If you want to drive something different, or if you just want a great bargain on cars, there is only one place to go – the grey import market.
Without a shadow of doubt, grey-importers throw the veil off countless of models that would otherwise not have made it to our shores. There’s more, mind you. Grey importers also offer popular, reconditioned or used cars at a price that is more reachable than if the same car was brand new.
So in effect, the grey market do add colour to the roads, which explains their popularity. But among the lot, which sells the most? We’ve compiled a list of the 10 hottest selling cars, in no particular order, in the grey market today.
#1 Toyota Alphard
This is, by a large margin and a half, one of the most popular models that are being bought today. And why not, this luxury MPV has the size and design that projects presence. Its interior is adequately spacious, which is able to accommodate up to seven people in a two-two-three layout.
Prices vary. The reconditioned MPV goes from around RM160,000 for a 2007 Alphard with a 2.4 litre engine to around RM350,000 for a fully kitted 2010 Alphard with a 3.5 litre V6. The price also gets adjustments with the amount of optional equipment that comes with it, so choose wisely.
Search: Toyota Alphard at otofest 2012
#2 Toyota Vellfire
Second on the list, and this isn’t surprising, is the Vellfire – which is essentially an Alphard with a different fascia. The difference is their individual ‘character’. According to Toyota’s press release, the Alphard ‘emphasizes elegance and refinement’ and the Vellfire ‘accentuates power and innovation.’
A majority of the Vellfires draw power from the 3.5 litre V6. A 2010 Vellfire could go for around RM440,000 while you’ll get the keys to a 2008 Vellfire for around RM260,000. The prices drop lower for 2.4 litre models, which ranges somewhere from RM180,000 to RM250,000.
Search: Toyota Vellfire at otofest 2012
#3 Audi Q7
There is only a handful of SUVs out there that looks as beefy and powerful as the Audi Q7. Yes, it is huge, looks intimidating and is properly luxurious. There are two levels of trim – standard and S line. Engine choices also vary. Depending on the model year, there are the 3.0 litre TFSI, 3.6 litre FSI, 4.2 litre FSI petrol engines and the 3.0 litre TDI diesel engine.
Search: Audi Q7 at otofest 2012
#4 Audi A5
You can find the full A5 range here. Not just the Coupe, there’s also the two-door Cabriolet and the four-door Sportback. And you’re not just limited to the 2.0 litre TFSI mill – there’s the 1.8 litre TFSI, 3.0 litre V6 TFSI and the 3.2 litre V6 FSI as well, which makes the A5 properly sporty.
Now here’s what moves these cars off the lot and on the road: price. A 2008 A5 Coupe can be had for just under RM200,000. Although hard to find, but the Convertible goes for around RM290,000. While a 2011 Sportback can go for as much as RM370,000. Still, significantly lower then the price of a new A5.
Search: Audi A5 at otofest 2012
#5 BMW X6
Bought new, this Sport Activity Vehicle costs serious money; close to RM700,000. And there’s only one choice of engine, which is the 3.5 litre twin-turbo inline six. A peek into the grey market yields surprising results as the base 2011 X6 xDrive35i can be had for RM650,000 and it goes down to about RM370,000 for a pre-LCI 2008 model.
Another thing to note is the choice of engines. We’ve seen the 5.0 litre V8, 4.4 litre V8 with the X6 M as well as both 3.0 litre diesel-powered variants going for nearly half the price of the new X6. Tempting, don’t you think so?
Search: BMW X6 at otofest 2012
#6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Taking your first steps into the luxury car world may not be as expensive as you thought. And if the sales volume is anything to go by, so do plenty of people. The W204 is a handsome car even before it went though a mid-lifecycle design revision and it is already packed with technology that focuses of safety as well as performance and economy.
How much? The C-Class is priced in the ballpark of RM200,000. Price differs when it comes to its model-year or the specifications that come with the car.
Search: Mercedes-Benz C-Class at otofest 2012
#7 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A step-up from the C-Class, the E-Class is another luxury sedan you can have for not a lot of money. A new car, which is CKD, goes for approximately RM403,000 but take RM60,000 off and you can have an imported 2011 reconditioned car of the same.
And it is not limited to just the sedan. The different body style can be had for the same amount of money because the Cabriolet and Coupe versions are priced about the same as its four-door sibling.
Search: Mercedes-Benz E-Class at otofest 2012
#8 Toyota Land Cruiser
You’re looking at NATO’s vehicle of choice, which says a lot about the ruggedness of the Land Cruiser. This is, of course, not the fully armoured vehicle that armed forces use; this one is meant for civilian use. Yet, it retains all the four-wheel drive, go-everywhere capability. Engines used are as brawny as its looks – 4.4 litre and 4.7 litre, all in V8 configuration. There’s even the 4.5 litre V8 diesel engine available.
Prices vary depending on model year, trim and engine. Most 200 Series Land Cruiser (the one depicted here) are priced in the ballpark of RM350,000 to RM450,000.
Search: Toyota Land Cruiser at oto.my
#9 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
If the Land Cruiser is too large for your liking but still want the ruggedness the SUV, then consider the Prado, the ‘smallest’ of the range. In certain parts of the globe, the Prado is available as a five-door or three-door variant. The engines are also smaller than the full-sized Land Cruiser, sporting either a 2.7 litre or 4.0 litre petrol mills, or a 3.0 litre oil burner.
Prices for the 2010-2011 model is around RM350,000 while anything before that can be had for much less.
Search: Toyota Land Cruise Prado at oto.my
#10 Porsche Cayenne
Completing this list is the Porsche Cayenne. Its frequent occurrence on the road proves the popularity of this big Porsche. You’ll find the Cayenne in all variants – petrol, diesel and hybrids are available. Shop hard enough and you’ll be able to find some fully fitted with body kits.
And it isn’t expensive considering the brand and heritage. The first generation hovers just under the RM200,000 mark and soars up to around RM850,000 for the 2011 Cayenne Turbo.
Search: Porsche Cayenne at otofest 2012
If you’re in the market for a reconditioned or used car, then you’ll need to keep December 8-9 open. Our sister site, oto.my, is putting together an event called otofest 2012 at Cheras Auto City. Here, you’ll get vehicles with special prices and even exclusive step-up financing plans that will make owning one a real possibility.
This is a one-time event and the prices will revert back to normal the day after. So don’t miss this opportunity.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Oh great stuffs. thanks for the ‘summary’, sure helps to digest the mountains of cars listed.
It’ll be even better if there was a “new price” on the top 10 list. Like say, the new price for the Audi A5? Call me lazy but as an everyday reader with loads of stuff to go through, it’s just plain helpful.
Chris, please add it in, pretty please?
Also the smount of Estimas and wishes… Thanx to UMW crazy pricing we have so many recond toyotas running on our roads. More kits and safer too!
The title should be Top 10 recond cars and not used cars right?
If used cars where is the mighty Toyota VIOS (the best car in Malaysia). Everybody got a VIOS. It should be no 1 used car. VIOS J to be exact.
OK lah – recond luxury car! Full stop.
The different between recond/used car and second hand car
recond/used – normally second hand luxury car imported from overseas like Japan or UK (preferred source since both are Right Hand Drive)to be “refurbish” and re-registered and sold to local at inflated price under NAP.
secondhand car – normally refer to new car register locally, later sold by 1st owner for whatever reason(s) thereof, and bought over by 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc owners!
Talk about mighty secondhand VIOS, it is low cost car, can’t be included in this ranking! You confuse a lot!!!!!
Nowadays Malaysian smart consumer stops buying 2nd hand Vios; Altis; Camry. This is a good sign for consumer market without overprice 2nd hand valued cars.
Again… Vios owners always think Vios is the best, pathetic.
If its not, why does Vios have the highest RV amongst all cars?
Thanks Chris ! Dua tangan thumbs up ! This is invaluable data. It’s just too bad that details on new car sales have gone silent for the past 5- odd months due to government intervention though. :/
Driving recond luxury brand cars is shameful, unless those particular models are not offered formally.
If you care about monthly installment of RM4500(flexiloan) vs RM6000(conventional), or the loan period is anything above 5 years, then you really only have the marginal ability to buy that car, you cannot afford it. You will feel ashamed if your friends know about this. The best is 3 years maximum.
Cari kawan lain la bro. Why must feel ashamed in the first place, if you can buy a car at cheaper price. No point spending too much money on a car anyway. It is a depreciating asset to begin with
nevermind himla, all his comments are egocentric one. fact is the price of a recond car here can buy a new car elsewhere. he is probably mad that someone bought a recond e class at a cheaper price than he did at the local dealer, so lose facela other people drive same car but did not have to pay same price as him.
Dumb……the interest rate is below inflation, means the longer u put it on installment the more u stand to gain as the value of money reduces eventually. Smart people put all on installment and use their remaining cash to generate more cash in value enhancement.
I’m with you BeemerFreak. This Jimmy guy just doesn’t make any sense in his comments. Not gonna waste much time on this fella but yes, I must agree with some of the conclusion some of you have made, either he feels disgusted that most of his peers are driving luxury recond cars and he doesn’t (out of…ahem, dignity perhaps) or he thinks that we are living in a high income country in which we are not….I mean common, how many ppl out there that you know of (and I’m not saying there’s none) that’s willing to fork out that amt just to service a monthly installment? Better of paying say, e.g. RM 2.5 k monthly and the remaining to be invested in real-estate and etc…
Get used Starex. Very dai mai
well done chris
im curios to find a chrysler 300ct in the pic
ooo, dat pic is not from around ere
merc E-class e250 coupe anytime anyday
None of the car above is within my reach. Do I have to blame to my self or the gov?
Just dont blame your parents mate
how do you determine “TOP 10 Best-Selling Recond and Used Cars”??
Everyone knows statistic can be deceiving.
Only under OTO.my survey? Or nation wide, including all secondhand car dealers…big or small, new and old….
From the moment I take a glance to the no. 1 car on the list, I knew that this is not a statistic per se. Don’t be too naive, it’s just a marketing hype to the incoming recond car festival. Not a serious article whatsoever.
Just give Paultan a break, will ‘ya. They also want to ‘cari makan’ to sustain this site.
i guess you dont have eyes or you dont even get in a car driving in Malaysia.
lol. why doubt? these ppl works in car industry..of course they have some sort of information regarding recond/used car sales. plus u can even noticed those vehicle on the road..at recond car yard. majority of them is those brand at above.
None of the car above is within my reach. Do I have to blame myself or the gov?
Wow, Prado for 350k. My jaw really drop. Only stupid people will spend 350k for a Prado, which is just a lame average 4WD in many countries.
malaysia maa.. even 1.6na veloster cost u over 100k.
Totally agree with you. I wonder who thumbs down your comment. Either they are really stupid or have not travelled out of bolehland before.
There is one car that are within our reach but everyone have to rush to get that car.
It’s extremy dreamy maybe at the old golden era.
1980 Porsche 991 Carrera RM98000
That’s affordable but if you can maintain that car, yes you can go for it. Maybe a little bit cumbersome for our weather because it uses a Aircooled engine rather than a Watercooled like most cars now. But if you rolling down the street, people may impress of your ride.
One good check before inking the deal is to ask the dealer to show you the blue customs declarations form to verify the status of the unit , you be surprised to learn !!!! about its true ex works(Japon) value and the quoted price less you get into the wrath of the law. Oh MY.
Where is Toyota Estima ranking, it should be in top 3 re-cond car from grey importer sold in Malaysia.
Have seen one or two Toyota Land Cruiser priced at RM700K above at Naza Mall. Why that one is so expensive?
700k for a 2nd hand toyota landcruiser? I’ve seen it too and at 1st i thought it was a typo.crazy ambitious greedy dealers!!! or maybe gullible idiot buyers?
Eh dugong.
Don say ah. Got a lot of gullible toyota buyers in Malaysia.
We have one here that goes by the name Sam Loo. This name sounds familiar?
alamak I tot all the cars are floating on incoming seawater due to tsunami in Japan…
Toyota mah!! RV value very very the good one!! 2nd hand price can increase more than a house one!!!
I am not surprise those putras or ganster is buying this luxuries car in cash for “money-washing”..and the seller should normally back by those putras as well..
Recondition = Make a bad object into something like a good one.
It begins with bad things.
4 out of-10 are-Toyota. What does that tell us?
Yes 4 oh them are real jdm toyota japan… Nothing to do with toyota celup vios, avanza, unser , innova asean made
Prffthhhh
I know i know. Pick me.
Since u r obssessed with RV, it tells us that german cars have better RV than Toyota cause German Cars make up 6/10?