Pre-owned picks of the week
By Naveen Victor | Motor Trader Malaysia – Thu, Jan 2, 2014RELATED CONTENT
- Picks of the week
This week we pick some new and not so new pre-owned cars that we think are probably worth the time and attention.
This is an addition to the Features section here at Yahoo Autos where, each week, we are going to pick out a number vehicles that are relatively affordable and worth considering if you are in the market for a pre-owned one.
This week's picks involve some new and not so new vehicles that are probably worth looking at but remember, do your homework before even thinking of putting your name down for one. On the outside, things may look good but you never know what surprises lurk underneath. Always inspect a vehicle thoroughly, preferably with a trusted mechanic before thinking about splashing the cash for it.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204
Mercedes-Benz spent a considerable amount of time developing the W204 C-Class. Five years, to be exact. The German marque built a computer model that underwent several simulations including crash tests to see how well the body structure would perform, before a physical version was even produced! Its predecessor lacked the quality of the original W202 C-Class and as such lost a lot of the appeal that older generation Mercs were known for. For the W204, Mercedes-Benz went back to the drawing board to rectify the problem and to create a car worthy of the Mercedes-Benz badge.
Right now, in the pre-owned market, there are number of variants available ranging from decently priced low mileage cars to ludicrously expensive examples but the most affordable has to be the C200. If you require something with better power and pick-up, go for variants that offer a little more grunt like the C250 CGI.
Pre-owned examples can be found at this link: Motor Trader
BMW 325i E46
Yes, we know it's more than a decade old but unlike most cars of its 'era', the E46 BMW 3-Series has aged gracefully. In fact, after a good wash and a layer of wax, to those not in the know, the E46 may seem like a contemporary car. Based on what's been rolling off the assembly lines lately, the E46 will continue to have design appeal for quite sometime. As of now, these cars are very affordable and can be had for little over RM35,000. T
hat being said, this amount of cash will only get you a 318i which lacks the kind of grunt Beemers are known for. The sweet spot has to be the 325i as its straight six not only sounds good but offers good low to mid range pick-up. Cars fitted with manual gearboxes are as rare as hens' teeth as most of them only came equipped with auto boxes. So if you are interested in one, get the tranny checked out first. Buying one with a dodgy unit is going to result in hefty repair bills. So be smart and vigilant with your pick.
Pre-owned examples can be found at this link: Motor Trader
Volkswagen Golf Mk6
Based on the same platform as the Mk5, the Mk6 Golf was built to embody the best qualities of the Mk4's interior and the practicality of the Mk5. The Golf is one of the best family hatchbacks on the market and the Mk6 is a perfect example of that. It is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine which offers a decent amount of grunt for daily commutes. From the factory, it came with a 5 and 6-speed manual as well as a 6 and seven-speed DSG gearbox, but here in Malaysia chances are you are only going to end up with a seven-speeder.
The infamous seven-speed transmission found in various models in VW's line has a reputation for going horribly wrong after prolonged use. The company acknowledged the fault awhile back and has taken steps to rectify the issue. To avoid this problem, shop around, call as many dealers as you can for a variant with a manual or the 6-speed gearbox most prevalent in imported ones.
Pre-owned examples can be found at this link: Motor Trader
Volvo S40 Second generation
The introduction of the all-new V40 has resulted in the demise of Volvo's small family car the S40. Introduced in 2004, the car was the Swedish marque's compact luxury sedan and said to have similar mechanicals to the Mazda3 and Ford Focus. Unlike the Focus, the S40 looks and feels far more premium. Rightly so, considering how much more it cost brand new. The car is a decent luxury cruiser and is perfect for those wanting an alternative to a Merc or Beemer.
Like all Volvos, the car comes with good safety tech including a blind spot detection system. Based on research, the car is available on the second hand market with either a 2.4-litre engine or a turbo 2.0-litre. Although all this sounds good, bear in mind that at the end of the day, its still a Volvo. As such, maintenance costs are going to be expensive, but to those who understand the brand and what it has to offer, there is nothing else like it.
Pre-owned examples can be found at this link: Motor Trader
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is one of Ford's most popular models here in Malaysia and was the company's bread winner before cars like the Fiesta were introduced. Prior to its introduction, pick-up trucks were considered utilitarian vehicles. But once the Ranger made its debut, it changed the public's perception of pick-up trucks all together. Nowadays its fashionable to be seen in a pick-up truck as its cargo carrying ability and 4×4 capabilities provide a rugged outdoors image for the driver.
The latest Ranger is a mammoth of a vehicle when compared to the original one, which adds to the menacing appeal people are looking for these days. Offered both in single and double cab format, the Ranger caters to a wide variety of tastes and needs. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel provides good pulling power but if you are the kind who need insane amounts of power, opt for the 3.2-litre Wildtrak as its torque capabilities are nothing short of impressive.
.jpg)
