Financial Blog

If you ask any relative what they want for Christmas, we’re willing to bet that they won’t tell you their true desires. Why? Well, something about the holidays always, somehow, bring out our innermost humility and contentment. A book, a 32gb flash drive, and—the worst of the bunch—the dreaded ‘ikaw na bahala’ gift (pulls out hair).

However, there are a few instances when asking for expensive gifts are warranted: graduation, a promotion, a wedding, or just a huge thank you for the hard work and dedication (google ‘sipsip’) a loved one has shown for the past year. In these rare cases, giving an appropriate yet practical gift—something that you can’t find in National Book Store—becomes all the more important. After all, if it’s a significant amount of cash you’re shelling out, you’d want to spend it on something that’s really useful.

If you feel that the time is right and you deem them worthy, no gift is perhaps more practical than a car. Giving someone a car is big, so big that it can change their life forever. Think about it, the lucky new car owner not only gets instant access to the most personal (and most comfortable) way of transportation, it also shortens travel time, thereby increasing their time for work and family. On top of that, it also adds a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing they have something that big and that special to their name.

If you’re feeling extra generous this holiday season, here are some of the best cars you can gift to every member of the family:

When it comes to driving, I think it’s fair to say that dads deserve only the best.

The Camry has been around for decades but has remained relevant to this day thanks to constant updates, both inside and out to keep it looking fresh. Being the flagship sedan in Toyota’s lineup, the current model boasts of luxury refinements and sophisticated styling typically found in more expensive European counterparts.

A 2.5L engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that gives the executive sedan smooth power delivery on the road despite its larger size. Inside, the seats are wrapped in plush leather, while the cabin is filled with wood trim, adding a classy touch. All of this is on top of other amenities such as climate control and an infotainment touchscreen in the center console.

Whether behind the wheel or in the back seat, the Camry should take the hassle out of driving after a long day in the office and make the trip home more relaxing.

Moms are, arguably, the busiest in the family. From work, household duties to picking up the kids from school, they need to make themselves available 24/7 for all the needs of the family.
More and more, moms seem to be doing 100 things at once, making a car crucial to getting through their hectic day. A supermom’s car should be able to match their fervor.

Apart from a name that makes it seem perfect for the season, the Hyundai Santa Fe makes the case for a do-it-all mom car. The crossover SUV can accommodate 7 passengers on a full day—that’s enough space for all the kids plus their best friends. There’s also more creature comforts inside such as air-conditioning on all three rows, a number of power outlets to charge up the gadgets, and a massive 1,600 liter cargo space with both back rows folded flat.

If you feel like mom isn’t the Santa Fe type, then check out our other recommendations for the best cars for modern-day moms.

Check out our Auto Loan Calculator below to see how much you can borrow:

The school era is over, and they’ve finally entered the real real world. Now, more than ever, they need a car. For the past few years (and for this year alone in particular), commuting has become more difficult, and more dangerous. Granted, the government is trying it’s hardest but until the buses, the UV express or the MRT step up their game, safety concerns will plague any concerned parent.

For your not-so-little-ones who are now part of the workforce, the need for a safe, convenient, and efficient mode of transportation is a necessity more than a luxury.

This is where the Mitsubishi Mirage comes in. You’d think the 1.2L engine to be underpowered, but for a car this size, it’s perfectly fine—especially considering it will spend most of its life enduring the stop-and-go city traffic. What’s more, the economy numbers are great with the subcompact hatchback averaging 18 and 22 km/l on the city and highway, respectively. With the newest model taking on a refreshed exterior, the Mirage is now even more fun to drive around town.

If budget is a concern or you’re just not the type of parent to spoil your kids with brand new stuff that easy, then our wide selection of pre-owned cars might just fit the bill. If you need more cash to finance the purchase of a new car, you can start your car loan application online and save up to 35% in interest compared to dealer financing.