Owner Review: A Reliable Buddy Better than Viva in Every Way - My 2013 Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE

Basic information about my car

 2013 Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE

Reasons why I bought this car

A gift from my parents when I started university. Plus they had the Skim Graduan promotion at the time.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of RM 60, 000
• Model(s) that I have considered include: Perodua Viva

Compared to the Viva, the Myvi was better in every way. It was bigger, more fitting to my tall height, more features, bells and whistles, more power from larger displacement engine, and generally a better car.

User Experience

• I have already done 65,000 km

My overall experience has been fine with the car. It (touch wood) hasn't given any major problems, even though I neglect the maintenance of the car once in a while, and for that, I fell very guilty. The car has gotten me to my destination every single time. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The air conditioning is second to none
• The "off the line" acceleration is awesome
• The rock hard suspension doesn't bottom out when I go over speed humps, bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces, fast.
• The fact that I can sit comfortably in this small car compared to the Proton X70.
• It has a flat boot surface when the seats are folded down.
• The high ground clearance which gives me the confidence to go anywhere and through anything. 
• There are little vibration and no creeks or rattling in the cabin 

Cons

• There is no heater for those climate changing, cold and stormy days. 
• The in gear acceleration is hopeless
• The gearbox is slow to shift down
• The rock hard suspension is a backbreaker
• There is no padding for the armrest on the door.
• The absence of a 5th gear
• The poor noise insulation and the engine is harsh. 
• The instability at high speeds, high center of gravity and high body roll through the bends 

Rating

Total Score: 4

Performance: 3

Quality & Features: 3

Space: 4

Ride Comfort: 1

Fuel Economy: 4

Price & Cost: 5

Summary

The car (touch wood) doesn't fail me. I was driving to Taylor Swifts' RED concert in 2014. The car died at a traffic light in chow kit, when the light turned red and cranked back into life seconds before the light turned green. It didn't die for the rest of the journey or the journey back. Another time, the car battery charge was low and about to die when I was staying at a hostel. However, the car started reliable every day, for 5 days. The day after I drove it home at the end of the week, then the car couldn't crank. Lastly, just a month a go, the check engine light suddenly came on and the car was vibrating harshly and was underpowered. I drove it in that condition for 2 days before my appointment at Perodua. It dies there!