We ended up buying a New Toyota Rush from Dumaguete when we first got here last January because we needed a car quickly. I was thinking the same as you about the quality or solidness of the Toyota. I had a 4 Runner in the states & it was solid & much larger & powerful engine. I’ve had the Rush for a year & still trying to get used to it. Happy hunting!
I recommend not getting a CVT car too much trouble with the CVT. We bought the best vehicle for travels I believe. This is the 2023 Nissan Terra, 7 speed automatic, 2.5 Diesel plenty of power for passing. and 3 rows of seats for the trips. Only the best.
Get the Fortuner, John. Reliable car. I have 3 Fortuners different years acquired. The oldest Fortuner I have is already 10 yr old. Get the automatic transmission. Good leg room on the 2nd row. I also have a Navarra - not quite good leg room at the back seat.
Also we are very happy with the Nissan. Never thought I would end up buying one. It's actually a nice vehicle looks good on the inside also. It's pretty much their top of the line SUV.
Also worth mentioning is the cars are computer controlled. Marianne has confused her twice now in Cebu City it got confulsed on the gears and would not shift into drive. The fix is turn it off and restart it, works every time. My 2018 Jeep had the same problem in Reno Nevada.
Great video. I like seeing the filipino car dealership experience. It was funny how as soon as you knock on the door she open the door, was she standing right next to the door holder.😂😂
Hey John, I experienced the same issues when looking for a new Toyota in Iloilo where I have my vacation condo at. Language was an issue and the vehicles are so different from the states. No factory sticker price on the windows so it’s hard to see what packages come with it. I only have Toyota’s PH website to go off of so I don’t trust the price from the dealer. All the cars on the showroom have many aftermarket accessories added with a big markup. That was too much for me. Blacking out all the windows is another Philippine thing which makes it so unsafe to drive at night. I work for Toyota in the San Francisco Bay Area so it was an eye opening experience for me. We decided on ordering a Corolla Cross 1.8 V Hybrid which we have been waiting 3 months for. Not sure if we will ever get it. We are still driving our 2014 Avanza 1.5 G which has been perfectly fine but my girlfriends company provides a great car allowance so we are taking advantage of it with a new one. I’ll be watching what you come up with.
With regards to 4x4, there's a long waiting list for those, across all brands, even in Manila, and it might take you two or three months to drive your car home should you opt to pull the trigger on a 4x4
You don't need powerful car in the Philippines... in Australia I had Ford F100 and Ford Falcon 4.2 l engine... Now I'm in the Philippines and I'm looking for Suzuki Everywagon... it's enough for Phils...
You are correct, the cars here are more expensive and the quality is crap!! can't compare cars here to cars in Canada or USA. I do own a Suzuki Grand Vitara and quality is good, engine is great and runs pretty smooth, worth a look for sure.
In my opinion Toyota is the most reliable car on the road. Having said that John, here in New Zealand, our car is a Dodge Journey V6. Our choice for a vehicle when we return to our home is a Fortuner. Although i think they are pricing themselves off the market, from what i saw, a basic model 4x2 = P1.9 mil, peso's. Second choice for us is the Isuzu MUX. We had a new Isuzu Sportivo when we first went to live at Cebu. Great car, rugged, go anywhere, comfortable, 7 seater., 2.5 litre Turbo diesel. John, we are thinking of looking for a late model vehicle, repossessed, low mileage, should be a lot less pricey. I am going to approach a couple of Banks and find out who deals their repossessed vehicles? Bob NZ.
I was extremely hesitant about buying a new car there. The contract is in English but I'm not confident that their understanding and mind are the same on that English. We chose to do a multicab for a car. I don't regret it, but I doubt I'd ever do it again. If we ever move back we'd look for a good used mainstream vehicle instead. I tried to do a couple videos at dealers but during the shutdowns the managers didn't want videos.
I got a 2014 Toyota Fortuner, 2.4 diesel good car. You might look at the toyota Rush too (smaller version of Fortuner). Take your time though (as you said), is the smart move. If you buy a used one, suggest looking for a foreigner (expat) owned vehicle.
Try to look for other vehicle brands, like Nissan, Izusu, Mitsubishi, Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mazda, Ford, and Chevrolet, and check their website as well.
hello , i am sorry to bother you but i have a question about cars in ph, i want to get my wife a car for she can use to help her make money ( i dont have problem helping her) but if i did get her a car and she rents it out to earn money , and if the person(s) who rented it and they wrecked it or hits someone on a bike, who will be held accountable, would be the person who rented it, would it my wife, or would it be me?
Hi I guess that you and family have decided to stay in the Philippines. More veggies and fruit are more available in the Philippines. One gallon of milk cost about 5.96 egg 14 Dollar a dozen check it out since you been gone price of food went up
Inflation in the states is one reason we expatriated to the RP. Also, we don't miss the nasty politics, corruption, relentless insane drama... The pros outway the cons for the Philippines, we feel...
I think I'd check Mitsubishi cheaper than Toyota's or maybe a 4 seater Suzuki multicab. Toyota's here are way over priced! Even the brand new Mitsubishi will be pretty pricey but less than the Toyota's. and they have been here a long time so parts and service should be no issue.
Excellent video John, gives me good information re. what to look for when I trade in my 1993 Ford Ranger on a brand new Toyota, if they'll have it. Thanks and good luck.
Maybe I heard wrong. Weren't the cars upstairs 1.3 million pesos. That's about 20,000.00 U.S.. Those downstairs were maxed out with add ons.. used might be the way to go. I believe taking an interpreter would be a little quicker than learning the language. Take care and thanks for the videos. Also you guys are in a much better way in the Philippines compared to the States. Much happier!!
Used vehicles are way overpriced in the Philippines. Plus they are as is, no warranty, someone elses headache. New is the only way to go here. All imported as the PI doesn't make cars and with some brands they could be double the price of the country of manufacture. No getting around that. No haggling like a market either. Besides promos, you pay sticker. If you still want used, go with private owner ads. Used car dealers here are more unscrupulous than the States. If you answer a private ad and you like the car, make the sale contingent on you having it checked out at the garage of your choice. If they don't like that, don't walk away...RUN! Nice video!
I've been looking for a used Montero for less than 1m which would be good for us. Good luck guys and wish to met you someday here in the Philippines and sure daughters would be make great friends.
Hello John, thanks for the walkthrough it is always appreciated. I’ll be there the end of the year, and of course I’ll be looking for a vehicle as well. By you showing the Toyota’s is a plus. I look forward in your next dealerships video. Steve
It is my understanding John has to return every so often to usa. You’ll want to check on secure storage availability when or if you travel. Tuk tuk is quick and easy it seems. Yay we heard Bryson talk!! Nice food!
@@rauldempaire5330 The salesman has an info sheet of all the models they sell. Why should he said 'no' to John if that was all affirmative as contained on the sheet? Isn't it stupid to judge the salesman just because he didn't say 'no' to all his questions and observations?
@@philippineswithjohndoe5529 How about in your country? Does yes always mean yes and no always mean no? Your country must be perfect then? So why did you leave your perfect country and migrated to the impoverished Philippines where almost everything is the opposite to what you have in your country? So how do your Filipino wife (or gf), her family and friends feel about you having many issues about the Philippines? Do they know you're not happy staying in the Philippines?
I was thinking the same thing about the communication between you and the salesman. I could see that possibly coming back to haunt you if you purchased a car there. Seems like a tuktuk is the way to go. Much less expensive, lower maintenance, and more humble.
I have a few responses to your issues in the video...... Who cares what the dealership looks like compared to what you had in the US? You are looking at a Toyota dealer in Phil's compared to a Lexus dealer in th US. Lexus is a luxury brand while Toyota is an every day brand. OF COURSE the Lexus dealership will look fancier! Who cares if it is a 1 owner car? If it is gently used (as can be confirmed by mileage and overall condition), does it really matter if it has been carefully cared for by 1 owner or 10 owners or abused by 1 owner or 10 owners? Gently used is gently used, while an abused vehicle is abused, whether abused by one or 6 or 15 owners. In the video you said that you want 4 X 4 or all wheel drive. Remember that 4 X 4 means that you can choose to use 4 wheel drive or 2 wheel drive at any time, while all wheel drive means that you have chosen to use 4 wheel drive all the time. Unlike in the US where you may need 4 wheel drive at some points in your travels (heavy snow, icy conditions, muddy backroads and off roading), while in Phil's you are unlikely to EVER need 4 X 4 unless you get into muddy or off road conditions. These salesmen are trying to lull you into a sense of security when they tell you it is a 4 X 2 vehicle. That simply means 4 wheels (like ALL cars) with only 2 wheels driving it. It is a 2 WHEEL DRIVE unit. Don't be fooled by their jargon. I am about the same age as you are (I'm 63) and seriously doubt you will need 4 X 4 in the Phil's tropical environment, unless you often get into muddy or off road conditions. Aside from that, my experience has been that it is best to let someone with plenty of money to burn buy a vehicle brand new and trade it in 2 or 3 years later so you can come by and buy it after that huge initial depreciation of the NEW vehicle and you get it at, perhaps 60% of new pricing, while you still get a proven reliable vehicle (by warranty records) at a much reduced price as compared to the new car cost. Good luck in your search, keep the videos coming and I wish happiness and good health to you and your family. Mike M.
There are many time in the provinces when 4wheel drive would be necessary like the last month we spent in the village during the raining system, terrible muddy, washed out roads. If you're only driving in the cities it wouldn't be necessary. My favorite is all wheel drive if I can get it but I doubt that is going to happen...Buying 2-3 years old is best as I have done with my past two vehicles. My 2003 Lexus list price was $67,000 for the initial buyer but in 2006 I paid $39,900 and I got all the upgrades including custom chrome rims. Thanks for your insights! John
4x4 is very much needed in the province where there are no gravel like the states and you end up with muddy roads and don’t know how deep a water hole will be.. they have water buffaloes lounging in province road watch a Foreigner in the Philippines his wife has to remove some logs of a muddy road…
@@brent2438 Oh yes, I was thinking multi-cab. Sorry about that and I have been thinking about the Toyota Helix but I would avoid Ford due to possible parts problems in the future. I would think Toyota might be easier for getting parts.
I won't deal with that car sales man at all! that sales man has zero knowledge about cars! You asked him questions....his answers "yes or no sir" 😆 😂 🤣
We ended up buying a New Toyota Rush from Dumaguete when we first got here last January because we needed a car quickly. I was thinking the same as you about the quality or solidness of the Toyota. I had a 4 Runner in the states & it was solid & much larger & powerful engine. I’ve had the Rush for a year & still trying to get used to it. Happy hunting!
I'll buy an FJ Cruiser as a go to all around Vehicle, very dependable, for any weather condition.
I recommend not getting a CVT car too much trouble with the CVT. We bought the best vehicle for travels I believe. This is the 2023 Nissan Terra, 7 speed automatic, 2.5 Diesel plenty of power for passing. and 3 rows of seats for the trips. Only the best.
Get the Fortuner, John. Reliable car. I have 3 Fortuners different years acquired. The oldest Fortuner I have is already 10 yr old. Get the automatic transmission. Good leg room on the 2nd row. I also have a Navarra - not quite good leg room at the back seat.
Ok thanks for the info…We are thinking the same thing.
Remember this I was a auto mechanic on VW in the 70's and did engine rebuilds so I know cars...
Also we are very happy with the Nissan. Never thought I would end up buying one. It's actually a nice vehicle looks good on the inside also. It's pretty much their top of the line SUV.
Also worth mentioning is the cars are computer controlled. Marianne has confused her twice now in Cebu City it got confulsed on the gears and would not shift into drive. The fix is turn it off and restart it, works every time. My 2018 Jeep had the same problem in Reno Nevada.
Great video. I like seeing the filipino car dealership experience. It was funny how as soon as you knock on the door she open the door, was she standing right next to the door holder.😂😂
Look up CVT they are basically a metal belt drive system variable speed. EDIT: It's on your Facebook Page.
Hey John, I experienced the same issues when looking for a new Toyota in Iloilo where I have my vacation condo at. Language was an issue and the vehicles are so different from the states. No factory sticker price on the windows so it’s hard to see what packages come with it. I only have Toyota’s PH website to go off of so I don’t trust the price from the dealer. All the cars on the showroom have many aftermarket accessories added with a big markup. That was too much for me. Blacking out all the windows is another Philippine thing which makes it so unsafe to drive at night. I work for Toyota in the San Francisco Bay Area so it was an eye opening experience for me. We decided on ordering a Corolla Cross 1.8 V Hybrid which we have been waiting 3 months for. Not sure if we will ever get it. We are still driving our 2014 Avanza 1.5 G which has been perfectly fine but my girlfriends company provides a great car allowance so we are taking advantage of it with a new one. I’ll be watching what you come up with.
I did a lot of research on that CVT issue before finally deciding on that Nissan Terra. Also most of the Toyota's were CVT so watch that one.
With regards to 4x4, there's a long waiting list for those, across all brands, even in Manila, and it might take you two or three months to drive your car home should you opt to pull the trigger on a 4x4
We were originally looking at Toyotas also but later settled on the Nissan.
its better to buy here in cebu sir john because all the car brands is already here...and even the used car also you have many choices here...
John don’t get the one with sunroof it’s not advisable. Get the regular one with a/c. Hi to your family from San Diego California
You don't need powerful car in the Philippines... in Australia I had Ford F100 and Ford Falcon 4.2 l engine... Now I'm in the Philippines and I'm looking for Suzuki Everywagon... it's enough for Phils...
You are correct, the cars here are more expensive and the quality is crap!! can't compare cars here to cars in Canada or USA. I do own a Suzuki Grand Vitara and quality is good, engine is great and runs pretty smooth, worth a look for sure.
John, have considered looking at the Fords?
I'd stay away from ford car in asia, they are junk. lol
In my opinion Toyota is the most reliable car on the road. Having said that John, here in New Zealand, our car is a Dodge Journey V6. Our choice for a vehicle when we return to our home is a Fortuner. Although i think they are pricing themselves off the market, from what i saw, a basic model 4x2 = P1.9 mil, peso's. Second choice for us is the Isuzu MUX. We had a new Isuzu Sportivo when we first went to live at Cebu. Great car, rugged, go anywhere, comfortable, 7 seater., 2.5 litre Turbo diesel. John, we are thinking of looking for a late model vehicle, repossessed, low mileage, should be a lot less pricey.
I am going to approach a couple of Banks and find out who deals their repossessed vehicles? Bob NZ.
American car parts can be hard to find here in the RP which is why most residents of the RP avoid them.
You lived in Philippines for long time ago.
I was extremely hesitant about buying a new car there. The contract is in English but I'm not confident that their understanding and mind are the same on that English. We chose to do a multicab for a car. I don't regret it, but I doubt I'd ever do it again. If we ever move back we'd look for a good used mainstream vehicle instead.
I tried to do a couple videos at dealers but during the shutdowns the managers didn't want videos.
I got a 2014 Toyota Fortuner, 2.4 diesel good car. You might look at the toyota Rush too (smaller version of Fortuner). Take your time though (as you said), is the smart move. If you buy a used one, suggest looking for a foreigner (expat) owned vehicle.
Thanks for the tip Warren. 👍
I'd look at Nissan. Toyota's are excellent but they arent what they used to be, their day of reckoning is coming
Try to look for other vehicle brands, like Nissan, Izusu, Mitsubishi, Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mazda, Ford, and Chevrolet, and check their website as well.
Nice cars John . I like the Veloz and the pickups . Can’t go wrong with a Toyota . I totally agree with you about the language Barrier .
Smart decision john, try Honda dealer cebu. I like to see their prices too.
hello , i am sorry to bother you but i have a question about cars in ph, i want to get my wife a car for she can use to help her make money ( i dont have problem helping her) but if i did get her a car and she rents it out to earn money , and if the person(s) who rented it and they wrecked it or hits someone on a bike, who will be held accountable, would be the person who rented it, would it my wife, or would it be me?
Your question is something for the auto insurance company you select here in the Philippines.
Hi I guess that you and family have decided to stay in the Philippines. More veggies and fruit are more available in the Philippines. One gallon of milk cost about 5.96 egg 14 Dollar a dozen check it out since you been gone price of food went up
Inflation in the states is one reason we expatriated to the RP. Also, we don't miss the nasty politics, corruption, relentless insane drama... The pros outway the cons for the Philippines, we feel...
Thanks for the tour John and beautiful family !!!
sir John you should bring Brianna along next time you go car shopping....she is very smart!.... sunroofs in the tropic? not a good idea!...
You're right! Sunroofs in the tropics are probably not a good idea...
I think I'd check Mitsubishi cheaper than Toyota's or maybe a 4 seater Suzuki multicab. Toyota's here are way over priced! Even the brand new Mitsubishi will be pretty pricey but less than the Toyota's. and they have been here a long time so parts and service should be no issue.
I have an 8 month old tuk tuk with 1700km on it if you're looking for second hand. It's red. We usually take the car and the Bajaj sits.
Where are you located? What year and are you on Negros? John
@@TurquoiseSunsets we are in Bacong. We bought the tuk tuk new the end of last May.
@@remote1426 Interesting, we'll check it out. Does your's have the side doors and the rain guards for the side openings?
Yes it does.
@@remote1426 Thanks Bill
Welcome to Valencia
Thanks ester!
Excellent video John, gives me good information re. what to look for when I trade in my 1993 Ford Ranger on a brand new Toyota, if they'll have it. Thanks and good luck.
You're welcome, and good luck to you too!
Learning the language is tough for me for sure
Maybe I heard wrong. Weren't the cars upstairs 1.3 million pesos. That's about 20,000.00 U.S.. Those downstairs were maxed out with add ons.. used might be the way to go. I believe taking an interpreter would be a little quicker than learning the language. Take care and thanks for the videos. Also you guys are in a much better way in the Philippines compared to the States. Much happier!!
Used vehicles are way overpriced in the Philippines. Plus they are as is, no warranty, someone elses headache. New is the only way to go here. All imported as the PI doesn't make cars and with some brands they could be double the price of the country of manufacture. No getting around that. No haggling like a market either. Besides promos, you pay sticker. If you still want used, go with private owner ads. Used car dealers here are more unscrupulous than the States. If you answer a private ad and you like the car, make the sale contingent on you having it checked out at the garage of your choice. If they don't like that, don't walk away...RUN! Nice video!
Thank u Mr. John for this video, when we back to the Philippines we are also planning to buy a car.
those sales persons need to know what they're selling and should understand what the customers want.
the place were i use to work made break parts for lexus ,they do use the best
Your planning to stay for good here in the philippines.. good for that if that so...
I've been looking for a used Montero for less than 1m which would be good for us. Good luck guys and wish to met you someday here in the Philippines and sure daughters would be make great friends.
We look forward to meeting you one day, that would be nice :)
@@TurquoiseSunsets Yep someday hopefully, our daughter Kara is 8 1/2 so I'm sure our daughters would have some fun meeting each other.
Hello John, thanks for the walkthrough it is always appreciated. I’ll be there the end of the year, and of course I’ll be looking for a vehicle as well. By you showing the Toyota’s is a plus. I look forward in your next dealerships video.
Steve
Not bad prices for a new car! Hopefully have white in that heat.
Check your Facebook page uploaded some info for you.
That was fun! Yes definitely buy used and make sure you get the title.
John can I recommend a BMW X5. My wife and I have 1 each here in la union. Toyota are good but not the highest quality.
I would worry a bit about parts and service for BMW, which is why we don't look for American or British cars...
Your not going to get the answer you really want from a salesman.
It is my understanding John has to return every so often to usa. You’ll want to check on secure storage availability when or if you travel. Tuk tuk is quick and easy it seems. Yay we heard Bryson talk!! Nice food!
Yes, Bryson is picking up more words now :)
it's my understanding but I could be wrong, when you buy a car in the Philippines there is no negotiations like you have in the United States
You are right! it is a different game altogether...Did you notice the salesman never said "no" to John..?...
@@rauldempaire5330 The salesman has an info sheet of all the models they sell. Why should he said 'no' to John if that was all affirmative as contained on the sheet? Isn't it stupid to judge the salesman just because he didn't say 'no' to all his questions and observations?
@@rauldempaire5330 I did but in the Philippines, yes can mean yes and yes can mean no
@@lionhearted1969 I was not judging..just commenting based on John's observations regarding negotiations...sorry if it was misunderstood...
@@philippineswithjohndoe5529 How about in your country? Does yes always mean yes and no always mean no? Your country must be perfect then? So why did you leave your perfect country and migrated to the impoverished Philippines where almost everything is the opposite to what you have in your country? So how do your Filipino wife (or gf), her family and friends feel about you having many issues about the Philippines? Do they know you're not happy staying in the Philippines?
I was thinking the same thing about the communication between you and the salesman. I could see that possibly coming back to haunt you if you purchased a car there. Seems like a tuktuk is the way to go. Much less expensive, lower maintenance, and more humble.
I have a few responses to your issues in the video......
Who cares what the dealership looks like compared to what you had in the US? You are looking at a Toyota dealer in Phil's compared to a Lexus dealer in th US. Lexus is a luxury brand while Toyota is an every day brand. OF COURSE the Lexus dealership will look fancier!
Who cares if it is a 1 owner car? If it is gently used (as can be confirmed by mileage and overall condition), does it really matter if it has been carefully cared for by 1 owner or 10 owners or abused by 1 owner or 10 owners? Gently used is gently used, while an abused vehicle is abused, whether abused by one or 6 or 15 owners.
In the video you said that you want 4 X 4 or all wheel drive. Remember that 4 X 4 means that you can choose to use 4 wheel drive or 2 wheel drive at any time, while all wheel drive means that you have chosen to use 4 wheel drive all the time. Unlike in the US where you may need 4 wheel drive at some points in your travels (heavy snow, icy conditions, muddy backroads and off roading), while in Phil's you are unlikely to EVER need 4 X 4 unless you get into muddy or off road conditions. These salesmen are trying to lull you into a sense of security when they tell you it is a 4 X 2 vehicle. That simply means 4 wheels (like ALL cars) with only 2 wheels driving it. It is a 2 WHEEL DRIVE unit. Don't be fooled by their jargon.
I am about the same age as you are (I'm 63) and seriously doubt you will need 4 X 4 in the Phil's tropical environment, unless you often get into muddy or off road conditions.
Aside from that, my experience has been that it is best to let someone with plenty of money to burn buy a vehicle brand new and trade it in 2 or 3 years later so you can come by and buy it after that huge initial depreciation of the NEW vehicle and you get it at, perhaps 60% of new pricing, while you still get a proven reliable vehicle (by warranty records) at a much reduced price as compared to the new car cost.
Good luck in your search, keep the videos coming and I wish happiness and good health to you and your family.
Mike M.
There are many time in the provinces when 4wheel drive would be necessary like the last month we spent in the village during the raining system, terrible muddy, washed out roads. If you're only driving in the cities it wouldn't be necessary. My favorite is all wheel drive if I can get it but I doubt that is going to happen...Buying 2-3 years old is best as I have done with my past two vehicles. My 2003 Lexus list price was $67,000 for the initial buyer but in 2006 I paid $39,900 and I got all the upgrades including custom chrome rims. Thanks for your insights! John
4x4 is very much needed in the province where there are no gravel like the states and you end up with muddy roads and don’t know how deep a water hole will be.. they have water buffaloes lounging in province road watch a Foreigner in the Philippines his wife has to remove some logs of a muddy road…
what a rip off
Buy a quad cab truck, and you can haul stuff😁
The family in the village had trouble with their quad cab, not very comfortable either and eventually sold it.
@@TurquoiseSunsets a quad cab truck like a Toyota Hilux, or, Ford Ranger. Very Comfortable. Seats 4 .
@@brent2438 Oh yes, I was thinking multi-cab. Sorry about that and I have been thinking about the Toyota Helix but I would avoid Ford due to possible parts problems in the future. I would think Toyota might be easier for getting parts.
Yes, try to get a used Toyota from an expat who is leaving the country.
Yes indeed, always one of those just around the corner... :)
So you got rid of your tuktuk
Yes, Dec 2019. Didn't want it to sit for 3 yrs...
I won't deal with that car sales man at all! that sales man has zero knowledge about cars! You asked him questions....his answers "yes or no sir" 😆 😂 🤣
I Know, it was frustrating....
I like Toktoks. Get toktoks John
Yes, Tuk Tuk are fun little transportation.