Not That Easy

Following my last post, this is the continuation of my viewing of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The salesperson came back with the key and unlocked the car. I was nervous but excited to finally able to sit inside an STI after looking at tons of photos online. I opened the door and admire the frameless doors, usually only available on 2 door coupes. The first thing is to try on was the seats. It was weird to me that a sports car like the STI did not come with Recaro seats and instead have seats that look too fat and sits too high. When I sat on the driver seat, I was surprised the seats provide good side support. I started messing with the gear shifter, testing how hard the clutch feels, sizing the steering wheel and look around at the basic interior design of the STI. The clutch was hard but it was expected from a car that has an output of at least 280 bhp. It is common for enthusiast to change stock clutches to a more sporty twin-plate clutches that could handle more power. Overall, the interior is very clean and only has a Turbo Timer installed. I would have hoped for a 2 din touch screen and some Defi meters. I also had to find evidence that this is a Version 9 and not a converted unit. I learned that the DCCD adjustment switches are different for each different model. So, I took a photo of it for comparison.

I put the key into ignition and start up the engine. Just as it was starting, I heard a hissing sound and I did not like that. I went over and open up the hood to take a look at the engine bay. The first thing I noticed is the add-on oil catch tank, blow off valve and cold air intake which goes into the fender. Since I do not know much about boxer engines, I did not know what to look for. I only saw the shape of the fuse box, which tells me that this is definitely a Version 9 model. I took a look at the chassis code and year manufactured and it all checks out. I am definitely convinced it is a Version 9. I began talking to the salesperson, mainly on the bank loan because it is a fairly old car and is a sports car. I was told I need a large sum for the downpayment and the amount that can be loaned is very low. This is really some bad news for me. While I was talking to the salesperson, I noticed something off about the engine. It was idling all the way but it would stop for half a minute and continue running. I am not sure whether that is normal but it sure seems like a bad sign. I went back into the inside and step on the throttle to hear the exhaust note and I was not disappointed. I love the low bass grumble but could not hear the blow-off valve. I turned off the engine and let the Turbo Timer do its job, gave the key back to the salesperson and left. 

What do I think about this particular unit ? From what I noticed, I could definitely confirm that this is a real, Version 9 and has all the features from the exterior to the interior to the engine bay. However, the salesperson insisted that this is a Version 8 converted into Version 9. Usually, owners only convert the exterior but this is too much. I like to modify cars but it seems this has been overdone and I get the feeling the engine internals have been modified but I cannot be sure. I give thumbs up for the excellent paint and the clean interior but the engine bay modification and engine idling issue turns me off. The financial side is really not to my advantage and that is the main issue. If I have a big sum for downpayment, I would not need to wait for a sports car to be so old and cheap to consider buying one. It is really not easy to purchase a used sports car, especially with my limited savings. 

In the Flesh

Previously, I posted here I am looking to experience a Turbo car and I am really interested in the Subaru Impreza WRX STI? If not, you could read that story here. Having said that, it only made sense that I started researching STIs and search the market for a nice unit for sales. Around 1 month ago, I found this particular unit that and I was deeply interested in. It has an uncommon brownish-grey color that is the same color as my previous Celica. All the other STIs usually are blue or white and I love this color very much. There was some confusion when I first saw the online ad for this unit. It has the exterior, interior and even the engine bay of a 2005, Version 9 but the title of the ad is Version 8 for sale. I had to take a look to clear my confusion and so, I went down to the used car dealer. I was excited while driving to the car dealer because it would be the first time I come close to touching an STI in the flesh and thinking this could be the one for me. 

When I first saw the STI, I thought the color looked way better than in the photos and I really love it. I was soon checking out the condition of the nice rim and was surprised it is only 17 inches. I also took a peek at what suspension it is on and saw it was sporting an Ohlins suspension kit. The car registration number was a cool feature because it is WRC 204. This might not register with the average person but for us Subaru Impreza fans, it means a lot. The WRC stands for World Rally Championship, a rally race that made the Impreza so famous. Furthermore, the number 204 represents Version 9's limited edition model, the S204. The previous owner was definitely a fanboy. Then, the salesperson walk over to me and asked me would I like to unlock and start the car up. My 5-year-old self was jumping up and down excitedly inside while trying to hide it all up and gave a mere "yes" as my reply. Stay tuned for my next entry on the rest of the viewing. 

Photos above are taken by me while the bottom ones are from the online ad.

New Discoveries Part 2

The other car that caught my eye while I was in China was the Honda Spirior. Actually, I did not saw this car in the flesh but instead somewhere else. I remembered I was at the Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, going through a scan and I saw TV commercial on the wall of the Spirior which I saw a couple of times. I did not know whether it was the commercial or the car itself that actually caught my attention. I went to look up the Spirior online as soon as I could because I was dying to learn more.

In design, it has the silhouette of a Honda Accord and with a bit of research, I found out that it is built with the same platform and size of an Accord. However, in China there is already an Accord. So, it is best to see this car not as another Accord but a completely different model. Especially when this Spirior does not have the same business or luxury feel that normally an Accord comes with. Instead it has a very sporty outlook coupled with a sporty interior. It has been a while since Honda has a sports sedan for the mature driver. The last one that I could think of is the CL7 Honda Accord Euro R with the powerful K20A engine coupled with a 6 speed manual gearbox. I do not think that China is ready for something that hardcore but it is a good start to bring back mature sporty cars. It also looks futuristic with that headlamp design that uses LED lights fully instead of the usual halogen or  bi-xenon lamps. This makes it something new and cool and really brings something different to the industry.

On the rear it looks great with the uncommon rear bumper design but I am not a fan of the exhaust design. For me, sporty exhaust have to be either quad-pipes or twin round pipes. The ones on the Spirior belong to the luxury category and seem out of place. At least the rim design did not disappoint me because many cars have this flaw. Overall, it definitely would be a great car to have and made me look at my Mazda 6 and have second thoughts. Would love to have it here in Malaysia.

New Discoveries Part 1

I was in China to visit an exhibition and a supplier for work in early December. Usually I am very excited to see what cars I would be able to see while on foreign land but not exactly with China. Besides the stereotyping where every Chinese love Audis, I know for a fact that JDM sports cars are not popular in China. However, while I was there, I found something that caught my attention. Two particular cars made by Honda that could only be sold in certain countries or only in China.

When I was riding in a taxi, I spotted a SUV that I thought was a BMW X6 but upon getting nearer, the brand logo becomes clearer. It was a Honda and I was surprised that Honda had such a model under its brand. Since I know how to read in Japanese, I frequent Japan's Honda website but I did not see this particular model. All I saw was the brand but could not get a hold of the model name but soon I saw another one and realize it is a popular model. Why wouldn't it be popular ? It is large in size, has a great exterior and best of all, it looks like a BMW X6 (in my opinion). In addition to looking like an X6, I can bet all the money in the world that it is cheaper than an X6 too. Personally it looks great to me but at sides, you can see the hood is flat and does not seems to merge with the A-pillar and the roof line. My favorite part that to me resembles the X6 the most is its rear view. It is really too bad that the Honda Crosstour is only sold in certain countries and I would not have known if I did not come to China. As someone who does not like SUVs, the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X6 are the only exceptions. Since I mentioned the Honda Crossroad here, it is safe to say now, there is a new addition to the exceptions.

Spotted in Thai

I was at Bangkok, Thailand for a week due to work and spotted a few cars that are worth the mention. These cars are cars owned by employees of my customer and that is why I could take photos of these cars easily. First up that caught my attention is the previous model of Toyota Yaris. In the beginning, it looks just like any Yaris especially from the front but when I looked that the rear, I was attracted to it. It has a nice rear bumper and has a huge exhaust muffler and this leads me to wonder whether is this a TRD Toyota Yaris that comes originally with a turbo engine from TRD ? I could not confirm this fact because I have no access to the engine bay and Toyota prefers top mount intercooler. So, there is no way to be sure but in the interior, I was greeted by a pair of what I believe to be a Recaro SR3 seats. Disappointed by the auto transmission though but nice to see a set of TRD T3 rims, which is seemingly rare in Malaysia.

Next up, is a 1995 - 2000 Honda Civic Coupe SiR.  This was the first time I have seen one because only a handful made it to Malaysia and it is way way before my time. The first view of the car I had of it was the sides and it got me wondering what car has such a nice line and shape. My first guess would be some old BMW 3 series, maybe a e36 or e46. Then, the driver came out of the car and I saw nice red seats and a row of gauges. It even have a sports steering wheel that can be removed. Although it is not exactly a Type R like its sibling, the EK9 Honda Civic Type R, the red seats that mimics a must have ingredient in a Type R interior is very fitting. Personally, I prefer a coupe more than a hatchback. A coupe Civic Type R would have been awesome.

You might thought that although the Civic SiR coupe is not a real Type R, now we have a Type R entry. Well that was what I thought at first when I saw this beautiful DC5 Honda Integra. I love the exterior, the ings side skirt and rear bumper that I loved most among all the DC5 bodykit. What is special of this Integra is the add-on fender piece and brightly colored rims that holds wide tires that could see out of the fenders. The grip on this car has to be really awesome but when I look closely at the front rims, I noticed the missing red Brembo 4 pot caliper brakes. I then realized that this Integra is just a Type S. I peeked at the interior and could not locate the red Recaro SR3 that is supposed to come with every Type R. Nevertheless, it is a nice looking pre-facelift DC5 Integra.

There are other moments where I saw nice JDM sports car but could not get a photo of it. I saw a ZZT231 Toyota Celica like the one I used to drive and a R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. I guess Thailand is not only the country where you can get parts and mod for just any car but the JDM car scene is pretty huge too. I thought only the R35 Nissan GTR is the only JDM still much alive in Bangkok. It has been years since my last visit. Maybe the streets are full with Toyota 86 too, since Toyota is very popular in Thailand. 

Long Distance Trip

The last time I travelled long distance in my Mazda 6 to Malacca, I had a rather scary incident involving the Auto Cruise (link to the story). I had to make another trip to a further state to a town named Batu Pahat in the state of Johor. The trip takes around 500 km two ways and with my problem of falling asleep in the afternoon, I decided to drive quickly at an average speed of 160 km/h. Although proven in the other post regarding the Auto Cruise that the Mazda 6 is very fuel efficient especially when using the Auto Cruise. However, I was a bit skeptical of the mileage I could achieve this time while speeding. I was surprised when I managed to clock 601 km from 53 liters of petrol at an average speed of 160 km/h. This tells me that even at a high speed and without Auto Cruise, the Mazda 6 is definitely something special. I am very confident with what kind of setting where my Mazda 6 can perform efficiently. So confident, that I miscalculated another time. 

On my second trip to Batu Pahat again, I drove like I did the last time and expect similar mileage but this time I used the Auto Cruise more often. Half tank gone and I found out I have better mileage than the first trip by using the Auto Cruise. However, my problem started when I was around 80 km away from home. The same thing that happened during my Malacca Trip occurred again. I was again in the situation where there was no bar left on the fuel gauge and the remaining trip meter has reached 0. I quickly turned on the Auto Cruise and set in at 70 km/h and started rolling. After going on what seems like a very long journey, I started to panic because I could not find any petrol station and I keep getting the feeling that my reserve fuel is almost gone. Praying for the next petrol station to appear, I finally saw a sign that states that the nearest petrol station is 10 km away. I saw hope and keep rolling forward but it seem endless and I panicked again. By the time I finally reached the petrol station, I was relieved and saw that I broke the previous record and totaled 628.5 km with 54 liters of petrol. 

Once again proven that the Mazda 6 deserves a title of one of the most fuel efficient car despite its size and engine size. 2 thumbs up. However, I really wish the "almost out of petrol, rolling to find petrol station" situation will never happen to me again. Definitely can live longer without the stress of such situation.

DIY

Someone really special to me had a minor mishap with her 2nd generation Toyota Vios and as a result, the passenger side fog lamp was smashed. I remembered when she said, "Oh, my poor baby" or something similar and I thought, that is one point that we are similar and I like about her. One day, while I was surfing a site that sells car parts and came upon a fog lamp and I thought about her and her Vios. I started surveying for the price of one of these fog lamps but there were too many choices. So, I started contacting my high school mate who works in an car accessory shop for the price. I bought one unit, sneaked out from work to collect it and prepared to surprise her at her house. I asked my friend and he ensured me it will be an easy job with 3 screws and a plug. After I have done everything, I grabbed only a screwdriver but thought of the fender cover and under cover of the car. So, I grabbed some extra tools. When I reached her place, I gave her the screwdriver and told her that is her surprise. The look on her face was priceless. She was so lost and kept looking at the screwdriver, thinking what kind of surprise was this. She told me later that she thought she left some tools at my place and I wanted to return those.

The first thing I look for when I reached her place is whether the fender cover would be a problem or not. For sure, it is not giving me the access I needed to remove the broken fog lamp. I got out my tools and started examining which nut I had to remove to loosen the fender cover. As a beginner car mechanic, I only manage to create an opening that barely fits one hand only. I examine how the fog lamp is attached and started removing the 3 screws and plug. The next problem I faced, is bringing out the broken fog lamp, which is big through the small opening and with a bit of elbow grease, I managed to get it out. Next is to screw the new for lamp in place and ensure it fits properly and does not drop. Last step was to close back the fender cover and cross my fingers as I proceed to turn on the fog lamp. It came on and I was delighted that I did not screw it up. Most importantly, I managed to impressed her with my thoughtfulness and manliness while having some fun with some D.I.Y.  work on a car. She was there watching me all the time and even helped wipe my sweats (how thoughtful and lucky of me). Now there is a difference in shine between the old and new fog lamp but when it is turned on, the difference won't be there.

Troublesome Fender Cover

New fog lamp installed

The original lamp

It's Done

This is the final product of the makeover for the Toyota Vios. 3 weeks in the workshop and now it is in our hand. Looks very much refreshed compare to the state before the project started. From a distance the car looks great,like new but when you stand in front of the car, you could see the headlamp has fog up and the rims still look hideous because no attention was given to that department. We changed the key too. In conclusion,  I would say the Vios is now 8/10 in terms of aesthetics. Let's see how long the Vios can stay in this condition before something happen to it. *Fingers Crossed*

New Technology

Back then in the 80s to the 2000 era, it used to be just manual and automatic transmissions. However as technology becomes more advanced, new development was made. The result is the dual-clutch gearbox among many other new inventions or innovations. There are different variants (wet vs dry) and different names from different brands such as the DSG from Volkswagen. I have not driven one yet but I have heard various stories especially from Volkswagen owners all over the Internet. I remember watching 2 videos that compared manual and dual-clutch variant of the same car. It really tells a lot about the difference and what the still new dual-clutch gearbox can do.  Really an eye-opener.

Video #1 for Volkswagen Golf GTI MK5

Video #2 for Mitsubishi Evolution Lancer X  (Time 35:33).

If you have watched the videos like I did, you will realize why it is the trend of the new automotive world where supercars, sportscars and even your everyday cars are using dual-clutches. I am sure you could look it up on the Internet for the benefits of this transmission. So, I am not going to give you an elaborate introduction on this great invention. The only thing about it that catches my attention is the fact it is faster than the traditional manual gearbox. That is until my friend bought a Nissan GT-R R35 that uses a 6-speed Dual-clutch transmission. Since his graduation, I seldom see him because of his work but one day I was visiting his house and talked about his GT-R. He surprised me by telling me he has not driven the GT-R for 2 weeks and the cause is none other than the transmission.

GT-R Dual Clutch Gearbox

According to him, one piece of clutch is for the 1st, 3rd and 5th gear while the other clutch is for the 2nd, 4th and 6th gear. It so happens that one of his clutch is burned and needs to be replace. He could not do it for 2 weeks mainly due to work but also because he could not drive as the gears won't shift. My main concern besides the troublesome feature is the price. One piece of clutch for his GT-R cost about RM 15,000 and when you replace one, it is better to replace the other one too because it is most likely quite thin. I am not sure whether it is just the GT-R or that every clutch for dual-clutch transmissions are that expensive. That is the price for new inventions. I might as well drive a traditional manual car or perhaps leave the expensive toys to the more financially able crowd. Nevertheless, a great invention.

A Different Upgrade

Some of the frequent visitors of my blog would have realized but for those less frequent readers, there is not a single post on this blog except for one that I remember mentioning about audio related upgrades. The one entry would be about the touch screen installed on the Celica. The main reason for my lack of writing in this department is because not only am I not a fan of it, I actually dislike it. Mainly because of the lack of advantage that I can see from such upgrades. Nevertheless, this is the first time and hopefully the last (keeping fingers crossed). 

So, if you remember from a recent blog entry regarding the trusty, old Toyota Vios in my house has been deemed necessary for much needed make over. The paint job and fix up were just part one to the plan. My sister, the current driver, apparently is a fan of bass songs that requires good speakers to have that surround sounds and also all the modern input sources such as USB and Bluetooth connectivity. I do have to admit that an entertainment system on a B-Segment car would be very basic especially back in 2003 when it was first launched. After 7 years, the speakers are bound to sound worst than when it was new and certainly CD was the only option needed. 

Hence, the need to bring this car's entertainment into the year 2014. In between the trips to and fro the workshop, the Vios was bought to this accessory shop. First a touch screen with CD/DVD, Bluetooth, USB, AUX and radio function. Next up, the front 4 speakers were replaced with some German made speakers while the 2 on the rear with Japanese made speakers and that is about it since it did not have much to begin with. Last but not least, a new rear view camera for reverse is installed. It is possible only now thanks to the nice touch screen. Now it can go really loud sounding just like a cinema with surround sound and definitely can hear every bass note now. 

Bad Decision ?

After 2 weeks, I finally got the call that the Toyota Vios is done. It includes paint, exchange of broken parts and some chassis related tweaking. As usual, I hope to just go collect the car and pay and be done with it but it never is that simple. The first time I took it back, there were complains regarding several gaps. Mainly gaps between the front hood, the front bumper and front lights. At the rear, when the boot is closed, the gap it has with rear bumper not even. So, I had to send the Vios back to the workshop for another round of tweaking and I got another call in 3 days. I was worried when I went over to collect the Vios so I examined it and realized very minimal work was done. I came to think that it is the best they could do with a damaged front and the fact that they replaced the rear bumper with an O.E.M. or what they call a replica. I am glad my parents accept my conclusion but come tomorrow I was told that they are sending the Vios back for paint touch up. I do not know how many times must the Vios go in and out of the workshop until they are satisfied.

I would say this is an outcome from a bad decision from my father. Before this makeover was given the green light, prices were asked and it was up to my father to decided. He was busy and did not want to give any concern and so he let one of my colleague to decide. It was decided to be done by an insurance claim workshop and that is worst kind of workshop ever. I do not know about other countries but if your car is in an insurance claim workshop, there are certain things you can assure you will receive. For part replacements, you will get replicas/fakes or used parts. For mechanical repair, you won't be able to find anything wrong until you are a distance away from the workshop and have signed the release documents. For paint jobs, you will get cheap paint or bad painters. In a way, I have to say I expected the outcome because it was sent to this workshop. If it were a real paint shop, the paint will turn out beautifully but the damaged parts and chassis tweaking would be impossible. Should have sent to 2 places.

p.s. I could not get any photos because of the frequent trips to the workshop and I was heavily ill.

Make over

Readers that have frequented this blog would have known about a Toyota Vios that is in my family from the few post I wrote about it here. The Toyota Vios was made in 2006, bought in 2007 and it stayed on with family for 7 years. It is now driven by my sister, the 3rd owner/driver. After it was handed down to my brother, he messed it up and when you think things could not get worst, my sister messed it up even more. Ever since when my brother was still the driver, I have been suggesting to restore the Vios especially in the paint department but it was ignored maybe because it was just a paint problem. However, my sister made it above that state and it could not be ignored anymore. Even the car key is in such a horrible state. So, it was decided and time to send it for a make over. Here are some photos of the overall damage on the car before sending it away. I am sure you can understand the need for such move after seeing these photos.