Inspira 1.8MT: The Selection Process

I've had the car for more than a year. Today, I'm going to go through the selection process of purchasing a locally assembled-badge engineered C Segment Sedan with Manual Transmission for less than RM85,000.....new!

I wanted a new car. I longed for a car that would be exciting much like my Satria 4G13 (sounds cool right?). My other half complained on the comfort and human-occupancy-ergonomics of the 3 door hatch that is the Satria. That helped me narrowed my decision on the specification on the car. Basically it narrowed it to be:

1. It has to have more than 3 doors
2. It has to be comfortable to some extent (not bouncy bouncy like fake boobs, more fluid like the real one)
3. It has to have better road clearance as compared to my slammed Satria

Simple, isn't it? But what went through the list of cars that I've considered leave me wondering after a year of purchasing my Inspira.

I initially went looking for either one of these, a Toyota Camry (XV30 to those that like codes - 2002 to 2006 model year) or a 7th generation Honda Accord (2003 to 2007), thinking that second hand reliability and comfort in those cars. Problem was that in the tiny town of Miri, Sarawak; there were not much on sale on the second hand car lots, nor from private sellers. Hence, it would take a long time to find a model that would fit the condition of care of these D segment sedans that are normally more pricey to fix and to reach it's as-new condition. I therefore given up hope on getting either one of these cars.

I've come to a realization that getting a second hand car of supreme driving would be hard in Miri. I've thought of getting a used Subaru WRX Version 8/9 or a BMW E60 525i or BMW E46 335i were out of the question since getting independent (non-dealership) technical support and expertise was few and far between in Miri, meaning that if I hit any mechanical problems with the car, it would be harder to get the right people and parts to get those car fixed, as compared in KL, rather than Miri. Therefore, you either get a used Toyota, Honda or, get a new car.

Now, there are several new car that I've tested.

First was the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan. The test drive proved that the Sonic has nice meter cluster like those of a sport bike. The ride was more towards comfort rather than sportiness, steering is sharp but would require more driver feedback, brakes was adequate (I don't remember the bite and feel) and acceleration was barely adequate, kinda like an Nissan Almera. Overall, I can only remember the meter cluster. Kinda shows that the car is more of an appliance, especially if you don't row your own.

Next, I went to the Ford Dealership to try out the Ford Ranger. It is a handsome pickup. Personally, I found no faults in the pickup. It has a Manual Option, it's has 4X4, its handsome, it has more power than the Hilux (prior to the turbo Vigo-Hilux) and it gives man-cred. But, I think that the screen on the centre console is too small on the vast space of the dashboard. I rule it out however due to the following reason, it was too long (the length of the truck) for my current needs, as well as being harder to maneuver in tight conners and parking. Therefore, I've put the selection of the Ford Ranger aside even though it is a nice truck and I would have bought it with my own money.

I went to the Perodua dealer next, to enquire about the Alza. It is the best selling Malaysian made 7 seater at the time. Basically, I don't know what I was thinking to even consider the Alza. Maybe it was the price, at round RM65k you can get a 5+2 that is reliable and cheap and you can park it in a parking lot and struggle to find your car since plenty of people have it in White. Don't get me wrong, if you need to ferry either 6 other people at one time, or 4 other people with plenty of luggage, this is the car at the lowest price for reliability and possible lowest price (I think Cherry-China has a cheaper 7 seater). The worst thing about this car besides from loosing it at a parking lot? It is boring to drive. It is however, far better than the Toyota Avanza 1.3 AT.

I then test drove my colleague/friend's 2013 Honda City. The suspension is slightly hard but still comfortable, steering is typical Honda, weighted enough to feel engaged. I can't however test the car in full sprint for the driving dynamics as she is in the car when I tested it. I don't like that my head is almost touching the roof and front windscreen of the car (the windscreen slopes too much into the cabin). I therefore gave it a pass since the cockpit is too close for comfort.  

 Next, after a night of considering all the options, I went to the Proton Dealer and placed a booking on the Inspira 1.8MT with no test drive. 

That concludes what cars I've considered prior to my purchase.