alpha17

Tercel is a very reliable car with a bit above average fuel economy. Make sure that the car is in original condition. By original condition I mean engines and legally. A guy I know bought one a few years ago and that one was in really pristine condition. When I checked the car, there was a problem in the clutch(he brought the car to our home just after finishing the transaction). So we went to get it fixed from a known mechanic and when he popped up the hood said “meka Tercel eke engine eka neweine”. So the previous owner had replaced the engine of a E90 series engine(as I recall,but not exactly sure) and the engine numbers were changed accordingly. So we gave the car back to the owner and got the money. There might be a few hacked ones like this and therefore when you are going to inspect them, make sure to know all the relevant information. Check what are the original engines and memorize how they look. Make sure to inspect whatever you buy thoroughly. Good luck!!!

Check Mazda Axela 2nd generation 2009-2011 model. They are priced around 3.6-4.0 million which seems a bargain for the age and looks of the car. It’s much rarer on the road so you might turn more heads on your neighbourhood. Just go and test drive one

Fuel economy - Vitz>Fit>Axela Toyota would be easier to maintain and Axela would be the most comfortable one. Fit will have the best legroom and interior space. Vitz would be horrible long trips if you opt for the 1000cc engine due to noise. Both Fit and Mazda would be nice to drive. Mazda has more weighted and sharp steering while the fit has a bit lighter and sharp steering. Given the size of the Fit with the 1340cc engine it would be more powerful and nippy. I have only driven one Axela, and that was in a car sale. For me, it felt a bit underpowered and suspension felt stiff. The engine is much more rev happy. Best thing is to inspect every model and do a test drive. As for me, i prefer the pudgy suspension and smooth driving of a Toyota at the expense of handling. I’m a bit far from Colombo, so maintaining a Toyota here is much easier and spares are freely available. Don’t think about resale, as if the price is right, you can sell it.

Honda City/Fit aria Lancer CS series Honda Civic Es1/Es5 Toyota Corolla 121 Toyota Carina SI myroad Those are some models. Can you list out your requirements?

Oh dude!!! I’ve never seen anybody changing this much faster!!! Just list out your main requirements. Score them. Then select the one whice gives you the best score. Done

Do a check-up and you’ll need to do a tune up. Clean the injectors and MAF sensor. Gear changes can be smooth but make sure they shift around 2000 rpm on light footed driving. If not change the transmission fluid also.

There are seat covers available from around 5,000 for your car. So pricing depends on your requirement. Usually leather(synthetic) seat covers would likely to cost well over 25,000. Lal cushion works(dehiwala) have possitive reviews from most members for cost effective and quality work. I can also recommend Prince cushion works(narahenpita) whom had done a really good work for my Allion leather seat covers (done by the previous owner).

Better to check the manual since some of the brand new imported 121 required 95 and it was mentioned in the fuel cap. But for 141, 92 won’t be a problem at all.

OMG dude!!!! Am I seeing this??? First, a few corrections to be made. Allion is not a “premium” car by any means. Also it’s not the best car for the given price range. Allion/Premio was introduced to fill the gap between the Corolla and Camry. So it’s a bit better entry level car from Toyota. Note that most of them are abused with tampered mileages, so chances of finding a good example is much narrow. I have to say that Allion/Premio is considerably more comfortable than most of the japanese mainstream imported car models like Axio hybrid,Prius,Aqua,Honda fit gp5,Vezel,Grace etc... But at the same time it’s not a driver’s car due to considerable amount of body roll on corners. But the engine is really smooth with good fuel economy. Very Good interior space. The ground clearance is much better than other cars. I also ended up buying one due to the major factor that the car has been previously owned by a relation and considering the other major factors of Comfort, Ground clearance, Interior space(i’m 6 feet) and i’m 75km away from colombo so finding spares and good mechanics for honda and mazdas are bit of a problem as I live a busy lifestyle. Also remember that those cars can also give you problems if not maintained properly. Around 100,000kms you have to change the ac compressor, suspension components, engine mounts, steering rack and cvt gearbox(if not properly changed the fluid). Make sure to find a one with proper records and don’t expect it to be a BMW or a Mercedes.

Those are neither the best nor the worst cars. I have driven most of the mainstream cars imported to SL including Hondas and Mazdas but in comparison I found nothing to hate or “make you feel like vomitting”. You’ll appreciate a Mazda after driving it on a twistry road, while you’ll appreciate an Allion/Premio after driving it on a pothole filled road or a long trip with your family. Eventhough I own a Toyota I don’t accept someone saying that “Vezel is a failure vehicle”.

Dakune?

Toyota Allion

@iRage @K.o.N.o.S I called my relation today morning whom I bought my car from. He asked me to call on the day when I’m visiting there, as he works in that field?. If he is unable to help I will act as you guided?

If you want to go to the degree level you can do further studies in ICBT automobile engineering. Nowadays there are many places that offer Automobile engineering courses, so search for a bit. While you are completing the degree you can do a part time course in the German Tech in katubedda for enhancing your practical skills. Job market here is not that great when compared to fields like electronic, civil engineering fields. Also don’t expect higher salariy level at the beginning. Make sure you gain all the skills and experiences required for the job in the first few years regardless of the salary. While doing the job, slowly gain qualifications to go abroad. That’s the best thing you can do. Again I would like to remind you that “do not care about the salary” in the first few years.

@Hyaenidae @iRage @kush @TG10E24 I ordered the part on 9th March and when I tracked it, indicated that it arrived to SL yesterday (13th). I asked the seller to mention it as a gift item, so he said that he did so and mentioned the value indicated as 5. I would most likely to be called to Kandy post office for clearing. Can you explain about this value indicated and how to act at the post office?

Toyota Harrier or Lexus RX300 2007

This topic have been discussed extensively in this forum. To make it clear I’ll brief what’s good and bad. Good -Looks cool and has lot of options -nice to drive with sharper handling and good performance -good fuel economy -high ground clearance -speaker system is really good Bad -Dual clutch replacement around 80,000kms and cost around 200,000 -most of them have tampered mileages -ride is considerably bumpy on bad roads -front wheel slipping issue (this is going to be a real headache on unpaved roads, hilly areas and on wet roads) -still haven’t heard about battery replacements but likely to arive within next 2-3 years -interior parts like seats and steering wheel starts to show their age earlier than other brands -some minor errors might arrive like dashboard lights being turned on without a reason, oxide build up inside the push start button I have driven one and know a few owners who are friends of mine. One had to replace the dual clutch system. Driving is relatively more engaging and sharper than mainstream Toyota cars.But Most members members including me, have seen stalled Vezels with opened bonnets many times on sides of the road?. It’s not a bad car, but there are some minor issues. Most people claim that the dual clutch is a failure of the car but it’s happened generally due to the tropical climate of SL and endless traffic conditions. If relavent precautions are taken from the early life of the vehicle, the dual clutch system might serve for more kilometers. Another thing is that if your budget falls in the starting prices of a particular model, you would likely to find most of the vehicles are in not satisfactory condition. If you can atleast extend your budget by anothe 3-4 lakhs, better condtion examples can be found with service records. If you really love to own one, just go ahead and buy, but be ready for the replacements. Some people say that 90% those clutch plates can be recalibrated amd repaired for much lesser prices, but we cannot be sure of that.

Anyone knows a place??

Can some one recommend me a place to buy used alloys?

Thanks @Davy. I decided to take a line from the battery without destroying the original look of the car. The I’ll add a relay. The head unit has the remote turn on wire. Also plan to add just plain black wire for the battery power line to make it look more original-like?

Axio non-hybrid is really good. It comfy with a proven reliable powertrain. For me it’s miles ahead than the hybrid variant. Also consider the 141 2011-2012 model. Most of them are imported for permits and maintained from Toyota lanka due to warranties. It has a further more reliable and simple powertrain than the 161 variant. The car is a bit bigger and really looks better than the 161(for me). Since it’s specifically manufactured for Sri Lankan conditions and therefore the suspension components are likely to last more than the jdm versions. Also you can go for an 2010-2012 Allion within that price range, but remember that most of them have been abused. Still you’ll be able to find a good one with records. Those are not meant to be nimble as the gp5 ,but are much more comfortable and spacious. Also there is the new Suzuki Swift RS, but the price may have gotten really high due to the budget. I’m a Toyota fan, but I’m unbiased when suggesting cars to the others. A poorly maintained Allion/Premio can cause you more problems than a GP5, so whatever you buy, make sure it’s properly maintained and well taken care of. Make sure that the car has not met with a major accident. But repainted buffers, fenders are nothing to worry about(caused by small accidents such as scratches and dents). I also went for hunting few months ago and if you need any information feel free to PM

Aqua will be less costly to maintain. I cannot exactly comment about the battery, but keep in mind that Aqua batteries have a lifespan around 5 years. Some owners claim that they have done well over 100,000kms without an issue. When you use the Gp5, the dual clutch oil needs to be changed for every 5000km or atleast 10,000 kms. It costs around rs.3000-4000(correct me if I’m wrong). Make sure to put it into S gear while in traffic and try your best to avoid traffic conditons. Also be gentle with the accelerator. The gp5 has a much more complex but clever gearbox system. There is a video on youtube. Search it as “Honda earth dreams hybrid”. The video demonstrates how the system works. The system has more wear and tear when compared with a normal autobox or a CVT. But the system is really a joy to drive. I have to say that gp1 is one of my favourite cars to drive. As I know the insuarance costs are a bit higher. I’m also yet to hear about a battery issue on the newer honda hybrids. But sooner or later it will arrive. By the being of time, those clutch replacements and battery replacements will likely to reduce costs since there are a huge number of cars in SL. I know a person who owns both a Grace and a GP5(which was purchased few weeks ago). He’s pretty satisfied with them. He does closer to 30,000kms per year, so hybrid is benificial for him. He imports zero mileage cars and use them for about 5years and then sell them without battery replacements. His Grace might be now closer to 80,000km. You cannot be asured that your DCT won’t give a trouble.Best thing is to set aside around rs.200,000 when buying a car for the running repairs. Don’t be hesitated to go for a GP5. Even those Allion/Premios have high cost replacements too.

Thanks @Davy. The amplifier is 100 watts.Not 1000 watts. How to wire it from the lighter or the audio system?Is it safe?

Thanks @Davy.So I have a few questions. 1. About the relay, what is the type I should use? Is there a specific number, voltage or amperage? Please recommend me one. 2. I watched a review about one installed in a Civic. He has mentioned in the comments that he used the cigarette lighter to get the 12v. Is it possible? 3. Can I use a piggyback (add-a-circuit) fuse holder to form a new line from the car’s fuse box? Is it safe to use?

The hybrid variant goes over 5.5 million and I think that you have mistaken the gasoline variant which is for sale from 3.9million. I would definietely choose a Lexus over an Euro for their bulletproof reliability and smoothness(boring).