Car Deals

[Kallista]

I am looking to get a car, a Honda CRV or similier. There seems to be
a lot of options around other than buying outright, makes good sense if
you can get the right deal. Can anyone point in the right direction.

[hhfarang]

There seems to be a lot of options around other than buying outright

I don't know of any other options unless you're talking about a loan to buy instead of paying all the cash up front. We did get a (5 year) fairly low interest loan through one of the Thai banks. That was offered and brokered by the Honda dealer itself (in Pranburi). My wife is Thai so I don't know if a foreigner could get such a loan or not. I think we had to make a down payment of around one third of the purchase price to finance the other two thirds. Sorry, can't remember all the details as this was nine years ago.

[m_right]

There seems to be a lot of options around other than buying outright

I don't know of any other options unless you're talking about a loan to buy instead of paying all the cash up front. We did get a (5 year) fairly low interest loan through one of the Thai banks. That was offered and brokered by the Honda dealer itself (in Pranburi). My wife is Thai so I don't know if a foreigner could get such a loan or not. I think we had to make a down payment of around one third of the purchase price to finance the other two thirds. Sorry, can't remember all the details as this was nine years ago.

What model did you get? Are you happy with it? Has the dealer been good to you? I am dong research for future purchase. Thanks.

[hhfarang]

There seems to be a lot of options around other than buying outright

I don't know of any other options unless you're talking about a loan to buy instead of paying all the cash up front. We did get a (5 year) fairly low interest loan through one of the Thai banks. That was offered and brokered by the Honda dealer itself (in Pranburi). My wife is Thai so I don't know if a foreigner could get such a loan or not. I think we had to make a down payment of around one third of the purchase price to finance the other two thirds. Sorry, can't remember all the details as this was nine years ago.

What model did you get? Are you happy with it? Has the dealer been good to you? I am dong research for future purchase. Thanks.

We got two, both from Honda Pranburi. The dealer has always treated us well. I tried Honda Hua Hin a couple of times for service after they opened but found that I get (or perceive at least) better and friendlier service at Pranburi, although sometimes there is no English speaking staff on duty so I have to get my wife on the phone to translate. We bought a CRV (cash) followed a few months later by a Civic for the missus. We financed the Civic which was set up by Honda Pranburi and we were given a booklet of coupons for the payments so that we just went to the bank where the loan came from each month and presented the next coupon and paid the payment.

We've been happy with both vehicles. The only minor complaints I have with the CRV is that the A/C doesn't seem to be powerful enough to cool the vehicle to the point I would like (while the A/C in the Civic will freeze your butt off and is rarely used on "high") and the seats in the (2004) CRV don't seem to be very comfortable for long trips no matter how I try to adjust them. No complaints at all with the Civic except the general one for me about smaller cars that it is difficult to get into and out of (at my age) because it is so low to the ground.

If I were to buy a new car I would probably again get a CRV (or maybe a large cab pickup) and If so I would probably again go to Honda Pranburi (for the CRV, if I decided on a pickup I would have to research which one and where as Honda doesn't sell them).

Some observations about the CRV: I got the fully loaded one with a (free) stereo upgrade that came in a unit that has a screen and will play just about anything, including CDs, DVDs, and even MP3 CDs but also doubles as a screen for a rear camera that has saved me more than once from backing over a dog, small person, or a parked motorbike. That unit also has a satnav button, but does nothing in mine as in 2004 I guess the maps didn't exist for Thailand. I assume the newer models would have this feature activated (and also that I could now get the feature installed in mine for a fee). Also, the comparable Toyota SUV was around the same price but with a good deal more interior room. I ended up buying the Honda because of the free extras they offered, but later after driving a while here was happy that I did as even with it I have to close the mirrors (with a button) to get between stuff on some narrow sois. The Toyota was much wider so would have been more difficult to get through the tight spots here.

[Dannie Boy]

Since HHFR bought his CRV, there have been one if not two upgrades so the latest model which is only about a year old will have a number of additional features. If you only want 5 seats then the CRV is a good car, although it only comes with a petrol engine - if you want a diesel option then it will have to be one of the other SUVs

[icebear]

Rented the new CRV, 2.4lt for 12 days and was very happy with it. Furthermore, you'll be able to use E 85, which was about B 24.81 a lt, compared to gasohol 91, B 38.++.

Excellent handling over the ever-worsening-road condition from Phuket to HH.

[m_right]

My wife wants a CRV but I think a pickup makes more sense from an economic standpoint and the Thai roads. I just want bigger wheels then I have now for pot holes. I do plan on shopping for a civic for use in the U.S. My son just bought one and I love that backup camera as well as other things. I have been researching and I have sticker shock!
Thanks for the info HH and Ice

[Lung Per]

I got my Chevy Colorado a few years ago, from the Hua Hin Chevy dealer. Our sales lady spoke a very good understandable English, and she took care of all paperwork in a smooth and efficient fashion. She also arranged the bank financing; I presented a little over one third down and the remainder in 30 monthly installments. I don't recall the rate of interest but it was rediculously low. A few days later this farang was on the road. The car has served me (and the entire family) well, and it still does with no problems at all. Keeping regular service at the dealer. Highly recommended!

[VincentD]

When I did my research almost three years ago, I did consider the CRV as I was looking for a mid-sized SUV that would fit in both the urban as well as upcountry environment. I also wanted four-wheel drive capability so my criteria was somewhat different.
I ended up with a Nissan X-trail and have been more than happy with it as I do some 'softroading' around the rubber estates in Chonburi. The Fortuner was too big and the CRV lost out as it's so-called auto four-wheel drive system was non-selectable. Wanted a Subaru Forester but they were just too expensive and lacked decent dealership support. Yes, it does use premium benzine (cheaper than gasohol in the long run) but it does what I need it for and fuel economy was not the top criteria.

Personal opinion of the latest CRV is that I just don't like the looks of it.

Also have a Toyota Vigo diesel pickup, much better fuel economy considering that the diesel price is controlled at 30 baht a liter, but being rear-wheel drive has had to be extricated on at least one occasion. The open rear deck also needs keeping an eye on if loaded and you need to get a bite to eat.

My two baht worth :-)

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[brianks]

Don't know what the gripe is with HH Honda as I purchased my Jazz there 5 years ago and was very pleased with everything and their service for my 4 years in Hua Hin.

[Kallista]

Vincent D where did you get your Nissan from?

[VincentD]

Secondhand dealership. They're not that expensive anymore and service history is typically available at the agent. At least, mine was.

The latest X-trail is two-wheel drive and is only 2.0 liter engine. Did not suit my needs. Have known people who upgraded to the later model only to sell that and get the four-wheel drive again.
Nissan now also have this selectable drive with a LO setting in a 4wd Navara pickup if you're into diesel economy and 4wd.

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[Kallista]

Vincent, Thank you for the information, where is the second hand dealership?

[VincentD]

Bangkok. I did my initial search with one2car, it lists the dealers who have the model you're searching for available. Then it's dealer visits until you find the one you want. The website is in Thai but lists the essential info.

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