Used Perodua Axia from RM17k - Is even more affordable equivalent to even better value?

Econoboxes live to serve one sole master in the motoring manor; getting you from Point A to Point B above all else. Unlike other segments, the term ‘econobox’ itself is a portmanteau describing the fundamentals that comprise being economical from a maintenance as well as fuel efficiency standpoint and lacking design elements because that costs more money.

In that respect, nothing beats the Perodua Axia. As the most affordable car in the country, it had to be fuss-free, easy on the wallet and get many of the bare basics right by not confusing the needs with the wants.

That said, it’s not like Perodua didn’t indulge its customers. After all, the Axia possesses the widest and most diverse demographic of buyers that could indulge in a want or two without any qualms on splurging a little more for them.

For example, the more premium variants packed power-folding wing mirrors and a 6-inch touchscreen head unit with more functionality than even the facelifted 2017 Honda City's infotainment that sold concurrently.

It was a no-brainer as a first car but that also meant many quickly made their way into the used car market as owners upgraded or upsized.

Also Read: Pros and Cons: Perodua Axia – The best car for young Malaysians?

Generations of the Axia

The Axia is still very much in its first generation that’s based on the Daihatsu Ayla but has since been on the receiving end of 2 updates over the last 6 years. Here, we’ll take a quick look at the major updates that came with each facelift.

2014 Debut version

Replacing the Perodua Viva, the Axia landed with an assortment of 4 flavours and a choice of 2 transmissions (4-speed auto or 5-speed manual) with a total of 6 variants.

• Standard E (manual)
• Standard G (manual)
• Standard G (automatic)
• Special Edition (manual)
• Special Edition (automatic)
• Advance (automatic)

There was a sole engine option in the form of an all-aluminium 1KR-DE2 1.0-litre inline-3 mill. Outputs were modest to say the least, delivering 67 PS and 90 Nm of torque, but were a smidgen higher than the Ayla though it lacked DVVT. You wouldn’t be breaking any land speed records with those numbers so keep in mind that momentum is your best friend the moment any inclines are ahead.

Also Read: Review: 2020 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV – RM43k for a 1.0-litre engine?

Fuel efficiency was a much more impressive 20.1 km and 21.6 km per litre for the auto and manual respectively. All variants had an Eco indicator to get you as close as possible to those figures.

Expect real world consumption figures to be a more grounded 15 km/l or so, though that’s easily achievable without much effort.

Looking to further distinguish between the lower and flagship trims, the Advance and Special Edition variants wore a sportier, trapezoidal grille. Pricing started at RM 24,600 and maxed out at RM 42,530.

2017 Facelift

With the first facelift came the unification of the front facias as Perodua stuck to one front design. The grille was reworked with more chrome and a new bumper.

Under the hood, DVVT was finally integrated after being first introduced in the Bezza the previous year. It brings an additional 1 HP and 1 Nm for a total of 68 PS and 91 Nm of torque. Perodua also claimed that fuel consumption has improved with the addition of variable valve timing as well.

As far as equipment goes, the Axia Standard G and E lit the way with projector headlights while ABS was made standard from the Standard G onwards, making it the most affordable new car with the feature. However, the airbag count remains at 2 for all.

Pricing was revised accordingly with the variants now ranging between RM24,900 and RM42,900.

2019 Update

In what’s almost certain to be its last update before a slew of major changes to mimic those seen across the Straits of Malacca, Perodua once again refreshed the Axia in 2019.

No doubt due to slow sales, all manual variants were dropped with the exception of the “driving school” spec Standard E because well… driving schools.

Nonetheless, Perodua introduced 2 new variants and upped the kit count. New to the range are the Axia GXtra and the Axia Style. The former is, as the name suggests, the Standard G with a few additions such as stability control while the latter is its take on what an “Axia Cross” would look like. It rides a little higher and has some fender flare mouldings to project a more rugged persona.

Everything took a backseat though to the fact that the Axia is now the most affordable new car in Malaysia with ADAS. Perodua equipped the flagship Axia Advance with its ASA 2.0 AEB (autonomous emergency braking) and also made VSC standard from the GXtra onwards. Isofix anchorage points were now available throughout the range as well.

• Standard E (manual)
• Standard G
• Standard GXtra
• Style
• Special Edition
• Advance

As for pricing, it didn’t change much and remained within RM 24,090 to RM 43,190.

Also Read: Review: Perodua Axia 2019 Style - Stands out from the crowd, but is it enough?

Which Axia variant to buy?

First let’s address the elephant in the room. At a quick glance, the prices of used units against brand new ones don’t differ much, which begs the question of why go for a the former?

The most obvious answer would be the waiting period. Right now, you’re looking at a waiting period between 5-6 months, possibly more, if you opt for a brand new Axia.

For those that can’t afford to wait and are on a tight budget, it’s an obvious solution to go used for the immediacy.

But we digress, back to the point of which variant to go for.

If money was no object, the 2019 facelift of the Axia Advance with AEB is the one to go for. Pricing online hovers within the RM 38,000 to RM 40,000 vicinity.

If you’re going with the initial batch, pricing for the 2014 Axia Standard G starts around RM 17,000 and climbs rather exponentially to RM 33,000 for a 2016 Axia Advance.

Next up would be the first round of updates with the 2017 models. Since the facelift was launched in January 2017, it’s safe to assume all units from that year are refreshed. Interestingly, there’re quite a few Axia Standard E units that start at RM 17,000 but if you opt for the Standard G, your starting point will be around RM 22,000. More premium variants work their way up to RM 35,000.

Finally, we arrive at the final round of updates. The 2019 Axia ranges between RM 20,000 before making its way to the aforementioned RM 38,000 for the AEB-equipped units.

The next best version after the 2019 ones would be the 2017 Axia SE. You’ll still get 2 airbags and ABS at the cost of AEB and VSC.

Regardless of the variant you go for, the Axia is blessed with a tonne of cubby holes and storage spaces as well as a generous 260-litre boot space.

It’s also worth noting that the facelifts addressed a some of the minor inconveniences from the first batch such as a button to disable the front parking sensors and a release button on the boot lid itself instead of having to open it from inside the car.

Common issues and maintenance costs

Come on… it’s an Axia. Short of having to get a whole new car altogether, nothing here’s going to leave you shaking your head… unless it’s at how ridiculously affordable parts and servicing are. You can check it out on their website here as well.

Also Read: Perodua Axia: How much does it cost to maintain over a 5-year period?

Speaking to an owner of a 2015 Axia that still drives the car to this day, he concurs that the most common issue of engine mountings needing to be replaced around the 100,000 km mark is true as he’s replaced his. The total cost including parts and labour was around RM 900.

Apart from that, the lightweight hatch and lack of motivation to hit higher speeds does see the brake pads lasting quite some time, as does the battery.

After 7 years of ownership, he did need to replace the condenser and cooling coil at a cost of RM 1,200. Keep that in mind when looking up used Axias.

Those skinny tyres are easy on the wallet and the negligible difference in price for a tyre that’s a size wider could mean a slight improvement in terms of handling. Expect to spend around RM 150 apiece for some renowned brands.

Conclusion

The Axia is more of an appliance than a car but much like the former, it’s just got to get one job done of getting you from one place to another.

Nonetheless, it’s come a long way since those humble and barebones beginnings, evolving into some luxuries and even ADAS to become a well-rounded entry-level car. Granted, not having any competition does make it all that more appealing but the flipside of that argument is there aren’t many cars that could give it a run for its money.

That said, the Axia never lost sight of its core deliverables and is still one of the most perfect basic cars on the market with unbeatable value and ridiculously low running costs.

To answer the question at hand, does more affordable at the cost of being used translate into better value for money… at this price point the needs outweigh the wants. Coupled with the fact that not everyone can afford to wait up to 6 months, it’s going to be a resounding yes.

If you're in the market for an appliance that'll get you from A to B without fuss, have a look at some of the Axias for sale at Carsome. Their November Deals have offer discounts and a 1+1 warranty on selected models as well.