A vehicle is never an asset. Many consider purchasing a vehicle as an investment because of the huge price tag. But, when you make an investment, you assume that it will make you money in return. Like when operating a business, your money makes money for you. A home for example, appreciates in value over time and stock pays you dividends.

Your vehicle purchase on the other hand, depreciates over time. In fact, the moment your car steps out of the showroom, the value is starting to depreciate like an ice taken out of the freezer. Only slower.

Vehicle purchase is considered a want, not a need. Many survive without ever owning one. But for convenience sake, most chooses to own one.

What are the primary things to consider when buying a vehicle? This is based on our current situation and conditions: Living in the Philippines & Global Warming.

3. Function and Purpose

The more the features, the more expensive. Yes, but in the end, if it’s for your comfort and convenience, isn’t that worth it? Unless you are buying a vehicle for business purposes or a service vehicle, this might not be entirely applicable.

At least for me, my primary concern is the vehicle ground clearance. Given the choice and the chance, I would like to purchase a vehicle that is high enough, but not too large. As most of us know, there are only 2 seasons in the Philippines. Summer and Rainy and when the rainy season comes, that is where most of the problems occur. Ondoy, is an extra-ordinary situation but in most cases, an SUV can conquer moderate flooding.

But of course, owning a SUV and a sedan is also different. A sedan is generally on the classier end and a SUV on a sportier end.

Vehicle features like entertainment systems, GPS Navigation systems and other vehicle luxury gadgets command a higher price. These are the optional and can be disregarded if it’s outside your budget.

Overall, I’ll pick a SUV versus a car any day. It can transport more people/ things, very advantageous in the flood-prone roads of Metro Manila and is generally more sturdy built compared to a sedan. An everyday vehicle, in short.

2. Cost Efficiency

When cost efficiency is considered, there are several aspects of it. Two of which is, the cost of maintaining the vehicle and another would be the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Of course, everyone knows that the more common the car, the cheaper it is to maintain. That’s the general rule but it doesn’t apply to all. For example, here in the Philippines where you can see Toyota’s and Honda’s  literally anywhere, parts are relatively cheaper and easier to find. Go to wherever car shop and you can almost instantaneously find what you are looking for. Two options for some: Brand New Original or Surplus.

Which to get? For me, I’d go for the Brand New original. It lasts longer and quality is ensured. Again, this is  a case to case basis and if your budget permits.

Fuel efficiency is a top choice for most of us as high fuel prices are draining our wallets faster than you can say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  Also, high pump prices forcibly lowered the value of gas-guzzlers. On a positive note, the more fuel efficient the car, the better it is for the environment and to everyone. Do not rely on what the sales person is telling you. Do check out reviews on the internet. I was fooled once by a pesky sales man who bent the actual data in favor of him and the company.

Google, is your friend.

1. Safety

This is my current list-topper. I guess everyone should also consider this as the top factor to consider. To check for vehilce safety ratings, go to IIHS.org. If you want videos of the test, go to youtube.com and search for IIHS followed by your car of choice. Example, IIHS CRV.

Please see the sample video below from IIHS:

Another alternative for checking the safety of the car is the Euro NCAP.

Please see the sample video below from Euro NCAP:

A sample detailed safety report from the NCAP – Honda CRV

Of course, safety should be our primary concern. Without us, why would you need a car anyway? Making sense?

An extra note. Given the extra budget, go for the automatic ones. Might be a bit lesser in fuel efficiency but is a great help in the traffic conditions in Metro Manila.

We would love to review your car! contact me at chef_tonio@yahoo.com

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