I got an e-mail last week from a regular reader of this site. He asked me to share my thoughts about what kind of car a person should buy if he is going to live in the Philippines. Well, I’ve been thinking about that, and let me share some of what I’ve come up with.
First of all, I think it is important to say that most foreigners who come to live in the Philippines don’t need any car. There is plenty of public transportation here. If you are in Manila, the MRT (Light rail train) is available at a reasonable cost to take you around town, and get you around a lot more quickly than you can on the busy streets. For those in other major cities (Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and other larger cities) Taxis are plentiful and cheap. Here in Davao, for about P60 or so ($1.50), you can take a taxi just about anywhere you need to go. If you are going to far flung areas of town, maybe you’ll spend up to P100, but that would be rare, in my opinion. In addition to taxis, you can ride on Jeepneys or Multicabs. A ride on the jeepney is cheap, around P7 or so last time I checked. How about tricycles for short trips. The ultimate would be to walk! So, there are plenty of ways to get around without investing the money needed to buy a car.
If you do decide that a car is the right way to go, there are a lot of options.
If you are living in a rural type area where you will be navigating a lot of dirt roads, or roads that have plenty of potholes and such, maybe you should look for a small pickup truck, something that can handle the rough ride that you are in for?
In the city, if you are expecting to drive a lot, and don’t have many passengers, perhaps a compact car would be just right for you. After all, it doesn’t look like fuel prices are going to be moving down anytime soon.
If you have a large family to carry around, or if you go on long trips, a van might be just what you need. I sometimes wish I had a van, because with the size of my family, we can be a little cramped in our vehicle. But, then again, a van generally burns a lot of fuel, so economy would not be the name of the game.
For me, since shortly after moving to the Philippines, I have been driving an AUV. What, you ask, is an AUV? Well, it’s an “Asian Utility Vehicle,” which is sort of a slightly smaller SUV. My AUV is a Mitsubishi Adventure. It can hold 5 passengers very comfortable, and more if we squeeze in. There are “bench seats” in the back of the vehicle where the kids can sit too, if needed, expanding the passenger capacity to perhaps up to 10 people, if they are of the right sizes! I have owned my Mitsubishi Adventure for 8 years as of next month, and have never had a major problem with it at all. As a matter of fact, it still practically looks like new. I fully expect to drive it for another 8 years too.
And, guess what? I just bought a second vehicle. I was not really in the market for a vehicle, but my friend, Gene, recently moved back to the States. He had a 1997 Nissan pickup truck that he needed to get rid of before moving. He made me a good deal on it, so I bought it. With our plans to build a place on Samal Island, we will no doubt be doing some hauling of materials over there, and a pickup will be very handy for that. Another reason for the purchase is that we spend a fair amount on taxi fares between my family and my business employees. Now, I am having my nephew learn how to drive, and he can take people around where they need to go, at a nice savings. So, the pickup truck will be a win-win for us.
Another major concern when purchasing a vehicle is whether to buy a gas engine or diesel. Diesel is much preferred here, especially for a larger vehicle like a truck, SUV or such. Keep in mind that diesel is also about 25% cheaper to buy than gasoline, so that might influence your decision. Between my two vehicles, I have one gas and one diesel For driving pleasure, I prefer to drive the gas vehicle, but for economy, the diesel cannot be beat.
One other consideration would be the transmission. Most vehicles in the Philippines come with a manual transmission (stick shift). If you are from the USA or other parts of the world, you may be used to only driving with an automatic transmission. Any vehicle you may buy for personal driving here can be ordered with an automatic transmission. Notice, I said “ordered” because generally you will need to place a special order for that vehicle. For me, I opted to learn how to drive with a manual transmission, it was not hard to learn, just took some practice.
So, these are your considerations to make when you want to choose a vehicle. Unless you plan to travel around and go long distances, I think you might be best to opt for using public transportation. I like to travel, though, I’ve basically driven over almost the entire island of Mindanao (and it’s a big island!), so I need my own vehicle.
How about you? Do you want to own a vehicle here? How do you feel about driving in the Philippines?
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Quick note on a different subject: As you can imagine, I get a lot of e-mails from readers of my various websites, especially this site. Lately, I have been having a problem with this. A significant number of people who write to me are putting the wrong e-mail address on the contact form. In other words, the e-mail address that they put doesn’t work, or doesn’t exist! When you write to me, be sure to put your correct e-mail address so that I can respond to you. Last week, I received an e-mail asking me where to stay in Davao, and I responded with a very detailed e-mail about hotels in town and such. The e-mail bounced with the explanation that their mailbox was full! I really want to get this e-mail through to the people, because they would not have written unless they really wanted the information. I spent a fair amount of time responding to them, yet they are unable to get my response, because their mailbox is full. So, please give me your proper address, make sure that your mailbox has space left in it, etc. It’s best for both of us!
I think for getting around Samal and the occasional trip to Davao, the little multicabs I saw while there would be perfect. Not sure who makes those other than Suzuki. I like the idea of the 4WD version for getting around some of the harder to navigate roads on the island. Of course by the time I get there something else may be more appropriate.
Hi Randy – Those little multicabs are something, and a great bargain, no doubt! The only thing I would worry about (only a bit, though) would be whether they have the necessary power to navigate some of those hills, especially if they have a load. However, I think they would probably be OK. Like you say, though…. in a few years, who knows what will be available! 😆
Ha ha ha . 😆 ..little multicabs they r so much fun to ride in , they sure can haul a lot in them too ..we loaded 20 big sacks of gravel on one went up and down the hills good , a little slow up hill but made it all the same ,then we had a flat tire oh well ….we made it home ..
The multicabs are nice IF you have short legs. the driver's seat is fixed to the back of the cab and cannot be moved, so make sure you test drive one and find it comfortable. We had a friend who was ready to buy, but found he had to drive with his knees almost up to his elbows…
We love our Toyota Revo. We almost bought a sedan, but find that we do a lot of picking people up at the airport and a sedan would not hold Us, our visitors and their luggage. It is not 4WD but will do country roads if they aren't too bad. We have had no trouble with it mechanically, or with any of the stuff inside, like visors and electric windows. We have to maintained at the Toyota dealer and feel that it is reasonable for what we get. We like the ride and the way it handles. We ride in our friends cars and always come away being happy with what we have.
Hi Phil R. – Ha ha.. did you have to take those 20 sacks of gravel out in order to change the tire? 😆
Hi AmericanLola – Your Revo and my Adventure are similar vehicles, just different brands. I agree, this style of vehicle is quite good, can get you through most situations, etc. Big enough to haul most of what you would need, yet not too big. I love my adventure!
I'm not sure a multicab is very safe….
Hi Cheryll Ann – Ha ha…. the way the drivers are on the streets these days… what IS safe? 😆
Hi Bob,
I think you have mentioned before that it is not always a good idea to buy a new and flashy vehicle because of the impression that it gives other people (like that you have a lot of money!). Does that still seem to be the way to go?
Well exactly with the way people drive here you are more likely to get killed in a multicab, LOL LOL! 😉
Our nanny (the one you met) was in a car cacident a few months ago, a large jeep hit our honda civic the car spun like 5-6 times, windows broke and all luckily nothing happened to her and YES, she was wearing her seatbelt.
Hi Tom – Hmm… Did I say that? I probably did, although I don't necessarily remember saying it. Yeah, that is probably a good idea. In addition to the fact that it doesn't advertise that you have money, I also get a good feeling from having a vehicle that I don't have to worry about too much. I mean, with both of my vehicles, if they get a scratch, hey they got a scratch. I'm not going to cry about it, or lose sleep. Don't take me wrong, I take care of my stuff, but I just don't let such things ruin my day either.
Hi Cheryll Ann – Ha ha.. touche! You are certainly correct there! 😯
When Bob says public transportation may be the best option for some, realize that "public transportation" in Philippine cities is much more frequent and comprehensive (and affordable!) than anything you'll find in most American cities. Jeepneys are everywhere and super-cheap; taxis are numerous and attractively priced; longer-range transportation is fairly easy to find; and for special occasions, a van and driver can be hired for less than one would pay to rent a car. In many American cities, if you don't have a car of your own it's extremely difficult to get around. Not so in Philippine cities.
Also glad Bob mentioned the prevalence of manual transmissions, as this is the exception rather than the rule in the USA.
Bob, would you recommend purchasing vehicles from new or used car lots, or from individuals?
I thought you were the one who said that. I could be mistaken. Old age plays tricks on the mind! I think my thoughts about cars are similar to yours. My ego is not tied up in the type of car that I drive, so I tend to do well with purchases (because I don't fall in love with any car). I take care of my stuff, too, but a scratch is going to happen.
Hi Matt – I have purchased a brand new vehicle and also a used one since living here. Both experiences were good for me. I think it's a matter of taste. I will say this – used vehicles hold their value much more here than in the USA, so that would be a consideration in making the decision.
Hi Tom – I probably did say that at some point! Like you say… it's also try in my case… Old age plays tricks! 😆
Hi Bob, i think i mentioned to you, when i came here, i was disappointed with the second hand car market, like you say above, they seem to retain their value much more than in europe and the us, like you say above, this led to an easy decision to pay say 20% more to get a new vehicle, rather than buy a 3 year old model of similar specification
i too do not want to fall in love with my car and treat it like a special thing, its only a car, BUT if you pay a lot of money for it, you want it treated correctly, anyway this relates to finance not to practicality of the vehicle but for me, it led me to buying a new one, isuzu sportivo crosswind, why it needs 2 names i have no idea, anyway so far after 3 months with it, no i am not in love, but so far so good 🙂
Hi Rick – I've ridden in your vehicle, and I can say that it is quite nice. You made a nice selection there.
Hi Bob – this article got me thinking about car insurance. How's that work there? I'm guessing the majority of people don't have it. Do you have insurance? Seems the likelihood of a fender bender is pretty high, so I would think collision might be a good idea if you have a nice car. Not much chance of ever collecting from the other party if you get hit I would suppose. Also comprehensive could be useful, if offered.
Hi Randy C – Car insurance is mandatory here, although it is much less expensive than in the States. We do have car insurance, of course. If you don't have it when you go to pay your annual license plate, you must get it. Our vehicles are 8 years old and 11 years old, so we don't carry comprehensive, just liability. Insurance here is no-fault for the most part. Your insurance pays to fix your car, it doesn't matter who is at fault. The liability coverage is generally for if you injure a person. Liability coverage is cheap, like P600 per year. Comprehensive for a nice new car runs P15,000 to P25,000 in most instances.
Have you driven a Ford lately 😆
I have an 05 Ford Everest. Had some problems with it 😡 and plan to get rid of it soon. Don't know what I will get next (Like you Bob, I have a need for 2 vehicles).
Hi Mike K. – Ha ha… based on things you have told me regarding your Ford, and things that I have heard from others as well, I would personally recommend that people avoid buying a Ford here. Hey, I am pro-American and believe in supporting American manufacturers as much as possible, but service can be a problem with a Ford. Why? Because dealers are only located in major cities. If you live outside those cities, when you need service it can be a hassle, a long trip, etc. Parts can also be a problem as well. Just my 2 cents worth of advice!
Hi Bob – Could you give me an idea what you are now paying for diesel and gas in Phils. Here in Australia diesel used to be 20-25% cheaper than gas, but is now pretty much the same, and no-one can give you a good reason why. Gas is now close to AUD$1.50 per litre, up about 40% in only th last 2-3 years. (by the way I mean the price @ the pump and not from a coke bottle on the side of the road) 😆
Hi Anthony, following yr comments round here, fuel has just shot up in price here anyway filled up this pm at 40.7 peso per litre, for diesel, didn't note the exact price for petrol but its something like 45-47 peso / litre depending on the grade
Bob,
I haven't heard of anyone else having problems with their Fords. Although, I do agree with you it is hard to get things done to a ford if they do not have a dealer in your area. My next vehicle I believe will be the Isuzu SUV (top line model, I don't remember the name) and my next truck will be the Mitsubishi Strada (lots of leg room and good all round vehicle in general) Although, I do not care for the new body style. I do however, like the Strada 03-05 body style with the snorkel kit. I have plans for a new bike and 2 new trucks. 😆 Anyone want to buy an 05 Ford with 25k kilometers?
Hi Anthony – Diesel is running just over P40/liter now, around P40.50 or so. Gasoline is up to nearly P50/liter now, yesterday it was P49.20. So, there is about a 25% difference between the two.
Hi rick b – Thanks for jumping in there and posting that info! Since I have one gas vehicle and one diesel, I am up on both! 😆
Hi Mike K. – Yeah, I don't think that there are any real particular problems with Fords. I just mean that if you do have a problem, getting service can be tough! Like you, I also like the Mitsubishi Strada, it's a nice vehicle!
I frequently publish gas and diesel prices on my blog, Bob,you just saved me the trouble. Those prices are very current for here in Luzon as well.My vote is an AUV as well. Revos are very good, likewise the Isuzu Crosswind and ny favorite, the Mitsubishi Adventure. Used cars are in general a bad investment here. Avoid used imports through Subic like the plague. I go with 'casa' – dealer maintenance.
A misunderstanding possibility about insurance. 'Comprehensive' in the US means physical damage not caused by collision. In the Philippines it means what we call in the US, full coverage. Full coverage for my 2 year old Adventure is P 18867 this year.
Hi Dave Starr – Sorry if I beat you to the fuel prices this time! Ha ha… Just kidding, I know that you don't mind!
I am like you, I love my Mitsubishi Adventure!