LONGTERMER #2, Volume 15; Month 20: Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC

LONGTERMER #2, Volume 15; Month 20: Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC

In this blog entry, I'll be covering my ride.  The Honda Civic FD2. This is 15th update of Longtermer #2, this month's the 20th month we (my family) owned the Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2.

What's happened in the month between January to February. Let's see...

I have been enjoying driving the car around. In fact, WE (me and my dad) used this car more often now compared to the Ford Telstar.

Over the last 14 days, as usual my dad drove this Civic FD2 HARD.  To Genting Highlands (2 rounds), Cyberjaya 3 rounds.  How my dad drive (to Genting Highlands)?

Well, he utilised Engine braking most of the time when downhill and played with the Paddle shift (S mode) with Air-cond off (windows down) when going uphill.  


Three weeks ago, while reversing out of my porch, I hit a parked Wooden Lorry. 

Apparently, the reverse sensor did not work as the wooden lorry was too high.  The damage?  My rear right light broken and it's surrounding dented.  Spent RM280 for the lights and another RM280 for Knocking back and painting. Total RM560.

 

Picture montage above: Before and after the repair...

As I am typing this, the Civic's Due for 30,000km service.  Apparently, Sumber Auto Edaran was fully booked till 2 March 2010 (Tuesday).  I made my appointment last Monday (22 Feb).

Without further ado, let's proceed to LOGBOOK.

Year of manufactured: 2008 (Delivery Date 28 July 2008)
Current Value: RM113,000
Purchase price: RM126,000 (less NCB)
Mileage when bought: 0008km
Mileage last update (January 1): 27,536km
Mileage today: 30,418km

Average mileage per month: 1600km

FUEL CONSUMPTION (This Month):
Best: 14.25km/L, 100% highway, Petronas RON97 (16 Feb 2010 driven by my DAD)

WORST: 8.2km/L (Shell RON95) 100% City driving driven by ME. (January 28 2009)

LAST 6 months:
Best: 14.25km/l (90% highway driving) (16 February 2010)
Worst: 8.2km/l (80% City driving, 20% HARD DRIVING) (November 26 2009)

Expenses:

1) Rear light RM280, Knocking and painting: RM280.  Total RM560.
2) Touch and Go reload => RM100.
Petrol, parking and toll charges, that's all.

Well, there's a saying "a picture is worth 1000 words". Here's some parting shots before I sign off...

FINALLY: MY PARTING SHOT:

AN ORIGINAL JEFF LIM Production. That's all folks, thanks for having the patience to read this. See you on the 22th month. Ie. End April. Yes, Now I'll update this car every 2 months instead of 3 Months previously as there's more and more things to blog about.

Fancy a pre-owned Ferrari?

The Star Motoring: Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Fancy a pre-owned Ferrari?

 

Posted by: Anthony Lim

 

Naza Italia has started a Ferrari pre-owned programme in Malaysia, and the workings of the approved used car division is approved by Ferrari and is in-line with the Prancing Horse’s strict and thorough guidelines.

Under the programme, all Ferrari cars purchased via the previous franchise holder, Next Car, and Naza Italia will qualify for Ferrari’s Power Warranty, and is aimed at offering a powerful and consistent proposition to Ferrari customers.

All cars under the programme undergo a 190-point check that is in line with the Ferrari Approved Vehicle Specification Sheet, Template Content Guide and Functionality Guidelines. This multi-point inspection by the factory-trained technicians at Naza Italia include the 190 individual mechanical, electrical, bodywork and interior checks, along with a full road test.

Defects are repaired or replaced, using Ferrari genuine parts while a written vehicle evaluation report is presented to the future owner for a review and discussion. In addition, pre-owned cars purchased from the Ferrari pre-owned programme will enjoy a 12-month warranty as well as roadside assistance for the same period.

END OF SOURCE.

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

SOURCE:

1) http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1005

Longtermer #1, Update 20, Feb 2010: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 16v Ghia (A)

WELCOME BACK ABS!!!

LONGTERMER #1: Update 20, February 2010: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia

Longtermer #1, Update 20, February 09: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 16v Ghia

In this blog entry, I am updating my Ford Telstar i4 Ghia. This is the 20th update.


What's up in the month of February?

As I am typing this, the Telstar covered 861km. Now, 151,066km. Previous month, it's 150,205km.

On February 11, 2010, my front left tyre punctured again.  Again, I drove to the nearest tyre shop for change to spare tyre.  Around that time, MOST tyre shop Closed already due to the Chinese New Year.  I then drove to a Tyre shop in Sea Park and found a pair of used Falken ZE912 tyres with 40% thread left.  I paid RM240 for it inclusive of Balancing.  

ONE day before Chinese New year, I bought a pair of Front Normal Brake pads (OEM Mazda 626) for RM60 from a shop called "AMO" in Seapark.  I then went to a mechanic nearby my house and was quoted RM55 for installation.

During the month of February, my car experienced brake LOCKUP TWICE.  This left me thinking...  Does this car have ABS?  A peek into my Fuse box CONFIRMED that the TELSTAR HAS ABS.  It's just that somewhere, somehow the 60A FUSE for the ABS missing.  Wonder who stole my Fuse (Same type as Wira)?

TWO days ago, I bought the 60A Fuse (RM8) same size as Wira and slot in...  VIOLA, THE ABS is FUNCTIONING WELL AGAIN.   Welcome back ABS!


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 February 2010)
Depreciation per year (averaged): RM7,500
Mileage last month: 150,205km

Mileage NOW: 151,066km

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

THIS MONTH (February):
BEST: 9km/l on 9 February 2010 (80% Highway driving). WORST: February 22: 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 (RM240)
2) Parking and tolls charges... (RM50 est)
3) CHANGED:
i) Front OEM Brake pads (RM60+55 workmanship) = RM115
ii) 1 Pair Used Falken ZE912 tyres + Balancing (RM240)
iii) ABS FUSE 60A (RM8)
iv) Others (RM50)

GRAND TOTAL: RM703.00.


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

LASTLY, before I signed off, this is the LATEST photo of my Telstar.  Picture taken using my Latest Gadget, Panasonic LUMIX TZ7.  Location: Section 17, Petaling Jaya...

That's all folks!  Thanks for having the time and patience to read this Blog entry of mine...  See you on March 29 2010 for the 21th update...  AN ORIGINAL JEFF LIM'S PRODUCTION.  My original work...

The Star, Thursday February 25, 2010

Fuel subsidy scheme shelved, originally set to be implemented on May 1

By EUGENE MAHALINGAM

eugenicz@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: The Government’s proposed fuel subsidy scheme based on the engine capacity of vehicles has apparently been shelved.

Sources indicate that the plan, which was originally set to be implemented on May 1, will not proceed even though a lot of the preparatory work has entered the final stage.

“We were so close to getting this off the ground,’’ said a source.

The Government had planned to introduce a tiered pricing system for petrol, depending on engine capacity, while foreigners would have to pay the market price.

According to reports, the plan called for the mandatory use of MyKad to differentiate Malaysians from foreigners, requiring the need for MyKad readers at petrol stations.

Subsidised petrol would be capped to a certain amount of litres a month per user for owners of vehicles with engine capacities of below a certain threshold. The reported upper limit eligibility for the petrol subsidy is 2,000cc. Owners of cars with bigger engine capacities would be exempted from the subsidy.

However, many had considered the proposed scheme to be very unfavourable and cumbersome to enforce and some have suggested that the subsidy itself should be removed.
RAM Holdings Bhd chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said scrapping the scheme and moving to a “fully market-driven” system was a better option in the long run.

“The public has to realise the fuel subsidy scheme is not sustainable as it impacts the Government’s finances. Removing the subsidy would reduce over-consumption and promote more efficient use of our country’s resources,” he said when contacted by StarBiz.
Yeah said many countries, including Indonesia and Sri Lanka, were practising a free-float system, where fuel prices were based on global oil prices.

“This is the ideal but Malaysia is accustomed to subsidised prices. From an economic standpoint, it is not sustainable.”

Yeah said removing the fuel subsidy completely would create short-term strain on the lower income group as they would have difficulty coping with the sharp increase (in fuel prices).
“The best thing to do is to gradually reduce the fuel subsidy or it would create inflationary pressure.”

Yeah said the proposed tier system was unfair and vulnerable to abuse.
“It is unfair from the individual perspective because everyone is entitled to equal fuel subsidy levels.”

He also cited the case where some fishermen were purchasing diesel at subsidised prices and were selling it for profit.

“Owners of lower cc engine cars could sell their entitlement to owners of higher cc vehicles. This situation could crop up if the system is not watertight.

“Principally, it (the tiered fuel subsidy scheme) seems desirable but administratively, it is no go,” said Yeah.

An analyst from a local bank-backed brokerage said the tier system would be difficult to monitor and the Government should do away with the fuel subsidy scheme.

“The only way to become a high-income nation is to remove the fuel subsidy. There would be near-term implications but eventually the public will be able to adjust. The removal should however be gradual,” he said.

He also said the Government should improve its public transport infrastructure if it were to reduce or remove fuel subsidies.

“The Government could also do away with excise duties (for imported vehicles) but I don’t think that would happen any time soon.”

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd vice-president of sales and marketing for passenger cars Florian Mueller said he could identify with the Government’s decision to introduce a fuel subsidy scheme.

“In the long run, the Government is looking at how to reduce fuel consumption. I think the best thing to look at next is how we can encourage people to purchase vehicles with the latest technology or encourage the manufacturer to build car engines with lower fuel consumption.
“This would also encourage other players to introduce technology that encourages fuel saving. The Government could also make it mandatory for car owners to replace old engines if they are not fulfilling emission standards, just like they do in Europe.”

END OF SOURCE...


My Comment:  THANK GOD!!!  GOD IS GOOD!

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

SOURCE:
1) http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/25/
business/5741670&sec=business

American Idol 9: Update 1: Goodbye HOPE JOHNSON!

Goodbye Hope Johnson!  I'll be missing you!

Oh! New twist to this blog...  From today onwards, I'm going to post updates/comments on American Idol Season 9 since I'm a HUGE FAN! 

Back to Hope Johnson, me thinks SHE'S A HOTTIE.  Do you agree?  Just look at the picture montage above!  Great looks, great voice, got the personality to match...  I was hoping she'll make it AT LEAST TOP 5!!!

WHY?  OH WHY?  Did SHE NOT MAKE THE CUT? 

Anyway, I'm now placing my hope on "Brad Pitt Lookalike" (In fact Better looking) CASEY JAMES, Michael Lynch, Todrick Hall...  (Hey, 3 out of 7 ain't bad).  Here's hoping for tomorrow's Remaining 17 contestents...   Hope that the JUDGES CHOOSE WISELY!!!  Don't let talents like HOPE JOHNSON go!!!

That's all folks!  Thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry of mine...

250th POST: PRESENTING Otoreview's 15 Best NEW cars for...

Jeff’s 15 best NEW cars for 1st half 2010…

A lot of my relatives and friends asked, what is the NEW Car you recommend?  Well, here's my answer...  I came up with 15 Best NEW CAR Recommendations.  My HOT Favourite being the Mazda 6 2.5SVT.  Enjoy!

1) Mazda 6 2.5i SVT (Favourite car).  RM178,000OTR. Made in Japan at CKD Camry 2.4/CKD Accord 2.4 Price. My favourite car.  This is the NEW CAR I WILL BUY NOW if I have the money.  FULLY LOADED with GOODIES such as 6 Airbags, ABS+EBD+BA, Traction Control, 5 speed activematic, Elec Sunroof, BOSE 6 in-dash MP3/WMA CD-Changer Sound System with 8 speakers + Amplifier, Elec Adj Front seats with driver 3 way memory, Leather, 2 zone Climate Control, Trip Computer, 18" Mazdaspeed Rims, Xenon headlights, 60:40 one touch split folding rear seats.  And the lists of TOYS goes on and on...

2) BMW 320d SPORT (A) (Best Diesel).  RM255,800. Indisputably the BEST DIESEL Available.  60L fuel good for 900km average (mixed City Highway).

3) Mercedes New E-class (Premium Executive car).  RM372,000 onwards. My Dream car.  Go for the middle Child E250CGI  (RM403,000 est).  Same 1796cc turbocharged engine as E200CGI but with more horsepower/torque = better performance.  Better specs too... 

4) Honda City 1.5 iVTEC (Compact family).  RM81,800 onwards.  Nothing much to comment except it LOOKS WAY BETTER than the New "DUGONG" Vios.

5) Honda Stream 1.8 RSZ (Mid size MPV). RM158,000. Best looking MPV further enhanced with RSZ Bodykits.  Fully LOADED.  CBU from Japan.  Worth the asking price.

6) Audi A4 1.8T (Compact exec). RM235,000 omwards. Loved the trendsetting LED Daylights, Economical, Very stylish car...

7) Lexus RX350 (Best Premium SUV).  FIRST CLASS LEXUS Aftersales.  Credit to Lexus Malaysia.  On sale in Malaysia SHORTLY after WORLD PREMIERE (4 months only). Price: RM373,000.

8) Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 (TD) (Best pickup).  Most stylish pickup.  5 yrs warranty.RM58,000 (LITE) to RM110,000 (3.2 Petrol Auto).

9) Toyota Prius (Best Hybrid). RM175,000 OTR. Best Fuel Economy at 3.9L/100km according to recent Mudah/Asianauto Fuel Efficiency test.  FULLY LOADED with LOTS OF Gadgets.  Still A GREAT BUY despite the recent recall.

 

 

10) Perodua Viva (City car).  Kancil Replacement model.  Cheapest car in Malaysia (Applicable to 660 and 850 only).  1.0 is LOADED with features which includes Dual Airbags, ABS.  Price: RM24,800 to RM45,000.

11) Porsche 911 Turbo PDK (Supercar).  My Ultimate Dream Car.  Most practical Everyday Supercar.  Price RM1,300,000 onwards depending on Specifications.

12) Ford Escape 2.3 (A) Best SUV).  RM139,900.  Same price as when 1st launched back in 2001.  Defying inflation.  Value for money.  Loved the XL Elec Sunroof.

13) Renault Grand Espace (A)(Best LARGE/Luxury MPV).  Very SPACIOUS, Loved the Majestic XXXL Panoramic Elec Sunroof.  RM220,000 est.

14) Peugeot 308 VTI (RM96,800), Turbo Panoramic (RM113,800) / GT (RM155,000) (Best Hatchback / Hot Hatch).  These cars shared engine with  "Mini Cooper / Cooper S".  Think of it as BARGAIN Mini Cooper / Cooper S.  Folks at Naza Group have done a GOOD JOB Bringing down the price.   Now here's hoping they provide GOOD Aftersales service.

15) Mazda New MX5 2.0. Best Open top car.   Price: RM220,000 estimate.  Officially Import by Bermaz (Prima Merdu) with 3 years warranty.  A great ride and handling car with more than enough power.  Now with Elec folding Hard Top. 

That's all folks...  Thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry of mine.  Remember, you READ it 1st in This Blog what NEW CAR to Buy...

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR of the TIGER!!!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Tiger.  May the year of the tiger brings you flourishing prosperity, blessings, good health, fortune and greater success in all your endeavors.  Gong Xi Fa Chai!  Waan Shi Ru Yi DEAR READERS / Visitors of this Otoreview.my Blog!!! 




(SOurce: http://www.chinahighlights.com/community/cards/china-spring-festival-cards/2010-chinese-new-year-card.htm)

From Jeff Lim,

Owner and editor of this Blog...

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

Happy Valentine's Day...

Happy Valentine's day dear readers/ visitors to my Otoreview.my blog.    I now present you this HEART from IKEA.

 

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry...  Oh! HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE TIGER AS WELL...  For this, I'll leave it to my next blog entry (a separate one)... 

LOCAL NEWS: PORSCHE goes to Sime Darby

Picture above: Dato' Mokhzani Mahathir...  Jaseri Automotive Chairman
 

Porsche goes to Sime Darby February 01, 2010 09:13 PM Source: www.motortrader.com.my

Author: Chip Sime Darby, already representing Ford, Land Rover and Alfa Romeo in Malaysia, will soon add a prestigious luxury brand to its portfolio – Porsche. A Letter of Intent has been signed with Porsche Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Sime Darby is expected to officially begin operations by the end of the first quarter of 2010.  Sime Darby will take over from the Jaseri Automotive  Group full responsibility for the importation,  distribution, sales, marketing, PR and after-sales service for Porsche cars in Malaysia. This also includes the right to appoint dealers and service centres. It is understood that the Porsche business will not come under the Auto ConneXion umbrella and will be an independent unit under a new Sime Darby subsidiary which will be set up. This new subsidiary will take over the present Porsche Centre at Glenmarie in Selangor which is operated by Auto Eurokars, a subsidiary of Jaseri Automotive.  This facility will remain the base for Porsche Sales and Service while additional Porsche Centres will be added in due course.  Commenting on this development, Dato’ Lawrence Lee, Sime Darby’s Executive Vice President, Motors Division said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to add the Porsche brand to our stable, and are certain that our depth of experience in representing some of the world’s best-known marques will stand us in good stead in this partnership. Malaysia will be our second representation of Porsche as we are currently representing the brand with a Porsche Centre in New Zealand.” The Chairman of Jaseri Automotive, Dato’ Mokhzani Mahathir, will continue to be involved in the Porsche business as he will remain as a shareholder in this new company. In as far as APs are concerned, Sime Darby, as a GLC, has its own quota of permits so importation will not have to be done by other parties. SOURCE: 1) http://www.motortrader.com.my/NUS/articles/ article_2332/page_m.asp

Bagan Lalang trip (with my Telstar)...

What an event to kick off the NEW YEAR!  On January 1 noon, I decided to drive to the Nearest Beach to soak my feet in the sand.

I then called 3 of my other friends and a total of 4 blokes drove ALL THE WAY to Bagan Lalang, about 120km away from Petaling Jaya.  I drove my 1999 Ford Telstar 2.0i 4cyl GHIA there.   (Note, this is 1 week before my Telstar broke down).  Well, there's a saying, a picture's worth 1000 words!  Without further ado, here's the 30+ photos depicting the event...

Ah! FINALLY Set my feet on the SAND!!! (Below)

Above above, Air pollution by inconsiderate folks. Above, my heart sank seeing these Garbages

 

  

WHY?  Must they Set up a couple of TENTS at the beach site?  

I don't get it... 

  

Final Picture; Durian/Rambutan stopover.  BUT it's TOO EXPENSIVE.  RM8 per durian.

THAT"S ALL FOLKS!  Thanks for having the time and patience to went thru' this blog entry.