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Thursday, January 29, 2015

WANTED: 2006 Toyota Altis 1.8G. Why? Read on...

In this blog entry, I'm posting a review on the "LAST GREAT Altis".  It's no other than 2004 to 2007 Altis 1.8G E120.  It's so good that I'm considering buying this as 2nd hand buy.  As used prices now hovering between RM40,000 to RM50,000.

MY REQUIREMENT:

1) Less than 2 owner with Toyota Service record OR Full service record 
2) Original mileage
3) Prefer to buy "OWNER Taking back old no" OR can choose new number because I want to choose new number.  If it's existing number, I hope it's either "1222" or "3993".
4) Any colour as long as it's NOT Black
5) Stock standard unmolested car.
6) Mileage below 150,000km.
7) Direct owner or Used car dealers welcome.



Why this model, specifically the 1.8G?
It's because CURRENT 2014 Altis 1.8G is KOSONG SPEC, with lower spec than 2007 Altis.  The 2007 Altis have VSC+TCS, Optitron meter.  It's also SUPER Reliable and better built quality.  Oh!  Also, the Suspension is more superior.  It's the Last Altis with rear ETA-Beam suspension. Next Generation E140 comes with less advanced rear suspension.

But this is NOT the Best Corolla.  This accolade goes to the OVER-ENGINEERED Mini Lexus, The Corolla AE100/101. I heard it's developed with "Unlimited budget" back in early 1990s.  It's design is timeless.  Still Handsome though it's launched in 1992.  Still desirable as used car hardly depreciates.

SAFETY and Mechanicals:

It's one of the Safest Altis, EURO NCAP 4 stars with Pedestrian 3 stars though tested way back in 2002. Back in 2004, it's the 1st C-segment in its class with VSC+TCS (ie. Traction Control).   It's IRONY that Toyota Current tagline is "MOVING FORWARD" when they are actually "Moving Backward".

It's powered by proven 1ZZ-FE — 1.8 L (1794 cc) Inline-4, 16 Valve, DOHC, VVT-i, EFI.  Maximum Output: 134 hp / 6,000 rpm and Maximum Torque: 171 Nm / 4,200 rpm paired with 4 Speed ECT Automatic.  

It accelerates 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds and has a top speed of 190km/h.

DRIVE and RIDE TIME:

I sat on this Altis couple of times back in 2007 in Bangkok as a TAXI.  Apparently, this car is so Reliable and tough workhorse that it's used as a TAXI in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.  I'm impressed with the ride and handling, decent 2600mm wheelbase and smoothness of the engine.  


Also, my colleague's driving a 2007 unit which I have driven once.  It's very comfortable car with above average sound-proofing and silky smooth gearbox (despite  being a 4 speeder) with well spaced ratio.
The only drawback is the "SOFT" suspension.  Body-roll is very obvious when tackling hairpin corner at speed above 70km/h.  This is understandable as it's a comfort oriented Family car.

Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words.  Enjoy the photos...





That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  This is partially Jefferson Lim's work.  The Text is my original work while the photos I sourced from Uncle Google.  If you want to sell your Altis, please call me at 012-6852-718.  

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Mr.Bean's McLaren F1 for sale worth at least £10 million - twice crashed

In this blog entry, I'm showing that YOU CAN MAKE MONEY with certain Cars.  Or Some cars Appreciate in values.  Eg. Rowan Atkinson's McLaren F1, bought at 1997 for £540,000, 18 years later, up for sale by Taylor and Crawley for AT LEAST £8,000,000.  Expected Winning bid £10,000,000.   


For sale: Rowan Atkinson poses with his F1 supercar, which was rebuilt by McLaren at a cost of £900,000

For sale: Rowan Atkinson poses with his F1 supercar, which was rebuilt by McLaren at a cost of £900,000

How?


See text below (Not my work, credit to Daily mail UK):

The following article is not my work.  Source:

For sale, one careless owner, Mr Bean's McLaren (just £8m): Rowan Atkinson is selling his supercar after it cost almost £1m to repair when he smashed it into a tree


SOURCE: Shmee150's youtube video

  • Comedian Rowan Atkinson bought McLaren F1 in 1997 for £540,000
  • He has crashed the car twice and smashed it into a tree in 2011
  • Blackadder star received £910,000 in a record car insurance payout
  • He is now putting it on the market for £8million with Taylor & Crawley
  • Actor insists that the 241mph car 'was never bought as an investment' 
  • It is one of only 64 road-going F1 cars built by McLaren sold in the mid 90s 








How much would you pay for a car which is 18 years old and has been crashed – twice – by its not-so-careful owner?
Well, if it’s Rowan Atkinson’s McLaren F1 that you have your eye on, you’ll need an astonishing £8million.
The Blackadder and Mr Bean star has decided to part company with the 241mph British supercar which he bought new in 1997 for a then eye-watering £540,000.


Atkinson, 60, first pranged the three-seater by hitting a Rover Metro, then in 2011 he lost control on a slippery bend and smashed into a tree.

That second crash ended in what is thought to be Britain’s highest ever single car insurance payout, with the vehicle costing £900,000 to be rebuilt by McLaren. It also put up his annual insurance to an estimated £60,000.

But it seems that the accidents may have actually added to the value of the F1, which is now on the market with London dealer Taylor and Crawley, owned by David Clark, formerly a director at McLaren.
Mr Clark said: ‘If I had the choice of buying a 1,000-mile McLaren F1 that has been hidden away or Rowan’s with 41,000 miles, I would take Rowan’s. It has the interesting history and this is what people look for.
Prang: Atkinson's car following the 2011 crash. He lost control on a slippery bend and smashed into a tree
Prang: Atkinson's car following the 2011 crash. He lost control on a slippery bend and smashed into a tree
His car was destroyed after a crash (pictured) - but he successfully claimed £9,100 for repairs - the highest car insurance payout recorded in Britain
His car was destroyed after a crash (pictured) - but he successfully claimed £910,000 for repairs - the highest car insurance payout recorded in Britain
The actor escaped escaped from the wreckage with a broken shoulder, but his vehicle was almost written-off
The actor escaped escaped from the wreckage with a broken shoulder, but his vehicle was almost written-off


‘A lot of cars are indicative of the people who own them, and a lot of serious car collectors own an F1 and that gives it great credibility. Jay Leno has one, Ralph Lauren has more than one.’
He added: ‘It is pretty much a brand-new car too after the work carried out by McLaren. It’s got full tax and MoT and is ready to go.’

Atkinson, who last year split from his wife of 23 years, Sunetra, said he had never seen the car as an investment. ‘I bought it for the quality of the thinking that went into its design, and now it has become a thing of value it is time for it to be enjoyed by someone else,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.

The front of the McLaren car was also wrecked in a collision with the rear of a Rover Metro in October 1999

‘It’s so quiet, so comfortable that you can use it, and enjoy it, on any journey. Most of the miles I have done in it are journeys you might do in any other car – going to Sainsbury’s or doing the school run.
The comedian insisted the car was never bought as an investment and said he chose it because of the quality of the design
The comedian insisted the car was never bought as an investment and said he chose it because of the quality of the design

‘What I enjoyed most about it when I first drove it was how lovely it was to drive slowly. To pootle is a pleasure.’

Shortly after buying the carbon-fibre car, Atkinson strapped his two young children into their child seats and they went on a five-hour drive to Cornwall for a holiday.

The F1 is the world’s fastest non-turbocharged production car, doing 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds. It does an average 15 miles to the gallon – just six in the worst case – and the engine bay is lined with 25g of gold foil.

However, driving it has not always been fun for the comic actor. He almost wrote it off in August 2011 when he veered off a slippery section of the A605 near Peterborough. It hit a tree and burst into flames.

Atkinson escaped from the wreckage with a broken shoulder, while most of the back of the F1 was destroyed and the 6.1-litre engine ended up 60ft away.
More than a year of specialist repairs at McLaren’s base in Woking, Surrey, was needed to fix it.
Mr Clark added: ‘Anyone who wants a wonderful car with a great story, which includes the accidents, then this F1 is a fantastic thing. Apart from the accidents, I think Rowan has enjoyed every minute with the F1 and I think he will have withdrawal when it is gone.’

Atkinson, said to be worth £71million, owns an impressive collection that includes a Honda NSX, a Jaguar Mk7, an Aston Martin DB2, a vintage Ford Falcon, a 1939 BMW 328 and a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe.


Further Readings:

Rowan Atkinson's Final Drive in His McLaren F1
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/classics/rowan-atkinson-on-his-mclaren-f1/

Saturday, January 24, 2015

CLOSE UP+Driven: Mazda 2 Skyactiv-G

In this blog entry, I'm reviewing the Newly launched Mazda 2 Skyactiv.  The 1st batch of 100 units brought in for delivery before Chinese New Year are Hatchback only.  Sedan only arrives on 2nd batch after Chinese New Year or by Early March.



The CBU from Thailand Mazda 2 Skyactiv is ALMOST Full Spec and is priced to sell at RM87,956 OTR With Insurance.  It comes with 3 years or 100,000km warranty with 3 years or 60,000km free maintenance.  Both Sedan and Hatchback Identical Price and kit counts.


KEY SPECS: 2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv (Hatch/ Sedan)


Price: RM87,956 (OTR with insurance, both sedan and hatch identical price

Engine: 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G direct-injection petrol, high-compression in-line 4-cyl

Transmission: Six-speed SkyActiv-Drive torque converter automatic with paddle shifters and is equipped with i-Stop.
Power: 114hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 148Nm @ 4,000rpm


The interior: 
- keyless entry with push-button start,

- Single zone auto air-conditioning,

- black leather upholstery (with a red stripe running down the middle of the seats, Identical to Indonesian-market models),


- MZD Connect TOUCHSCREEN infotainment system (I-Drive like) with a seven-inch touchscreen, Commander Control knob and six speakers,


- Active Driving Display (head-up display) and Digital Speedometer. (Something omitted from Mazda 3).



- 60:40 split folding rear seatbacks.

- 220 litres and 410 litres boot space for Hatchback and Sedan respectively.

- Reverse Camera


Safety and Security: 
- Only stand out feature is Traction Control.  Mazda speaks DSC ("Dynamic Stability Control")

- Other than that similarly spec'ed like most B-segment cars.  There's only two airbags,
- ABS with EBD and brake assist available
- Isofix child seat anchors

- Burglar Alarm with Immobilizer.

What was omitted:
- LED Projector headlights with LED DRL (in place old school Halogen headlights with Bulb DRL)

- I-Eloop,
- 6 Airbags (2 airbags instead)
- Navigation system (RM1,200 cost option)

What we gained:
- REAR DISCS Brakes (Rear Drum brakes in Japan)

Only 4 Body Colours available: Soul Red Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey, Aluminium Metallic.

Dimensions and weight:

With a shared overall width of 1,695mm, the Mazda 2 Sedan is 260mm longer at 4320mm and 25mm taller at 1495mm than the Hatchback.

Speaking of the sedan, Here's OFFICIAL Bermaz Photos of the Sedan.




 At the kerb, the Sedan and Hatchback weigh in at 1,065kg and 1,056kg respectively.  As for the wheels, it's 16 inch alloy rims

with 185/60R16.  Dunlop Enasave ECO Tyres were fitted in Showroom display car.



Unique Selling Points (USP) among B-segments

- 6 speed SKYACTIV-Drive Automatic with torque converter and paddle shifters

- Normal or Sport mode at a flick of a switch.  Drive selection switch.  Adjusting the Throttle and gearbox response.
- HEAD UP DISPLAY (Active Driving Display) with Digital Speedometer

- Mazda MZD Connect infotainment system (I-Drive feel) with a seven-inch touchscreen, Commander Control knob and six speakers,

- SKYACTIV-G Direct Injection High Compression engine.  Fuel Consumption of 20km/l. Hence, certified EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicles)


- Retro Mercedes-like Air Vents with center Hidden Air vents.  Note the High quality Plastics and leather combo.

- tilt and telescopic, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifter.


Above:  Looks like Mercedes A-class. No?

BRIEF DRIVE TIME:

I had a Very short 5km test driving the New Mazda 2 Skyactiv.  It's already nippy under Normal mode.  It's More than adequate in power with smooth torquey yet whisper quiet engine.  A flick to Sport mode and the "Demon" unleashed.  The gearchange was delayed, throttle response quicker, steering heavier and Engine sounds coarser.  BUT at the expense of Fuel Consumption as the "Distance to Empty" tank indicator dropped noticeably.

How's the interior space?
I let the photos do the talking:
Front adjusted as such.
Above: Poor rear legroom and decent rear headroom.  I'm 95kg, 175cm.

The impressive part is the Ride and Handling and NVH.  Very impressive for a B-segment.  It's a Driver's car.  Very Continental feel.  It ACED the following challenges: 

- Soaked up speed bumps
- tackle Hairpin Corners (U-turn) with minimal bodyroll
- cross potholes like a boss
- accelerates (0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds - Australian Spec) and braking 

I dared to say, it's the BEST RIDE and HANDLING B-segment around.  Only the Audi A3 and Ford Fiesta Ecoboost runs close. NOTE the Audi A3 PRICE more than DOUBLED.  It Puts even Honda City (previous benchmark) to shame.  Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Attrage/Mirage and Nissan Almera are leagues away.  Let's put it in English Football ranking in terms of N.V.H (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).  I call this "B-segment N.V.H League".

PREMIER LEAGUE
Mazda 2 Skyactiv, Audi A3 (included for benchmark purpose) and Ford Fiesta Ecoboost

DIVISION 1 (Championship)
 Honda City, VW Polo, Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift and Peugeot 208

Division 2:
Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Rio, Proton IRIZ (let down by CVT)


Division 3:
Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Attrage/Mirage


Division 4:
Nissan Almera (Underpower, Noisy, Poorest N.V.H, Ugly too).  Only 2 reasons to buy is the Affordable Buying price and lowest maintenance.

CONCLUSION:

This is The Best ALL-Rounded under RM100,000 B-segment money can buy.   There's only 3 drawbacks.  El-cheapo Halogen Headlights with Bulb DRL,


 poor rear legroom (Hey, Mazda 3 Skyactiv also have this problem) and 2 airbags.  The Headlights can be upgraded in the near future, as for the 2 Airbags?

Bermaz explanation only Australian Market comes with 6 airbags.   Rest of South East Asia gets only 2 Airbags.   My Rating 8/10 for hatchback and 9/10 for sedan.  Reason hatchback lower is because of the Pathetic Boot Space and poor headroom.   Can't wait to SEE/FEEL/TOUCH the Sedan.  Shall Review this Scoreline if it fell below my expectations.  Watch this space.

If you want to buy this car, call me, Jefferson Lim.  012-6852-718. MJ SU - 012-601-8038  Or Ethen Leong at 019-7296625.  Location: Mazda Taman Megah.









 Above and below: PACKED SHOWROOM.  I need to wait 45 mins for test drive.

 Above: the test drive Car.





That's all folks, thanks for your time and patience reading this Blog entry, An Original Jefferson Lim's production. If you want to copy, please quote "SOURCE: otoreview" or give link to this page.  Copy like a man, Don't plagiarize.