I actually drove down to KM first and was set to buy from them during their year end sale. Looking at 1.5L at first, Hybrid or not never mind. Was actually kind of wary about Hybrids. But ultimately didn't buy from them for a few reasons:
1) Agent was a bit too pushy, knowledge was lacking and tried to BS me a few things (note, not saying all KM in general like that, but just the agent serving me)
2) Everything also cannot mod, else warranty void. Things like change HU outside also cannot. There were certain mods I have already decided to do
3) Mugen bodykit $3K. Must get from them. Cannot do outside or will void warranty.
4) Told me they do not carry Hybrid coz SG weather is hot and it kills the hybrid battery. But I know Honda Malaysia is selling the Hybrids like hotcakes, and Honda actually did a lengthy 2 year test in Malaysia's heat, in their sibei tokong KL traffic jam during Hari Raya, up Genting. When I explained to the agent, he cannot explain.
5) Cannot test drive, tell me too many ppl, have to come back on another day. I also open to HRV, so I asked about test driving the HRV also, but same, too many ppl in the queue. Did not look interested in serving me. Yes I know, KM business big and Jazz is a cheap car, but dun like that leh...
6) Had to wait least 4 months for delivery. So I told him in that case, I thought I'll come back another day when they less busy to test drive.
7) I went back and started looking at 1.5L Hybrid from PI. Wah, got several PI have promo. 1.5 Hybrid is 10k cheaper than 1.5 Jazz. Sure or not!? So I did more research.
8) Hybrid OMV is higher
9) BHP/Torque/0-100 specs are all better
Hybrid 1.5L: 135BHP/170NM/8.8 Secs (170NM torque is constant, starts from 1 RPM)
Petrol 1.5L: 129BHP/155NM/9.6 Secs (Torque is 70NM at 1k RPM, 125NM at 2K RPM, 140NM at 4K RPM, 155NM at 5k RPM)
11) FC is off the charts
Hybrid 1.5L: 37.2 km/l
Petrol 1.5L: 17.8 km/l
I know petrol price trend is always going up. Based on current oil prices and average mileage per year, I calculated I will save at least 6k over 10 years.
12) CoE is CAT B.
Cannot be leh!? CAT B CoE how come still can sell cheaper than CAT A 1.5 Jazz?
13) WTF, got a few PI doing promo. Include solar film, 7" Pioneer HU that support Android Auto & Carplay (I initially thought it was the low end model), branded 2 ch dash cam, reverse cam + sensors, solar film, sports rim, leather seats, car mat. 4 bid guaranteed CoE. Road tax. Add together about 5K wor...
14) Orh, got 10K VES rebate coz emission very low.
Wait, still not right leh. I recalculated price based on OMV for both cars (remember, Jazz OMV is lower by at least 3K). Wah, KM selling at a huge profit, PI margin a lot less. On average, PI really must sell at least 1 car a month to survive.
15) Must be got some catch. Checked the reviews of the PIs on SG Carmart, google search for complaints, check CASE for complaints. Shady ones I avoid.
Called up 3 different PI to find out more. Also called up the lobangs from Fake Oranges for both Jazz and Fit. They also cannot do better.
16) Went for the PI with promo and is CASE Trusted (coz got PI run road mah)
17) Agent was knowledgeable, honest and humble. Answered all my questions
18) Direct importer, so they fully cover recalls
19) Got ready stock in the color I want (white)
20) Can help me do Bodykit/LED Scuff plate/Auto fold mirror before I collect
I put down payment on the spot. 10.7K. Entire sum deducted from balance, no hidden admin fee, no GST. 4 Bid guaranteed changed to 1 bid guaranteed. Car was ready for collection 2 weeks later after the very next CoE bidding. Got my car before Christmas.
There's actually more reasons, but I guess it's already a pain to go through