First-Time Car Buyers: 5 Popular Cars Below RM 90K In Malaysia
Buying your first car can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially if you are living in Malaysia. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision. First and foremost, it is essential to determine your budget and salary to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a car. Once you have a budget in mind, research different financing options to find an affordable one that works for you. It’s important to keep in mind that a car should be a necessity rather than a luxury, so consider what you need it for, such as work or travel, before making a purchase.
After you have established your budget and financing options, the next step is to test drive different cars to see which one suits your needs. When test driving, pay attention to factors such as petrol consumption, insurance, maintenance, road tax, and other related expenses. Don’t hesitate to ask the dealer or seller any questions you may have about the car. Once you have chosen a car, make sure to get insured to protect yourself in case of accidents or emergencies on the road. It is also essential to have a good understanding of road accidents and emergencies and know what to do in such situations.
If you’re looking to buy a new car as your first-car, here are some models below RM90K that you should look out for.
Perodua Axia
One of Perodua’s best selling models, the Axia is now out with a new model that is soon to b e another best-seller. This car is perfect for those who want a car that is reliable, fuel-efficient and easy to drive without forking out too much money. The Axia has all the safety features you would expect from a car in this segment. It’s perfect for daily driving, especially within the city.
Pros of the Perodua Axia:
- Uses a newer D-CVT transmission instead of a 4AT.
- Comes with lots of safety features.
- Very fuel efficient.
- One of the lowest-priced cars in the market.
- It’s small and nimble, great for city driving.
Cons of the Perodua Axia:
- It has a small 1.0L engine that isn’t very powerful.
Details of Perodua Axia:
| Type | Hatchback |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1.0L |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Price | RM 38,000 onwards |
Learn more here: Website
Perodua Ativa
Those who need the convenience and practicality of an SUV, the Perodua Ativa may just be what you’re looking for. It has lots of boot space and a spacious interior for comfortable travels, especially long distance. It also has a turbocharged small engine that makes it powerful enough to comfortably overtake or travel long distances without compromising on fuel efficiency. All these make the Ativa a good choice for young families.
Pros of the Perodua Ativa:
- Uses a newer D-CVT transmission instead of a 4AT.
- Has a turbo engine for better torque and acceleration.
- Very fuel efficient.
- Has a large boot space and is spacious.
- Its interior is very nice.
Cons of the Perodua Ativa:
- It has some concerns regarding its reliability, especially the turbocharged engine.
Details of Perodua Ativa:
| Type | SUV |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1.0L Turbo |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Price | RM 62,500 onwards |
Learn more here: Website
Proton Exora
Those looking for their first car but need one that fits their large family, the Exora is perfect for you. It’s a full fledged 7-seater MPV that can comfortably move your family and friends around with its powerful 1.6L turbocharged engine. It’s also one of the cheapest MPVs that’s in our market which makes it a great deal at its price point.
Pros of the Proton Exora:
- Has a powerful 1.6L turbocharged engine.
- Seats 7 people comfortably.
- Is very practical with seats being foldable to fit large items.
- Handles very well especially on highways.
- Has decent fuel-efficiency.
Cons of the Proton Exora:
- Only has 2 airbags.
Details of the Proton Exora:
| Type | MPV |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1.6L Turbo |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Price | RM 62,800 onwards |
Learn more here: Website
Toyota Yaris
Toyotas are super reliable which makes the Yaris a car that everyone should check out when looking for a first car. It checks all the boxes, a fuel-efficient drive, reliable parts and it’s comfortable for daily driving. Beginners just learning to drive would find this car a very good option to hone their driving skills.
Pros of the Toyota Yaris:
- Has a reliable 1.5L engine.
- Design is very sporty and chic.
- Build quality is very good.
- Has good tech features.
- It’s very fuel-efficient.
Cons of the Toyota Yaris:
- It’s a hatchback so it lacks some boot space.
Details of the Toyota Yaris:
| Type | Hatchback |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1.5L |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Price | RM 73,800 onwards |
Learn more here: Website
Nissan Almera
The new Nissan Almera is definitely a car that you should check out as your first car. It’s one of the best looking cars within this price range, both in terms of exterior and interior. It’s spacious and comes loaded with a lot of the latest tech too. It’s also super easy to drive and maneuver which makes it great for city and highway driving.
Pros of the Nissan Almera:
- Comes with a new 1.0L turbocharged engine.
- Has great tech features such as Apple Carplay.
- Its interior is class-leading.
- Comes in 6 cool colours.
- Very spacious and great for families.
Cons of the Nissan Almera:
- It is a little underpowered compared to some of its rivals.
Details of Nissan Almera:
| Type | Sedan |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1.0L Turbo |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Price | RM 83,888 onwards |
Learn more here: Website
There you have it, the 5 most popular cars below the RM 90K mark. Check out these cars and schedule a test-drive so you can find what’s best for you. Whatever your budget or needs may be, one of these cars would fit your requirements. All the best!
Buying your first car in Malaysia requires careful planning and consideration. Determine your budget and financing options, test drive different cars, and ask as many questions as you need before making a purchase. It’s important to remember that a car should be a necessity rather than a luxury, so choose one that fits your needs and budget. Lastly, be sure to get insured and understand road accidents and emergencies to ensure that you stay safe on the road.
