The DEFINITIVE 5 best 2nd hand cars to buy in the Philippines this 2022

You can still get the most out of preowned cars, even without the depreciation. These machines can still retain a considerable of their market value, as long as they’re given a little tender loving care. Preowned cars may not be as pristine as brand-new ones, but many of these cars are the very models we lusted over when we were still in school, or during times when we couldn’t afford one!

We’ve already compiled a list of the best secondhand car for sale to buy in the Philippines a few months back, but we felt the need to bring it up because the cars presented the last time looked as if you didn’t have a choice. This time around, we KNOW you want these cars on our list; luckily all of them are on our car for sale section for your consideration. Now let's get down to it, shall we?

1. Best 2nd hand cars to buy Philippines: Kia Picanto 2008-2009

I don't know about you, but I think the Picanto can still take on modern mini hatchbacks

I’ve written about the Kia Picanto in our best brand new cars under P700K list last week, and I traced back its roots to this model in particular: the first-generation Picanto, particularly the mid-cycle refresh version, was a game-changer in modern Filipino motoring. It offered people an antidote against the insanely high gas prices of the era, but at the same time it was also a fun and relatively spacious vehicle that everyone can enjoy.

If you’ve ever driven a go-kart, that is exactly how the Picanto felt like. Precise steering, agile maneuverability and impeccable fuel economy defined this car. These days, cars in the vein of the Picanto have become more ubiquitous on the road, whic means you don’t have to look far to experience the same driving enjoyment. I recommed getting the manual transmission variant for more control of the power that the Picanto offers.

There is a single caveat with the Kia Picanto though; the small auxiliary fan tends to struggle in keeping the engine cool, seizing up after 60,000 kms. Thankfully that’s all you have to worry about, as the Picanto will happily keep tootling along with regular and proper maintenance.

2. Best 2nd hand cars to buy Philippines: Honda Civic VTi 2005

>>> New and used Honda Civic for sale at best price

How can I ever leave this car out of the list for the best secondhand cars to buy in this Philippines? I personally own one and, I have to tell you, even with a 1.6L powerplant, it definitely pulls hard. The D16W9 engine packs power high on the rev range yet offers torque at the low RPMs, which means you can have your cake and eat it, too!

The trademark VTEC scream comes on past 5,000 RPM, but that’s not the only thing going in the Civic VTi’s favor; there’s also the low-key looks and the reputation of being one of the most underrated Civics ever released, next to the ninth-generation model.

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The Honda Civic 2005 VTi is an example of understated capability

Keep in mind that Hondas, especially the 2000-era ones are notorious for accumulating plenty of dirt and gunk in their throttle bodies. If you notice the car losing power or the RPMs dropping for no reason, it’s usually an indication that the throttle body needs cleaning. Make sure to check the vacuum lines for leaks as well. Again, the manual transmission is preferred, not only to better harness the engine’s performance but for better fuel economy.

>>> Also check out: 

• Top 5 used sports cars under 1 million PHP [Part 1]
• Top 5 used sports cars under PHP 1 million [Part 2]

3. Best 2nd hand cars to buy Philippines: Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G 2007

You can see design elements from the Lexus IS

I might be a Civic owner, but when people ask me what the best secondhand car with an automatic gearbox is, I always lead them to this car. The Toyota Corolla Altis 2007 is a low-key sleeper that can be tuned and styled into any configuration you need. For one thing, it features leather seats and faux wood trim in the cabin, with a large center console that doubles as an elbow rest during extended cruises, something not all cars offer these days.

Toyota was largely inspired by the Lexus IS, so you can’t help but notice a number of similarities between the Altis and its more premium sibling, especially the muscular rear fenders and tail lights. The 1.8L engine is also mated to one of the best automatic transmissions ever, a four-speed slushbox that may sound basic but really gets the job done.

Corolla Altis units of this generation are known to have oil leaks; fortunately these were fixed by the 2005 model year, and there haven’t been any reported cases in subsequent models. Just the same, stick to the manufacturer’s prescribed oil, taking care to never mix different grades, and you should be fine. The Corolla Altis definitely deserves a slot for the best secondhand cars to buy in the Philippines.

>>> You can see more: Toyota second hand cars

4. Best 2nd hand cars to buy Philippines: Mazda 3 2.0R 2010

Mazda is having a hard time topping this design

We’ve recently had the pleasure of testing out a preowned Mazda 3 1.6V, and although we loved everything about the car, I personally felt that the stock engine under the hood wasn’t doing justice to the car’s solid chassis and architecture.

Fortunately, the first-generation Mazda 3 has a 2-liter DOHC variant that does exactly that. Not only does it have more grunt, but the original 3 offers more amenities by way of automatic climate control, a retractable sunroof, and standard OEM body kits sitting on 17-inch alloy wheels. The Mazda 3 only has a four-speed automatic transmission that doesn’t sound much at first, but a built-in manual mode lets you wring out every ounce of the engine’s power. Fuel economy is the only low point to owning this car, but the power it makes is worth it.

2007 Mazda 3 Philippines | Used Car Review | Philkotse

Ownership is largely painless as long as you religiously follow its prescribed service intervals. Just watch out for those suspension parts; being a heavy car and driven in a spirited manner, the Mazda 3 is susceptible to early wear and tear on the bushings and suspension control arms.

>>> Also check: 5 best used cars for beginners in the Philippines

5. Best 2nd hand cars to buy Philippines: Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is the company's first attempt to into the subcompact sedan market. It's also a sought-after vehicle on the used and repossessed market. It has a more aggressive and sporty appearance than its hatchback predecessor. Though the interior isn't very huge, the trunk is large enough to accommodate your grocery shopping and weekend vacation necessities.

A true champion in the city, a used Mitsubishi Mirage G4 tends to the woes of many Filipinos: stylish, fuel-efficient, and value for money! With an abundant supply in the second-hand market, a used Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is sure to be reasonably priced. Are you on a tight budget? A used Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the second hand market’s best buys.

The Mirage G4 is powered by a 1.2-liter three-chamber engine. The 1.2-liter force engine generates 77 horsepower and 100 Newton-meters of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT send force to the front wheel.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4.

These are all the cars I can personally attest to being the best second-hand cars for your buying pleasure! Keep your eyes glued on to Philkotse.com for more tips, news, and reviews on local motoring!