Longtermer #1, Update 19, Jan 2010: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 16v Ghia (A)

LONGTERMER #1: Update 19, January 2010: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia

Longtermer #1, Update 19, January 09: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 16v Ghia

In this blog entry, I am updating my Ford Telstar i4 Ghia. This is the 19th update.


What's up in the month of January?

As I am typing this, the Telstar covered 821km. Now, 150,205km. Previous month, it's 149,384km.  Why is it so? It's ALL Because this car had been in WORKSHOP for 1 week, due to Both Fan belt and Alternator belt snapped.

I don't have EVIDENCE, but I SUSPECT it's gotta do with 2 bottles of D'CARBO poured into my Engine back in December 31 2009 (see photo above).  Perhaps it's due to Over-revving by the person I bought the D'Carbo from?  Or 2 of my Engine mounting cracked, D'Carbo sort of vibrate the engine which resulted BOTH my Alternator belt and Fan belt snapped?  Or is it because like my dad said, the Engine is too "FRAIL" for D'Carbo?

On 17 January 2009, my car broke down (500m away from my house) after I heard a "SNAPPING" Sound.  Immediately, I knew 1 of the Belt snapped.  Stupid me went to attempt to restart the engine after the car broke down.  This might be the reason why the engine sort of "Failed".  THREE days in Workshop, after replacing both Alternator Belt, Fan belt and FAN BELT PULLEY, the car FAILED to start.  My Mechanic suspected the Gasket failed and suggest Engine transplant.

We even SOURCED an Engine and is waiting at the Chop Shop waiting to collect. God is GOOD, my mechanic decided to take apart the engine to see how bad the damaged is.  As he taking apart the engine, he found Engine "Chau Saai Waai" (Cantonese, ie. Not in order).  He Carefully, installed back the engine and MIRACULOUSLY, the car can START, back to Normal.  Hence, saving the need of ENGINE TRANSPLANT.  He charged me RM790 only.  Again, my mechanic also suspected it all started from D'Carbo.

Picture below, minutes before the Puncture...
Last  Saturday, my front left RIM is DENTED BADLY (see photo below)

and tyre punctured after HITTING a LARGE POTHOLE in Bandar Menjalara, Kepong.  I heard a LOUD "THHUUNNNKKK" and my tyre punctured.  My tenant TRIED to help me to change the FLAT tyre BUT my car Don't have the CORRECT tool to remove the 5 NUTS.

The existing ones CANNOT FIT my LENSO Smallish Lug-Holes. So cannot change the tyre. (see photo above).

I should have stopped driving the car BUT STUPID me go and slowly drive the punctured tyre from Kepong to my house in Section 17, Petaling Jaya (about 13km total)  The next day, I drove to the nearest tyre shop I can find and asked them to Changed my spare tyre.  I then drove to TEK MING Tyre shop in PJS 11/24 as I recalled them advertising their "REPAIR DENT RIMS" in Lelong.  See picture below...

They quoted me RM40 to repair my Dented rim.  The end result looks UGLY (see photo below), it became PARTIALLY BURNT.

After repairing my Rim, they discovered that my Front LEFT TYRE is UNUSABLE due to the "Sidewall Steel belt damaged".  This is caused by IGNORANT me Driving the FLAT TYRE for 13km from Kepong to Section 17, Petaling Jaya, resulting the tyre damage.  I was quoted RM150 for USED tyre of similar type with 80% thread left.  A NEW tyre would have cost RM220.

As I look around the tyre shop, I spotted these rims.  See picture above.  2009 MAZDA 6 2.5i OEM Rims.  The staff there quoted me RM800 initially, but after some negotiation, the price was reduced to RM700. Me and my dad decided to TRADE-IN the LENSO NX-01 rims for RM300 in favour of this rims...  Picture below, the RIM fitted on my 1999 Ford Telstar.  Does it looks good?

Without further ado, let’s proceed to Logbook…

LOGBOOK:

Year of manufactured: December 1998 (registered January 1999)
Purchase price: RM42,000 (Aug 2005)
Current value: RM12,000 (As at December 2009)
Depreciation per year (averaged): RM7,500
Mileage last month: 149,384km

Mileage NOW: 150,205km

Fuel consumption (so far):
BEST: 10.2km/l (24 December 2009)
WORST: 5.9km/l (September 14, 2009) => 100% City driving

THIS MONTH (January):
BEST: 9km/l on 24 January 2009 (80% Highway driving). WORST: 1st week of January: 7.1km/L, 90% City driving. I used either RON95 Shell OR Mobil RON95 only.

0-100km/h: 10.8 secs (1/1/2010). Previous run 10.4 secs (27/9/2009).

TODAY, As at 28 January 2010,

Expenses (this month)

1) Fuel expenses (RM350)
2) Parking and tolls charges... (RM50 est)
3) CHANGED 4x 2009 Mazda 6 2.5i OEM Sport Rims: Paid RM700 (see photo below).  After traded in my LENSO NX-01 17" rims for RM300.  1 used Silverstone Synergy M5 tyre: RM150.  Total RM850.

4) Labour for Changing both Alternator and fan pulley, taking apart the engine, top overhaul and putting it back: RM790.  (Better than Projected RM2300 for engine transplant).

GRAND TOTAL: RM2040.


Before I go, here's some parting shots below:

Pictures above, the newly replaced Fan belt and alternator belt which earlier SNAPPED.

Photo above: The ORIGINAL semi-bucket front seat, me find it COMFORTABLE, supportive and STYLISH. What do you think?

LASTLY, before I signed off, this is the LATEST photo of my Telstar with the 2009 MAZDA 6 2.5i 17" OEM RIMS. Man, it DOES LOOKS GOOD!

That's all folks!  Thanks for having the time and patience to read this Blog entry of mine...  See you February 28 2010 for the 20th update...  AN ORIGINAL JEFF LIM'S PRODUCTION.  My original work...

Shahriza Hussein (1943 ~ 2010)

ARTICLE PARTLY EXTRACTED from MOTOR TRADER Website. By Chips Yap.

"One of Malaysia’s first generation of motoring journalists, Shahriza Hussein, passed away last weekend, two months short of his 67th birthday. He left us peacefully, with no pain and suffering, something which I feel is the 'reward’ a person gets for having been good during his life on earth – and Shahriza was certainly a good man, kind and fatherly to the rest of us in the fraternity.

Shah, as everyone called him, was the publisher and editor of Auto International which started in 1976 but he probably never expected to be one. His early years of working were spent in the Malaysian education service as a teacher, examinations specialist and curriculum consultant.

However, in the mid-1970s, he decided government service was not for him and moved into the private sector to start Auto International (AI), which was the second motor magazine in Malaysia after Asian Auto which had started in 1973 (the AAM magazine is 'older’ but it has been circulated only to members). Although he also had other magazines, among them one which covered his other passion – hifi audio systems – AI was the one that took up virtually all his time.

By 2005, Shah decided that it was time to retire and stepped away from an active role in producing the magazine every month.  He led a quiet life at home...  Nevertheless, thanks to e-mails circulated among the fraternity, we all 'heard’ from him on and off. He also wrote some articles for a newspaper in which he related his childhood years and that was great reading. "

END OF SOURCE;
1) http://www.motortrader.com.my/NUS/articles/article_2320/page_m.asp 

My (Jeff Lim's) opinion:

In 2008, he published a NOVEL Entitled "LEGACY".  I haven't read the book but a check with the Internet shows that His book is ON SALE in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, USA and others...  Critics sang praises to his book...

AL-FATIHAH Allahyarham Shahriza Hussien.  Though you've passed away, I have this to say, you are my ROLE MODEL.   I had been READING your Magazine since 1988!  I was only 9 years old back then when I picked up and actually READ my 1st issue of Car Magazine.  It was a 1988 issue of AUTO INTERNATIONAL.   The Cover I remembered back then was a MITSUBISHI GALANT Super Saloon.  From October 1989 to 1994, I've been religiously FOLLOWING your Magazine.  In  1995, I followed my Dad to Hong Kong to Continue my Year 10 (form 4) over  there...   DID NOT read your magazine until my return from Hong Kong in October 1999.  I Enjoyed your magazine until 2005, I presumed you RETIRED as a FULL TIME editor.  

The Magazine Content DETERIORATED since 2005.  It's so BAD that by Mid-2006, the Auto International was SUSPENDED for 6 issues. The magazine changed its editor 3 times!  There were NO MORE detailed "SPECIFICATIONS" and 8 page featured car review.  Auto International goes from "1 of the BEST" Magazine in 2005 to "1 of the WORST MAGAZINE" in 2009.   

To Current Editor of Auto International.  Please bring back the OLD Review format which has DETAILED Specifications.  Currently, your Review is "SUPER BRIEF", photos were "ULTRA SMALL" and NOT Technical AT ALL.  EVEN, Weekly News Straits Times' CARS.BIKES.TRUCKS Pullout is MILES BETTER than today's Auto International.  At LESS THAN 60 pages including cover  and priced at RM8.80, it's NOT WORTH the Asking price.My advice, if you want to CONTINUE WRITING this WAY, please cut the Price to RM5.  Else, BUCKLE UP and BRING US 2004 writing format, picture quality + specifications please...

Jeff Lim signing off! -SOBBING- in between...

ARTICLE: Forget subsidies, just give me cash

Forget subsidies, just give me cash

By Hafiz Noor, The Malaysian Insider

JAN 19 — In spite of opposition that saw the streets of Kuala Lumpur filled with pro-fuel subsidy groups during the Abdullah administration, efforts to liberalise the fuel subsidy regime has gone a long way.

Out of a number of its arguments, one that criticises the untargeted and blanket nature of the policy has gained tremendous traction. The fact that it benefits those who do not need or deserve the subsidy is clearly one of the main motivators — the bigger drivers are probably cost and waste — behind the reformation of the policy.

The Najib administration is addressing this particular criticism. That has resulted in multiple novel moves and proposals from the federal government. Among the proposals reported in the mainstream media are different prices for different groups, a cap on subsidised fuel consumption and access to subsidy based on engine size. While the moves and proposals may reduce the size of fuel subsidy either in value or in quantity, the proposals may appear too convoluted.

I appreciate the government’s effort at making the policy more targeted hence, less wasteful in terms of opportunity cost. Yet, these novel ways are really unnecessary given its simpler alternatives. In fact, the more convoluted the methods are, the more complex the implementation will be. That is a recipe for a disaster, policy wise.

Just observe the recent attempt to limit the sale of subsidised fuel to foreigners at the border. So complicated was it that everybody was confused and in the end, it did not work. Consumers found ways around the restriction.

There is a better and much simpler way to do to this.

Before we proceed to that better and simpler policy, it is crucial for us to recall the purpose of the fuel subsidy. Its goal is ultimately to reduce the cost of living of the less well-to-do Malaysians. On top of that, fuel subsidy is not the only way to achieve that goal.

With that in mind, the better alternative to the fuel subsidy is a simple cash transfer from the government to those who deserve it.

Why cash transfer?

The first reason is that it paves the way for total elimination of fuel subsidy to free up the market. Since free prices signal scarcity, individuals and entities will make decisions that are more reflective of the reality of the energy market. On top of that, it creates real competition among pump owners. The same system of free prices already exists in the United States and Australia. Its effectiveness is proven.

Not only that, elimination of subsidy at the pump reduces consumption, all else being constant. That means lower carbon emissions. In times when carbon emissions are a worldwide concern and in light of the Najib administration’s promise to announce a carbon cut roadmap in the near future, this is an opportunity to integrate transportation and energy policies together environmental policy. Such integration is important given that, according to the International Energy Agency in 2007, the transportation sector was the source of 30 per cent of Malaysia’s carbon dioxide emissions in 2005.

Thirdly, cash can be used for a variety of things and not just fuel. Maybe a beneficiary of such a cash transfer appreciates books or food more than fuel. This has the potential of increasing the beneficiary’s welfare higher than what a fuel subsidy policy can bring. If the beneficiary does appreciate fuel more than anything else, then he or she can simply buy the same amount of fuel he or she would have otherwise bought under the fuel subsidy policy. In other words, there are more choices. The economics behind cash transfer is clearly more welfare enhancing than a simple fuel subsidy.

The next question is, naturally, how to do it.

If the sale of subsidised fuel is to be limited, then the government will have a good idea about the maximum amount of money it needs to spend on fuel subsidy. Furthermore, the lower the cap, the higher the likelihood a beneficiary of the subsidy will exhaust his or her quota. From there on, certain statistical manipulations can give us the size of money transfer per capita required to make the cash transfer method the equivalent of the fuel subsidy policy in terms of value.

The cash transfer itself can be delivered to the deserving via the existing tax system. Here is another beauty of cash transfer. It pays only to those who have filed their taxes. Thus, this is yet another incentive for those who have yet to file their tax to finally do so.

For those who just want to fill up their vehicles, here is another reason to support a simple cash transfer instead of an explicit targeted fuel subsidy policy: no weird rule at the pump.

So, what about it that is not to like?

*The views written here are the personal opinion of the columnist.

END OF ARTICLE.  That's all folks, thanks for reading this WONDERFULLY WRITTEN ARTICLE. 

SOURCE: 

 1) http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/opinion/alice-nah/index.php/opinion/
hafiznoorshams/50045-forget-subsidies-just-give-me-cash

ARTICLE: Loopholes for buying fuel with MyKad — Lim Sue Goan

Loopholes for buying fuel with MyKad — Lim Sue Goan

JAN 18 — This would be the busiest year for the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry. As the government is going to reduce subsidies on necessities, law enforcement officials would have to be diligent in their duties to prevent profiteers from fishing in troubled waters. Under the “1Malaysia” slogan, the government would have to take care of all Malaysians and for the very first time, it has listed turkey and pork as controlled items during Christmas and Chinese New Year.

However, there are many corrupt practices in the market, ordinary people are sometimes smarter than the officials. No matter how stringent the controls are, they still have ways to escape from being caught by law enforcement officials.

Take the implementation of buying fuel with MyKad, which is scheduled to be launched on 1 May, as an example, there are in fact many loopholes for the policy.

Under the new fuel subsidy structure, only Malaysian owners of vehicles with low engine capacity will enjoy full fuel subsidy, each person is limited to enjoy fuel subsidy for one vehicle and each person is allowed to pump limited amount of fuel every month. They have to face a lot of technical problems in order to implement such new policy.

Firstly, there are thousands of millions of different vehicles in the country. Would the government be able to match all the information of Malaysian citizens with the vehicles they own using computer system within three months? Moreover, some people have more than one vehicle registered under their names, how is the government going to ensure zero computer system error?

It is said that the government will also ask for assistants from banks, hoping to verify the information of vehicle owners through credit card records. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will as well have to be psychologically prepared that many people may want to “change” the ownership of their vehicles to their relatives in order to enjoy fuel subsidy. Thus, it is not going to be a simple task.

In the first stage of implementation, there will be various errors and complaints for sure, including the computer system may be down; readers fail to read MyKad, no record in the computer system, some people are not allowed to enjoy fuel subsidy even thought they have not reach the limit amount yet, some small cars are not able to enjoy the subsidy while big vehicles can, or lorry drivers may complain that subsidised diesel is always sold out.

Secondly, how is the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry going to stop some Malaysians from lending their MyKads to foreigners? Foreigners may register their vehicles under borrowed Malaysian names to enjoy the subsidy. The readers in petrol stations recognise only cards but not the persons, the policy may become a profit-making opportunity for people living near country borders.

Thirdly, the policy in which vehicle owners are allowed to pump only a limited amount of fuel monthly may help to stop smuggling activities but fuel consumption is sometimes difficult to estimate. For example, we will have to consume more fuel during festive seasons as we have to return to our home towns. Also, sales persons and field staff have to go out very frequently. Such a policy will cause fierce opposition.

If a person does not purchase fuel up to the limited amount this year, could the remaining quota being carried forward to next month? How much is the reasonable fuel consumption amount? A total of 50 litres would be more than enough for those working near their houses but for sales persons, it may not enough even for two days. Also, those who cannot use up the quota may resell the remaining amount.

The government may think that the new mechanism can save a significant amount of subsidies but it does not take into account that if it is not effectively and smoothly implemented, it my affect the operation of industry and commerce, as well as cause an inflation.

The most crucial question is, how is the government going to use the billions of ringgit saved from the reduce of subsidies? The people will never wish to see their hard-earned money to be simply squandered and wasted. — mysinchew.com

END OF ARTICLE:

Source: 

1) 

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/34120

Thay's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this SECOND WELL WRITTEN ARTICLE.

ARTICLE: An approaching nightmare: Leisure days have LONG GONE...

An approaching nightmare

BY — Lim Sue Goan,

JAN 15 — The Malaysian fuel prices in 1997 was cheaper than mineral water. The price for mineral water was RM1.50 per litre while the price for fuel was RM1.10 per litre at that time.

The country was almost as rich as Arab countries. Such a scenario was not far away but a few months later, we will have to use MyKad in order to enjoy subsidised fuel. Leisure days have long gone.

Malaysians no longer enjoy cheap fuel and sugar. It tells us that our national treasury is short of money. Factors that caused the shortage of money have been mentioned for many times.

They include mismanagement, overspending, corruption, declining petroleum revenues and economic recession.

In order to increase revenue and reduce deficit, the government has to reduce subsidies (the government will reduce RM4 billion of subsidies this year) and impose more taxes (service tax for credit cards, tax on disposal of real property, as well as the Goods and Services Tax).

Therefore, the public must be psychologically prepared to face the bitterness of price hikes.

In order to lead the country out of the current economic predicament, the government has introduced a new economic model to turn the country into a high-income economy.

Firstly, the people are still not clear about the structure of the new economic model. We only know that it is going to be a knowledge-based economy that requires the creativity of the people to develop the areas of services and technology.

In order to turn an economy relying on foreign workers into a knowledge-based economy, there must be a solid foundation and conditions, such as high value-added areas, experts and research bases. And it is impossible to be achieved overnight.

Secondly, Malaysians are lack of high standard skills, effectiveness and competitiveness. How are employees going to increase the staff’s salary? The level of income is measured based on the average.

It will be meaningless if only a small number of people are able to gain high income while the majority earn less.

It is worrying that before the increase of the average income of Malaysians, we must first bear the pain of “high costs”, including the inflation brought by subsidy reduction, as well as the possible increase of water and electricity tariffs and tolls.

In fact, Malaysians earn very low incomes. For example, the monthly basic salary for security guards is between RM350 to RM400, while factory workers earn RM480 and estate workers earn RM600 per month.

These low-income earners will starve to death in urban areas and only this year, the government announces the minimum basic salary system for security guards, private clinic assistants, estate workers and those working in the catering and hotel industry. How are we going to achieve the dream of turning the country into a high-income economy?

It is reported that more and more wage earners in Singapore enjoy luxurious life in the Iskandar special economic zone during weekends. For them, luxury houses in the economic zone is cheaper compared to a three-room apartment in Singapore and the monthly house loan is even lower than a car loan in Singapore.

Even a semi-detached or a detached house is relatively cheap compared to housing prices in foreign countries or if it is calculated with foreign exchange rates. However, wage earners in Malaysia cannot even afford a RM300,000 house, not to mention a luxurious one.

Malaysians have become “second-class people” in this piece of land because of low income.

Many people are likely to become “poor” if we have to face inflation and at the same time, pay various taxes while our incomes remain unchanged. It is an approaching nightmare for Malaysians. — mysinchew.com

END OF ARTICLE:

SOURCE:

1) http://www.mysinchew.com/node/34017

UGLY MALAYSIAN: SHOPPING Ethics...

Last weekend, I accompanied my Tenant to IKEA.  Guess what?

This is a GOOD PLACE to SPOT UGLY MALAYSIAN.  Here's what I observed during the 2 hours shopping:

1) They simply park their TROLLEY in the middle / walkway.  (See photo) 

 This is what they should do:

Park their trolley at the side or ensure that it don't obstruct the walkways.

2) They took the item, from the shelf, later changed their mind and SIMPLY PUT THE ITEM in ANOTHER DEPARTMENT/ SECTION.  (See picture Below, circled)

 

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO, Put back the item back into the shelf you took from.  Where it belongs.

3) TROLLEY FIGHTING (in the event of SALE). 
They will initially line up for the Trolley, when the trolley ARRIVES, they "FIGHT" or GRAB the trolley. 

4) AS SEEN IN HYPERMARKET: Peeling onion/Garlic and left the SKIN/Outer layer in the shelf.  OR Picking MANDARIN ORANGE from one box to another.  OR Pressing the Mango, Durian. 

5) QUEUING in WRONG LANES:  Eg. 30 items but lined up in ""10 items or less" lane / EXPRESS LANE.  Or "CASH ONLY" Lane, but opting to pay CREDIT CARD.

6) HOGGING the ESCALATOR: Eg. Despite saying "EXCUSE ME" they refused to move to the left, preferring to STAND say, 2 to 3 people side by side.

7) HUGGING, CARESSING  AND KISSING in PUBLIC.  Man, 1/5 couples in Malaysian shopping mall did this.  Example are FAMOUS DJ PIETRO FELIX and his Scantily Clad GIRLFRIEND as spotted in IKEA on the 3rd week of December.   I PERSONALLY  SPOTTED THEM, while queuing for payments, KISSING, CARASSING and Hugging EACH OTHER. 


8) AND THE LISTS GOES ON AND ON... 

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this RAMBLING of mine...

Emergency Update: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia

As I'm typing this, my Ford Telstar is still in Workshop.  The Engine BLOWN.  It all started last Sunday.  The Fan belt and Alternator Belt snapped at  the same time.  Stupid me go and attempt to start the car after the belts snapped.  According to my mechanic, what I did DAMAGED the ENGINE.

I have roughly 10 hours (tommorrow by 11am) to decide whether I should:
A: OVERHAUL THE CAR
B: Engine transplant.

I'm in a dilemma.  My dad and foreman ADVISED me to Change Engine while I want to Overhaul. What should I do?

INTERVIEW: Still in the dark over system

The Star, Sunday January 17, 2010

Still in the dark over system

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

shaz@thestar.com.my

The Government’s plan to impose a two-tier pricing mechanism for petrol by May 1 has given rise to many questions but answers are hard to come by. Just how will the mechanics be worked out?

THE Government wants to cut down on subsidies it pays on petrol by implementing a two-tier pricing system by May 1. Domestic Trade and Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the principle has been agreed upon but details are still being worked out. He has asked the public to give him their views via his Facebook.

The move to reduce subsidies, including for sugar and other consumer products, is a very sensitive and difficult process, he admits.

OTOREVIEW'S NOTE: Here's an Interview between, The Star Reporter, Shahanaaz Habib and Domestic Trade and Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.  ENJOY:

Q> People want to be informed early about the new fuel pricing mechanism so that they can be prepared.
A> I agree but we have not fully settled on the exact mechanism. It’s still under discussion, that’s why we are still unable to announce details at this moment.
What I was able to announce is the principle of the subsidy. Wherever you go in the world, subsidies are targeted at needy groups. In the case of petrol for our country, the poor or the middle income group.

But now everyone is getting the petrol subsidy, including foreigners, which means the Government is subsidising citizens, non-citizens and the well-to-do. This is wrong. The principle of the new mechanism is that the subsidies will be given to only the targeted group.

Filling up: Details on the two-tier fuel pricing system are still being worked out.

Q> Since the Government is still discussing the mechanism, maybe it won’t be implemented in May?
A>That May 1 date is still on target but it will only be for the peninsula. For Sabah and Sarawak, the implementation will be later. The people there use four-wheel drive vehicles to get around and most are about 3,000cc. Even the poor are forced to use that because of the terrain. We will eventually have a mechanism for them.

Q> How can people give their feedback constructively if they are not given some details of the proposal?
A>But they are already doing that now. Even though no one is certain about what is going to happen on May 1, the debate and discussion have already started. Even the principle of the subsidy is being questioned. Even the rich are thinking they should be entitled to the subsidy.
We are listening to the opinions and suggestions.

Q>Is the Government looking at engine capacity or the make of the car to determine who gets the subsidy? What engine capacity are you looking at?
A>With cars, the best is to look at engine capacity. It’s wrong to go by the brand because that would be perceived as discriminating against a make. You can’t say whoever owns a BMW is not entitled to subsidised petrol; BMW would be mad at us. That’s why engine capacity is the best consideration. As for the engine capacity, we will announce later.

Q> How about expensive cars like the Mini Cooper, which has a small engine but cost over RM200,000?
A>There are also some kampung folk who use very old Mercedes Benz, which is very cheap – costing about RM10,000 – but the engine capacity is big. Whatever we do, we can’t cover 100%. There are bound to be some who won’t be covered. This is true of whatever policy we make; it can’t be 100% perfect. - Has the CHEEK to say  this comment, WHAT A DOOFUS! ED.  There will definitely be some who are not satisfied or who terlepas (escape).

Q> Will there be two different pumps at petrol stations?
A>We are still working out the mechanics but definitely not two pumps. We are looking at pumps having two prices or perhaps just having the market price on it but those entitled to the subsidised price get to pay less and get receipts for it.

Q> Who decides on the engine capacity at the petrol station?
A>We are considering putting a chip into our MyKad to register the car that’s entitled to the subsidised petrol. Each person is eligible for subsidised petrol for only one car. It’s not fair if you have 10 (small engine capacity) cars and you get subsidies for all 10. If the car is registered to different people, for example the wife, son or daughter, then each is eligible to the subsidy; one person per car. Children have to be 18 or above because, to own a car, you must be at least 18.

Q> So we won’t be handing our MyKad to some foreign petrol attendant to check?
A>I don’t think that will be the case because these days we are IT savvy. It’ll probably be swiping, like you do with the credit card. It will be a convenient system.  - What can I say!?? ED


Q> People who own big cars grumble that they already pay high duties for the imported cars. They are also paying high road taxes, so why shouldn’t they enjoy subsidised petrol because they are taxpayers too?
A>The principle of the subsidy is that those entitled are the poor and middle income group. But we are listening to all views and there have been so many because everybody has been talking based on presumption.

Q> But people argue that it’s better to disclose some details of what the Government is proposing so that they can give their views rather than speculate.
A>I can’t give details because we are still discussing (them). In due time, the Government will announce the engine capacity and whether there is a cap on how many litres per person per month. If there is no cap per car, people will abuse it. They will use their Mykad to buy as much petrol as possible, transfer it into a drum and then sell it to those who don’t qualify for subsidies. So the question of how many litres will be announced later. MAN!  This guy speaks without WISDOM! - Ed.

Q> How about those who travel outstation for work or those in big cities who travel long distances daily because they can’t afford to buy or rent homes near their offices?
A>We are looking at all angles. Someone who lives in a small town and goes to work nearby will benefit. We haven’t fixed a cap yet but if there is no limit, it will definitely be abused. Those near the Thai border will sell it over the border and, in other places, people will sell it to those who are not entitled. So there should definitely be a cap.

Q> Is the Government also looking at reducing the subsidy on diesel?
A>Not right now. The real market price should be RM2.09 per litre for diesel but fishermen pay only RM1.20, public transport such as school buses, public buses, lorries and prime movers pay RM1.43, normal cars RM1.70 and airport taxis RM1.58. - This is the ONLY PART OF THIS INTERVIEW HE SAID WHICH was NICE TO READ.  The rest?  Read on...  YOU'LL BE PISSED with what he SAYS!  You've been warned - ED


The multiplier effect of diesel is different from petrol because petrol is not used for public transport and to transport goods. If we increase the price of diesel, bus fares will go up and the price of goods will increase immediately because transportation costs would increase. School bus operators, too, would want to hike up fares. There are a lot more considerations with regard to diesel than petrol.

Q> What products is Malaysia still subsidising? Are we moving towards a no-subsidy regime?
A>Sugar, cooking oil, flour, ST15 rice, petrol, diesel, LPG gas, and NGV gas for taxis. The fuel subsidies make up the highest amount. It was RM5.6bil last year (in 2008 when world oil price was higher, the subsidy was RM18.8bil).


We are not moving towards a no-subsidy regime yet. I don’t foresee us doing away with the subsidy for basic items like rice and petrol. What we are trying to do now is to focus on the target group. There has been too much leakage because people who are not eligible are getting subsidies.

Q> It has been reported that Malaysia by 2011 will be a net importer of oil, so shouldn’t we stop giving subsidy for oil?
A>The people are not ready. When I raised the price of sugar by just 20 sen, people got angry. We must educate our people. The problem with us is that when we get something, there is no way the Government can take it back. Sugar was never a subsidised product. The Government only started subsidising sugar in 2009. Before that, because the world sugar prices were low – at US$14.50 per kg – we had no subsidy at all. But last year, the price shot up. The Government wanted to cushion the effect and started subsidising sugar. Taking it back now is very difficult because people think it is their right. - I AM SPEECHLESS with What he said... He clearly speaks without thinking...


Q> Isn’t there ample justification to withdraw the subsidy on sugar because less consumption is better?
A>Many people, including consumer and health groups, feel there is no reason for the Government to subsidise sugar because it is bad for health. It can be likened to subsidising cigarettes. The sugar subsidy only makes people use more sugar every day and this will increase the number of chronic illnesses in the country.

This is what people should understand. We have to educate people and make them aware. If we do not educate them, it would be difficult because we have been enjoying subsidies for too long. Last year, the subsidy for sugar was RM720mil. This year, despite the 20 sen increase, the Government will have to fork out an even higher subsidy of about RM1.008bil.

Q> Biscuit and soft drinks manufacturers buy sugar at subsidised prices too. So can we have a two-tier system where industries pay the real market price?
A>We should actually do this. The problem is if we do, there will be a shortage of sugar because people will start hoarding sugar. Retailers, too, will manipulate the supply and sell to industries as they pay higher prices. This will cause problems for consumers. As far as retailers are concerned, why should they sell to consumers for RM1.65 when they can sell at higher prices to factories?

For example, if the real market price is RM2.45 and the factory offers retailers RM2.20, the factory saves cost and the retailer makes more money than selling it for RM1.65 to consumers. That’s our worry about putting two prices for sugar in place. This is what happened with subsidised diesel being sold on the black market.

Q> What is the hardest subsidy for the Government to withdraw?
A>Everything! The Government will spend RM104mil this year to subsidise flour. Last year, it was RM89mil. If we cut this, the Indians and roti canai lovers will make noise. So we are maintaining the price at RM1.35 because it is a staple food for Indians. Rice, too, is staple food for the Malays, Chinese and also Indians. It is also very hard to raise diesel price because the price of other goods will go up.


As for petrol, we just have to raise the price by 5 sen and people will get angry.

 With sugar, too, people made noise when we hiked the price up by 20 sen even though sugar consumption is known to cause harm. However, they are not really worried about sugar consumption at home because they consume only 1kg or 2kg a month and a 20 sen hike per kg is not a burden at all. What they are worried about is the multiplier effect – the effect it would have on food prices outside.

Q> Has the objection against the sugar hike been very serious?
A>Not so much because consumer associations have come out in support of the Government. We argue that for health reasons people should consume less, so why buy sweet things outside? But people still fear a hike in prices of food products. That’s why we will continue our campaign of reducing sugar in food and drinks.

END OF INTERVIEW.  

Man, I have only 2 WORDS after reading this INTERVIEW.  I'm very disappointed with what he said.  Clearly, he is INSENSITIVE with what he said, saying the RAKYAT Spoiled, RAKYAT will make noise, this and that...

He even have the CHEEK to quote this:  "Whatever we do, we can’t cover 100%. There are bound to be some who won’t be covered. This is true of whatever policy we make; it can’t be 100% perfect. There will definitely be some who are not satisfied or who terlepas (escape).".    WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?  Reading the above makes me PI$SED OFF!!!

MY 2 WORDS: "SACK HIM!!!".   This will END ALL THIS HAVOC he's trying to CREATE BY MAY 1.

Why?
Cause he's Insensitive to the RAKYAT NEEDS. As I highlighted the above article in "BOLD AND ITALIC".

The Star: Sunday January 17, 2010

New rules to limit amount of petrol a vehicle owner can buy

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

shaz@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is likely to put a cap on the amount of subsidised petrol a car owner can buy monthly, when the new petrol pricing mechanism starts on May 1.
Without a cap on the amount for each car, those eligible for the subsidised petrol would “definitely abuse it,” said Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“They will buy as much petrol as possible and transfer it into a drum or somewhere, and then sell it to those who are not eligible.

“Those living near Thailand will sell it across the border,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Ismail Sabri said the Government was still discussing how much the limit should be and said this would be revealed to the public when it was fixed.

He admitted that those travelling long distances frequently and had no transport allowance might lose out due to the monthly cap.  However, there were others who would stand to gain, such as those driving small cars, living in small towns and working close to where they live.

The Government recently announced that it would fix a two-tier pricing system for petrol, depending on engine capacity, while foreigners would have to pay the market price.
Currently, the Government is subsidising petrol at 30 sen per litre for all. The market price for RON 95 is RM2.10 per litre but because of the subsidy, the pump price is only RM1.80.
Ismail Sabri said a person would be eligible for subsidised petrol for only one car.

He said, however, that if the cars were registered to different people, like the owner’s wife or children, then each would be eligible for the subsidised petrol.

On whether there would be two different pumps (subsidised and not subsidised) at petrol stations, he said that would not be the case; instead the pumps would have two prices or just the market price but those entitled to the subsidised price would pay less.

The Government was also looking at inserting a chip into the MyKad with information of the car, so that those eligible could swipe their MyKad for subsidised petrol.

The new pricing mechanism would apply only to the peninsula in the initial phase but it has raised many questions with few answers.

In Butterworth, DERRICK VINESH reported that Ismail Sabri said the archaic Hire Purchase Act would reviewed to protect car buyers from being harassed by car repossessors and finance companies.

“The laws at present seem to favour the banks and finance companies rather than consumers.
“Under the 1Malaysia concept, the people come first,” he said after opening the Consumer Awareness campaign at Sunway Carnival Mall Seberang Jaya here yesterday.

The other Acts also to be amended were the Copyright Act; Consumer Protection Act, Price Control Act and Direct Selling Act.

“We hope the Acts can be amended and passed in Parliament by the third quarter of the year,” he said.  At another function, Ismail Sabri said amendment to the Copyright Act 1987 would make owning even one copy of a pirated VCD or DVD an offence.

SOURCE:
1) http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/17/nation/5490845&sec=nation

CBT COMPARO: Myvi vs Saga BLM vs Hyundai i10

In this blog entry, I'm going to write about NEW CARS.   This is because I have AT LEAST 5 fresh graduate friends' looking to buy his/her 1st NEW CAR (NOT USED) with RM50,000 below budget.  Well despite me doing some persuasions and suggestions that a used car HAS BETTER CHOICES and LESS DEPRECIATION, they still "DEGIL".  They, still want NEW CAR.

As I'm NOT A RENOWNED NEW CAR JOURNALIST, it's IMPOSSIBLE for me to obtain ONE test car, let alone THREE.  All is NOT LOST.  I dished out "3 CARS SHOOTOUT BETWEEN.  Perodua MYVI, Proton SAGA BLM, and INOKOM (Hyundai) I10" courtesy of New Sunday Times, Cars.Bikes.Trucks website.   Yup, gotta leave the testing to the "EXPERTS"!.  Here's the Article.  Enjoy!

Battle for entry level supremacy

A Cars.Bikes.Trucks Article: Submitted by yani on Tue, 25/08/2009 - 4:17pm 

Both the Perodua Myvi and new Proton Saga dominate the entry level car segment in the country, while the Inokom i10 has sold reasonably well since it was launched here last year.
It is easy to see why these three cars are popular buys, with affordable pricing, spacious cabins and a host of attractive features.
The Myvi is still the best-selling car in the country after four years although the new Saga is not far behind in sales performance.
Japanese technological input is one reason for the popularity of the Myvi, which is the result of a Perodua, Daihatsu and Toyota collaboration.
Meanwhile, the new Saga is an odd one out here as it is a four-door sedan while both the Myvi and i10 are five-door hatchbacks.

Still, the new Saga has capitalised on the fact that Malaysians like four-door sedans with large boots.
The i10, which is the replacement model for the Hyundai Atos Prime in Europe, is also an odd one out here as it is categorised as a non-national car.
In Malaysia, the i10 is assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The Hyundai Motor India plant in Chennai manufactures the i10 for the European market where it scored four stars out of a possible five in Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) safety tests.

All three are award-winning cars (the i10 bagged the Indian Car of the Year 2008).  
These three cars also see strong demand among those looking for additional vehicles in their households.
Although there are a number of lower-priced Myvi and new Saga variants, we chose the high-specifications models as these would compete closely with the i10.

EXTERIOR
In terms of size, the new Saga has the biggest footprint while the i10 is the smallest car with the shortest wheelbase.
Height-wise, the new Saga is also the lowest at 1,502mm.
Both the new Saga and Myvi have electric side mirrors while the i10 only has manually adjustable side mirrors.
Here, only the Myvi has turn indicators integrated into the side mirror housings.
In the styling arena, the Myvi still retains a modern hatchback look with large eye-catching headlamps after four years.
The new Saga features a functional boxy look while the i10 carries bright, curvy and cute styling cues that are aimed at attracting a high percentage of female buyers. 

INTERIOR
The new Saga offers the largest cabin space in its class, and one of its advantages is a sizeable 413-litre boot.
Also, the new Saga has the longest wheelbase at 2,465mm, and this translates into plenty of legroom.

Headroom is more than adequate for our 1.7m bodies, and Proton must be commended for an interior design that maximises the amount of passenger elbow room in a compact sedan.

Although the i10 has the shortest wheelbase at 2,380mm, we have mentioned in previous car reviews that legroom and headroom were ample for our 1.7m bodies.

In fact, we found quite decent levels of comfort in the spacious cabin of the i10 despite its compact exterior dimensions.   
In the i10, we were especially taken with the large-sized fabric seats and passenger headrests which provided high comfort levels on long distance journeys.

The Myvi has the most nifty-looking instrument control layout here, especially with its blue-coloured optitron meter combination, while both the new Saga and i10 have simple and functional dashboard designs.

All three cars have four-speaker radio CD audio set-ups, but the new Saga is the only one with a non-MP3 capable system.

Here, the audio system in the Myvi stands out as it also features USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

DRIVING IMPRESSION
Recent generations of Proton cars have developed a reputation for their exceptional handling dynamics, cornering agility and steering accuracy, and the new Saga is no different.
All three cars here have similar suspension set-ups, with front MacPherson strut and torsion beam rear.

The Saga is the heaviest car here with a 1,065kg kerb weight, compared with the Myvi 1.3 EZi (kerb weight of 955kg) and i10 (gross vehicle weight of 920kg).
Still, it should be noted that the new Saga has the most powerful engine here.
We found all three cars to have brisk acceleration although the Myvi stood out when it came to smooth and serene driving as well as fluid gear shifts.

All three cars, with front disc brakes and rear drums, provided competent stopping power.
Both the new Saga and Myvi 1.3 EZi have 40-litre fuel tanks while the i10 features a 35-litre fuel tank.

All three cars, shod with 14-inch wheels, provided more than acceptable levels of passenger comfort as well as ease of manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces.
In the area of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), it was a tough call for us but we found ourselves to be most comfortable with the i10. 

CONCLUSION
When it comes to handling and agility, and cargo storage space as well as competitive pricing, the new Saga is the winner.

In the areas of proven long-term reliability, high resale value, and low maintenance costs, the winner is the very well-equipped Myvi.

Still, we really liked the i10 mainly due to its large-sized seats and headrests which felt solid - we found them to be really comfortable during our daily commuting from Klang to Kuala Lumpur.

Many would disagree with us, but we think that the i10 just squeezes ahead of its rivals here in terms of overall packaging - passenger comfort, safety, practicality, design aesthetics, driving smoothness, pricing and driver satisfaction.




By Thomas Huong

Specifications
Inokom i10    
Engine: 1,086cc SOHC petrol
Max power: 66hp @ 5,500rpm
Max torque: 99Nm @ 2,800rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Features: Dual airbags, ABS
Price: RM48,888 OTR with insurance

Proton Saga 1.3 M-Line (automatic)
Engine: 1,332cc Campro 16V DOHC with IAFM (integrated air fuel module)
Max power: 94hp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 120Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Features: Driver's airbag
Price: RM41,498 OTR with insurance

Perodua Myvi 1.3 EZi
Engine: 1,298cc in-line 4-cylinder DOHC with DVVT (dynamic variable valve timing)
Max power: 86hp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 116Nm @ 3,200rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BA (brake assist)
Price: RM49,700 OTR with insurance


Servicing costs
Proton Saga (automatic)
Service intervals       Costs
1,000km                 RM118
5,000km                 RM118
10,000km               RM234
20,000km               RM585
30,000km               RM330
40,000km               RM610
50,000km               RM330
60,000km               RM585
Total                       RM2,910

Inokom i10
Service intervals       Costs
1,000km               RM151
5,000km               RM151
10,000km             RM167
15,000km             RM167
20,000km             RM328
25,000km             RM165
30,000km             RM165
35,000km             RM165
40,000km             RM1,340
45,000km             RM165
50,000km             RM165
55,000km             RM165
60,000km             RM328
Total                     RM3,622
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd says the charges quoted are indicative figures, and discounts are usually available at authorised service centres.

Perodua Myvi
According to Perodua, the total cost of maintaining the Myvi over the first 60,000km is RM1,686.25.
This includes charges of RM127.25 for a normal service package as well as approximately RM350 for every 20,000km service interval.

SOURCES:
 1) NEW SUNDAY TIMES, Cars.Bikes.Trucks pullout article published on 23 August 2009 http://cbt.com.my/090825/battle-entry-level-supremacy

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this LONG but WONDERFULLY WRITTEN article.

The STAR: Sunday July 12, 2009

How to buy a car?

THE car industry is an exciting one indeed. With so many models available, and new ones being introduced almost every other month, buying a car can be a delightful process – or a harrowing ordeal.
Before you make a decision, it is important that you are well informed and prepared. After all, a car could be your second biggest investment after your home, so take your time with gathering information and conducting research. Your aim would be to end up as a happy, satisfied owner.

These are some of the areas you should consider before purchasing a car.

Match your lifestyle


First of all, ask yourself what you would need the car for? To conveniently zip around the city? Or do you travel long distances for business often? Maybe you need lots of room for your large family? Or do you have lots of sporting equipment to lug around?

Look for adjustable seats – such as these in the Honda Jazz – so you can configure the car to suit your lifestyle.

 

Your car should complement your lifestyle – and, luckily, there are so many types to choose from. There’s everything from a family sedan, sports sedan, compact, and hatchback, to an MPV, SUV or even pick-up trucks.


Can I afford it?

Affordability is a key issue among prospective car buyers, especially in the present economic climate. But many people are not aware that affordability encompasses more than just the car’s price.
There is a long-term cost that you should take into consideration such as the monthly repayment, maintenance costs, insurance and tax, fuel consumption, and resale value.

Most Malaysians spend 30% of their salary on their monthly car repayments. Take a reality check. Lay out your budget so that you can determine what sort of price range you are comfortable with. Currently, the cheapest passenger car in the Malaysian market is RM25,000 and the most expensive, RM1.5mil.

What brand?


Once you’ve narrowed the field of cars you are interested in, identify a few brands you are comfortable with.
Independent car reviewer Paul Tan says that a car manufacturer’s branding is usually built up over a long time, a result of a good track record in terms of product quality and service support. You will usually never go wrong with a mainstream brand.

The techy part

Now what about the technology? Although the general life cycle of a car model is five to seven years, most manufacturers will introduce new technology every year or so, be it in design, performance, or safety.
Here are a few technical terms that might be useful to you in considering the technology:

Displacement – Measured in litres and cubic centimetres (cc), displacement is the technical term for the “size” of an engine. The higher the displacement, the more refined and responsive your car will feel.

Torque (Nm) – Torque is basically the force or power from your engine needed to turn your wheels. The higher the torque, the more responsive your car will feel.

Remember, the higher your horsepower, the better your performance. – File photos

 

Revs (revolutions per minute, or RPM) – RPM refers to the engine speed; basically, how hard the engine has to work to give you the torque quoted. The lower the revs, the sooner you’ll feel the push of the torque. For a nippy, responsive car, look out for a higher torque and lower RPM.
Horse power (hp) – The maximum power produced by an engine. The higher your horsepower, the better your performance.

Be safe

In terms of safety, your car should at least have airbags and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA, or traction control) and side and curtain airbags would be a bonus.

Tan explains: “VSA strategically applies brakes on each wheel individually to stabilise the car when it is out of control. This feature can come in very handy, especially road conditions being what they are locally, when you sometimes have oil on them, and when they get really wet during heavy monsoon rains.”

You might also like to consider your chosen model’s crash test results. G-Con technology, an internal passive safety standard, for example, uses collapsible body sections to evenly distribute the force of impact from a collision, hence minimising passenger and pedestrian injuries.

Some sources of credible results are Japan’s National Organisation for Automotive Safety & Victims’ Aid (www.nasva.go.jp), Euro NCAP (www.euroncap.com), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (iihs.org); these are all independent organisations that evaluate the safety performance of vehicles available in specific markets.

What to look for?

Visit a few showrooms to look at the various models available. It is important that you like and are comfortable with the car. Here are some of the things you should consider when checking out a car:
Ergonomics – Make sure there is enough leg and head room; steering should be adjustable (tilt up and down, and telescopic, front and back); seats must be adjustable, especially the driver’s (up and down, and front and back movements).

Drivability – Check the car’s manoeuvrability and turning radius.

Utility – Are there enough storage compartments, is the trunk size adequate, can seats be reclined or can rear seats be folded to provide more space?

Tan advises: “The features must satisfy your lifestyle’s practical needs. This could mean sufficient seating and storage space.

“Some cars have reclining seats at the rear, even in sedans, which increases passenger’s comfort.”

Fuel efficiency

No matter what the prevailing economic conditions, it is always advisable to choose a car that is fuel-efficient. A combination of gear ratios, engine technology, and aerodynamics determines the car’s fuel-efficiency.
Explains Tan: “Previous general perception was that automatic transmission and high performance equals higher fuel consumption. But this is not necessary the case now, thanks to improving technology.
“Some cars are able to produce lots of power (peak torque at low rpm) without having to rev the engine much.”

Here are two formulas to calculate a car’s fuel efficiency:
Mileage from a full tank (km)/ Size of tank (litre) = km/litre
or
Size of tank (litre) x price of fuel (RM)/Mileage from a full tank (km) = RM/km

I want to be green

As exhaust emission is one of the greatest contributors towards global warming, it is our responsibility to cut down on emissions; one way of doing that is considering hybrid technology, which is kinder to the environment.

Hybrid technology uses two or more distinct power sources to move a vehicle: a combination of engine (petrol or diesel) and electric. The car uses less fuel to move, which translates into fewer emissions and increased savings.

Tan is of the opinion that, “Your vehicle performs better too as the electric system gives added power to the engine. For example, you can experience the power of a 1.8L car with a 1.3L hybrid engine”.
Honda Malaysia is the only manufacturer currently offering hybrids in this country.

Re-sale value
Most people do not take into consideration the resale value of a car but unless you plan to keep the car for life, a good resale value will prevent you from losing a lot of money. Several factors, such as good branding, after sales support, market popularity, and demand and supply determine resale value.

Test drive


Last but not least, take the car out for a spin before making your final decision.
“Take note of how the car responds, its ease of drive and manoeuvrability, its build quality and ergonomics.
“Different people have different body shapes and sizes. I have long legs that fit well in one car but not another, although they are in the same size and price segment. This is because of how far the front seats are able to slide back,” Tan says.

If you have questions about buying a car, go to smartwheels.com.my for tips and more information; you can also post questions at the site that will be answered by an independent car reviewer. This initiative is brought to you by Honda Malaysia.

SOURCE: 
1) http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/7/12/lifeliving/4238306&sec=lifeliving

 

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

WARNING: CHOOSE YOUR VEHICLE NO. CAREFULLY! Why? Read on...

As per title, CHOOSE YOUR VEHICLE NUMBER PLATE CAREFULLY.  Don't let the number choose your car. rather it's YOU WHO NEED TO CHOOSE THE NUMBER.  Why is it so?

BECAUSE IT'LL AFFECT YOUR RESALE VALUE.  Next owner will find this an excuse to CUT DOWN YOUR PRICE, UP TO 20% depending how BAD the Number.  Here's some example of "BAD, BAD, BAD number":

1) 9413, (Cantonese means "9 DIE, 1 LIVE" OR "9 death forever".
2) 4584 (Hokkien "584" refers to PERVERT.  So add "4" = DIE.  DIE PERVERT.
3) 411 / 413 (Means DIE EVERYDAY OR DIE FOREVER)
4) 4967 => Means Die Playing Testlcles

5) 164 => ALL THE WAY DIE

And the lists goes on and on...  
Here's my guideline to choose "GOOD" Number without paying a LOT...

1)  Any Number which ends with "88".  Yes, EVEN 4 looks good when ends with "88". Eg. 9388, 4388, 7988, 1388, 3288, 5488.

2) Double digit No.  Eg. 9933, 3993, 7788, 8811, 2112, 9988.

3) "3" same digit no.  Eg. 1222,. 1555. 1777, 1333, 1888, 8999.  (EXCEPT "4" coz, FEW People like "1444", 2444 and so on)

4) Nice meaning no.  Eg.
168 = All the way Rich
8108 = RICH, SURE RICH.
8148 = RICH, FOREVER RICH.
1369 / 1397  => FOREVER SEX (Former, western/ latter cantonese),
1337 => ELITE.
1123 / 1128 = Everyday easy live / rich
8357 => BEST
l355 => LESS.  My cousin's waiting for BRA1355.  YUMMY Number!
8055 => BOSS


5) 2 DIGIT Number. NICE, But EXPENSIVE.  Eg. 28, 79. 89.

6) 3 digit numbers,  Any number except 4. and the following combination such as "67", "42" in the 3 digit no.

LASTLY, AVOID SINGLE DIGIT NO, As it's often OVERPRICED.  Up to 6 figures for W_ _ 1.  OR TA _ 1.

Why I created this topic?  
Well from me and my dad's personal experience HUNTING my next car.  We 1st encounter this issue back in 2003.  My dad saw a 100% TIP TIP, Accident free, Low mileage PERFECT EXAMPLE Met Blue Fiat Punto 1.6ELX (Buying for my Sister).  BUT AND A BIG BUT, the No. plate is "411" which means Die Everyday.  As a result, my dad WALKED AWAY.

Second encounter, I came across a NICE ALMOST PERFECT FORD LYNX, BUT the Reg. No. is 4924 (means Die Long/Dog/Play, Easy Die).  Obviously, I walked away wondering who will BUY THIS CAR. Another scenario, my Friend's Wira, "4667"  Means Die by mixing testicles in Cantonese.

THIRD Encounter:  POSITIVE ONE: My ex-colleague managed to sell off his car extra RM10,000 above market value.  Reason?  He sold off with Nice 2 digit number W _ _ 77.

FORTH Encounter: A 100% showroom condition car which I just came across recently.  This car apparently was Still in market.  The dealer advertised in Mudah.my since September 2009.  Till Now still unsold.  I think it's because of the Number: W _ _ 8340.  Means, Born Live Die Sure.  Adding salt to the wound, the Dealer  REFUSED to LOWER the PRICE.  RM41,800 NETT.  Hey, market value only RM36,000.  The car?
2004 Renault Scenic 2.0RXES with TWIN SUNROOF.  RARE CAR.

My Conclusion (correct me if I'm wrong), ONLY MALAY LIKE the No. "4".  Japanese/Korean/Chinese 4 = "DIE".   SAME goes for No. "13", Westerners HATED this NO.

Check this out: "Ferrari Fairlady".

Ferrari Fairlady!
Have you seen it before?  

What you see below will either:
A: Makes you LAUGH OUT LOUD!,
B: Makes you scream "BAD TASTE!"
C: Makes you say "STUPID owner, spoil Ferrari image!"
D: Makes you say: Very creative, nicely modified...
E: Makes you scream "WHAT THE F**K IS THIS!!!"

My Opinion, I select: A, B and C.  What do you think?

Well, there's a saying, a picture's worth 1000 words.  Without further ado, here's some photos taken in front of BROTHERS Kelana Jaya. 

Wonder, what's under the bonnet? 

That's all folks, an ORIGINAL JEFF LIM'S photos...  Remember, YOU SEE IT FIRST at this BLOG!