2017: Cheapest Cars in the Philippines Under P500,000

Naturally, we all want to be in that position where we can afford the car we want. Unfortunately for most Filipinos, the ideal car costs way above budget. That’s why price has always been a major determining factor for most of us when choosing a vehicle to buy.

The good news is that today more than ever, owning your first car doesn’t have to be synonymous with breaking the bank, thanks to the availability of a lot of cheap vehicles in the market. If you can find a way to scrounge up P500,000, then you may just find yourself the owner of one of the worthy modes of transportation listed below.

Cheapest Hatchbacks

1. Chery QQ3 (starts from P449,000)

The Chery QQ3 hatchback actually had the privilege of being called the cheapest car in the Philippines for a brief period. However, it has been easily dethroned by the influx of fellow Chinese-made cars in the market that are considerably cheaper. Its Euro III compliant, 0.8 liter DOHC 16 valve gasoline engine provides a decent 51 horsepower and 70 Nm of torque, allowing it to reach a top speed of 130 kph. Standard equipment for the vehicle includes fog lamps, keyless entry, a security alarm, front SRS airbags, power features, 13-inch alloy wheels, ABS, EBD and fabric covered seats.

2. Haima 1 (starts from P499,000)

First released in the country in 2014, the Haima is a little smaller than the Mitsubishi Mirage and a bit bigger than the Toyota Wigo. And though it doesn’t have a long wheelbase, legroom at the front and backseat is surprisingly more than enough. That said, the Haima 1 is one of the best-priced cars on this list, as it comes packed with features that you’ll only often find in cars way above its range such as ABS with EBD, all-power amenities, and a powerful 1.2-liter 16-valve DOHC engine.

3. Geely LC (starts from P449,000)

If you are looking for the doppelgänger of the Volkswagen Beetle, this car is a good candidate. The LC (or Panda as it is known in China) is a hatchback subcompact. Notably, this is the first car from China that was awarded a 5-star rating by the C-NCAP crash test. This car uses a 1.3 liter DOHC, 16 valve gasoline engine which spurts 62 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque.

4. Lifan 320 (starts from P498,000)

Let’s just say that the Lifan 320 is a ‘faithful rendition’ of the Mini. It comes with a 1.3-liter gasoline engine that produces 86 hp and 110 Nm of torque. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 320 is able to produce a decent top speed of 155 km/h, which is more than enough for city driving.

5. Suzuki Alto 0.8 Standard (P398,000)

As the cheapest hatchback on this list, it can be easy to snub the Suzuki Alto and dismiss it as a low quality car—and you’d be wrong. Suzuki has actually been at the forefront of small car technology for many years, confidently sharing much of its innovations with other carmakers. Suzuki’s vehicles have gained a lot of loyal followers, and the Alto is no exception. A 0.8-liter SOHC 3-cylinder 12-valve gasoline engine lets you enjoy 34 km/l average mileage, which is one of the most efficient in the industry.

6. Toyota Wigo (starts from P473,000)

The Wigo is Toyota’s newest addition to its already packed vehicle lineup. The Japanese car company has also placed its hopes on this mini hatchback to sneak into the small car category. Under the hood, the Wigo is powered by a 1.0 liter DOHC 12-valve gasoline engine with an above par 64 horsepower and 85 Nm output.

Cheapest Minivans

1. BAIC MZ40 (starts from P468,000)

The BAIC MZ40 is more of an acquired taste, as many of those who view the car for the first time are quick to note that the design looks a bit too plain, even by minivan standards. Then again, though it may fall short on appearance, it more than makes up for it in performance. Each of the MZ40’s three variants is equipped with a potent 1.2-liter 4-cylinder gas engine that’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

2. Foton Gratour (starts from P490,000)

The Gratour is Foton’s most cost-effective offering to date. Able to fit 7 to 8 adults, with dual sliding doors, a multitude of storage spaces, and a best-in-class passenger space, this Foton minivan is easily one of the better options for the Filipino family man on a shoestring budget. The Euro 4 compliant 1.2-liter G03 gasoline engine is designed for low emissions and high fuel economy.

3. Suzuki APV (starts from P465,000)

As one of the more popular and better looking options in its segment, the Suzuki APV advantage is immediately apparent as you step into its cabin, as its shoebox design affords the comfort and spaciousness. The 1.6-liter gas engine is a bit sluggish however, and at 95 hp is clearly limited to city driving purposes. As long as you keep long trips to a minimum, the APV can be a fine car for your family.

4. Haima F Star PC (P499,000)

Who said you can’t get a workhorse minivan for under half a million? The Haima F Star People Carrier runs with a Euro– compliant 1.2-liter Inline 4 DOHC gasoline engine which provides a decent 91 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. It features an FB-chassis body with a spray-on bedliner flooring and an updated cluster gauge and radio.

Cheapest Pickup

1. Chery Q22B (starts from P470,000)

Chinese carmaker Chery actually has two vehicle models that fall under P500,000. You’ve already met the QQ3, now get ready to know its more commercially-inclined cousin the Q22B, which is also the cheaper of the two. The least expensive vehicle in Chery’s current lineup is powered by a 1.0-liter gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Cheapest Sedan

1. Lifan 520 (P498,000)

A sedan for less than P500,000? The Lifan LF520 is the cheapest subcompact 4-door sedan on the local market in recent times. Using a 1.3-liter 16-valve Inline 4 gasoline engine, it runs at an output of 87 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. Its top speed is 155 kilometers per hour and fuel economy is 5.8 km/l in combined driving.

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It is important to note that these cars, despite their size, can still seat up to five people with the driver included. Hatchbacks, subcompacts and minis are popular among college students and young professionals. See our Best Cars Under 1 Million Pesos list.