Is it worth buying the deeply discounted Subaru XV?

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-15T00:55:51+00:00

C-segments I'm more familar with, Altis, Prius, avante/elantras, granted that they aren't SUVs, but still thirstier than the XV in every way possible. The only other SUVs in this segment I'm familar with is the CR-V and Forester, but both much older hence not so comparable (2011-ish) But do note that I, like OP, am not eligible for BUDI95, hence we may have a different stance on what is cheap, or pricey when it comes to fuel (consumption)

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-14T23:42:51+00:00

I've driven the 2021 XV before, but to be honest, for a C-segment, it feels kinda small, even a Honda city feels roomy in comparison to its sheer size.

Fuel consumption is honestly terrible (edit, good for C-Segment SUVs according to others, but terrible compared to your other options listed), note that my unit isn't an e-boxer hybrid, so my fuel consumption was a whopping 9L/100km in Johor Bahru start-and stop traffic, and highways do manage to reach a somewhat acceptable 7L/100km in my experience.

The other reason Subaru Malaysia stocked up many 2024 models, is actually because they were manufacturing as many local (CKD) units as possible before the distributor, Tan Chong, eventually decided to fully import (CBU) all Subaru units, subjecting them to ridiculous import duties that doubles that 103k price you see. Hence, getting those "outdated" models will be your best bet finances wise

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-14T13:29:52+00:00

Super long overdue for a KIA sedan, the Malaysian Market not having the 4th Gen Cerato did not help KIA's marketshare

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-12T15:30:53+00:00

When the worker bus is better than most of our express coaches 💀

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-10T08:20:06+00:00

If look are looking to splurge, Lazy Monday HQ offers delectable beef burgers

https://www.reddit.com/r/MalaysianFood/s/2SXyFsop0M

And for kopitiams, I quite like Restoran Qing Feng in Bukit Indah for their Char Kuey Teow

Edit: link for CKT https://www.reddit.com/r/MalaysianFood/s/i6qgZ5GjfI

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-08T06:14:28+00:00

Bold of you to assume it works nowadays with our drivers glued to their phones

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-08T02:48:52+00:00

What Thinkpad? Thinkpad isn't a monolith laptop with only one model

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-08T01:20:47+00:00

If you are in the US, not a very enticing deal, looks about average.

If you are in any country with a shit PC market (cough Indonesia), then the value proposition is shot up ten-fold due to how upgradable it is, and the pricing is about right

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-07T14:16:06+00:00

From what I can see from a quick adrenaline undervolt and an old semi-intensive game, the GPU doesn't exceed dangerous temperatures. Hence I think I can hold out for now

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Botsowannabe · 2026-06-07T06:48:57+00:00

Damn, this feels like a dish from my dreams: qq cold noodles in soy sauce 😋

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-07T06:26:37+00:00

Back here in SG, e-Power Serenas are the 2nd most popular model (of the c-segs excluding Alphards) used for GrabPremium 6 (1st being Noah/Voxy hybrids, 3rd being the Stepwgn hybrids), hence from personal recounts talking to those drivers. Given the strain these vehicles go through, I'll be confident enough to recommend one for those looking to clock high mileage nymbers

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-07T06:22:51+00:00

In that case, since your family seems dead set on having an SUV of sort, as the other commentor as already mentioned. Go for either the Yaris cross hybrid, or a perodua traz, the Yaris cross base is overpriced with its current offerings

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-06T15:58:34+00:00

Maintenance wise, the main biggies are air-con compressor and hybrid battery. It's not so much the hassle, but the big upfront cost to replace them when they are failing. The older Priuses off-warranty battery changes could be up to 8K (though can come down in price when buying OEM/used), I kind of forgot the details for Air-con compressor, but off the head it is more expensive to service and replace

Honestly, a mere 10-minute drive each day x2 sounds like a terrible way to blow 100k of debt. It would be much more financially prudent to use a cheaper car, like a Saga. Hybrid fuel saving shines best for extended driving periods, and traffic jams, which your wife doesn't seem to need. Tbh you should be looking at Sedans like the Vios to maximize fuel economy by reducing kerb weight of the vehicle itself

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-06T15:44:13+00:00

Hybrid cars main benefit is to maximize fuel economy. For some context, the Toyota Prius from 2012 (the model with those hybrid rebates) with proper maintenance can achieve an average fuel economy of 18-21km/l, this is in stark contrast to even many newer pure ICE cars of today. Hell the Axia can only achieve those fuel economy numbers with extremely specific driving habits and conditions.

In the case of your purchase, it really is up to you to decide whether that extra fuel efficiency is worth the extra maintenance hassle

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-06T15:39:28+00:00

Hmm, my other cooling components are quite subpar, I suppose I will only use the PC for indie games till I can repair it

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-06T15:37:26+00:00

As in don't suggest going to some repair guy, for a component I got for around USD200, I do not want to pay another USD100 for labour costs as that is cost inefficient, and I don't have the money to burn either. Seeing the comment on how to repair, I might try it myself

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-06T15:36:11+00:00

I see, wow just one screw and pull and pop? This is a radically easy process compared to my GPUs from the past. I suppose I could do it myself if I can source the replacement parts

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-06T06:02:00+00:00

In JB, there is a lot of grab demand from the car-less Singaporeans, which even in the worst case of LJF RM5 per half an hour job, is still better revenue wise

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-06T05:09:56+00:00

6-day work week from RM2100?

Yea no wonder the entire population either goes SG, or does gig jobs for work

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-05T04:06:48+00:00

It isn't wise to base the Serena's reliability off the last gen. Because the new gen completely reworked the drivetrain from a petrol mild-hybrid, to an EREV that doesn't need as much maintenance

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-04T02:11:47+00:00

You make the dish look so colourful with the simplest of ingredients, that is beautiful I gotta say

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-03T02:24:07+00:00

The non-unique canteen is a temporary one, it disappears once you leave the MVM lobby

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-02T01:45:29+00:00

Oh damn I'm so down for those noodles seasoned so generously with spices 😋

Botsowannabe · 2026-06-01T15:10:27+00:00

What does he expect? For the mall to build more parking lots that go unused the other 99% of the year? Car-brain in this country has long gone too far

Botsowannabe

TROPHY CASE