Perodua Myvi vs Proton Saga as a first car for a fresh grad earning RM2,800, what would you actually pick?

Question

Just started my first job earning RM2,800 in Shah Alam, need a car because public transport to my industrial area is impossible. Budget is tight, deciding between a new Perodua Myvi and a Proton Saga, both around the RM40-50k range. For those who owned either, which is the smarter buy for a broke fresh grad thinking about resale, petrol and service cost? Real experience please.

Property Uncle Tan · Accepted Answer

Owned a Myvi for five years as my first car on a similar salary, so here's the honest breakdown. The Myvi wins big on resale value, Perodua holds price like crazy, I sold mine after five years for almost 60% of what I paid, a Saga would've dropped more. Service is cheap and everywhere, every kampung has a Perodua SC, and parts are dirt cheap. Petrol on the 1.3 or 1.5 Myvi is very economical, I averaged about RM250-300 a month for daily Shah Alam commuting. BUT on RM2,800 salary, please keep the loan tenure sensible and don't stretch to 9 years just for a lower monthly, a Saga's lower price and lower instalment might actually be the more responsible choice if money is really tight.

Makcik Kek Aidah · Answer

Practical warning on the loan, at RM2,800 the bank will look at your commitments. If you already have PTPTN deduction and want to rent a room, a car loan of RM550 might push your debt ratio too high and you'll get rejected or need a guarantor. I'd honestly consider a good second-hand Myvi or Axia around RM25-30k to keep the loan small, a fresh grad doesn't need a brand new car. My first car was a used Myvi and it served me perfectly for four years. Ego aside, a smaller loan gives you breathing room to build savings and your EPF voluntary top-up.

Cikgu Math Kavitha · Answer

I went Saga and don't regret it for the budget reason. Saga is cheaper upfront, so my loan was smaller, monthly instalment around RM480-520 versus a Myvi easily hitting RM550-650. For a fresh grad every RM100 a month matters, that's your makan money. The Saga drives fine for daily commute, boot is huge, and Proton's quality has genuinely improved since the Geely tie-up. Resale is weaker than Myvi, true, but if you plan to keep the car 7-8 years anyway, resale matters less. Buy the one whose monthly payment doesn't strangle you.

Nurse Kak Long Hamidah · Answer

Think beyond the sticker price, look at total cost of ownership over 5 years. Insurance for a Myvi can be slightly higher because it's the most stolen car in Malaysia, so factor that plus a good steering lock or GPS tracker. Both are cheap to maintain but Perodua's service network edge means shorter waiting and you're never stranded far from a workshop. Also test drive both, the Myvi feels more zippy and modern inside, the Saga feels more basic but solid. For a first car I'd prioritise low running cost and easy resale, which nudges me to Myvi, but only if the loan fits your DSR.

Uncle Civil Servant Rahman · Answer

Different angle, think about your actual usage. If it's just you commuting solo in Shah Alam, the smaller Perodua Axia is even cheaper than both and sips petrol, worth considering. But if you'll balik kampung long distance often or carry family, the Saga's bigger cabin and boot and its more planted highway feel are nicer for long drives, the Myvi can feel light at high speed. I do KL-Melaka often and preferred the Saga's stability. Match the car to how you'll really use it, not to what looks nicer in the showroom.

Perodua Myvi vs Proton Saga as a first car for a fresh grad earning RM2,800, what would you actually pick?

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