A decent car costs around 3.5 million at maximum

[YW Creations Y Studio]

I'm looking for a car that looks decent, offers at least average comfort, and can be sold without much effort when reselling.

So, the story is, I'm a 26-year-old person from Gampaha, and I want to provide a car ride for my mother that I own before she passes away.

I'm open to all suggestions and advice.

Thank you

Edited April 23 by YW Creations Y Studio
Forgot to add tags

[Hyaenidae]

A 2012+ Viva Elite would tick most of your boxes

I'd go for a 2015ish Geely Emgrand if I were you, though it won't be nearly as easy to sell off compared to a Viva Elite. People tend to run away screaming when it's a Chinese-made car with a 1800CC engine 😂

 

Edited April 23 by Hyaenidae

[YW Creations Y Studio]

Thanks for the quick reply @Hyaenidae. I definitely check on Geely Emgrand. Meanwhile what do you think about Peugeot 406?

[Hyaenidae]

Just now, YW Creations Y Studio said:

Thanks for the quick reply @Hyaenidae. I definitely check on Geely Emgrand. Meanwhile what do you think about Peugeot 406?

We have in-house peugeot experts @fiat fan @AVANTE

[fiat fan]

7 hours ago, Hyaenidae said:

We have in-house peugeot experts @fiat fan @AVANTE

🥹

7 hours ago, YW Creations Y Studio said:

Thanks for the quick reply @Hyaenidae. I definitely check on Geely Emgrand. Meanwhile what do you think about Peugeot 406?

If you can find a 406 Executive Diesel in good condition, go right ahead and buy it. Or else someone else will. They sell like hot cakes.

Owners rarely sell, but when they do sell its gone fast

Saw a K number example with beige interior go for 3.3 recently. 
 

If you cant find a diesel, buy a mint petrol. About 2.9 m for a good one.

Please buy an Executive trim when going for a 406. Your Mother will really appreciate the heated seats and the back support etc etc.

Beige interior and K numbers demand a small premium. The beige interior does look really good NGL. 
 

@AVANTE can show you some good technicians and the costs related to owning one. Or you can read my blog. 

[iRage]

Okay...so about the Geely recommended above....good if you can find a good car. Most of them are rattly and rusting out.

Euro cars...depending on where you are you might find it challenging to maintain. Where are you ? Plus...Euro cars are a committed relationship. So unless you are willing to have a committed relationship you are going to be miserable.

So...I am going to suggest the usual Japanese cars. Now...a Japanese car (especially if you find an immaculate example) can be like the school-time lifelong love affair with the girl next door or be as quick and raunch as a night with lady of the night (that comes with similar risks as well).

1. Toyota: T2xx series Corona Premio (1.6L) and Carina (1.5L). Good ones hardly come up for sale and when they do they are advertised more towards 4mil for a Carina. The Corona Premio is significantly cheaper. Looked at a few for a friend over the last few weeks and the Coronas were in better shape than the Carinas too. They do exist if you are willing to be patient. I would not bother wasting my time looking at Corollas/Sprinters (sedans and wagons) because 99% of them are garbage and over priced. Only time I would look at one is if something exceptional pops up and literally falls on to my lap. Cars like the Mark II, Chaser, etc...will be significantly over your budget.

2. Nissan: Honestly, I cannot think of any other than a Sunny FB15 (I personally find this the better option compared to a Corolla of the same generation). Again...hard to find a decent model. A Primera would be the most comfy...but again...a lot have been abused by wannabe racer boys. Cars like Glorias/Cedrics are now quite expensive because people want to buy them for "modification". Bluebirds, Cefiros, etc......again...most have been poorly maintained and have plenty of hidden gremlins lurking inside.

3. Honda: You are limited to the likes of Civics. Again...wouldn't bother chasing one down unless something exceptional drops on your lap. Fits are almost the same. 

4. Mazda and Mitsubishi: The usual suspects...Axela/3 and the Lancer. Good ones are held on to by owners like gold and when they come up for sale, they disappear in no time. Most are pretty average but would be in significantly better shape than a Corolla. If you are into hatchbacks, the Demio is also a decent option.

So... looking at the above.... I would say.... you are 26. Make your money go further. If you can find a Peugeot 406 in good shape. Go for it. Build a love affair. Yes, they are cars that your neighbors/friends and kade' mudalali will envy you over because "market naha", but you buy low and you sell it off at a decently depreciated price (provided you take care of it).

If you are worried about going for a Euro...well you have an idea of the common Japanese options.

Finally..don't max out your budget on buying the car itself. If the maximum amount of money you can spare is 3.5mil...then you should aim for a car that is about 3mil and keep at least 500,000 for post-purchase preemptive maintenance and repair work that will come up as you start using the car.

[matroska]

18 hours ago, YW Creations Y Studio said:

I'm looking for a car that looks decent, offers at least average comfort, and can be sold without much effort when reselling.

So, the story is, I'm a 26-year-old person from Gampaha, and I want to provide a car ride for my mother that I own before she passes away.

Nissan Sunny FB15 - common car, Nissan prices have not skyrocketed as opposed to other brands. Common car with ample parts availability. Fairly comfortable, and not bad-looking (personal opinion)  For your need this is the simplest and most painless option. Get a mechanic or a dedicated place to examine the car. Do some bargaining your budget should be enough. Resale should not be an issue either. An EX-Saloon (grade) with the 'old shell' should set you back around 3.2 Mill at max. Keep some cash for any repairs (car is around 25 years old now) and you're good to go. 

18 hours ago, Hyaenidae said:

A 2012+ Viva Elite would tick most of your boxes

A manual would be possible. Auto's are touching 4 Mill now and some of them are converted (and prone to issues) 

[YW Creations Y Studio]

Thanks you @fiat fan @matroska  @iRage @Hyaenidae for the very informative answer and discussion. Those are very helpful