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Thursday, July 30, 2009

:FAREWELL: 1979 Datsun 120Y (Scrapping)

SADLY MISSED: 1979 Datsun 120Y (Scrapping)

Readers, be warned that this is a tear wrenching blog entry. It’s a “Story” of an EXCELLENT CONDITION car waiting in line for Scrapping.

This car is owned by my friend, Andy’s (not his real name) family since 1979, His grandfather owned it since new until 1997 when It’s passed on to Andy’s brother Tim (Not his real name). At that time, Andy’s a “Rempit” (till today, sometimes he “rempitting to downtown KL”).

It was until 2004, his Brother bought a used Toyota Corolla, then Andy only had the chance to “Inherit” the car. But the car’s still under Tim’s name till today.


Soon, the Datsun 120Y’s gonna preparing to be scrapped.
In my opinion it’s a bit of waste because the mileage is Very Low, only 2 rounds. Ie. 237,191km only.

Without further ado, let’s proceed to the pictures as a picture is worth 1000 words.
Day time shot of this car.  Just added 12 April 2012.  I found it in 3R photo, scanned it and share it here.

Clockwise from top left. The door panels and steering had been plastic wrapped by Andrew’s grandfather.. The dash speedometer, the ignition with air-cond switch beside it.

Let’s go to montage 2:

Clockwise from top left, the unique “Click click… Click click” sound when changing gear. The front seats and rear seats (man, it’s Cramped, my leg always got stuck (size 10). Lastly, the steering (NON-powered).

Montage 3: The exterior: Picture 1 and 2 needs no introduction, Picture 3, check out the “Steel” Airpress… Picture 4: Custom made side mirror.

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Montage 3: Clockwise from top left, The garang front when, behind a car, due to “Very bright@ headlight, Rear lights, Steel Airpress and custom made Side mirror.

Montage 4: from top left, front “Stanley” headlight, RARE Steel rims with Firestone tyres. Picture 3: This is one of a hell strong bumper, Lastly, the “big boot”

Montage 5:
Clockwise from top left. Original 1171cc, 69hp, 95Nm torque, 8 valve SOHC Single carburettor. Very economical at 13 cents per km or 12+km/L. Second picture, again, the door panels were PLASTIC Wrapped hence., Pucture 3: Back 3 quarter of the car. Picture 4, one of the few rusting part of the car.


Montage 6: Viewing angle of the car and the dash meters of the car.

The car’s still in EXCELLENT Condition with Minimal rust, resprayed 2k white back in 2006. Complete Overhauled in 2005. Anyone wants to rescue the car from Scrap? Possible but difficult. Since it’s “going to scrap, why not go there to Buy this antique (Call me, Jeff 016-377-5778 (not my permanant prepaid no - "scrapping" 30 August)... This fine example of Datsun 120Y is destined for scrap. Hence this is a “Farewell report” to the car. GOODBYE 1979 Datsun 120Y “Same age as me”.
Here is a parting shot: An Ancient “Datsun Logo”


An original Jeff Lim’s work. Jeff ori. Tak copy dari mana mana (didn’t copy from anywhere).

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Longtermer #1, Update 13: Ford Telstar Ghia 2.0i4 16v

In this blog entry, I am updating my Ford Telstar i4 Ghia. This is the 13th update (Technically 1 year). What's up in the month of July?

Well, nothing much to highlight. I’m glad to say this is a 2nd problem free month. The SECOND since 2009, the Telstar did not giving me any problems. Yes, NO visit to workshop again this month.



As I typed this, the Telstar only done 145,555km. Previous month, it's 144,444km. It covers 1111km per month. WOW, interesting...

Apart from that, I'd report that this TELSTAR HAS ABS (Not only the V6 model). Please don't argue. I experienced it 4 times this month, 2 times in the wet.

WET: Raining heavily, almost hit a "Zigzagging" Kelisa. Brake hard... "Sweeesssshh KROOOOCCCKKKK (with pulsating feeling in the pedal).

DRY: Cornering too fast, almost understeer... (ie. almost hit a parked car), yet I can steer through (was cornering at 60km/h back then). Again, soft SWISH (not as dramatic as the one in wet) and the pulsation feeling on the pedal...

AS Experienced above, YES PEOPLE, 1997-2001 TELSTAR 4 cylinder V6 Body HAS ABS.


Without further ado, here's the LOGBOOK:

Year of manufactured: December 1998 (registered January 1999)
Purchase price: RM42,000 (Aug 2005)
Current value: RM13,000 (As at June 2009)
Depreciation per year (averaged): RM10500
Mileage last month: 144,444km

Mileage now: 155,555km
Fuel consumption (so far):
BEST: 9km/l (22 April 2009)
WORST: 5.9km/l (November 2008)

THIS MONTH (JULY):
WORST: 6.1km/l
AVERAGE: 7.2km/L
BESI: Today: (26 July) 8.1km/l

TODAY, As at 29 June,

Expenses (this month)
1) Petrol and toll charges.



Before I go, here's a parting shot above... This is a reminder of a unique feature only found in Ford Telstar and Mazda 626. "Auto swing/oscillating" center air conditioning vents.

End of Update, thanks for having the patience to read it...

AN ORIGINAL JEFF LIM PRODUCTION (My original work)

Monday, July 27, 2009

MY NEW TOY: Nokia N79 Black Edition

I know it's not a GADGET Blog, but excuse me... Got a time out since there's NO Car for me to review at the moment... Also, can't resist to blog about my LATEST TOY...

Two days ago, I sold off my previous phone SONYERICSSON K850i. "I'm BACK TO USING NOKIA". FIRST Nokia since 2005 and 2nd SYMBIAN Phone, Nokia 3230 being 1st. ALso, 1st NOKIA after owning 3 SONYERICSSON ROW... still keeping 1 as 2nd phone, SonyEricsson K618i because it's a MIDLAND ORIGINAL PHONE.

The replacement phone is an Original AVAXX unit. It's "STAR WARS EDITION" hence it's BLACK in colour (bought used 3 months old from LOWYAT Forummer for RM9xx), NOT the NORMAL WHITE edition. See photos later. Hey, an original AVAXX white unit STILL costs RM1299.

I sold off my K850i for RM410. I know it's cheap (Mkt value RM500), but initially, I taught the phone got problem (speakers), hence low asking price. Later, I found out that it's PROBLEM FREE. Damage is done, post low price, sell low price. Speaker prob was due to a call to Vietnam...

Okay, back to my new phone Nokia N79. The previous owner FORMATTED the phone, NOT even 1 N-gage game reserved for me. NOT ONLY THAT, he failed give me the DATA CABLE... Yesteray, I went to AVAXX (Nokia Centre) to update firmware... WOW, what a list of Software... Including, Pocket Office, Dictionary, GARMIN Software...

Picture worth 1000 words, here's some pictures...

Photos from top left, the limited edition Box, the 3 x-presson cover (yes, they are bsck), side-view of the phone, and the light blue cover which vI am currently using...


It's a tech savvy phone. I now present you 20 reasons why I bought this phone:
1) Carl Zeiss 5 megapixels camera with auto focus, DUAL LED Flash, camera open/close lid

(Later I show you the pictures taken from the camera)
2) GPS (Geo-tagging)
3) 3.5G Quad band
4) WIFI
5) N-GAGE feature
6) Auto screen rotate
7) Pocket Office (Pocket word, spreadsheet, slides)
8) Adobe Acrobat reader
9) FM Radio with RDS, Fm Transmiter
10) Touch sensitive NAVI Wheel
11)3.5mm Audio Jack
12) Phonebook with Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
13) Internal 83 MB Card slot microSD (TransFlash), , up to 8GB, hotswap, 4GB card included
14) Bluetooth
15) TV Output (How cool is that)
16) Symbian OS 9.3, Series 60 v3.2 UI. HENCE, LOTS OF SOFTWARE TO INSTALL SINCE it's a SYMBIAN phone...
17) It's SLIM and Compact. "SMALLEST" Nokia N-series
18) BATTERY: Stand-by Up to 372 h (2G) / 408 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 5 h 30 min (2G) / 3 h 30 min (3G)
19) Organiser
20) LOTS OF FORMAT SUPPORTED Audio/Video:
- WMV/RV/MP4/3GP video player
- MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A music player

WILL POST MORE PICTURE by Tomorrow (my house internet line is NOT STABLE)...


Oh! This is an AVAXX Set as seen in the photo above

For FULL REVIEW of the NICE PHONE: Links: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_n79-2497.php

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

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

GADGETS 101: AP vs ORIGINAL Phone

This is NOT a Automotive blog entry, rather, it's regarding Mobile Phones. Whatever you do, try to Buy Original Officially imported phone (Eg. Midland, Zitron, AVAXX)

I, learnt the HARD WAY. Whatever you do, again, Buy ORIGINAL Phone (This is TRUE for SONYERICSSON, dunno about NOKIA) NOT AP. The latter aftersales SUX BIG time...

Eg. My current "2nd phone" 2006 SE K618i's ORIGINAL Midland... The battery connector KO, fixed w/o question and Updated firmware 3 times they also lend me SPARE PHONE when my phone's being serviced 3 TIMES. CAN YOU BEAT THAT AP Phone provider...

I'm VERY Sure AP Provider @ Grey Importer offer such a Nice Service. They promised 18 mts warranty on phone and 6 mts warranty on LCD Screen. But most of the time they don't honour their warranty. I don't want to name the Company but there are AT LEAST 2 of them.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Difference between UK-spec and LOCAL Proton

Two days a go, I teman (accompany) my friend to a Dealer in Pudu, Empire motors. We were checking out a Proton Wira 1.5(M) 2003 or as low as RM23,600. That car came with Leather seat, Different seat (have lumbar support as well), Autocruise. Was told that at that time, buyer can choose between DUAL AIRBAGS OR Leather seats.
One thing I observed, the car got "HEATER", the BONNET is HEAVY, needed 2 hands to lift it up.

Earlier (1 week ago), we checked out 3 WIRA SE Limited (the black ones), the Materials such as Dashboard poorly fitted together AND the BONNET IS LIGHT (1 hand can lift it up). Apart from 16" rims and REAR DISC BRAKES (For 1st 10000 units only). Price RM27,000. All 3 units SAME PRICE @ Selayang CIty Mall.

This is for WIRA. For Saga Iswara, the difference is EVEN Clearer. Firstly it's the FUEL INJECTION, Secondly it uses Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore Dashboard, Thirdly, again BONNET HEAVIER (2 hands to lift it up instead of 1 hands). Also, doors slightly thicker. Some of the car has rear foglights...

ALSO, WAJA, In UK, it has TCS (Traction COntrol), Climate COntrol, 4 airbags, THICKER Bodyshell (to achieve 3 star NCAP), heavier...

OVERALL, UK spec Proton has BETTER BUILT QUALITY. Imagine 5 yrs warranty for "POWERTRAIN", engine in UK.

In Australia, 3 years, Unlimited mileage warranty...

Will post some photos by tomorrow, watch this space.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Part 2: Full review: Honda Accord 1st Generation 1976-81 (Jeff's Ori)

This blog entry is the “Part 2” coverage of the 1st Generation Accord. This time, it is going to be my ORIGINAL WORK. I managed to convinced 2 LOCAL Malaysian owners to allow me to take pictures review their car. “Owner” 1 is a 100% STOCK car, while “Owner 2” owned by Jeff Aloi is a “slightly Modified car”.

Let’s proceed to OWNER 1, a doctor's (Dr.W) owner, his car’s CKD by Kah Motor. He is the 1st owner having bought the car brand new back in August 1981. The car is meticulously maintained and well taken care off by the owner (see photos later).

This CKD car has NO Power Steering and power window. Brake Master Pump changed to Newer Accord and all the cooling system (eg. Radiator) had been well taken care. Also, few years ago changed Front disc brake.

In addition, it has been resprayed 3 times since 1981. Well, photos worth 1000 words, without further ado, let’s proceed to the photos…


Above, Picture 1: The GARANG SIDE of the Accord. Still looks good after all these years.
Below, Picture 2: check out the MEAN looking headlights…




Picture 3: Above, clockwise from top left, the “Original seats, dashmeter, 5 speed Manual (Not bad for a 1977 technology car) and lastly check out the rear legroom.


Picture 4: nice view of the Accord
Picture 5: Below, engine bay. So far, it has done only 227,000km. It has undergone a Complete Overhauled worth RM4,000 +/- back in 2001.



Also, 1st Japanese Car to have “Digital Clock" Picture 6.

Picture 7: FIRST Japanese car to have “Door and Boot” Ajar warning on dash.

Picture 8: Above, original PCD-120 175/70R13 steel rims (Very rare, that’s why Jeff Aloy modified to PCD-114. (See photos later). Picture 8: Below, 1st Japanese car to have “Proper” Fabric seats (NOT Coconut Husk seat cushion).




Picture 9: Air-conditioning switches and radio.

Here’s a parting shot of Dr.W's Accord:


OWNER 2: Jeff Aloi's Honda Accord 1.6(M) 1979


This car belongs to Jeff Aloi's family (relatives) since new. Originally it's SOLID Beige, It's just been resprayed at 2006 to Metallic White. This is one of the 5 cars in Jeff Aloi's Garage. Currently, it's not on the road for 4-6 months due to Dead Battery.

This is a modified car. The front seats had changed Honda Prelude BB6 ones. See Picture A, Below.


In addition, the Brake Master Pump’s changed to Mitsubishi EVO ones (See photo B below)




Picture C: Rims and tyres changed, from PCD-120 to PCD-114. 195/55R15.

Picture D below clockwise from top left: Front 3 quarter view, “Not bad” boot space, engine hood open the opposite way (Ala BMW E30). Why ar? (Anyone can give answer?)



Picture E: The antique steering and dashboard.


Picture F: Parting Shot of Jeff Aloi's car...

FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Dr W’s: Best 10.75km/L, Worst 9.5km/L. Averaged, 10.1km/L.
Jeff Aloy’s car: Best 9.45km/L. Worst 8.1km/l City, Highway, Averaged: 8.8km/L
(Note, Fuel Consumption is based on your Right Foot (ie. Heavy or light footed), Tyre pressure, Loading, and tuning of car).

Credits / Thanks to:
1) Dr.W
2) Jeffrey Loi

THAT’S ALL FOLKS. An original JEFF LIM PRODUCTION. Thanks for having the time and patience to read this.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

FULL REVIEW: Honda Accord 1st generation 1976 to 81 (PART 1)

In this blog entry, I’m previewing what's in store for next blog. Watch this space... But I need 2 1st generation Honda Accord owners to write a review on their cars... Spotted 1, looking for another...

The car must be STOCK Standard, No rust, will take Front, Rear, Side, 3 quarter fr and rr view, dashboard, seats and boot... And I will write a NICE article on it... I don't mind you reader/s doing the writing...

(3)
 I’m WAITING FOR AT LEAST 2 Accord Owners to turn up so that I can review their car “ORIGINALLY”.

(4)

Here's another surprise: The SPECIFICATIONS of Honda Accord CVCC:

Engine

Bore × stroke 74.00 mm × 93.00 mm 2.91 in × 3.66in
Cylinders S-4 Displacement 1.6 litre, 1599 cc
(97.577 cu in) Type SOHC

Compression ratio 8.40:1

Maximum power 81.1 PS (80.0 bhp) (59.7 kW)
@ 5300 rpm Specific output 50 bhp/litre, 0.82 bhp/cu in

Maximum torque 120.0 Nm (89 ft•lb) (12.2 kgm)
@ 3000 rpm bmep 943.1 kPa (136.8 psi)

Specific torque 75.05 Nm/litre

Dimensions and weights;


Wheelbase 2380 mm 93.7 in

Track front 1400 mm 55.1in
in rear 1410 mm 55.5in

Length 4343 mm 171 in

Width 1618 mm 63.7 in

Height 1359 mm 53.5 in

Length:wheelbase ratio 1.82

Ground clearance Kerb weight 930 kg 2050 lb

Weight distribution (Front)

Fuel capacity 50 litres

Brakes: FF: Disc / RR: Drum

Performance: 0-100km/h: 13.3 secs (15+/- secs for 3 speed Hondamatic)
Top speed: 170km/h (Manual).

Fuel consumption (on a 1979 Accord): 31mpg City; 42mpg Highway. 37mpg averaged averaged

End of specifications, here's parting shot:(2)

(

SOURCES:
2) http://www.oldjapanesecar.com/accord/accord.jpg
3) http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200701/2008-honda-accord-7_460x0w.jpg
4) http://pds8.egloos.com/pds/200801/22/81/a0001681_4795fa38ae9c5.jpg
5) http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=23485

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

Sunday, July 05, 2009

IN: SHOUTMIX and Nuffnang XChange, OUT: Chatango

Fellow readers of my blog, Did you guys noticed any changes?

Well, I've removed Chatango in My blog due to HYPER-UNFAVOURABLE response. Also "Chatango" is less popular among the Malaysians.

So, now, I present you SHOUTMIX AND Nuffnang XCHANGE (among Nuffnangers). I hope I can attract more and more visitors/readers to this blog...

Warmest regards,
Jeff Lim
ONLY Blog owner and editor...
(Contributors wanted).

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

1/7/97 => 1/7/09. British handover to China anniversary...

NOTE: Sorry for sidetracking a bit... But Hong Kong is my 2nd home... Can't resist posting something about their anniversary.


Today 1.7.09 marks the 12th anniversary Hong Kong being handover from Britain to the People's Republic of China.



Back then in July 1, 1997, I was a year 11 student, studying in Hong Kong.
I remembered like yesterday, I "was there" during the handover "FUll Coverage LIVE" from HOng Kong's TVB World. Seen the British Union Jack lowered down and New Hong Kong flag hoisted up, Prince Charles's there too. Saw the Governer CHris patten and their family entering "Britiania" ship. Believe it or not, Alice Patten - see photo (his youngest daughter's my Schoolmate in Island School (2 year senior). They were crying as they entering "Britannia", leaving Hong Kong...




Above: Lion dancers perform during a parade to celebrate the 12th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China in Hong Kong Wednesday, July 1, 2009. (AP)

China promised... I hope the promised is honoured. But what will happened after the "promised" it's anyones' guessing. Ie. For me to find out and for you to know.

Here's what the press said...

ARTICLE 1: Thursday, July 2, 2009


ABove: Tens of thousands march for democracy in Hong Kong (AP)

A protester carries a placard which reads "Return power to the people" during a pro-democracy march demanding universal suffrage in Hong Kong, yesterday. (Reuters)

Here's 2nd article:

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Photo 2 of 123
Tens of thousands march for democracy in Hong Kong

A protester carries a placard which reads "Return power to the people" during a pro-democracy march demanding universal suffrage in Hong Kong, yesterday. (Reuters)

Updated Wednesday, July 1, 2009 2:03 pm TWN, AP
Hong Kong marks 12th anniversary of return to China

HONG KONG — Thousands of Hong Kongers joined a parade Wednesday of Chinese dragon dancers and children garbed in opera costumes as the territory marked the 12th anniversary of its return to China.

Picture sourced: REUTERS.

he parade kicked off shortly after Hong Kong and Chinese flags were raised in an early morning ceremony beside the territory's famed Victoria Harbor that drew hundreds of officials and onlookers.

"It is time for celebration, not a time for discontent," said Ko Po-chun, 49, after watching Hong Kong singers and Chinese soldiers' martial arts performance.

With nods to traditional Chinese culture, both events were meant to emphasize unity with the mainland.

But they contrasted sharply with a street protest later in the day expected to draw tens of thousands of Hong Kongers calling for democracy.

Since its handover to China on July 1, 1997 — after 156 years of British rule — Hong Kong has largely retained its Western-style civil liberties, including press freedom and the right to hold public protests. But its people still cannot directly elect the city's chief executive or all legislative members.

The annual march has become a public forum to urge for democratic forms and vent dissatisfaction with government policies.

While last year's turnout was relatively low because of the Olympics and a still-strong economy, organizers say as many as 100,000 people could show up for Wednesday's march.

Hong Kong's slumping economy and rising unemployment is stoking anger.

This year, hundreds of civil servants and government contract workers are set to protest as organized groups for the first time to demand better work conditions and pay — signs of public frustration that experts say could alarm Beijing.

Further Reading:

1) Asian Wall Street Journal article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124644018771378801.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

SOURCE:

1) http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national-news/2009/07/01/214514/Hong-Kong.htm
2) AP: For Photos
3)http://www.rfi.fr/actuen/articles/115/article_4161.asp
4) http://im.rediff.com/movies/2006/jan/13alice1.jpg => For Alice Patten's photo

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

POINTS TO PONDER: What's after WYY?

As per title, what comes after WYY since now already "WSS"? Anyone know?

Could It ended up like Sabah "WAA1234A", with the last digit move 1st until "WAA9999Y" then "WAB1234A".

OR Could it ended up like most of us predicted "WAAA1234"? Ladies and gentlemen, What's your opinion?

Monday, June 29, 2009

1st Anniversary REPORT: Honda Civic FD2 2.0iVTEC

FIRST year Summary: Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC

NOTE FROM NEXT REVIEW ONWARDS, I'll Write a Review on the Civic 2.0FD2 EVERY QUARTER (ie. every 3 months). So my next review would be at "15th MONTH". Why? It's because I have nothing much to write on the car on "monthly" basis since the car is SO NEW. Rest assured, the Telstar will still be updated Monthly as it has more stuff to write (eg. trip to workshop, change which part).


Ladies and gentlemen, I now present you the 1 Anniversary update. 12 months passed baby... Nothing much to update for this month except I have driven this car to my Church Working Adult's camp in Country Heights Resort, Kajang with the help of my Latest toy "GARMIN NUVI 255W" with "Junction View" and 1 passenger.

At 6.30pm, I missed the Church service, drove from Kajang to Petaling Jaya to attend a friend's wedding (picked my mum along the way). Left Petaling Jaya for Country Heights Kajang at 11.30pm, reached there 40 mins later (hey, that shows that I was NOT SPEEDING). Also, I relied a lot on Cruise Control.

On my way back from Kajang, there's 4 passengers. Before we left Kajang, we went to Haji Samuri Sate.


Picture above and below, the Civic hit a Kerb while negotiating a 90 degree turn at 50km/h (the famous turning from BU12 to Sunwaymas, Petaling Jaya. Lower left side of bumper Damaged, rim dented and left tyre peeled off (3cm). I immediately took to workshop as I fear my dad will KILL ME. The workshop did A wonderful job without me breaking the bank. Costs RM260 only including spraying.




Picture above, the "DAMAGE".

Major Expenses: RM260

To cap it off, here’s the “Annual Logbook”.

Lastly, the LATEST Fuel consumption doesn’t sound promising: 300km for RM50 (27.778L) fuel. ONLY 10.9km/L. for Mostly Highway Driving.

HERE’S THE ANNUAL LOGBOOK (12th month)

LAST 6 months:
Best: 12.75km/l (90% highway driving) (November 2008)
Worst: 8.5km/l (100% City driving) (May 2009)
Averaged: 11.1km/L

LAST 1 YEAR:
Best: 13.75km/L (90% Highway driving) September 2008
Worst: 8.5km/L (100% City driving) – May 2009
Averaged: 11.125km/L

Mileage when new: 0008km
Mileage Now: 17900km
Average mileage: 1627km

Performance:
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds (“D” mode), 8.9 secs (paddle shift).
Top speed: Unknown (But someone recorded 215km/h as seen in Youtube)


For specifications and other details: please go to Honda Malaysia Website.
http://www.honda.com.my



I now present monthly “FLASHBACKS” of the Civic FD2 since Day 1 owning the car. ENJOY:

START:



"On 19 June 2008, my dad booked a new Sparkle Grey Pearl Honda Civic 2.0IVTEC. Initially, the salesman told my dad waiting list until 3rd week of August (more on that later). I can say that I have 4x "lucks".

“So called Luck #1”: Interest rate 2.35% by Public Finance. You know what? After 4 days booking, the interest rate shot up to a horrendous 3.5%. We took 6 years loan @ RM90,000.

“So called Luck #2”: Waiting list cut short by 3 weeks. It’s because someone cancelled the booking which is due 3rd week of July.

"So called Luck #3": The no plate I bought back in January 21 2008 (for the Nissan Grand Livina which my dad cancelled in March due to false promise by salesman (CALVEN of Tan Chong PJ)- Promised Chinese new year but Delayed till End-April) still can use. Selangor plate: B?? 1222. Thank God I DID NOT WIN the No. WRQ1222 which I bidded. If NOT...

28 July 2008, 12pm: Took Delivery of the car.

Volume 2:

Today = One month anniversary since we took delivery of the Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC. Sent for 1st 1000km service 2 weeks ago. They only rectified the defect (see picture below). The whole A-pillar cover came loose on both side, the left side is worse than the right. I try to fix it back, but the thing “Pop up” again.


Fuel consumption: 40L worth of petrol good for around 470km (11.75km/L) mix driving of 45% city, 55% highway. Best: 40L of fuel, 510km (12.75km/l).

In this “Longtermer #2” entry (Volume 3), I’ll cover the Civic’s ride and handling.

Due to the 17” rims and low profile tyres (Michelin Pilot Preceda 215/45 R17), the car’s ride can be a little hard hence comfort’s a bit sacrificed. Eg. You can feel the “yellow speed-breaker lines” (soft thump… thump… thump… thump… thump…). In contrast, my Telstar (also with 17” rims but shod with 4 Bridgestone My-01 tyres), went past the same speed-breakers with barely audible noise.

But there’s always some positive points, the handling’s quite amazing. The Civic cornered with minimal bodyroll. The engine’s surprisingly quiet (whisper) for an IVTEC. Engine noise only crept in during hard acceleration (from 3500rpm onwards)- eg. traffic light start upshift from low gear to higher gear AND during kickdowns (eg. 4th gear to 3rd gear or 3rd to 2nd gear).

FOR THIS MONTH: Fuel consumption: 40L worth of petrol good for around 470km (11.75km/L) mix driving of 45% city, 55% highway. Best: 40L of fuel, 510km (12.75km/l).

VOLUME 4:

Today = Three month anniversary since we took delivery of the Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC. Sent for 2nd service 5000km service 3 weeks ago to Sumber Auto Edaran, Jalan Universiti, PJ.. They performed oil change (MINERAL OIL!!!???). Why MINERAL Oil? I asked the service advisor AND WHY 5,000km service interval? My questions were not answered.




What is the service procedure? 1) Parked the car at designated bay, went to service office, take a number. 2) They designate a service advisor for you asked you to return around 3 hours later. 3) I saw them covering the seat and the steering.

Then, The Service Advisor talked my dad to purchase a “Central Locking Beeper” for RM290. “BEEEPPP” (Unlock), “BEEEPPP” (x3) lock. Previously, the central locking was silent type (just light blinking).

3 hours later, went to service office again, they updated my Civic's service logbook. pay up then only you can drive away your car.

The whole A-pillar cover came loose on left side AGAIN., they tried to fix it back, but the thing “Pop up” again after a while especially parking under hot sun as this car's not tinted.

Service aftermath: The car became more responsive and eager. Better acceleration and more refined on the road (smoother engine). 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds. Not bad for a FIVE SPEED Automatic (In "D" mode instead of using "S" paddle - shift. If "paddle shift" slightly faster => Below 9 secs)).

Thus, the Civic 2.0IVTEC has better Acceleration than VW Jetta 2.0FSI (9.8secs), Skoda Octavia 2.0 FSI (10.1secs), Mitsubishi NEW Lancer 2.0 CVT (10 secs) and New Ford Focus 2.0i Hatchback (9.7secs).

Average mileage per month: 1933km

Update 5:
Early this month (November), we drove the Civic 2.0iVTEC to Penang (total estimated journey of 1200km including driving around Penang). Why Penang?

Coz my mother side Grandmother passed away at 85 years old in her sleep due to Heart Attack. Very GRAND FUNERAL though. Lot's of VVIP turned up. Anyway, Let's get back to the topic...

The car's very stable at speeds up to 170km/h (can't go faster as there's some traffic)

Wonder what's with Honda Malaysia's 5,000km service interval? You know what? Did my research, Honda UK's Civic service interval (1.6 iVTEC Hatchback) is 12500 MILES NOT Kilometres, which is actually 20,000km. Also, Honda Australia's service interval's 10,000km.


UPDATE 7:

For the month of January, the Civic made 1 trip to Klang, 2 rounds to KLIA and 2 rounds to LCCT, in addition to daily trips to work and back (by dad).

I tried the Paddle Shift on my trip to Klang. The "ROLLING START" at toll booth from 0-100 and beyond => Surprisingly FAST. That night (10pm), at the toll booth, there's slight G-force as I used the paddle shift from "2" to "3" to "4" and finally "5". Within a short distance (less than 15 seconds), the digital speedometer shows: 138km/h. I backed off and reduced the speed to 110km/h (speed limit) (cause there's 4 people on board including me). Tried the cruise control as well (set at 120km/h) nothing special.

This month is the 8th update of Longtermer #2, Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2. Nothing much to update except it had been scratched/dented twice almost the same spot. See photo on my "8th update" posting.

This month is the 9th update of Longtermer #2, Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2.


Went to IKEA with this car. Do check out the capability of the BOOT (picture). 6 "Herman" white chairs (flat packed), 4 pillows, 2 "POANG" Cushions. ALL WITHOUT SPLIT FOLDING THE REAR SEATBACK! The rest, seeked IKEA for delivery. Ie. Dining table for 6, Sofa 3 seater, "POANG" frame, 4 beds + 4 mattress etc...

Mileage NOW: 14244km, Average mileage per month: 1571km

This is 10th update of Longtermer #2, Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2. Sent the Civic for 15000km service. Not much, just oil change and engine draining and other Preventive maintenance service.

Took the car to Putrajaya (for friend's wedding) and back with 1/3 fuel left (4 "little" bar left). On the way back only refilled at Puchong BHP station (1st time filling BHP petrol since 2006). Man, the fuel is POWERFUL. I dared to say it's AS POWERFUL AS V-Power. I only filled RM20 (11.111L). It's good for 120km before the next fill up (10.8km/L => LESS MILEAGE THAN SHELL).

One week later I even more "gung ho", last 2 bar, managed to drove from Section 17, Petaling Jaya to Pavilion, KL AND BACK. At that time, upon reaching home the Fuel level: 0 bar left and orange warning light's on. Only fill up the next morning.

Mileage NOW: 16804km
Average mileage per month: 1528km

FUEL CONSUMPTION (This Month):
Best: 11.8km/L (Shell V-power)
WORST: 8.5km/L (BHP) 100% City driving

LAST 6 months:
Best: 12.75km/l (90% highway driving) (November 2008)
Worst: 8.5km/l (100% City driving) (May 2009)

This is 11th update of Longtermer #2, this month's a busy month for the Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2. Clocked 1300+ km over 11 days fetching my Hongkie friend and his parents around, mostly city driving save 3 return trips to KLIA. Hence, my own car, the Telstar is "neglected" most of the month in May.

Went to Royal Selangor Club (Desmond's father is "Reciprocal Member" and Royal Lake Club (my Dad's member) almost everyday...

Mileage: 16,804km
Averaged per month: 1528km

Before I go, here's a parting shot:




THE END

That’s all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this. An ORIGINAL JEFF LIM’S Production.