Longtermer #2, Vol 23: 3rd year: Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC

Longtermer #2, Vol 23: 3rd year (37th month): Honda Civic FD2 

2.0IVTEC
 
In this blog entry, I'm excited to share the 3rd year anniversary of my family's Ride.  It's the Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC.

So far, this car's been to Penang 5 times, Ipoh 5 times, Melaka once, Port Dickson 3 times, Negri Sembilan twice, KLIA about 20+ times, Genting about 20 times.  I only drove once to Genting, rest is my dad.


As for maintenance, The Battery's replaced once at 21,000km (1 month shy of 24th month).  The rest of the parts replaced as recommended by the User's manual.  There's 1 round change of tyres, now ALL 4 running on Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (PS3).  Car is still 100% Stock standard unmolested/unmodified.

Defects:
1) Rear right reverse sensor failed.  They refused to replace citing "Accident repaired before" as excuse.
 
2) Front left A-pillar plastic cover keeps popping out.


Without further ado, let's proceed to logbook:

Mileage upon delivery: 0008km
Mileage now: 54,850km
Average mileage per year: 18,283km
Average mileage per month: 1524km
Purchase price: RM126,000 (less NCB)
Current value: RM98,000.
3 years depreciation: 77% retained value
Interest rate: 2.35% (back in July 2008) for 6 years loan.

FUEL CONSUMPTION (Feb 1 to July 30):

Best: 15.35km/L (RM0.13/km) 100% highway, Petronas RON95.
WORST: 7.9km/L (RM0.23/km) (Shell RON95) 100% City driving driven by ME. (December 09 2010)

LAST 6 months:

Best: 15.35km/l (90% highway driving) (20 August)
Worst: 7.9km/l (80% City driving, 20% HARD DRIVING) (April)

PERFORMANCE:
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds normal acceleration (9 seconds with paddle-shift)
Top speed: Max I driven is 190km/h but I know it can go up to 225km/h. Someone from 8genCivic Club tried it.


Major repairs:
1) Touched up the bumper dents (whole rear bumper resprayed) the bumper dent is middle part dunno why Honda Voided the faulty Right reverse sensor claim, side under rear door dent+scratch, right side door scratch+dent: RM900.

2) 40,000km major service. Fuel filter, Air cond pollen filter, air cond service, spark plugs etc... Total around RM780...

3) Tyres. Michelin PS 3. Front RM425 each changed 2010 June. Rear: Changed 2 months back price shot up to RM475 each. Same tayar shop: "Kedai Papan Hin Leong".

That's all...  Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words...  Here are some photos:

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry. An original Jeff Lim's production. My Original work.

550th post: Videos++ review: Fiat 500 Classic

 550th post: Videos++ review: Fiat 500 Classic

In this blog entry, I'm reviewing the Fiat 500 Classic (Cinquecento in Italy).  This is the 550th post.  It's produced from 1957 to 1975 and measuring less than 3 metres long (2.97m), 180cm wheelbase and 499kg (0.5 tonne), it's the 1st ever City car.

I still see a few units of this baby running around in Malaysia though it's getting rarer as days passed.  The value of the Fiat 500 is determined by body (eg. rust), condition (eg. engine, interior),  willing buyer and willing seller (ie, No fixed value).

ABOVE: Rear air cooled Engine, BELOW: Bonnet

The engine's a 17hp 2 cylinder air cooled 479cc mated with a 4 speed manual gearbox.  Top speed: 90km/h only.

For more info, do visit this Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_500

I compiled a few  videos of Fiat 500 Classic.  Here goes:

The 1st 5 videos were from Wheeler Dealers UK, credit goes to Discovery Channel.  


Video 1:



Video 2:


Video 3:


Video 4:



Video 5:


Video 6: Autocar.  Fiat 500 meets it's ancestor:


MORE PHOTOS:

 It's so CUTE and CULT Classic that it appeared in Disney Pixar's Animated "Cars" and "Cars 2.".

END OF REVIEW.  That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.

Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011: The Winners and What They Say

Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011: The Winners and What They Say

(SOURCE: Click the title)

 Our friends at Asian Auto has announced the results of their annual Auto Industry Awards for 2011 in a simple ceremony held at Saujana Subang last week. Some 120 representatives from 34 car companies were present at the ceremony with some 19 awards up for grabs.

Chief Editor of Asian Auto, Daniel Fernandez said, “Asian Auto has been in publication for the past 38 years, providing the latest news on the industry, car reviews and product launches, as well as all relevant information from around the world. Asian Auto has become a constant companion to the Malaysians who are getting more picky about the level of information available to them in making their next motoring purchase, which has become the second most important purchase for the average Malaysian today.”

Winners of the Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011 are:

1. Best Performance Luxury Sedan – Audi A8L Quattro

2. Best Performance Executive Sedan – Jaguar XF Diesel
3. Best Performance Luxury SUV – Volkswagen Touareg

4. Best Performance Luxury Sports Car – Porsche Panamera

5. Best Performance Family Sedan – Ford Mondeo EcoBoost

6. Best Performance Compact Car – Audi A1 TFSI

7. Best Local Assembly Compact Car – Perodua Myvi LAGI BEST
“This new Perodua Myvi is continuing the proud legacy of its predecessor. We are proud and honoured with its recognition from one of Malaysia’s leading motoring publications.” – Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, Perodua Managing Director.

8. Best Local Assembly SUV – Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi

9. Best Local Assembly Executive Sedan – Nissan Teana 2.5V6“The Nissan Teana 2.5 V6 won Best Local Assembly Executive Sedan at the Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011 as it surprised all the judges with its good engine response, quiet cabin at high speed and overall build quality against its reasonable selling price.” – Daniel Fernandez.

 Read:
- Nissan returns to D-segment with all-new Teana
- Nissan Teana 250 XV – V6 power returns to the D-segment

10. Best Local Assembly Family Car – Mazda3 1.6

11. Best Value For Money SUV – Ssangyong Actyon SUV

12. Best Value For Money Luxury MPV – Ford S-Max MPV

13. Best Value For Money Sports Car – Mazda3 MPS

14. Best Value For Money Sports GT – Renault Megane RS250

15. Best Value For Money Executive Sedan – Citroen C5 1.6 Turbo

16. Best Value For Money Family Car – Proton Inspira 1.8
Read:
- Proton Inspira 1.8E (M/T) – One step back, two steps forward
- Proton Inspira 1.8E (CVT) – Tough Choice

17. Best Value For Money Compact Car – Ford Fiesta 1.6
Read:
- Ford Fiesta – Good things come in small packages
- Ford Fiesta – Rebirth of a Legend
- The Fiesta Story
- Keshy’s Fiesta Test Drive
- Ford Fiesta Sport 1.6 Powershift – Sophisticated fun

18. Best Value For Money Hybrid Car – Honda Insight

 Read:
- Honda Insight – Affordable green credentials
- Testing the Insight’s hybrid promise

19. Best People’s Car – Proton Saga FL 1.6



Read: Proton Saga FL now with Campro 1.6 engine
KON

DO CLICK ON THE TITLE FOR SOURCE and Pictures: Autoworld Blog.

Govt to revise Hire Purchase Act

SOURCE

 PETALING JAYA: The Government has agreed to revise the recently amended Hire Purchase Act 1967 (HPA) following the brouhaha it created since its implementation barely two months earlier.

Following a meeting with the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry yesterday, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said the bulk of the amendments that were made to the HPA would be revised.

“The meeting went well. Most of the MAA’s requests were accommodated,” its president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told StarBiz when contacted yesterday.

“The changes will now make it easier for registrations and will take effect immediately. The Government will issue a circular on the changes next week,” she said.

The MAA earlier this month said local automotive players were not consulted over the amendments to the HPA which took effect on June 15.

Since its implementation, automotive players had been complaining that the Act had created confusion and delayed the car-buying process.

Aishah clarified that the new revision by the Government did not mean that the HPA would revert to its pre-June 15 amendment status.

“Some clauses will be amended while others will remain. Simply put, it makes car registrations easier.”

Among the contended issues when the amended HPA was implemented last month was the 1% maximum booking fee (based on the total selling price) which required car sellers to refund customers 90% of the booking fee if the deal were to fall through.

This meant that car sellers or dealers could not accept booking fees before the car buyer is served with a Second Schedule notice.

The Second Schedule notice can only be completed and served, in practice, on the car buyer usually after the hire-purchase loan application is approved.

The remaining 9% downpayment on the car can only be paid when the hire-purchase agreement has been prepared, with details such as the car’s chassis number included.

This meant the hire-purchase agreement can only be prepared after the actual car unit has been allocated to the dealership.

1,500 Honda Stream to be recalled in Malaysia

SOURCE

PETALING JAYA: Around 1,500 units of Honda Stream in Malaysia are affected by the global recall involving 200,000 passenger cars said to have defective engine parts.


Honda Malaysia said on Monday that it is informing the owners of 1,494 vehicles to send them to authorised dealers for a "product update". The affected Streams are those from the 2008 to 2010 model years.

The recall is because of defective water pump pulley bolts that may cause trouble with the motor cooling system and could cut off the electric power steering assist and make maneuvering difficult. The fault may eventually cause the engine to stop.

"The owners with affected units may observe a few symptoms including the constant display of warning lights on the speedometer and a noise from the water pump," said Honda Malaysia in a statement.

“We sincerely apologise to our customers and deeply regret the inconvenience caused. Honda Malaysia will notify our affected customers by letter for this purpose," said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Yoichiro Ueno.

The company said it will bear all charges incurred in the inspection and replacement work. Warranty provided will follow Honda Malaysia standard parts warranty policy, which is six months or 10,000km whichever comes first.

All current selling models are not affected, it added.

Customers are advised to make an appointment with the closest authorised Honda dealers.

Over in Singapore, Bernama reported that some 4,200 Honda cars sold by Kah Motors will be recalled for repairs.

Local television channel, Channel News Asia, quoted Kah Motors as saying that three models were affected in Singapore - the Stream and the 1.6 and 1.8 litre versions of the Civic manufactured between 2008 and 2010.

It said affected customers would be contacted to bring their cars in for repairs which will take about 40 minutes.

The distributor said it was safe to drive the cars but owners should call if they encounter engine stalling or abnormal sounds from the engine.

The company said it had received 63 customer reports in Japan of engine malfunctions as a result of the defect but said none had led to accidents.
 

VIDEO++ review: World's smallest car...

In this blog entry, I'd like to present you the "World's smallest car".  It's no other than PEEL 50 and PEEL Trident 2 seater. Top speed 30mph (48km/h). 100mpg+.  

What is PEEL? 

 Above: PEEL 50.

The following is extracted from Wikipedia 

 

The Peel Engineering Company is a manufacturing company based on the Isle of Man that primarily made fibreglass boats as well as fairings for motorcycles. They were also responsible for the Peel Manxcar, Peel P50, and Peel Trident microcars, in addition to the Peel Viking Sport and prototype GRP Minis for BMC. These models constitute the only automobiles manufactured on the Isle of Man; the company halted their manufacture in 1969. A limited-run Peel Manxkart go-kart was also produced. The Peel P50 to this day still carries the Guinness record as the World's Smallest Production Car. The Peel Engineering Company was dissolved in 1974.

Without further ado, I present some videos from Youtube of PEEL 50:

Video 1:

 

Jeremy drives the world's smallest production car to work and even takes it into the lift in this hilarious clip from BBC's Top Gear. Watch out for cameos from John Humphries when he kidnaps the car and Fiona Bruce in the lift!  

Video 2: Peel P50 at Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
 

Video 3: Peel P50 original advertisement

VIDEO 4: Peel P50 on Xtra factor 

VIDEO 5: Peel Trident & P50 - World's smallest car

VIDEO 6: Tribute to Cyril Cannell. Designer of the Peel P50 & Trident

VIDEO 7: Microcars on CBS News Sunday

 

Above and below: PEEL Trident 2 seater.

Here's some info about Peel Microcars: 
SOURCE: Andy Carter's website

History

Peel microcars were built in Peel, Isle of Man in the 1960's by Peel Engineering.
Owner designer Cyril Cannell and his workforce led by George Gelling created these cars in premises close to peel harbour.

Peel Engineering was at the forefront of glass fibre and plastics moulding technology, famous for its motorcycle racing fairings and boat-building expertise.

Peel Microcars Facts

Peel P50

 

• Single seat 3 wheeler with a 49cc Zweirad Union (DKW) 4.5HP
• 2 stroke moped engine. 3 Speed gearbox.
• 54 inches long (1.37M) and 41 inches wide (1.04)
• The prototype was even smaller!
• Approx. 47 cars built from October 1963 to December 1964
• Glassfibre construction with no chassis.
• Colours available: Red / White / Med Blue. (and a two-tone one)

Peel Trident

 

• 2 seater 3 wheeler with dome top and a 49cc Zweirad Union (DKW) 4.5hp.
• 2 stroke moped engine. 3 Speed gearbox.
• A few cars had the 99cc Triumph Tina/T10 auto unit and larger 8” rear wheel.
• 71 inches long (1.81M) and 42 inches wide (1.07M)
• Colours available: Red. / Pale blue.
• Glassfibre construction with no chassis.
• Approx. 82 tridents built from December 1964 to December 1966

(A few tridents were fitted with an optional shopping basket in place of the passenger seat - this allowed a 16 year old learner driver to drive alone)
 

Replicas

Peel replicas are an emotive subject - you either love them or hate them. Fact of life is that they exist. The problem is when replicas are passed off as genuine cars.

If you want a Peel but cannot afford up to £35,000 that some now sell for, you can get an almost exact replica for a fraction of the price. Some replicas have modern engines with electric start and automatic drive, making them easier to drive and maintain.

To date almost 30 Peel P50 and Trident replicas have been built or are being constructed by enthusiasts around the World. Many parts are available from autojumbles etc., and other parts have been remade. Kits and complete cars are available.

I (the webmaster) am the progenitor of Peel replicas, however several sets of moulds now exist around the World. Details of replicas are included in the Peel register to help clarify the original cars, and prevent confusion.

END OF SOURCE...

OTOREVIEW'S NOTE:  There's only 20 units of Authentic Peel cars left on British roads.  2 of them in Ripley's Believe it or Not museum.  Apparently, Peel 50 Replica is still on sale... Limited to 50 units.  As I'm typing this 15 units left.  Here's the link:
http://www.peelengineering.co.uk/store_cat.php?peelstore=4

 That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.

Problem uploading photos.  Will update ASAP.  photos uploaded 10.14pm!

For Sale: Mazda 323 Protege Hatchback 2000/03

As per title, my friend is selling off his MAZDA 323 Protege Hatchback make 2000 registered 2003.

This baby comes with FULL SERVICE RECORD.  1 owner.  Nice number. 125,000km only hence LOW MILEAGE.  Price RM25,000.  This is a TIP TOP Condition car with no repair needed.  I was supposed to buy this car BUT SADLY CANNOT GET LOAN and it's "older" than my Waja (age wise).

EXTRAS:
1) ALPINE CD/MP3/WMA Player + Amp + 6 speakers
2) PRO/RS Steel braided Brake hose
3) Bush bush, absorbers changed.
4) Engine mountings changed...
5) REALLY NO REPAIR NEEDED!!!

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words.  Here's some pictures:

 ABOVE: FULL SERVICE HISTORY since DAY 1.

 Above: Odometer reading as at 27 June 2011.

 Above: EXCELLENT HEADROOM. WAY Better than its Grandmother (323 ASTINA).

 60:40 split fold rear seats and this: Foldable front passanger seat.  Ala, Laptop table.

 16" Lightweight Alloy rims.

 Above: ALPINE Head unit + 6 speakers & 1 Amplifier.

Above: Lawyer's car.  Don't play play.

If you want to buy this car, call my friend ROBIN LIM: 012-2077-432.  Mentioned you saw this ad thru Otoreview blog OR "Jeff Lim's blog" for better deal.

FOR More info about this car:

1) FULL REVIEW.  Mazda 323 Protege BJ. 
http://otoreview.blogspot.com/2008/08/full-review-mazda-323f-bj-16glx.html








That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  My Original work.


Can't upload photos, will upload shortly.

PICTURES UPLOADED 2335hrs.

Proton rated among most reliable cars

LONDON: Proton has cause to celebrate following new research released by Direct Line Breakdown which has revealed the most reliable cars on British roads.

According to the research, Proton’s range of cars has been listed as the fifth least likely to suffer mechanical breakdown, coming hot on the heels of Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan.

The results are in contrast to general consumer consensus which saw Volkswagen, Mercedes and BMW topping the poll and were perceived to be the most mechanically reliable by motorists.


The research on which cars are most likely to breakdown was based on Direct Line's call-out records, which shows that consumer beliefs are inconsistent with reality.

Simon Park, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, for Proton Cars (UK) Ltd said:  “We are proud to see Proton ranking at number five in this research, and it is testament to the genuine experiences of our extremely loyal customer base.  Many of our customers have owned a Proton for years and have been very satisfied by how reliable they are.”

Proton’s current line-up includes the 5-door Savvy city car, the 3-door Satria Neo and new Satria Neo Sport, 5-door GEN-2 family hatchback and the 4-door GEN-2 saloon and LPG dual fuel GEN-2 ecoLogic range.

Direct Line, one of Britain's largest provider of motor vehicle insurance, is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Set up in 1985, it is based in Croydon just outside London and also provides roadside recovery services.

It commissioned the research to find out if common consumer opinion on many makes of car is borne out by experience. It offers tailored prices for individual cars so drivers of reliable cars pay less. 

The research was undertaken by YouGov from April 26–28, with a sample of 2,011 adult respondents.

“This research shows how motorists tend to think the more expensive cars are more reliable which isn’t always the case," said Direct Line's Emma Holyer.

"Only 1% of consumers thought Protons were trusty whereas it’s actually one of the most reliable cars on the market.

“We believe that if you drive a reliable car you shouldn’t be paying out for the cost of your recovery agent constantly having to attend call outs for cars more likely to break down.  It's only fair you pay a price that reflects the risk you represent."

Direct Line was the first major operator to offer tailored pricing on the individual driver, rather than the conventional approach of one price for all.  Motorists switching to it from other operators save 20% on average.

Despite the reliability of Japanese and Malaysian cars, the same cannot be said for their drivers.

Direct Line statistics show that more than half of all breakdowns - across all makes of car - can be attributed to driver fault rather than mechanical so breakdown cover is essential no matter what car you drive.

 That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry. 

SOURCE