Lancer - good value for money and a nice car.

Edited September 23, 2019 by matroska

Gihan138 · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 1:00 PM, Hyaenidae said:

.with that out of the way, I can't fathom why anyone would buy a Thailand-made car that is meant to be used as a taxi if you can find a CS2/CS3 in good condition for the same budget... even the CS1 is much loved among its owners, there's an ad on the quick site for a 1st owner GL that has done frigging 232,000kms!

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Thanks mate for the confirmation. I have already checked few Lancers. Most of them are CS1. What is exactly different between CS1, CS2 and CS3.

Gihan138 · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 1:23 PM, matroska said:

You can get a 2011-12 Lancer CS3 for below 3 Mil. Saw a 2011 CS3 Auto for sale at 2.8 on a classified site. Manuals will be even cheaper. If it were my choice to make I'd simply go for the Lancer - good value for money and a nice car.

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I could only find 2008 CS1 cars and 2008 CS3 so far. I will wait and see if I can find a 2011 CS3. Thanks for the tip.

Gihan138 · September 23, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 7:07 PM, Hyaenidae said:

CS1 - 1300CC

CS2 - 1500CC

CS3 - 1600CC

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Thanks again. I really appreciate it. What is the most fuel economical option. Is that the CS1? Do you think CS1 is under powered ?

Edited September 23, 2019 by Gihan138

Davy · September 24, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 7:18 PM, Gihan138 said:

Thanks again. I really appreciate it. What is the most fuel economical option. Is that the CS1? Do you think CS1 is under powered ?

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@Gihan138, Please search the forum. The Lancer CS has been discussed in great detail. You will be able to find answers to pretty much all your questions. Search results here.

To give a quick answer to your questions, yes the CS1 is under powered, especially when fully loaded or travelling uphill. The CS3 is noticeably better when it comes to power. All three have a pretty close fuel consumption figures, but I from my experience the CS3 does a bit better as you don't have to rev hard all the time to get the car moving - especially if automatic.

If you are getting a CS, get a GLX which is the higher trim level.

Crosswind · September 24, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 4:35 AM, Gihan138 said:

Thanks Crosswind,

How long did you have the Cerato? Did you sell it due to any problems? 2011 cars are 8 years old now. Do you think these cars are still worth the investment?

I was told the Kias are costly to maintain. Is that true? Even if I manage to find a well maintained vehicle, will it break down often? are the spare parts expensive for KIA?

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No I had a different problem. Monkeys in a*uto miraj poured CVT oil in to the normal auto box. The gearbox seized. Chandana at Nilwala motors sorted it out for 35k. I sold it later not due to the problem but to change cars. That's the only issue I had with the Cerato.

On 9/23/2019 at 5:59 AM, ajm said:

2nd hand market point of view would be Lancer>Kia>Ford. Driving pleasure+Handling+Comfort would be in the other order

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On 9/23/2019 at 10:59 AM, Hyaenidae said:

No idea about the focus but both CS2 and CS3 lancers are way better in driving pleasure + handling + comfort compared to a Cerato...

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Actually driving pleasure of the Cerato is far ahead of the Lancer. This is based on experience of driving both. Cerato was one of the best cars I used.

Focus is rock solid on bends. That's what I like about it. Otherwise it's a bit of a bore.

Hyaenidae · September 24, 2019

On 9/24/2019 at 12:50 AM, Crosswind said:

Actually driving pleasure of the Cerato is far ahead of the Lancer. This is based on experience of driving both. Cerato was one of the best cars I used.

Focus is rock solid on bends. That's what I like about it. Otherwise it's a bit of a bore.

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In which aspect though? I've driven a Cerato, It didn't handle as well as the CS, steering is lighter, ride is not as comfy as a CS. Does it have independent suspension?

Edited September 24, 2019 by Hyaenidae

Hyaenidae · September 24, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 7:18 PM, Gihan138 said:

Thanks again. I really appreciate it. What is the most fuel economical option. Is that the CS1? Do you think CS1 is under powered ?

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Well, you can feel the difference in power between a CS1 and a CS2/CS3, but for average day-to-day driving, I don't think it's that much of an issue. It certainly doesn't feel as underpowered as modern Kei cars.

I reckon CS1 would be more fuel-efficient in traffic.

Finding a CS1 in good condition would be easier than finding a CS2/CS3 in similar condition, owners who maintain those meticulously rarely let them go.

Refer to this thread as well : http://autolanka.com/forums/topic/18754-my-new-ride-mistubishi-lancer-cs1-glx-at-yom-2007/

If you're going for a CS2, avoid the GDI engine, refer to this thread for more info :

http://www.elakiri.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1882176

Edited September 24, 2019 by Hyaenidae

ShintaroX · September 24, 2019

On 9/24/2019 at 12:50 AM, Crosswind said:

No I had a different problem. Monkeys in a*uto miraj poured CVT oil in to the normal auto box. The gearbox seized. Chandana at Nilwala motors sorted it out for 35k. I sold it later not due to the problem but to change cars. That's the only issue I had with the Cerato.

Actually driving pleasure of the Cerato is far ahead of the Lancer. This is based on experience of driving both. Cerato was one of the best cars I used.

Focus is rock solid on bends. That's what I like about it. Otherwise it's a bit of a bore.

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Snap! (Almost.) I had a lovely 2002 CS2 JDM lancer with CVT. monkeys at Auto Miraj poured normal AT fluid into the CVT and the gearbox seized. Had to replace the whole gear box. They also forced in an air filter way too big and cracked the air filter box. Aaaaaaarrrggghhhhh!!! Sorry I’ve been holding that in for a long time! I feel better now. Although I have slightly smashed my tablet.

Wonderfully comfortable car, but I thought the 1.5 was a little bit sluggish. For that reason I would go for a CS3.

matroska · September 24, 2019

On 9/23/2019 at 6:24 PM, Gihan138 said:

I will wait and see if I can find a 2011 CS3

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there's actually one on a car classified site starting with the letter 'R' a 2011 with KT plates for 28 something.

On 9/23/2019 at 7:18 PM, Gihan138 said:

What is the most fuel economical option

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I'd say the CS3 cos it doesn't have to push itself too much. The first car i drove long term was my dad's Sunny B14 (1.3 L) - it was under-powered and as a result you had step on the gas a lot : as a result it consumed a lot more fuel than it's 1.5 L counterpart (FB14) which my cousin owned.

Jason Bourne · September 24, 2019

I'd choose the Lancer among these three, considering:

- Lancers are well-known for their durability and reliability

- Japanese. You can't beat Japanese when it comes to troublefree motoring

- Agents carry all necessary spare parts for this model and they have a good service network around the island, plus their charges are lower than most agents, so relatively cheap maintenance

- Reconditioned spare parts are available

If you're patient, you'll be able find a brand new import maintained by the agent for your budget.

Madusha Gallage · October 3, 2021

On 9/23/2019 at 2:03 AM, Crosswind said:

I owned a 2011 cerato and currently own a 2011 focus.

You might not be able to find a properly maintained car below 3 million. You can always find them for cheap, but especially with focus, if it's not maintained properly from day 1, it will eventually be expensive. This is true for any euro.

Cerato is more nippy than the focus. Both do around 8.5 to 9 in the city. It's my 8th year with the focus and I didn't face any significant repairs. Just a broken bonnet lock, broken gear shifter Bush and simple problems like that. It all depends on how the cars were maintained.

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@CrosswindHi, I just bought a 2010 Cerato as my 1st car last week. Can I know if you have ever encountered engine knocking issues? Car reports in USA says there's a knocking issue especially for 2.0L engines where the engine has to be replaced. I didn't find such for 1.6L. Btw, is it okay to use 92 Octane fuel? Manuals for 2.0L & 2.4L says to use above 91. Kia Agent said they recommend 95 Octane (all agents of any car brand recommends 95 even it's not required in the manuals. They just recommend without reason). What's your suggestion? Thanks in advance.

noddy · October 4, 2021

Go with the Lancer, Japanese reliability. Kia agents says put 95 octane !! and all repairs are expensive with specialist garages same is for the ford.

Dont know why you decided to do for car now. there are rental once. Good luck with the search.