LONGTERMER #1: Update 9: Ford Telstar i4 DOHC 16v

In this blog entry, I am updating my Ford Telstar i4 Ghia. This is the 9th update. What's up in the month of March?

Not much to highlight in the first 3 weeks of March. Let's proceed to the 4th week.
On 23 March, we took this Telstar for a trip down to (and fro) Melaka.

There were 4 of us in the car. It only took us 1 hour and 30 mins each trip, to and fro. Travelling speed: 110km/h to 130km/h. Why so slow? It's because it's NOT DRIVEN BY ME. Instead, it's by a 60+ years old Auntie (mum's friend from Melaka).

Here's some photos of the Melaka trip:

Above, Melaka special "Satay Babi" with "Pineapple satay sauce".


Above, Melaka River.

The Telstar benefitted from the trip. NICE EXERCISE. It's this trip that the Telstar recorded THE BEST mileage (since February 2007 Penang trip) @ 8.8km/l.

One day later, I drove the Telstar to and from KL International airport sent my Hong Kong visitor Desmond Yip back to Hong Kong. Averaged speed 130km/h when I send him and his luggage, averaged speed 150km/h on my way back. Maximum speed I drove 175km/h, because the gearing is too "tall". 3rd gear 170km/h @ 5300rpm, 4th (overdrive) gear 170km/h @ mere 4200rpm.

So at my "maximum" speed, it's either 5300rpm (roaring) in 3rd gear or 4500rpm in "4th gear"(lazing), takes an EXTRA LONG TIME at 4th gear to gain anymore speed. I believe in can achieve it's "Claimed" maximum speed of 198km/h, except it REALLY Takes time and need LOTS OF STRAIGHT ROADS. Perhaps, the car's already "A BIT OLD" to travel faster. Note that it's a "10 years old" car.

As I typed this, I'm glad to say that the car already reached 240km and still 1/3 tank to go. TWO MONTHS AGO, 240km = 1/5 tank left (280km per tank only). Will see how far it can go this time...


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: RM16,000 (As at January 2009)
Depreciation per year (averaged): RM6,500
Mileage last month: 141277km

Mileage now: 142,465km
Fuel consumption (so far):
BEST: 8.8km/l (24 March 2009)
WORST: 5.9km/l (November 2008)

Fuel consumption improved DRASTICALLY... Last month, full tank of 44.444L good for 340km (ie. 7.8km/l). 1/2 highway, 1/2 city. If HEAVY FOOTED and 80% city driving, still good for 310km => 7.2km/l.

TODAY, As at 26 March, I'm glad to say that the Telstar managed 390km with 44.444L "Shell" petrol. A staggering 8.8km/L. A figure last seen in 2007 February (Penang Chinese New Year trip). This was achieved during my trip to Melaka (to and fro including a bit of travelling round Melaka). 80% highway, 20% city.

From my observations, I think this car needs more "EXERCISE", Ie. Long distance driving.

Expenses (this month)
1) Petrol and toll charges.
2) STP Treatment oil (Blue can). RM15. Mixed into engine oil.
3) Extra RM8.90 per fill up, bought SHELL "FERRARI" Car as I top up fuel.

Before I go: here’s a parting shot:

The comfortable, inviting, rear seats. Check out the generous LEGROOM.

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

AN ORIGINAL JEFF LIM PRODUCTION (My original work)