Recently, we reported that most of used car buyers are shopping within a budget of RM 80k. The largest percentage of used car buyers are in the budget range of RM 50k to RM 80k, followed by RM 30k to RM 50k, and below RM 30k.

The survey also revealed that the three most popular segments among used car buyers are sedan, SUV, and MPV. That got us thinking, which cars can you get for the money? Well, the list can be rather intensive so we’ll start with SUVs first.

There is, however, a caveat for our list – we’re ruling out cars that are either too old (above 10 years) or are considered premium/luxury. The latter is due the cost of upkeep, which can be rather daunting.

Also read: 15-year old Porsche Cayenne for RM 30k, but how much to fix?

If you can’t afford to maintain the car when new, you can’t afford it used either. The cars may have depreciated, but maintenance and repair costs do not depreciate. Also, we’d like to avoid driving anyone to financial ruins for the sake of the quote, “Life is too short to drive boring cars.”

With that out of the way, let’s crack on with our list.

3rd-gen Kia Sorento, RM 80k

While the 2nd-generation Kia Sorento (XM) is comfortably within the budget, we managed to find a handful of 3rd-generation Kia Sorento (UM) priced just under RM 80k for a 2016 unit. Newer ones are currently listed for around RM 90k, slightly overstretching the budget.

If you want a large 7-seater SUV that’s spacious and comfortable, this is perhaps the only option for the money. The 3rd-gen Sorento is significantly more refined than its predecessor and feels more upmarket as well. It’s also larger and more spacious.

A choice of two engine options were available when new – a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel. Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, though the diesel received an 8-speed unit in the facelifted model.

Outputs are 172 PS/225 Nm for the petrol and 200 PS/441 Nm for the diesel. We’d suggest going for the diesel for improved drivability, if you can find one within budget, that is. It is a large SUV after all, and torque is the name of the game here. The 2.4-litre petrol engine is alright, but it can feel a little strained at times.

2nd-gen Honda HR-V, RM 60k – 80k

Before the Proton X70 arrived, the Honda HR-V dominated the SUV market. With good reasons too, it’s well-priced, spacious, practical, and looks rather decent.

Used examples of the Honda HR-V can be found listed from RM 55k for a 2016 unit (E variant) to RM 110k for a 2019 RS-spec one. A single powertrain was used across the three variants, which was a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine (142 PS/172 Nm) paired with a CVT-type transmission. 

There’s also a hybrid variant with 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor making 152 PS/190 Nm combined. However, this is quite rare in the used car market. If you manage to stumble upon one at under RM 80k, you should certainly consider it.

Also read: Used 6-year-old Honda HR-V for RM 60k, what are the common problems?

4th-gen Subaru Forester, RM 60k – 80k

This is for those who prefer something a little bigger and more refined than the Honda HR-V at a similar price range, plus some rally aspirations off-road capability.

The 4th-generation Subaru Forester gets the signature boxer engine and Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-four engine makes 150 PS/198 Nm, mated to a CVT-type automatic transmission. 

There was also a turbocharged variant offered, called the XT, which makes 241 PS/350 Nm its 2.0-litre engine. Being a fully-imported car and priced at RM 200k, it’s rarer than the naturally-aspirated counterpart. Though a pre-facelift Forester XT fits right in the budget.

To drive, comfort is its priority, with supple suspension tuning and decent cabin noise levels. Wind noise is rather apparent due to its shape, but other sources of noise are relatively well-suppressed.

Boot space is smaller than its rivals like the Honda CR-V due to the raised boot floor. The complex rear double-wishbone suspension and AWD system do eat into boot space somewhat. But that’s a small price to pay for its capability.

1st-gen Mazda CX-5 RM 50k – 80k

If you’re looking for something more involving to drive, the Mazda CX-5 will be up for the job. It was the first Mazda to fully embrace the SkyActiv technology.

Early models from 2012 and 2013 can be found for around RM 50k. But we’d suggest going for the facelifted versions for the updated looks and added refinement. Pre-facelift models' cabin have been said to be on noisy side.

Engine options include a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre unit, both are naturally aspirated with 4-cylinders and direct injection. The 2.0-litre mill makes 155 PS/200 Nm while the 2.5-litre engine makes 184 PS/250 Nm. Both are paired a 6-speed automatic transmission.

2nd-gen Nissan X-Trail, RM 40k

For those with a tighter budget of say, around RM 40k or below, the 2nd-generation Nissan X-Trail (T31) is an excellent choice.

The T31 X-Trail carried on the formula of its predecessor but evidently, the market had moved on as it wasn’t a popular choice during its days. The boxy and somewhat rugged design did not carry the appeal it was looking for.

The positive of that is used units can be had at a rather affordable price, some can be found listed at under RM 30k. And for that price, it’s somewhat of a gem. It’s refined, comfortable, and has proven to be reliable.

Only one variant was available when the T31 X-Trail was sold. Power comes from a 2.0-litre engine codenamed MR20DE that is paired to a CVT, outputs are 139 PS/198 Nm.

Also read: At RM 28k, a used 2nd-gen Nissan X-Trail is an underrated gem

Conclusion

With a budget of RM 80k, choices are aplenty for an SUV. A premium option like an Audi Q5 or a Porsche Cayenne can be rather tempting but it comes at a cost, literally.

We always say, “buy what you like” but it should only be taken to a certain extent. The key is to not set yourself up on a path to self-destruction. With that in mind, the choices listed above are less likely to break the bank.

Do you agree with this “sensible” list or do you have other options in mind? Sound off in the comments section.

Also read: 73% of used-car buyers in Malaysia are shopping with a budget under RM 80k