She's Back

After 2 months and more at the workshop causing me countless trips, looking for parts, my Celica is finally back to me. Before today, the workshop called me to retrieve the car and attempted to send the car to me but there were some problems. The third time is the charm because finally it is handed back to me without a problem. The first attempt I went to the workshop to collect the car but as soon as I drove the car I noticed something is amiss. Firstly, the speedometer is not moving, both my analog and digital one. Secondly, the handbrake light is on no matter the handbrake is on or off. Thirdly, my manual mode is blinking which is not the first time and certainly never a good thing. Lastly, the aircond is not working with no cold air at all. Immediately, I made an U-turn and return the car back to the workshop. I told the mechanic off for wasting my time as the owner of the workshop told me the car is ready.

The second time he attempted to deliver the car to avoid me telling them off in case the car is not ready again. Everything from the previous attempt is solved but just as expected, something went awry. The aircond died while on the way to my place. The owner had to return back to his workshop to wait for it. Another few days has gone by and finally today he delivered the Celica back to me. I have been told that my aircond pump is the source of its aircond problem. I checked for everything and with a breath of relieve, it is all good. It is very obvious where the hood, roof, boot and spoiler looks a different tone with the other parts having new paint. Now that the car is done, I can finally move to the next step. I have to look for the perfect rim as it is using 2 different sizes and the de-mod to prepare the car to be sold off. The sooner I can finish these task, the sooner I could sell it and clear some garage space.

New Fog light giving it an aggressive stare compare to previous white one.

Different set of rims 

Mazda 6

When I was 17, I got my driving license and my dad asked me what sort of car do I fancy. At that time I did not know anything regarding cars. So, I began noticing cars on the road while I drive to see what will catch my eye. All I knew was that I like sedans and lights where there is a row circular lights in a housing. One day while I was driving my old Corolla, I saw a car that fits the description and I could not get enough of it but sadly I did not catch the name of the car from its emblem. Then I saw the same car in a newspaper ad and told my dad about it. He told me I could not get it because it is a big sedan with 2.0 L or 2.3 L engine which is too big for a new driver like me to handle. Nevertheless, the first model of Mazda 6 becomes a car that I will keep an eye on for its progress.

The Mazda 6 has always been a little different compared to its rival such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It gives of a more of a sporty look than the rivals that give of a more mature feeling. It is more well build and if you look deeper into it, you will realize that all Mazda were fully imported from Japan. Meanwhile its rival are mainly assembled locally or made in the neighbor country, Thailand. When the second generation came out, again it retains its advantage over the rivals with more gadgets and sport oriented vehicle. Although it ditched the lights I adored, in place is another sporty design. I continue to admire the bold design that Mazda goes with and it definitely stands out compare to its rival. In addition, there are plenty of extra goodies that could be found in the Mazda 6 and not its rival. Everytime I think of a car for when I am in my mid 30s, the Mazda 6 will definitely be my choice.

The latest model of Mazda 6 changed the game for Japanese D-Segment cars. Similarly with previous 2 models, the Mazda 6 took a giant leap ahead from its rivals. This time the size and wheelbase have increased so much that it is now at the same size as a Mercedes Benz W212 E Class and without a doubt the BMW F10 5 series as well. It is bigger, roomier and much more sleek than any of its boxy rivals. In addition to that, Mazda came up with its own SkyActiv engine aiming to increase power and fuel efficiency couple with many, many new technology such as i-Stop and i-Eloop just to name a few examples. It is not something that I would expect from a Japanese maker. However, although it is all good but from my research the latest Mazda 6 is around RM 10,000 costlier and a price tag of near RM 200,000. Asian drivers would definitely have a hard time to decide on purchasing one because of the extra. For me, a better car is much more important. Mazda 6 would be my choice for a Japanese D-Segment car.

Change of Heart

As with the given condition to me, I listed out a couple of choices of my next car. Surprisingly there is an absence of one particular brand, Toyota. My dad used to only support the Toyota and Mercedes Benz brand and despise Honda, BMW and Nissan. However, in recent years more brand enter his consideration such as Peugeot and Hyundai. The reason would be a too cheap for continental car, Peugeot and the cheap but elegant European look Hyundai. The first non-mainstream car in my family is my brother's Hyundai Tucson. This first step allows me to consider a more wide variety of brands.

Given the budget, my father considered the D-Segment or a slight luxurious Sedan. My dad had his eyes set on the Mercedes Benz C-Class and the Volkswagen CC. Being a fan of Mercedes Benz, the C Class is the choice that he would like me to have. However, I do not like it at all and the reason is simple. He drives a E200 CGI and it is suppose to be a bigger, better car than the C CLass but to me the only interesting part of that E200 is the power of the 1.8L Turbo engine. If the supposedly better car could not woo me, how do you expect the smaller one to fair ? Furthermore, I do not like the fact that most C Class are locally assembled and if I were to choose I would pick the C250 CGI coupe. My dad would not agree because it costs a bomb and 2 doors do not fly with my parents.

The Volkswagen CC captured my dad's sight because of its sporty but continental feel it gives out. I too think that the CC is a beautiful car but perhaps too mature looking for a 24 year old guy. Although the interior is dress in black, the interior is a bit empty for a luxury 4 door coupe and frankly old fashion. This is expected given the usual range of people that would buy a CC and the demand of such interior in Europe. The most unexpected and surprising element is its power-plant. It has a 1.8L Turbo engine similar to the E200 my dad owns but the power is only 155hp which is too low and a 7 speed DSG that screams better fuel consumption. My transition from a sports car to this would mean the end of the joy of driving for me. The price tag is out of the budget given to me.

I have to remember what features that I am looking for in a car. My Celica is a 1.8L with 190hp plus 180Nm of torque. It is a low, road hugging handling machine. The replacement model must have a close enough power figure and appropriate torque although it is eay to find any car above 180Nm of torque. Power alone would not be enough as the handling part plays a key point too. The Mercedes Benz always give me the drive of being too heavy, not stable and drives like a ship in rough sea. Both the C Class and the CC have good enough torque or power because of the turbo engine but handling wise it just could not impress me. The prices of both model is way over the given budget but for my dad sometimes you have to pay more for its brand. Many just thought about the prestige image it would give when driving either one but I am more into its performance. I would like him to pay more for performance instead.

Test Drive: Lexus IS250, My Poison

Sad news have arrived while the Celica is getting repaired. My dad being the old fashioned type has gone against keeping a car that was involved in an accident. I too share his view but my Celica is not damage to dad point only having one absorber issue. My dad has decided to sell my precious Celica. I felt sad as the time between me and my Celica is just a short of 3 years. I feel there are more that we both could achieve together. I did not know that my sports car days would come to an end so soon. So, I have no motivation to work on the Celica anymore. The time to look for a replacement has come and once again my dad will lay down some rules in looking for a new car.

My mum thinks that a sports car is the source of all problem and thus banning all sports car includes any 4 door sports car such as the Evolution Lancer or the Impreza. My dad on the other hand bans all grey imports and used car, leaving me with not much choice. The bright side is the very high budget available but coupled with all the bans, I actually have not much car choices left. The decision would be tough. Hearing all the conditions, 1 particular car popped into my mind. One that I have eyed for quite some time. The 2005-2012 Lexus IS250. It seems perfect. Luxurious sedan with a lovely 2.5l V6 engine with just enough JDM sprit. However, the new model which looks hideous to me, just launched making me unable to buy it new even if I want to.

One day, my dad surprised me with a call and said he found an IS250 and said I am going to love it. When I reached I saw this beauty and indeed I was in love but I should not show it. I was told that the current owner did some mod here and there. Some were to my liking some were not. I loved the front lip, suspension and exhaust change and the spoiler. Not loving the huge but plain 19" rims. I could see that the car has low mileage and is well kept such as no kids, parking under roof all the time and daily wash. It even have all sort of tinting of the lights to prevent stone chips. I had to take it for a spin. On the inside I did not like that it is a local spec without the touch screen from Japan and no famous Mark Levinson sound system.  

On the test drive I like the hum of the aftermarket mufflers and low and hard ride. It kind of reminds me of my Celica. I do love the metal paddle shifters on the steering and the gear indicator on the console. Both high tech and sporty. I expected great torque from the V6 but it felt heavy maybe due to the large rims (stock is 17"). It was just a short spin and I could not test it all out like I wanted to but I could tell where the luxurious and sporty side of the car is and how both come well together. I was settle because of the mods it has saving me from all the trouble of modding myself but being an used car really concerns me. It is also very short with short wheelbase and small boot. Rear passenger would definitely suffer from legroom issue. I gotta think properly but I am really bias towards this Lexus.

Progress Check Part 3

Another round of progress check with the ever slow workshop. This should be my last time delivering parts and I hope soon the car will be well again. Just tracking for some hard to find parts but I manage to find them due to good luck. The biggest problem remaining is finding a suitable rim. This is a major headache for me

for the whole process. Many people out there are only familiar with the diameter of the rim and that is it. So, it does not seem to be a difficult task. However, one have to worry about offset for caliper clearance and tire width and also the P.C.D. of your wheel aka bolt size/nut size. 

When only one rim broke, I had to look for solutions and the best way is to buy 2 rims. While my dad had a tire shop look for 2 similar rims, I had sets of wheels on loan till a suitable rim is found. The first set I received on loan is a chrome 18" rim. When I first look at the rim I knew right away it will not fit. Why, you may ask. Firstly, it is the kind where the front and rear have different offset making the front have 235 mm width and rear have 255 mm width. The maximum my front can take is 225 mm. Secondly, I am sure it could not clear my 4 pot caliper. Finally, after putting the rim on, the nut could not screw in because the bolt is too short.

Since the first one did not fit, I got a second set. This is the now popular rota style where Japan design is copied with super width with 8jj, 9jj and evern 10jj. It looks like it could clear any caliper but I have my doubt. Again I am right because my caliper is huge and this rim could only clear the top part and not the lower part of the caliper. The fault in my opinion is the diameter. This is a 17" and if it is 18" it might have cleared. The solution is to use my existing rim on the front because it could clear the caliper with the help of a spacer and these rota style is put on the back. Normally, a 9jj rim could not fit a Celica even on the rear but I have my rear wheels on negative camber. So, it fits. 

Now I only need these rims so that the car can be tested and sent for painting which are the final processes for the car to be completely done. Then, the last thing would be wheel balancing and alignment which needs rims of the same sizes not the temporary measure of 18" in the front and 17" on the back. I hope the tire shop could find an 18" with 5 x 100 P.C.D., width of 7.5jj and offset of 42 and lower.

Progress Check Part 2

Another week has gone by and it was time to go check up on the progress of the Celica. The things needed to be done last week seems done and these are this week's to-do-list. First up is my prized HKS Silent Hi-Power exhaust system. It consists of a box and muffler tip. What I really love about this exhaust is the power it gives and the low bassy sound that could be heard when driving slowly but a nice roar when at the high rpm. The muffler body receive quite a blow and is now dented. It is still usable but the airflow will be affected and might sound off. The solution here would be to replace the muffler although there is a need to cut it off because it would be hard and expensive to get another such muffler. It is sad to see it go like that.

 

Next up is the rare TRD Mechanical Sport bumper. At first I found a replacement but the stupid workshop did not buy the bumper because I had blue fog lights but the replacement comes with yellow fog lights. Now I could not find another one and this bumper will be send for repair if possible. 

Finally, the last and most troublesome part. The brake system is finally repaired but the suspension is the problem. The awesome but hard to find superstrut legs is crooked. In its current condition, the wheels will be touching the car wall. Usually, owners would change the whole set but I could not do that because it would be expensive and it is almost impossible to find one for superstrut. However, luckily I met up with friend who suggested a good solution to me. He have stock absorbers and proposed to me to replace the crooked part with his stock. It seems like the only way I have to repair and use back the same suspension.

 I really hope things will go smoothly and I can be reunited with Celica A.S.A.P.

Progress Check Part 1

This being my daily drive, every second the Celica stays in the workshop, every second there is an inconvenience. In addition I do miss driving my baby around. So, every week I will find some time of my busy schedule to visit the car. I am really not pleased with how the workshop is handling the repair work. Every time I visit there are little things done to the car and every single time the same excuse of not able to source parts is the reason for the delay is hurt. I know someone who have no difficulty to source parts. It is still possible to find brand new parts which is why I am not please with the slow progress. Below are some updates on parts that need replacement. 2 bad news is that the rim is not repairable and the rare front bumper that I found is sold to another Celica owner who happens to be a friend also involved in an accident. The reason is because the bumper comes with yellow foglights and my original is blue foglights. The workshop thought I would not settle for it but that is just stupid. It was by luck I came by one of those bumpers. This is what happen when idiots who dunno much about Celica is fixing my baby. My poor baby.