Is the Ford EcoSport a good 1st car? Alternatives?

[iamstorm]

Looking to buy our first car, and we're more or less decided on an Ecosport (Trend, MT, Black Edition). The height was important to us, as it occasionally floods where we live. It's in the high range of our budget.

However, I've been seeing bad reviews for the AT, particularly its DCT transmission, and was wondering if transmission problems are also prevalent in the manual. Also now having second thoughts - I don't want to spend all that money and then sakit ng ulo agad 5 years down the road pa lang.

Any alternatives anyone might suggest also? We looked at the Juke as well, but it's significantly pricier, and while we love the look and I wouldn't mind the automatic, it also has less space compared to the Ecosport. The Mobilio was also considered, but it was too low - we might as well buy a Vios kahit less spacious, significantly cheaper and reliable pa. I've also driven an Avanza, HATED it, which is why we're crossing that off our list as well.

Thank you in advance to folks who'll reply.

[iamstorm]

Sorry mods, seems my connection got wonky and I double-posted. Please remove one.

[DTNS]

I've checked out the Ford EcoSport at a Ford showroom before. masikip cya IMO. its seats aren't supportive enough for me. well, it is based on an A-segment car platform. hehe!

I was supposed to recommend the Avanza, but you already scratched it off your list. you might want to consider stretching your budget for a Honda H-RV, B-RV, Mitsubishi ASX, or Mazda CX-3.

[iamstorm]

I've checked out the Ford EcoSport at a Ford showroom before. masikip cya IMO. its seats aren't supportive enough for me. well, it is based on an A-segment car platform. hehe!

I was supposed to recommend the Avanza, but you already scratched it off your list. you might want to consider stretching your budget for a Honda H-RV, B-RV, Mitsubishi ASX, or Mazda CX-3.

Yeah, medyo masikip nga sya, even compared to a Vios or most in the sedan segment. Pero important kasi yung height para sa amin eh. I think we can make do with the space.

Yung Avanza, grabe naman kasi, I drove one before, I really hated the experience. Manual na walang hatak, and everything felt cheap. I've also asked cabbies who drive regular non-LPG converted units, usually sabi nila malakas daw sa gasolina, they prefer a Vios.

Ang concern ko naman sa Honda, baka naman mahal i-maintain. From what I understand, Hondas are one of the most expensive cars to maintain. And from what I know of the prices, super stretch naman for the HRV, BRV, ASX and CX3. Aren't they in the Php1.2M range? The Ecosport is less than Php900,000.

[downtown]

it is easy to drive around because of the size and has ground clearance in case of light flooding. beware though, i hear that maintenance cost is quite high for ford vehicles.

[DTNS]

it is easy to drive around because of the size and has ground clearance in case of light flooding. beware though, i hear that maintenance cost is quite high for ford vehicles.

+1

[mbenz204]

I have both the previous Altis and the Civic and PMS is almost the same. Why not consider a Toyota Innova J?

[DTNS]

if high ground clearance and ease of maintenance are your top criteria, consider AUVs like an Isuzu Crosswind or Mitsubishi Adventure.

[iamstorm]

I have both the previous Altis and the Civic and PMS is almost the same. Why not consider a Toyota Innova J?
That was on the table, but even the basic unit is still more expensive than the EcoSport.

if high ground clearance and ease of maintenance are your top criteria, consider AUVs like an Isuzu Crosswind or Mitsubishi Adventure.

Those were also on the table, but my wife doesn't like either of them so that sealed the deal. LOL.

[mbenz204]

The WIFE........usually has the last say...... don't worry you're not alone....most of the time especially on expensive things.......LOL.

[DTNS]

Yeah, medyo masikip nga sya, even compared to a Vios or most in the sedan segment. Pero important kasi yung height para sa amin eh. I think we can make do with the space.

Yung Avanza, grabe naman kasi, I drove one before, I really hated the experience. Manual na walang hatak, and everything felt cheap. I've also asked cabbies who drive regular non-LPG converted units, usually sabi nila malakas daw sa gasolina, they prefer a Vios.

Ang concern ko naman sa Honda, baka naman mahal i-maintain. From what I understand, Hondas are one of the most expensive cars to maintain. And from what I know of the prices, super stretch naman for the HRV, BRV, ASX and CX3. Aren't they in the Php1.2M range? The Ecosport is less than Php900,000.

if you're limited by budget and by the "finance officer's decision", check out the 2nd hand market. I'm sure there are plenty of SUVs you can buy with your budget.

[iamstorm]

if you're limited by budget and by the "finance officer's decision", check out the 2nd hand market. I'm sure there are plenty of SUVs you can buy with your budget.

I looked at that as well, but my wife wants to buy a brand new car - I'm actually driving a hand-me-down 1998 1.6 Corolla GLI from my late father which still drives well, but as with old cars, they tend to need parts replacement and repair every so often. My wife wants to minimize the chances of such incidents, as we often travel with our 1-year old in tow. We also get a monthly subsidy for a brand new car from our jobs which we cannot get if we go with a second hand unit.

Personally though, I'm concerned about getting a unit with hidden issues. And I'd like to experience having a brand new car as well. Haha.

[mbenz204]

Actually you can get  a nice 1 to 2-year-old car still with a manufacturers' warranty. In your budget, it's really difficult for a new car with high road clearance.

[DTNS]

Those were also on the table, but my wife doesn't like either of them so that sealed the deal. LOL.

looks like your wife is dead-set on an EcoSport.


wala ba talagang leeway sa choices or sa budget?

[iamstorm]

looks like your wife is dead-set on an EcoSport.


wala ba talagang leeway sa choices or sa budget?

I'm not sure, but price is important - we might consider getting something more expensive if what we get in return really offsets the added expense.