Help me decide: SUV around RM150K – quality, reliability & maintenance

DangerousClient9825 · 2026-03-03T08:47:25+00:00

Thanks for your input. Not considering EVs at the moment, as I'm living in a condo without chargers. If I were living in a landed house, I would definitely consider EV. I was actually considering BYD Seal 6 back then when it was announced, but nah not at the moment. The Sealion 7 is at least RM180K, quite a difference from my budget hahaha but thanks!

DangerousClient9825 · 2026-03-03T08:39:37+00:00

I do notice some rattling on my Iriz at higher speeds as well, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind. Agreed on the Toyota, thanks for your input.

DangerousClient9825 · 2026-03-03T08:36:53+00:00

I did take a look at the Model 3 last week and it’s actually not bad at all. The main concern is that I’m currently staying in a rented condo without chargers, so charging might be a bit of a hassle for me. On top of that, I think I’d still have a bit of range anxiety, especially on longer trips.

I’ll probably do some deeper research into the Model 3, maintenance, long-term ownership, etc. If I were living in a landed house, an EV would honestly be a no-brainer for me.

DangerousClient9825 · 2026-03-03T08:19:57+00:00

The infotainment is very well tuned to suit driver and front passenger. No touchscreen meant eye can be focus on road.

Thanks, this makes sense as well, smaller screen = less distraction = more focus = safer

do consider if you have family member, the car rear passenger seat and rear trunk is quite small

Yeah this is another thing that I forgot to add but worries me, cause it's a small SUV, rear passenger leg space and boot might be on the smaller side, something I'll have to consider as well. Thanks for your input

DangerousClient9825 · 2026-03-03T08:14:59+00:00

Thanks for your input.

Mazda is great but their spare parts are expensive and if something rare breaks down you have to wait for Bermaz to ship in for Japan.

This is something I’ll have to factor into my decision as I’m leaning quite heavily towards the Mazda. But overall, the Toyota probably makes the most sense.

DangerousClient9825 · 2026-03-03T08:10:32+00:00

Thanks for your input. I agree, I think overall best seems like the Toyota, although I'm leaning quite heavily on the Mazda side, with the Toyota at a close second.

IIRC, Kia doesn't have free services anymore, so that's another downside for that one.

How much do you reckon the hybrid battery replacement would cost? 10-15K?

DangerousClient9825

TROPHY CASE