Owner Review: Got this car on my own because "Dad said no” - My 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6V

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Basic information

2020 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6V

Reason why I bought this car

I inherited the family's 17-year old Toyota Hilux Revo. 

However, the monthly gasoline as well as the regular maintenance expenses were too much for my wallet to handle.Its old age provides the family a bit of anxiety in using it in our out-of-town trips.

Sooner, I realized I'll be far better off buying a brand new car. More than the monthly financial savings that I can earn, it's the sense of knowing that my family will be transported in the safest and most comfortable way that matters to me.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: Php 1,000,000~1,200,000
• Models that I have considered include: Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Corolla Altis

The reason why I choose this car

I do believe that most cars are reliable and durable; but the reasons why I chose the Toyota Corolla Altis despite it being at the bottom of my consideration list are due to the following:

1. I'm a 28 year-old newly engaged man, and I have to be financially responsible especially with big-ticket items. Hence, I gunned for the car that would give me the least costs of ownership, and that's a Toyota. Note that I did my best to be objective as much as possible. I did ask my friends who owned various brands and even similar cars that are on my list, and realized that I can never go wrong with a Japanese Brand especially a Toyota Corolla.

2. The reason why I did not gun for the Honda Civic, though it's a great car, is because it's a sunset model given that the 11th gen Civic was already around the corner. Also, it's not ideal to own a Honda Civic in our place due to its low ground clearance. (1) I had friends whose family had to get down the vehicle just for them to pass a speed bump in the parking lot. (2) Also, some friends do not recommend the Civic for out-of-town trips where the roads are not even. 

3  Now that I'm left with the Mazda 3 and the Corolla Altis. Unfortunately, I had to eliminate the Mazda 3 all because of the rear interior. Note that I drive the 2020 Corolla Altis and I'm able to drive my friend's 2020 Mazda 3 from time to time. It really depends on your preference, Are you for overall ride comfort or sportiness? I just love how smooth and silent the Altis can be, but I also love the tech and sportiness of the Mazda 3 (not saying that Altis lacks power, it can give you enough power when you need it).

However, It's difficult to fit adults at the back of the Mazda 3, at most you can fit 2 full-sized adults. If you have small kids, maybe Mazda 3 is okay, but not necessarily for big families.

My litmus test is this, an adult cannot sit at the back of the Mazda 3 with his legs crossed but can do so in the Altis.

Both are equally great cars, really depending on your driving preference and needs. It just so happened that mine were skewed towards the Toyota Corolla Altis.

User experience

• I have already done 10,500 km
• My average fuel consumption is 8.1 L/100km

In my younger years, I've always wanted to ride cars that are sporty in nature, just like the Mazda 3. But now I tend to seek cars that are refined and comfortable like the Toyota Corolla Altis.

To date, my fiance and I agreed to prioritize a comfortable, smooth, and silent ride over a sporty car. Either way, wouldn't you want to hold the hand of your girl as you cruise around the city? <3 

In terms of power, it's never lacking nor overwhelming. With a slight press on the pedal, you'll surely get the power that you need. If you're in the mood for a fast drive, just shift to manual-mode and you'll surely get to speed in no time. Based on my experience, I was able to do 150 km/h at its 5th speed. I never dared to try the 6th or even the 7th speed as I'm not brave enough to go beyond 150 km/h (and I have no plans as well).

The only thing that I hate about my 2020 Corolla Altis is the lack of android auto and car play (PH Model). 

Other than that it's the perfect car for my preferences and needs given my budget. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Highly comfortable and silent ride 
• Powerful engine in times when you need it
• Sufficient Interior and Boot Space for my family's needs
• Low costs of ownership

Cons

• Dated infotainment system with no android auto and car play (PH Model)

Ratings

Total Score: 5
Performance: 5
Quality & Features: 4
Space: 5
Ride Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Price & Cost: 5

Summary

This is a story on how a father's guiding love was able to shape a son's thought process that would allow him to navigate through life. At the end of the day, it's not the things that a father gives, but what he teaches that would determine the fate of his child.

Some interesting events

"DAD SAID NO"

When I was in grade 5, I asked my dad to buy me a Victorinox Bag worth P2,500.

Dad said no.

Instead, he told me that if I really wanted the bag, I can loan money from him. With P150 weekly allowance that time, I told myself I can pay him in 17 weeks!

For 17 weeks, I wasn't enjoying any of my weekly allowance. For 17 weeks, I've learned the principle of CASH FLOW.

When I was in college, I told my dad that I'll be establishing my first business, and that I needed a total of P100,000.

Dad said no.

Instead, he pushed me to solicit funds from relatives by pitching the business idea to them.

Business came into fruition where all my forecasts and assumptions were based on my accounting and economics background.

Closing date came, we were breakeven in terms of profit; but lost roughly 20k in terms of cash flow. Then he taught me how to tweak the accounting formulas that would best cater to cash flow instead of income statement; because at the end of the day, CASH IS KING.

When I was about to graduate from college and received my offer from Globe as a management trainee, I was financially excited.

But dad clipped my wings and told me "You're on your own." At first I thought it was unfair. I didn't feel that life's battle ground was even. I was so pressured to secure my life-having to save a lot instead of splurging all of my income so I can one day secure myself.

Having said that to my dad, he insisted. "You're on your own." 3 years of financial anxiety have passed, I learned the value of financial independence and responsibility.

This 2019, amidst the emotional roller coaster ride that happened to me, I was able to buy my first condo and first car. Of course, all thanks to my dad.

In reality, I was never alone. He was just there observing me and making sure I made the right choices. Before I make any major life decision, my dad will always speak up his mind to guide and enlighten me; but at the end he'll just tell me "It's up to you. It's your call."

Last December 2019, our beloved 17 year old Toyota Revo officially retired. But I think it has now served its purpose for my family.

In need of a new car for my daily use, dad decided to extend credit without any interest under a pay when able scheme.

But now that a big chunk of money was on the line, and given that it was my own money, I was panicking.

I didn't know how to navigate. Should I buy the car that I have long desired, or the one that I needed.

Consulted my dad and my uncle on this, they straightened me out and asked, "First things first, which car can you get the most value for your money? A car that can last at least 15 years with still a good resale value plus cheaper to maintain?" They even added, "Focus on your necessities, not on your wants.  Now, I am just grateful. My dad saying no to me was in fact his greatest expression of his love for me. In reality I wasn't on my own. He was watching all along.

I guess this is the same thing with God. He declines us to straighten us up. He guides us but in the end it's our call.

At times, we feel all alone. But in reality, there's a Heavenly Father who's always watching over us, desiring to lavish His love on us.

Thanks papa, never in my life you spoon fed me, but you've always made sure that I learn the important lessons of life.

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