Owner Review: Viva la vida! Cheap and cheerful! - My 2009 Perodua Viva 850 EX MT

** This article is published on WapCar Community, represent the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://www.wapcar.my/forum

Basic information about my car:

2009 Perodua Viva 850 EX MT

Installed DRL for safety-view

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

It's a car that passed down to me from my dad since our family has a new bigger car which is the 2017 Perodua Alza SE MT. The story begins when I had an internship in 2017 when I was a Diploma student at 19 years old. At that time, my parents suggested buying a used car like Perodua Kancil 660 but my boss doesn't allow me to buy it. Then, my dad decided to drive it since it's a small car because my parents assumed I could not take care of a bigger car (Perodua Alza).

Front Close-up View

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM36,000
• Models that I have considered include Proton Saga BLM B-Line, Viva 1.0 BZ, Viva 660 BX

In 2009, at that time, it's my dad's car. Actually, I wanted to buy a new car since our 1985 Proton Saga 1.5 always causes problems to us. Check in and out from the workshop. Kinda frustrated but we have to. After years of having too many problems (old Proton Saga 1985), eventually, my dad made up his mind and bought the 2009 Perodua Viva 850 EX Manual. Yes, it's a manual. #save the manuals.

Side Profile 

At that time, the traffic jam congestion was not too heavy as well. People that year still prefer MT rather than AT. Buying the AT spec which is Viva 1.0 BZ (basic auto) kinda expensive around RM38k, but the specs are the same as the 850 EX Manual and its 4AT gearbox. In Kuching, OTR price for Viva 850 is around RM34k (i guessed). I was 11 yrs old when the Viva was bought. As stated on the brochure, this Viva already equipped power windows, CD player with 4 speakers, rear wiper, factory-fitted alarm system and reverse sensor. Kinda happy with the CD player (no Bluetooth/AUX or USB)...2009 bro, USB at that time also not popular as well. Feeling happy coz i can play my fav music too despite using Audio CD.

Front Quarter View

User Experience

•  I have already done 145,005  km
• My average fuel consumption is 7.77 km/l

What are my thoughts about this car is, Perodua mainly known as fuel-efficient car. This Viva commonly drive in mixed-mode whether in city or going back to kampung, filled a full tank around RM47 , i can get around 295 km range, but long distance highway, I think it managed to get 360km range when it's brand new. Daily usage for average fuel consumption around 12.87km/litre or 7.77l/100km.

Instrument Cluster with Amber Backlight

Many people asked, is it underpowered? For me, I'm dare not to say its underpowered unless you bring some big big passengers (confirm semput semput punya)  This 847cc ED-VE engine produces 39kW at 6000rpm and 76Nm at 4000rpm. For daily use to commute from point A to B, went to supermarket, send my parents go to work quite okay. Talking about cruising speed, it will drink a lot of juice when cruising around 100km/h at 3000rpm.

Installed Dashcam for Safety Reasons

Haiya, I can hear a roaring sound from the engine, wanting to upshift at gear 6, sadly there is no "Gear 6". What I like the most is the maintenance of this car quite affordable. For example, last year I replaced all 4 tyres (original rim size 155/70R12) only about RM440. Major maintenance that I did is top overhaul of the engine (common problem for the gasket to be leaking) due to aging factor on 2018, changing clutch plate (used it for 10 years old since it was out from factory before its 'DEAD', shows some slipping while up-shift/downshift the gears as well) . Factory-fitted rear spring that feel soft while facing the road bump , were changed to OEM Myvi-spring for better suspension.  

Linglong EcoTouring tyre with OEM Wheel Cover

The practicality?? Yes, lot of practicality inside this Viva. A lot of cubby hole like Cup Holder, Glove Box, 2 DIN compartment on centre console. (I wish Perodua at that time equipped 2 DIN Audio System, instead this was provided with 1 DIN CD player. Boot space for this Viva as stated from car website, only having 146 liters with the rear seats on, if the rear seats completely folded, I can get around 449 liters... (waaaa not bad actually for this small car). For the instrument cluster, it's amber coloured-backlit meter with Digital Information Display like Tripmeter,Odometer and Fuel Gauge. Even the base spec Avanza 1.3E Manual still used the analogue display.

Aftermarket Alarm System

My Viva already changed to aftermarket alarm system since their factory-fitted alarm suddenly making noise sometimes at this one situations,night.Uwuu kind scary to hear it. ( I don't know maybe it's the aging factor due to the electronic wear and tear for several years of usage). The audio system also already changed to aftermarket 1 DIN JVC Media Player with Bluetooth/USB/AUX and the stock speakers also already changed with aftermarket speakers like Blaupunkt (for front speakers) and Swiss-Line (for the rear mid-bass speakers). The sound produce quite boom-boom too. Easy to park but remember not to park even deeper. (you know what I mean is..HEHE)

Sporty Gear Knob for Racing

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

-Cheap maintenance 
-Fuel-efficient (despite 2009 car)
-Easy to park
-A lot of practicality uses (cup holder, glove box, compartment)

Rear Seats

Cons

-No airbags, ABS+EBD ,only seatbelts(remember its 2009 era, only think cheap cheap production, but newer generation already fit Dual Airbags as Standard,ABS/VSC etc)
-Factory-fitted CD player sound system sounds horrible (already changed to aftermarket)

Single DIN JVC Media Player for replacing the CD player

Total Score: 4

Performance: 3

Quality & Features: 3

Space: 3

Ride comfort: 3

Fuel Economy: 4

Price & cost: 4

Interior

Summary:

What I can conclude from my story is, this Viva carries a lot of memories of my family as well, a pretty reliable car for a 12 years old already. Car loan settlement was already finished in October 2016 and for sure I did not worry too much about buying a new car since it is my very own first car (looking for a job, bringing friends for an outing etc). Bear in mind, safety is a must for a new car so maybe it takes time to buy a new car if financially stable. For this time, I will continue to take care of this precious Viva until I get married and show it to my kids in future since it's MANUAL TRANSMISSION. No more manual cars as well in the future. #save the manuals. One more reminder, to ensure better long term usage, just keep it stock factory-specification.

Rear Quarter View

Interesting Events:

Funny thing happens, suddenly the wheel cover Viva flew away (swoosh) while driving, standard speed around 60-70km/h. Eventually replaced it with the OEM wheel cover.

📢📢Announcement:

After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!

You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.