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 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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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?

#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, which makes it extremely affordable. Price differs when it comes to its model-year or the specifications that come with the car.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.