Segunda Mano: What cars can you buy for PHP 350K?
Which used cars could be had for less than PHP 350K?
Personal mobility is indeed in such high demand nowadays – and the numbers don’t lie. Based on industry forecast, over 500,000 new cars are expected to be added to our roads this year.
With easy financing terms from both car brands and banking institutions, you can even roll out of a dealership with a brand-new car without shelling out the dough for an initial downpayment.
But if you don’t want to overpay or mortgage what’s basically a depreciating asset for the next few years, the second-hand car market is equally an attractive proposition for those who want to satisfy their mobility needs.
The last time out, we had a look at pre-owned cars 20 years or younger with a ceiling price of PHP 250,000, and we’re surprised how many good cars can now be bought at that price range. This time, we’re raising the budget to a maximum of PHP 350,000 based just on the prices we tend to see online.
Do keep in mind that these aren't resale values; the prices posted are always just asking prices. Any person can ask any price they want for a car, but that doesn't mean they're going to get it. How much it will actually sell for depends on you, and your negotiating skills.
TOYOTA INNOVA
GENERATION: GEN 1 / AN40
YEAR MODEL: 2005-2007
PRICE RANGE: PHP 280,000 TO PHP 350,000
WHY THIS: Comfy ride, solid reliability, space for 7, versatile
WATCH OUT: Gas variants are thirsty, power steering pump leaks are common
When the Tamaraw FX Revo bowed out in 2004, the Innova took its place as an all-around vehicle for the family or even personal transport. Improved with a more powerful turbodiesel engine and a better ride with its coil spring rear suspension, the Innova successfully filled the shoes of the Tamaraw FX Revo for being a rugged yet comfortable MPV for the family.
Nowadays, second-hand examples of the first-generation Innova are already being offered for under PHP 350,000. You can even get the top-spec V variant with captain seats, especially those that came with the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. However, the most popular choice would be the diesel, as the 2.5-liter 2KD-FTV engine is more powerful and more fuel efficient than its gas counterpart. But under the PHP 350K price range, expect to land a lower E or J variant for the diesel Innova.
Furthermore, diesel Innovas will tend to rack up sizeable mileage so don’t be surprised if you see good running examples that have clocked in over 150,000 km. The 2KD-FTV engine can reliably handle high mileage and does not suffer from major issues when given the proper fuel and oil requirement, but common problems such as power steering pump leaks can surface for older examples.
Previous reviews: 2005 Toyota Innova 2.0 G
HONDA CIVIC
GENERATION: GEN 8 / FD
YEAR MODEL: 2006-2008
PRICE RANGE: PHP 250,000 TO PHP 350,000
WHY THIS: Good looks, spacious interior, comfy ride, easy to modify
WATCH OUT: AC compressor pulley noises, high gas consumption, steering rack issues
The 8th-generation Civic remains a popular choice for car enthusiasts and those who are looking to build a project car. While the four-door sedan version that HCPI brought to the country was powered by the SOHC R18 engine and the K20Z2 which are both less inclined towards performance, car enthusiasts like the fact that the body style can easily be fitted with body kits from the high-performance JDM Civic Type R FD2 and the Mugen RR.
Like the EK generation of the Civic, the 8th-gen styling has rather aged well over the years, and remains a frequent sight on car shows and car meets. Nowadays, the early 2006-2008 units that can be identified with circular brake lights are available in the classifieds for under PHP 350,000. Expect cheaper units to come with the 1.8 S or the base 1.8 V variant with automatic transmissions as the 2.0 S manual was only sold in limited units – and often fetches a premium whenever it surfaces on the marketplace.
With the 8th-gen Civic sharing most of its components with the CR-V, common problems with the AC compressor pulleys should be checked. Likewise, expect the 1.8 and 2.0-liter engines to be quite thirsty with fuel especially in city driving. Also be sure to get a feel for the steering rack, as some examples have been known to have problems with that.
Previous reviews: 2007 Honda Civic 2.0 S
FORD RANGER
GENERATION: GEN 2 PJ / PK
YEAR MODEL: 2007-2011
PRICE RANGE: PHP 255,000 TO PHP 350,000
WHY THIS: Powerful diesel engine, good ground clearance, work truck
WATCH OUT: Very stiff ride when unloaded, parts are not as common as other Japanese pickup trucks of its era
Ford’s current best-seller is the next-generation Ranger. But before the T6 platform came to be, the Ranger was actually a rebadged first-generation Mazda BT-50. Sharing bits such as the Mazda MZR-CD engine marketed as DuraTorq TDCi, the Ranger from 2007 to 2011 was one of the most powerful pickups in its class.
This generation of the Ranger is more of a workhorse than a lifestyle truck, so expect a stiff ride when unloaded. However, if you need a truck for your hauling needs, then the powerful diesel engine will definitely come in handy. Examples that fall under the PHP 350,000 range may include the 4x2 Trekker and XLT models that come with the 2.5-liter engine. For those who wish to have the 4x4, prepare to shell out a bit more over the PHP 350,000 budget to bring home one.
Previous reviews: 2008 Ford Ranger Trekker
HYUNDAI ACCENT HATCHBACK
GENERATION: GEN 4 RB/RC
YEAR MODEL: 2011-2017
PRICE RANGE: PHP 290,000 TO PHP 350,000
WHY THIS: CRDi engine is torquey and fuel-efficient
WATCH OUT: Potential injector issues with dirty fuel or poor maintenance, draggy DCT issues so opt for early model manual or torque converter A/T
The Hyundai Accent is one of the first modern diesel-powered subcompacts in the country, and it quickly rose to popularity for ride-hailing services and budget car buyers because of the fuel efficiency provided by its CRDi diesel engine. Back when it was new, it challenged the likes of the Toyota Vios and the Honda City.
The Accent CRDi came in both hatchback and sedan form for the fourth-generation model. The former sat on top of the lineup while the sedan served more as the entry-level and mid-grade variants. Nevertheless, both were available with the 1.6-liter CRDi engine that put out 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque which gave the car plenty of oomph but could also take on relaxed strolls with ease.
The engine was paired to either a conventional A/T, a 6-speed M/T, or a dual-clutch transmission, but used examples had more problems with the DCT than the other two transmission options. Likewise, if the used example was utilized as a fleet car, then be sure to check if the fuel filter is regularly replaced since back when the Accent was new, Euro 2-rated diesel fuel tended to cause fuel injector issues.
Previous reviews: 2013 Hyundai Accent CRDi Hatchback
TOYOTA VIOS
GENERATION: GEN 3 / XP150
YEAR MODEL: 2013-2018
PRICE RANGE: PHP 280,000 TO PHP 350,000
WHY THIS: Maintenance parts are cheap, reliable daily
WATCH OUT: Engine sludge for examples with poor PMS, suspension rattles
We’ve also featured the second-generation Vios on our previous second-hand feature for cars under PHP 250K. But for PHP 100K more, you’ll be able to land the third-generation Vios – otherwise known as the “Superman” generation due to its front grille design.
Compared to the second-generation Vios, the third-gen is bigger and gained more creature comforts. Most notably, the instrument cluster is now placed behind the steering wheel rather than the second-gen’s central mounted unit. But mechanically, early versions of the third-gen Vios still shared the 2NZ-FE and 1NZ-FE engines from the previous generation, and are paired to either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. For the year model 2017 onwards, the third-gen Vios received the 1NR-FE and 2NR-FE engines with Dual VVT-I and a new CVT transmission.
As with previous Vios generations, engine sludge remains a common problem for poorly maintained units, along with suspension rattles on the front shock mounts. But nevertheless, this generation of the Vios has the ability to still rack up mileage with good reliability all around.
Previous reviews: 2013 Toyota Vios 1.5 G
