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alpha17

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Everything posted by alpha17

  1. A chap who lives in our street has one . He never takes care of the vehicle. Park it under direct sunlight for all 7 days of the week. I think the car has been around 2 years now but still it seems ok for me when passing by. He is a kind of a "loku line" person, so never went to check the car and have a chat. The engine is a 3 cylinder one, so it sounds very coarse when passing by. Other than that, the car is still new in Sri Lankan environment and only a few people have gone for it. So hope there will be only a handful of people with the experience here in SL. But people from other countries have praised for it's comfort, performance and design. Anyway, maintenance would be an issue if you live far away from Colombo. Sourcing parts could be an issue and at the same time will be a bit expensive to maintain than japanese vehicle. Even the 406 in our area has to bring down oil filters, airfilters from Colombo for each service. Since the car is new, you won't be getting any major issues, so better give it a shot!
  2. You have to do it again and again, even in a Bimmer f10. Just make it a habbit anyway. I have noticed that compared to a hybrid engine startup, 1NZ-FE engine(premio, allion) auto-start stop startup is similar to a normal startup, with ignition noise.
  3. Mine does not have one, since it's from 2013. But I've heard even the option was introduced for fuel saving, it pretty much wears out the engine and battery fast. So better to leave it off. At the same time, if you can get a 2015+ Premio, hope the fuel saving of Rs.100 for a week with auto start stop is not a great saving. Hope this helps!
  4. Check with sterling. One of my friend replaced a whole battery from them. Dunno about their service though.
  5. I'm afraid to say that you are out of luck. None of these japanese Toyota radios can be fully translated into English. Only models which can be translated are the systems in Mitsubishi vehicles, with models sold internationally, such as Outlander, Eclipse cross.
  6. Returning after nearly 2 years! What's goin' on guys?

    1. Show previous comments  2 more
    2. Hyaenidae

      Hyaenidae

      No on both counts I'm afraid, maybe you saw @K.o.N.o.S? Mine's a Rally Red

      fpb6lbN.png

      Was this the car you saw?

      18.jpg.553eab6be763fdb8bd30495de9263b6a.

       

    3. alpha17

      alpha17

      Ah then it was @K.o.N.o.S I saw a few days ago😅

    4. K.o.N.o.S

      K.o.N.o.S

      @alpha17 Welcome back. Yes I was in the area a few days ago. Didn't know that I was being watched. 😃

  7. !!Urgent!!Any thoughts on the Dunlop LM705 tire? It was introduced during the end of the last year, so no reviews can be found.Any user? How was the earlier model, the LM704? Specifically says that these are much more comfier and less noisy.

  8. Is Crooober.com a reliable way to bring down parts from Japan? Anyone who used it, please enlighten me...

    1. AVANTE

      AVANTE

      They are reliable..but they don't ship to srilanka. Do they? Because I tried to order parts & accessories for my car & moped yet they say shipment isn't possible ?

    2. Ruslan

      Ruslan

      Never used it, i'm using amayama.com, partsouq or megazip (Last resort) to get down things. amayama is pretty much reliable. using partsouq to trace the part numbers. Ordered set of Brake Hoses for Vitara (Sieken and Miyaco for rear) reasonably priced (8k Rs for all 4) waiting for the shipment ?

  9. I also shut the AC after noticing the malfunctioning of the cooling system. So better to get the AC checked my friend?
  10. I don’t recommend using reconditioned mounts. There are two ways a mount can loose it’s intended functionality. One is the mileage and we all know that more kms you drive, more wear and tear happens. Then, the time. We all know that when a car is not used for a long time or do only a very few kms for about 5-6 years, tires are loosing there elasticity, due to being sitting without any movement. So do the mounts, as their rubber compounds starts to harden by the being of time, when they are not being used. When I change the four engine mounts, one seemed completely fine. When I checked it with a new one, there is a noticeable difference between the two. Old one was hardened. Another experience was when a person I know bought a 2010 January Premio on October 2019, the mounts were in bad condition, even though the car has done only 47,000kms. Mileage was proved by all the service records and emission test reports. When the car was started, you could easily feel the vibration. As a fact, those recon mounts have been sitting on yard floors while being exposed to various weather conditions and it even worsens the condition. Best thing is to get them brand new. I also got a 2013 Toyota, but had to pay 70k for mounts and 140k to be set aside for suspension plus another 70k for tires?.
  11. The same thing was experienced with a Swift by myself. When I was driving the car from Athurugiriya to Kadawatha throught the Expressway, I noticed a considerable amount of heat waves are catching my feet. Same story...The A/C cooling was very poor. So noticed after some time the compressor doesn’t work at all. Replaced the compressor and everything became normal. This heat starts to feel when you drive for a few kilometers. Am I correct? Better to get the AC system checked...I might be wrong, but I guess it’s due to we people are being used for air conditioning while driving and the heat feels so unfamiliar and embarrassing when the AC fails to function.
  12. I ended up with a Huawei Watch GT after hunting for a few Seiko and CK models. Certainly not a piece of art, but thanks to it I started working out and walking more to get step count goals. Ended up loosing over 11kg and getting a lower hearbeat. It’s really a fitness tracker without smart features with a classy look. Geek-wise, it’s still a basic watch; something like a mi band with a colourful display. Will not buy a Huawei watch again, but certainly I’d go for a smart watch without even thinking twice...
  13. I’m looking at you Mazda?...Do some turbocharging and we could afford 6s?
  14. This overly moving needle suggests about the hybrid battery issue in the Civic FD3. Not sure if it’s the same for the GP1, but both of them shares the same technology, so there might be a similarity in how they show those signs. Another fact is that if the mileage is genuine, the battery might be failed due to light usage, which causes it to charge in a more seldom manner. Anyway, now it’s 8 years and the battery might be needing a replacement. Better to get it checked. Sometimes it might not be an issue, as you mentioned about no changes in performance or fuel economy.
  15. Toyota vs 555(Japanese) OEM Stabilizer Links for my 2013 Allion: Which one is better?

    1. Ruslan

      Ruslan

      Had Used 555 on Previous car. they hold up really well against local conditions. purchased both lower ball joints plus stab links. Make sure your getting it from Reputed agents only (Ruhunu Motors & Douglas & Sons) there are counterfeights all around. i'm using their Part catalog for precise matching http://555com.siga.jp (Use DEV tools in your Browser to bypass login page :) ). couldn't find 555 for Vitara and ended up getting Genuines from Agents (Pricey).

    2. iRage

      iRage

      Just the stabilizer links ? Well..if you get the original 555 they are pretty decent....and would not be that much off than the original Toyota part. The issue with either is finding the genuine unit...with the Toyota part you ahve some assurance by going to Toyota Lanka but they charge a premium on their parts. Even if you go to the reputed Toyota part dealers outside, there is no guarantee that you will get the Japanese spec part as opposed to a Toyota export model part that is compatible with the Allion (true parts for the JDM and export market would come from the same factory but sometimes the tolerances are a bit different).

       

  16. As car lovers, we all hate taxes on cars...But I can’t imagine about the amount of traffic we’ll have to face after reducing the taxes. Still, I think there is more than enough cars in this country, and we don’t even have a recycling method for old cars. People still ride those 1970’s cars with a same amount of potty and paint applied equal to that of the vehicle’s weight..Yes, they can’t get a newer one, but still, a bit of a reduction is acceptable...
  17. Been reading a post about Axio and reminded me of many many things. Anyway, the most significant thing is that Toyota watered down it’s quality and refinement after the 140 series. I’m not talking about the all new Corolla series, but the 160 series Axio. Yes, the 140 X grade had less options than a doctor sunny and the interior was plasticy. Still the colour combination of the enterior, design shouted that you are in a class above of all the Vitz and Belta owners. But the 160 series interior is lacking this plush feeling. Interior is dull and you get the same feeling like you are in a Vitz. Also noticed that the engine is more noisier and unrefined, where the 140 series sound deadening was closer to that of the Premio and Allion.

    Then finally, Toyota rolls out the “just” Corolla crushing the Axio and even the Allion, Premio in terms of options and looks. The ride might be better too due to the independent rear sus.

    1. Show previous comments  4 more
    2. alpha17

      alpha17

      @fiat fan Software glitches are somewhat acceptable as they can be rectified through over-the-air updates...But the CLA and A classes are not meant to be the ultimate Mercs in the lineup. So purposefully, they are designed with cheaper materials, but cannot accept the poor fit and finish. We’ll see how they would hold up against SL conditions.

      But I see some horrible cost cutting in the new Toyotas. 2016-After Premio/Allion got some features reduced. There was a cool light in the center console which lit up when you unlock or in the near proximity to the car. It was removed...I really love that light which was there from 2007 models and at that time there this was a bit of a never-seen-before-thing in their class.

      In the Axio, it’s seen everywhere.

    3. Ruslan

      Ruslan

      Axio 160 is more of a Budget piece of shit to me ?. Finally Toyota is getting their act together and replacing it with a "Proper" Sedan this time. i still loves 90's Engineering, those are rock solid beasts. Analog Rules. ? 

    4. iRage

      iRage

      Well..the 140 series Corolla Axio was based on the same platform as the export 140 Corolla/Allion/Premio....the only difference was that they cut down the dimensions of the body panels to meet the "Japanese" road sizes. The Corolla is considered to be the car of Japan because that is the first car from Japan that made it in the global market next to the Land Cruiser. Being the car of Japan the Corolla catered to all walks of life..so the 140 series Aio had the basic variant all the way up to a classy variant (i.e. the Luxel). 

      With the 160 series things went hay wire....I believe it was a period where Toyota was having trouble redesigning new models for their lineup and figuring out where to invest in terms of redesign, especially when Toyota was learning the value of an integrated  platform from Mazda (SkyActiv) .So the 160 Axio redo was plagued with uncertainty stemming from not knowing what to do with the Allion/Premio, Vitz, Aqua which all needed redoing, Crown getting reworked whilst the Mark X was hanging, etc...and it seems like Toyota put all its efforts in coming up with the CHR, Yaris and the new Crown as models and then working on the TNGA platform. The TNGA was a smart move...working on the CHR was smart, working on the Yaris was also smart as hatches were the only segment un-effected by crossovers. The Crown was a gamble which paid off but short lived. However, the stupid move was moving the Axio 160 to the same platform as the Vitz/Belta/Yaris...yes....the 160 Axio went a step down. The Japanese considered it an insult to the industry but Toyota was stuck with it. IMO they should have stuck with the same platform as the previous model (which they still used for the 160 Corolla, Allion/Premio) and just stuck a new body on it....but I guess they went down a platform level because they were hoping that the Allion/Premio can be used to sail through their sedan demands (which did not work).

      The new Corolla is a pretty nice drivers car...had the pleasure of driving them the last few weeks. Nice handling..good firm ride...I would say I prefer it a lot more than the new Mazda 3. Only hitch is...it feels like a bloody cave in there...the rear is dark and taping down....my wife is not very tall..5ft2inch and she was bumping her head getting in and out....

      The center console light you talk about were always an option in the Allion/Premio (and other models too). It is just that during a certain time they would have been offered as a standard add-on by the dealer. As sales of the twin models died...well...none of the dealers actually cared to offer these add-ons because they were making money in other models and the Allion/Premio is just a waste of everyone's time.

  18. The 140 series Luxel is better than the 160 series IMO. A well-known person owned a 140, and I was ready to buy it about an year ago. But he still keeps the car. When considering the 140 series, it was a Luxel Alpha edition, 2007. Only thing missing was the alloy wheels. In the 140 series, the Luxel had those options, -Rear lip spoiler and front grille with vertical lines -Teak panels(some G grades after the facelift also had panels, but in the 2007 era, those wooden panels were yellowish) -7 speed tiptronic CVT transmission mated with 1800cc engine -Split folding rear seats -A better looking and a more functional meter panel -Multi function steering was originally installed -Auto parking came with the original navigation unit, including a hard disk and bluetooth connectivity -rear suspension has an anti-roll bar to increase handling -6 airbags The alpha edition had all the above ones plus; -Radar cruise control -Pre crash safety Haven’t inspected a 160 Luxel. I think the 140 series Axio is far more refined and comfortable than the cheapish looking 160 series.
  19. Am I the only one who thinks that the new 2020 Corolla Touring looks the best out of the sedan, hatch and wagon?

    1. Show previous comments  5 more
    2. matroska

      matroska

      completely ot but why do sri lankans hate wagons? 

    3. iRage

      iRage

      I think it is the simple fact that actual wagons were converted to hearses and that has created a stigma for the whole body style. So anything that had the same body style was hated. Actual wagons were as pricey as sedans (eg. Fielder and Axio) so because of the stigma I would say they preferred to go for the sedan ?

      Interestingly what we call wagons are actually van variants of the body style...the DX Wagon..is actually not a wagon but a stripped down business variant...same with the ëlephant back Corolla..the wagon variants of these were the KE73G and then the AE101G (G/L Touring wagons). Same with the Nissan AD series....but then again these actual wagon variants were as pricey as their sedan counterparts....

    4. matroska

      matroska

      yeah the popular 'wagon's were all Vans - bland and minimal. There was a Sprinter carib for sale on a fb car group a couple months back...those are extremely rare. Guess since we are not 'practicality' oriented people we prefer sedans (compared to  europe for instance where you rarely see a sedan) 

  20. You can get something more rugged; like the Toyota Prado. Go for the range topping TZ-G variant, as they give you far more options plus, justification for the price you pay. AFAIK the most of the TZ-G are gasoline variants. The TX only gives you the options of a 2007 Axio G grade. The there is the Harrier hybrid. A good one can be grabbed well below your budget and save some more for the battery if you really prefer a hybrid. The interior is miles better in the Harrier than the Prado(Prado aims towards being a robust vehicle). I myself would go with the Harrier if I need an SUV. Or else, you can buy something like a new E class from Merc and simply make a statement for yourself. That’s where my money would go, if a SUV is not a must. Best thing is, get a mint E class W212 from 2013-2016 era and then get something like a RAV4 for your weekend getaway?.
  21. See!!! Change is happening! People are changing! He has changed after Presidential election? Since those china made cheap econo boxes struggle to deliver their power, I’ve been a passenger in a CHR for nearly 70km with 6 grown up people including me. I myself weighs around 85kg and all the others were fully grown adults who might weigh around 60-70kg. The boot was full of luggage. Guarantee that the car was carrying a weight around 400kg.Still I rarely heard the engine noise and the power was there when needed. The driver did some challenging overtakes which require good amount of power. I was pretty amazed!
  22. What do you guys think of this car? It was purchased by one of my friends, a few weeks ago. An Allion. The car was manufactured in 2017, imported by a permit holder, and registered in 2018 November. When he brought the car home it had done around 4900km. It’s sure that the SL user had used the car rarely since the windshield writings are still there. The insurance was expired a few months ago too. Everything just feels as new. But when he asked me before buying this car, I advised him to check whether auction sheet is true. He couldn’t find one, so he just went and bought the car from a sales guy. The car is in brand new condition, but I’m still unable to believe the mileage done in japan. Altogether the car had done only about 5000km... but for whole 2 years, considering the fact that it was in japan for 1 year it’s a bit puzzling me about any hidden truth...I don’t know, it’s the feeling I get. There was another one made in 2018 with around 10000km and I adviced him to get that one instead, as the mileage done is unbelievable. Somehow he bought this for around Rs.80,000 less than the 2018 one...What’s your idea?

    1. Show previous comments  5 more
    2. alpha17

      alpha17

      @iRage thank you for your long explanation. Avante, @Klord and @tiv you guys too. It’s kinda made me puzzled about the extremely low mileage. Now, it seems not to worry about much...

    3. Klord

      Klord

      @iRage Which organization if I may ask? I am also a development worker. working for World Vision now. 

    4. iRage

      iRage

      Well...used to work for CARE..then the WorldBank..then Crown Agents...now i work for Chemonics :D

  23. Now, my tires are in their last breath...Will be able to cope for another 2-3 months. Currently I have Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 185/65 R15 (Thailand made) installed by the previous owner. They had done well over 60,000kms by now (1st set after the original Goodyears) So I cannot comment on how they performed when they were new. My mind is moving between the same model and the Dunlop Veuro VE302, but with the factory recommended larger balloon size version (195/65 R15). I couldn't find much details about the Veuro 302, but most say they are made for less noise and better comfort. Still I can get a Japanese made Dunlop one with a price closer to that of the Bridgestone. I want to know about the durability of the Veuro. Having heard about shorter lifespan of Dunlop tires, a bit hesitant to go for one, but at least 40,000km lifetime is expected. Can someone share their experience on the Veuro by Dunlop?
  24. Being suffering from dengue and endless work in the office finally back in the forum?. Had plans for the year end...Wished for some enjoyable driving in the central highlands during the Christmas time. Everything just washed away due to a damned mosquito?

    1. AVANTE

      AVANTE

      I was wondering where you were! Glad to hear you are okay! Surely there must be alot of good behind why you missed those drives. God intends the best for all of us! Welcome back & happy motoring :)

    2. alpha17

      alpha17

      Thanks mate?

  25. Resale would be a bit harder than a Toyota, but depends on the condition of the vehicle. I remember in 2012, I was looking for a car, my mind was bouncing between the Axela/3 and 121, and finally settled with a 121 owned by a known person. The car served me for 7 years without absolutely no trouble (not even a flat tire). Took me around 2-3 weeks to sell as I was quoting 3 million. Then changed the price to 2.88million during the night and the first buyer who came on the next day morning gave an advance. I have driven a 2007 Axela to check whether it suits my requirements. It won’t be as comfortable or refined as a Toyota, but has its own perks. The engine is very rev happy and just snaps to 4000-5000rpm when you kick down. Steering has a nice weight and you get the feeling that the car is nicely planted on the road. The engine is noisy during the idle. Note that if you are around 6ft, you’ll need to look somewhere else. But the car I drove was from a sale and it wasn’t in perfect condition. Engine was okay, but it had met with a heavy frontal collision. Since I was looking for something with space and refinement I gave up the idea. When it comes to bells and whistles, some options are not yet available in the brand new Premio/Allion.
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