Jeff's Dream Garage 2013

In this blog entry, I'm going to share my Dream Garage.  Note that all my dream garage are used cars and reachable - ie. Not really expensive (I found and screen shot 7/9 of them in Mudah).  The problem is 7 out of my 9 dream cars requires CASH BUY as too OLD for Bank Loan because it's more than 10 years.

Without further ado, let's proceed to my lists of Dream garage.

Dream Car  1: PORSCHE 911 993 Carrera Varioram

Why?
Last Air-cooled 911 produced from 1993 to 1997.  Future Classic.  Note that it costs AS MUCH as it's successor 911 996 Carrera year 2000 model.  That's why I said it's FUTURE Classic.  In UK even worse.  A 1996 Porsche 911 993 in UK costs over 20,000 pounds for a MINT Condition.  That's about 7,000 pounds more than it's 2004 997 Successor (13,000 pounds for a Good one)!

In Malaysia, I found a MINT Low Mileage 1996 Varioram EXAMPLE - imported New by Auto Eurokar.  Asking RM178,000 CASH slightly Nego (too old for Bank Loan).  Wish I have the money!

  DREAM CAR 2: MAZDA 6 2.3 S-VT 2006 - 07. 

 This is the ONLY DREAM CAR of mine that qualify for Bank Loan.  This year price RM63,000.  That's the MAXIMUM price I willing to pay for a 2006 facelift unit with 5 speed Active-matic gearbox.  Can't find a serious seller in Mudah for this car.

 There's 1 White 2007 model advertised by a guy called "tom" but that guy NOT SERIOUS.  NEVER PICK UP Call and NEVER Reply Whatsapp? and SMS.  He advertised in Mudah On and Off for past 9 months.  Price Dropped from RM80,000 to RM69,500.

 Why?

See my blog entry back in Jan 2012:
http://otoreview.blogspot.com/2012/01/wanted-mazda-6-23-s-vt-mzr.html

It won 110 Awards WORLDWIDE from 2003 to 2007.  Ie. During it's pruduction time.  It must be something special for it to won so many Awards.  Let me tell you why, it's the EVERGREEN Exterior Design, Excellent Ride and Handling, GREAT Fun to Drive and lastly, More spacious than it's Successor Mazda6 MK2 (2008 to 2012) which has Poor rear headroom issue and more expensive Road tax due to 2.5 litres.

DREAM CAR 3: Mazda MIATA MX-5 Original.

 Above: My DREAM Colour and Tanned Leather combo.  The IDEAL one.

 Above: It's so Legendary that it appeared in INITIAL-D Stage 4 where it RACED with Takumi's AE86 and LOST! Here are the Youtube link to the RACE Between MX5 and AE86:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dG24rZvJsk

 Below: Sample car for sale as seen in Mudah.  Double click to enlarge.

Why?
The Original's still the best looking and price now dipped to RM43,000 CASH THOUGH for early 1990 to 1992 model.  I don't mind Manual for this car as I learned to Drive in Hong Kong in a Mazda 323 Familia which I'm used to the clutch.  My sister also used to owned 1992 Mazda Astina, also similar Clutch feell, Future classic for sure.  Prefer either British Racing Green OR Solid Red one with Hardtop.

As quoted in "AUTOCAR" Magazine UK.  "This is like a Alfa Spyder without the Rust, Trimph Spitfire without flooding and MGB Roadster without the reliability issues."  This car single handedly REVIVED the dying famous Front Engined RWD BRITISH Roadsters.  As at December 2012, 920,000 units have been sold WORLDWIDE!  WOW!

DREAM CAR 4: MINI COOPER 1.3 Fuel Injection Auto

 Above: Was offered a FULLY RESTORED and CUSTOMISED example at RM33,000 CASH.  A 3k British Racing Green Paint with British Flag on Roof complete with Burberry texture seats, EFI engine, 4 speed Automatic and identical rims and white John Cooper stripes like the photo above.  I featured in my blog back in November 2012.  It can be found here:
http://otoreview.blogspot.com/2012/11/close-upfor-sale-mini-cooper-13.html

Above: A MINT example 1964 Mini Cooper 1.3 EFI Auto going for RM33,000 CASH!

Why?
The Original and still the best.  Already a Sought after Classic.  A Mint condition example costs AT LEAST RM30,000 and it NEVER DEPRECIATES.  It stayed the same for the past 8 years.

DREAM CAR 5: TOYOTA MR2 SW20 3S-GTE Turbo 

Above: Limited Edition T-bar removable targa top.

Why?

Classy MINI FERRARI Design.  Already a Classic.  Highly sought after due to Mid-engined RWD layout. STOCK Virgin unit is HARD TO FIND and WORTH Buying.

Above: As seen in Mudah.  A 1995 last batch 3S-GTE stock turbo with T-Bar Glass roof panel example going for RM65,000 CASH.  This car also featured in INITIAL D Battle stage, MR2 SW20 vs Takumi's AE86 but LOST Again.  Picture below:

DREAM CAR 6a: Honda Prelude H22A BB7 OR 6b: BB1.

 Above: Prelude BB7 powered by H22A BIG VTEC mated with 4 speed Tiptronic gearbox and Electronic 4WS.  Produced from 1997 to 2000.  This is the LAST Prelude.  SUPER RARE in Malaysia.

Above: Prelude BB1 aka. BB4.  Also powered by H22A BIG VTEC and 4WS.  Very common in Malaysia and getting cheaper.  Below: A used 1992 example costs RM25,555 only as seen in Mudah.

Why I mentioned 2 generation Prelude?  

Cause the H22A BB7 Tiptronic's SUPER RARE in Malaysia and RARELY Available for sale.  If available, will be priced around RM58,000 CASH for a 1997 unit (last seen on sale in Mudah back in September 2012, a Silver Unit).  Therefore, I DON'T Mind the 1992 to 1996 H22A Prelude.  In fact, the design's Better inside out.

DREAM CAR 7: BMW E39 525i Touring Wagon (2000) OR 2005 E61 525i Touring Wagon.

Above: Super RARE E39 Touring Wagon.  Below: More common E61 525i Touring Wagon.

Above: YOUTUBE Video featuring the DOUBLE  Electric Tilt-slide EXTRA LARGE Panoramic Glass Sunroof.

Why I mentioned 2 generation?

Like the Prelude above, the E39 Touring Wagon's SUPER RARE.  Never officially brought in to sell in Malaysia.  Those available are either NAZA Import OR Personal/Student AP import.  That's why I will also consider the 2005 BMW 525i E61 Touring Wagon.  This car STILL CAN LOAN and typically priced around RM150,000 with Electric Tilt-slide EXTRA LARGE Panoramic Glass Sunroof. 

I also LOVED the both generation "Split tailgate" (see photo above) where the upper glass portion can be partially lifted up to store small/light items and for E61, the Powered 1 touch closing tailgate.

DREAM CAR 8: Isuzu Trooper Citation 3.1TD Auto 1997

Photo above is UK-spec.  Below is Malaysian Spec.

Why?

This is an under-rated GENUINE 4x4 with OFF ROAD Capability.  In Malaysia, 1997 year make were FULL SPECS with Leather Seats, 8 way Electrically Adjustable driver seat, seats 8 FULL SIZE ADULTS comfortably and lastly, unique Rear split left then right opening tailgate with MACHO Spare tyre on the outside Rear.of the 4x4.  It also came with HI/LO selectable Shift-on-fly 4WD.  This LARGE SUV is IDEAL VEHICLE to Navigate through FLASH FLOODS.  Lastly, TORQUEY Turbo Diesel's POWERFUL and came with Standard "G-Force".

It's DIRT CHEAP TOO, See the Screenshot of a recent Mudah Ad.  BELOW RM30,000 CASH (too old for bank LOAN) for a LARGE Genuine Off-road capable Turbo-diesel SUV. See photo below.  Double click to enlarge.



LASTLY MY DREAM CAR 9: Alfa 156 2.5 V6 Q-matic.

Above: What a Beautiful Engine and Exterior Design.  Still turn heads despite designed in 1998.

Why?
EVERGREEN Design.  Former European car of the Year and the 2.5 V6 won the International Engine of the year 1999.  I prefer Either MAROON or RED and don't mind the Silver.  In Malaysia, this model's brought in by Milan Auto from 1999 to 2003.  Worth buying for the ROAR OF THE V6.  A used 2001 example costs RM32,000 Negotiable as seen in recent Mudah ad.  Screenshot below (Double click to enlarge):

NOTE: TO OWN ALL 9 cars, I need to pay 7 cars CASH and 2 cars (BMW and Mazda 6) bank loan.  Total amount is RM465,000 for all 9 cars.  The Mazda 6 I took 80% loan and the BMW 525i E61 Touring Wagon I took 70% loan.  Imagine, RM465,000 buys you not 1 car but 9 (yes NINE) cars.  I think it's SILLY for a cousin of mine who bought Brand new full spec Cayenne Hybrid for RM740,000. 

 Hey, he paid RM275,000 EXTRA on 1 (ONE) Brand new SUV which bounds to Depreciates to RM270,000 after 5 years.  This is based on track record for Cayenne S.  New back in 2008 RM750,000 and today's price =  RM270,000 only. This translates to RM480,000 depreciation. That's like 36% retained value in 5 years.  SAD CASE! 

The depreciation amount I can buy 9 (NINE) CARS!  Out of the 9 cars, 4 of them were Classics and NEVER Depreciates.  In fact, 3 of them, the Toyota MR2 SW20 3S-GTE, Porsche 911 993 and Mini Cooper 1.3i will Appreciate in value for the next 5 years.  

END OF MY DREAM GARAGE 2013.  Thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An original Jeff Lim's Production other than the Screenshot taken from Mudah.my.  Thanks Mudah!  

REVIEWS: Renault Clio WILLIAMS I, to III.

Reviews: Renault Clio Williams I to III

In 1993, the Clio Williams was launched with a limited run of just 400 right hand drive cars in the UK. The car was made to celebrate Nigel Mansell’s Formula 1 World Championship win. Hence, it’s named after the then Renault-powered Formula One team WilliamsF1 but Williams had nothing to do with the design or engineering of this Clio; the modifications to the Clio 16v on which it was based were the work of Renault Sport - Renault's motorsport division.

QUESTION: Is it advisable if I buy 1 in The UK and “shipped” to Malaysia?
A: If you have the AP why not? But so far I’ve never seen a unit in Malaysia. Who knows, your Renault Clio Williams would be the 1st unit in Malaysia. But be warned, SPARE PARTS are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to find. UNLESS you buy 2 units (the 2nd one for Spare parts) and shipped to Malaysia.

If you managed to import one into Malaysia, congratulations! You are the owner of “ONE OF THE BEST HOT HATCH OF ALL TIME” – Channel 4 & Performance car UK shared the same view.

Today’s value (as spotted in UK’s good classifieds). Averaged:

1993 Mint condition ORIGINAL CLIO Williams (Numbered): GBP2,000 (RM12,800) averaged.

Found one in auction in E-bay UK: GBP1500 starting price. Car No. 343/400.

1994: Clio Williams I: GBP2300 averaged. Williams II also GBP2300 averged.

(Found one Williams I for Auction in E-bay. GBP1450 starting price. NO RESERVE PRICE. Car no: 048/400 with 97,000 miles only, Almost STOCK. That’s the cheapest I’ve ever seen). BUT there’s a CATCH. Car not Driven for 8 mts, MOT Expired.

Found another one 1994 Clio Williams II for auction in E-bay: GBP3,000 (RM19000). 100% stock. Mint condition.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1994-RENAULT-CLIO-WILLIAMS-2-BLUE_W0QQitemZ330257480415QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330257480415&_trksid=p4069.m14.l1318

1995 Clio Williams II: GBP2500 (RM15700) averaged.
1996 Clio Williams III: GBP3200 (RM20600) averaged.

As there is NO Renault Clio Williams in Malaysia, I have no choice but to source articles and reviews elsewhere...

Without further ado: I dished out 1 article of Renault Clio Williams.

Article 1: Sourced: Renault Clio Williams Club says: "www.williamsclio.co.uk"
Article:

In 1993, the Clio Williams was launched with a limited run of just 400 right hand drive cars in the UK. The car was made to celebrate Nigel Mansell’s Formula 1 World Championship win. Hence, it’s named after the then Renault-powered Formula One team WilliamsF1 but Williams had nothing to do with the design or engineering of this Clio; the modifications to the Clio 16v on which it was based were the work of Renault Sport - Renault's motorsport division.


It had a 2.0 L 16-valve I4 engine rated at 110 kW (150 bhp DIN) and a top speed of 134 mph (215km/h), with performance-tuned ride and handling. Renault later released the Williams 2 and Williams 3 special editions, much to the chagrin of those owners who had been assured of the exclusivity of the "original" Williams.


The differences between the three versions of the Williams were largely a reflection of phase changes across the Clio range e.g. the gradual addition of enhanced safety features and cosmetic variations. Other than this, the Williams 1 and 2 had no sunroof and were painted in 449 Sports Blue. The final Williams 3 was painted in a slightly brighter shade of blue and finally gained a sunroof which had long been standard on virtually all previous Clios.


The original Williams was the lightest of the three, lacking the electrics necessary for the sunroof or the mirrors but was the only one to sport a metal plaque stating the build number (out of 400). However, the rarest model was actually the Willams 3 with official Renault figures in the UK putting it at well below the 400 original cars and therefore more 'limited edition'. The Williams 3 also had ABS as standard equipment.


Respected motoring journalists consistently rate the Williams as one of the very best 'hot hatches' ever made, regardless of era. Other differences between the Williams and the Clio 16v it is based on include a wider front track with some parts borrowed from the Renault 19. wider speedline alloys, uprated (jc5) gearbox, bespoke four-to-one manifold, firmer suspension and some cosmetic differences on the exterior and interior, though it does use the same body panels as the Clio 16v (including the plastic front arches).


Clio Williams Specification - (1993-1996)

ENGINE

Front engined, FWD
Induction capacity: 1998 cc
Bore x stroke: 82.7 x 93 mm
Cylinders: in-line 4
16 Valves
Multi-point Fuel injected

Compression ratio: 10:1

Maximum power: 108 Kw ISO 150 bhp DIN (at 6100 rpm)
Maximum torque: 175 Nm ISO 18.2 mkg DIN (at 4500 rpm)

WEIGHT

Kerb vehicle weight: 990 kgs

GEARBOX

Number of forward gears: 5

BRAKING SYSTEM

Servo-assisted, diagonally split braking system with disk brakes all round. ABS fitted on Clio Williams III.

SUSPENSION

Front: Mac Pherson struts with coil springs, telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Trailing arms, 4-transverse torsion bars, telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

STEERING

Rack and pinion. Power assisted steering.
Turning cycle: between kerbs 37.4 ft / 11.4 m
Turning cycle: between walls 38.4 ft / 11.7 m

TYRES


SPEEDLINE Rims. Size and profile 185/55/R15V

CAPACITIES

Luggage capacity 9.4 to 37.3 cubic feet
Fuel tank 50 litres/11 gallons

Dimensions:
Wheelbase 2472 mm 97.3 in
Track front 1402 mm 55.2 in rear 1351 mm 53.2 in
Length 3712 mm 146.1 in
Width 1641 mm 64.6 in
Height 1365 mm 53.7 in

Length:wheelbase ratio 1.5

Kerb weight 1010 kg 2227 lb

Weight distribution
(Front) 64.40 %


PERFORMANCE:

0-100 kph / 0-62 mph 7.8 secs
Maximum speed 134 mph/215 kph
Drag coefficient 0.33 Cd

FUEL CONSUMPTION

at constant 56 mph 44.1 mpg - 6.4 litres/100km
at constant 75 mph 34.9 mpg - 8.1 litres/100km
Urban 25 mpg - 11.3 litres/100km

SERVICING INTERVALS

Minor service interval (whichever is the soonest) 6,000 miles or 1 year
Major service 36,000 miles

COLOUR OPTIONS


449 Sports Blue (Supergloss metallic) - Williams 1 & 2
432 Monaco Blue (Supergloss metallic) - Williams 3

WARRANTY

Williams clio's were sold with a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, an 8-year anti-corrosion warranty and one year RAC membership. 2-year extended warranties were available as an optional extra.

WILLIAMS 1, 2 & 3 DIFFERENCES
Standard For All Williams Models

- Oval Plate number for Williams is C57M. The 16v is C57D.
- 150bhp, 2.0 16v Engine.
- Wider Front Track than the 16v, Uprated Suspension front and rear than the 16v.
- Williams Badges on Rear Arches and Tailgate. Williams 1 says "Williams", Williams 2 says "Williams 2" and Williams 3 says "Williams 3"
- Williams sill plate in black
- Gold wheels with the silver rim - the same wheels across all Williams'.
- Williams Stitched interior with lumbar support and height adjustment
- Blue Seat Belts
- Carry Case attached to Parcel Shelf
- No Brake Coolers like found on the 16v

- Blue Dials (Speedo, Rev Counter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temperature, Oil Level, Coolant Temperature)
- Blue Gear Knob
- Blue Carpet in main cabin area
- Slightly larger than 16v, colour-coded rear tailgate spoiler
- Electric Windows, Power Steering, Central Locking
- Oil Cooler fitted, the 16v didn't have one
- Uprated front subframe than the clio 16v subframe

Clio Williams 1 - Produced 1993/94 (L) - 390 Manufactured for the UK

Based on the Mk1, Phase1 Clio's. (1991 - 1994)

- Small Bump Strips, 2.0 badge round side repeaters
- Flat looking rear lights with black plastic strip
- Badges (Renault and Clio) are on the boot strip.
- Slated Front Non Colour-coded Grill
- Phase1 16v Mirrors but manually controlled
- Phase1 Heater Controls
- Blue Carpet throughout including boot carpet!
- All were Sports Blue (449)- Colour
- Only 4" Dash Speakers in front (no rear speakers)

- Plaque to show number of car (as limited run of 400 units)
- Williams Badges are an Outline, and not filled.

Clio Williams 2 - Produced 1994/95 (M) - 482 Manufactured for the UK

Based on the Mk1, Phase2 Clio's. (1994 - 1996)

- Larger, more rounded bump strips - with 2.0 badges
- More Rounded Rear Lights and Boot Strip to match
- Badges (Renault and Clio) are on the tailgate now.
- Colour Coded, different style Grill
- Phase2 Electric/Heated Mirrors
- Phase2 Heater Controls
- Again, All Sports Blue 449 (Colour).
- Only 4" Dash Speakers in front (no rear speakers)
- Revised Williams Stickers

Clio Williams 3 - Produced 1995/96 (N) - 308 Manufactured for the UK

Based on the Williams 2 (Mk1, Phase2 Clio)

- Electric door mirrors
- Introduction of door speakers (5 1/4")
- Introduction of rear 4" speakers
- 4 channel, 4 sensor ABS fitted
- Change of colour to Monaco Blue






END OF A LONG REVIEW. Thanks for reading this.
References:
1) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1994-RENAULT-CLIO-WILLIAMS-2-BLUE_W0QQitemZ330257480415QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330257480415&_trksid=p4069.m14.l1318
2) www.channel4.com/4car/gl/gallery/gallery/22/10

3) 1993 Renault Clio Williams technical specifications - Carfolio.com ...
1 Mar 2007 ... Renault Clio Williams detailed technical specifications and data.
www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=154891

4) Renault Clio Williams Club
This band is for owner and fans of the Renault Clio Williams. In 1993, the Clio Williams was launched with a limited run of just 400 right hand drive cars ...
www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=5436801247

5) For photos. http://www.allvehicles.co.uk/l845vgh_used_renault_clio_williams_for_sale.htm

6) Used car listings at Msn Auto UK.
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/msn/cars_search.jsp?modelexact=1&partner=msn&lid=search_used_cars_full&make=RENAULT&model=CLIO&variant=&keywords=williams&min_pr=500&max_pr=10000&mileage=&agerange=&photo=1&postcode=w1f9nb&miles=200&max_records=200&source=0&sort=3&ukcarsearch_full=FIND+IT+NOW!

Historic 125th year Mercedes Benz Concours 8 May 2011

I, Jeff Lim just came back from Historic 125th Anniversary Mercedes Benz Concourse.  It was divided into 3 categories. 


1) Vintage (1960 and older)

 2) Classic 1961 to 1975

3) Modern Classic (1976 to 1989).

The Grand prize is all expense paid trip for 2 to Germany for winner of all categories.  Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words... Here are 100+ photos...  ENJOY:

 A Ferrari parked outside the Palace of the Golden Horse Hotel as I am leaving the place...