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alpha17

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Status Replies posted by alpha17

  1. Returning after nearly 2 years! What's goin' on guys?

  2. Returning after nearly 2 years! What's goin' on guys?

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      You from Kandy? With the dark blue Lancer EX with matte black alloys? If I'm not mistaken I saw you😁

    2. (See 4 other replies to this status update)

  3. Where are the other experts that used to be in AL few years back. Even threads are not moving now, Doesnt anyone do any projects anymore? 

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      Had about 2 rough years being busy. Always planning I should do a review in the AL, but those were like balloon ideas. Love for cars never faded, and feels lucky that I have returned with more and more experiences.

      Just like everyone said, with the situation, highly doubt about changing a vehicle other than just keeping it and doing the maintenance.

    2. (See 1 other reply to this status update)

  4. Back after a while - what's up folks? Things seem awfully quiet here. 

  5. Why does the Civic 2017 + depreciate so much, I saw cars that came 7mil plus now at 5s, the hatchback liftback model.

    it ain’t hybrid, I’ve not heard horror stories of them breaking.

    are they slow? So much room in the back as well 

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      @iRage Totally agree with you mate. Adding a little about 1.2T Toyota: When people became aware of the Vezel’s DCT replacement, there were no other alternatives than the CHR(while the CHR being a bit smaller). Most people who were dreaming of owning a Vezel, went for CHR extending their budgets. A person I know did the same thing?

    2. (See 22 other replies to this status update)

  6. Why does the Civic 2017 + depreciate so much, I saw cars that came 7mil plus now at 5s, the hatchback liftback model.

    it ain’t hybrid, I’ve not heard horror stories of them breaking.

    are they slow? So much room in the back as well 

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      IMO, when the Vezel, Fit and Grace came, people were amazed and those were sold like hot cakes. But when the DCT issue rose, people almost stopped bringing down them. We rarely see a 2017-2019 Vezel now. Most of the RS sensing ones were imported during 2016, when the DCT issue was slowly coming into spotlight. With this issue, SL guys took a step back from Honda. There is a fear in typical SL car buyer about Honda vehicles in the name of Vezel.

      When the Civic came, for around 5.5 million on the beginning, it was a total bargain. Most Honda fans went for the Civic as it was just a turbo mated to CVT. A set of buyers settled because it’s a bargain when we compare it with a Premio or Allion. Some people skipped it in the fear of thinking Civic might be another DCT car. Anyway, it was sold in good numbers in the earlier days.

      A side cause for their lower market value is the used Allion/Premio price range. For around 7 million(or less)a used 2016 premio/allion can be grabbed. So people started going for them instead of the Civic due to nothing but Toyota badge. I consider the Civic as a far more advanced and option loaded car. Premio/Allion still runs on a 2005 option list+safety features made standard by governments.

      Then, permit cars. Doctors and permit guys who bought those G superiors in 2013-2014 era started selling them due to new permits. That also stopped people from going towards the Civic.

      And the greatest cause:Vezels’ depreciation. Together with that, due to the fear for the Hondas grown by the DCTs, all the Honda cars started to depreciate thanks to the Vezel.

      That’s what I think?

    2. (See 22 other replies to this status update)

  7. 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. 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.

    2. (See 6 other replies to this status update)

  8. 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. alpha17

      alpha17

      @fiat fan correct..even Mercs had to face a massive kick down in quality from 1995-2010...That’s because accountants are running those companies now, instead of engineers...

    2. (See 6 other replies to this status update)

  9. So I was at a friend's home and his dad (about 60 years old) came over and was talking about the Lancer he bought brand new in 1980 (11-6005) and had used it on an all-ceylon tour, trips, occassions, wedding car, what not and still talks about it like a missing family member.

    The stare and smile he & his wife gave me when I ran a quick license plate check and told him the car was lastly in the hands of LOLC and could *possibly* be running, was priceless! He has now made it his mission to find that car and bring it back home if it's still out there. Little things like this make life wonderful!

    Lancers & Lankans go together like paan & parippu it seems. Never got a proper chance to drive my dad's 2008 GLX. Oh well, someday.

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      In UAE, Lancer (here Lancer EX) can be seen as we see those Premio and Allion on SL roads. They had a strong fan base thorough out the world, but mitsu didn’t update the models. They continued the Pajero and Lancer for about 10-12 years without any major changes, and killed them.

      Toyota also does a similar thing, but they do some minor changes to keep the models fresh. Premio/Allion, Land Cruiser 200 runs on a 13 year old platform. But they do some minor changes without doing any major changes to the chassis, body and interior.

      Can’t believe killing the Lancer off the line..It had a really cool Rockford Fosgate audio system, which punched way above their class like Mazda 3 had a Bose one. And I think that Mitsu could have continued the same Lancer EX for another few years with minor changes..Too sad..

    2. (See 6 other replies to this status update)

  10. So I was at a friend's home and his dad (about 60 years old) came over and was talking about the Lancer he bought brand new in 1980 (11-6005) and had used it on an all-ceylon tour, trips, occassions, wedding car, what not and still talks about it like a missing family member.

    The stare and smile he & his wife gave me when I ran a quick license plate check and told him the car was lastly in the hands of LOLC and could *possibly* be running, was priceless! He has now made it his mission to find that car and bring it back home if it's still out there. Little things like this make life wonderful!

    Lancers & Lankans go together like paan & parippu it seems. Never got a proper chance to drive my dad's 2008 GLX. Oh well, someday.

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      I don’t know, but I had a great respect towards Lancers from the childhood. I never heard a single person complaining about their previously owned Lancers. My father had one during the 80’s, a station wagon, which he still recalls as one of the best cars he ever owned. Have a plan to search her and restore it for him, but kind of busy and out of budget at the moment, but I might do it. 

      I think it’s the fact that during the earlier times, those cars were extremely popular like today’s 121, Allion and Premios. But they had a little bit of “fun” sprinkled over. At the time, there were less Toyotas in the market. We rarely see a Corolla from that era, but will frequently see a Lancer. 

      So sad that Lancers were removed from Mitsus lineup. It’s a car that everyone loved, loves and will be loved...

    2. (See 6 other replies to this status update)

  11. So now is everyone using 0w20 for their engine and hair as well??

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      This would help to keep the brain running “smoothly”,after some of the oil has been absorbed?

      And talking about Avante’s abilities, I hope, he can be used as a “portable charging dock”? I won’t explain the process?

    2. (See 10 other replies to this status update)

  12. So honestly guys, how do you handle road rage? I mean driving in this country makes one loose it. Sadly I've done things I instantly regret, and crap I'm not proud of 

    I'm stuck with atleast 1 incident a week sigh'

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      What about a horn which says some “nice-traditional-praising” words?

      Or else fix that siren with microphone..You can just say whatever you like?

      Just joking! What I mostly do is overtaking the three wheelers as soon as I see them. Usually they don’t do signaling and their brake lights doesn’t work...So better to overtake them. So do the motor bikes.

      But, above all, you should be careful from those “Scooter Akkala” who end up on a car’s roof, lamp post or a wall...Most of them mistakenly accelerates the scooter at any dangerous situation?

    2. (See 6 other replies to this status update)

  13. 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. 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...

    2. (See 7 other replies to this status update)

  14. 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?

  15. As the swift has hit the 100,000km mark and its been 12 years old, I'm thinking of an 'engine tune-up'. Idle is normal but there is a slight lack of smoothness at idle but in driving it's very rev happy and smooth. Roughly how much would it set me back? Or am I better off just cleaning the EGR, intake & injectors myself using an injector cleaner?

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      There are some notable areas you should look for, when your car hits 100k mark. Check for the fuel filter (which is located on the top of the fuel tank), which is most likely to be replaced. Then check for the engine mounts. Mounts are 80% responsible for the smoothness of the engine. Clean the throttle body, spark plugs and MAF sensor. You’ll have to keep aside around 30-40k for a full tune up including the fuel filter. Mounts will set you back more.

    2. (See 1 other reply to this status update)

  16. Guy I know has a Jag X type and S type. He wants to sell one. Should I pull the trigger?

    It will be a weekender. KMPL/market / not C numbers and all that typical jargon is not relevent for me.

    I can put 200,000 aside for repairs every year.( Got others cars that burn my wallet ?)

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      Going for the S type means pulling the trigger at yourself?

    2. (See 4 other replies to this status update)

  17. Looks like the Merc is getting there slowly. Work is dragging a bit than I anticipated. Engine and all interior parts are out for a fresh paint job. Attending to rust spots before the full paint job. I might need to find a plastic cluster cover because the existing one has a small crack.

     

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      Merc is most probably going to be my next or maybe one after the next car? Happy to see some pics of the car, as I’ve slowly become a big fan of those W124 series. Those cars were built like tanks. Merc also denoted that their cars before 1995 were over engineered. It took nearly 15 years to bring that quality back to the cars.

    2. (See 19 other replies to this status update)

  18. Effin' pickup driver reversed onto the rear bumper while I was parked ???

    Luckily the damage is minor, I'm on two minds whether or not to get the bumper repainted or leave it as it is

    VHyTFAU.jpg

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      OMG! I know that awful feeling! Better to go for a place with a painting booth, but if you are closer to Kurunegala, I can suggest best place I know.

    2. (See 24 other replies to this status update)

  19. Is the Merc W212 E200 pre facelift a good choice in terms of reliability? I’ve seen many commenting about Mercs return to the days before 1995 from this car. Seen few with over 150k kms looking rock solid without wear in the interiors.

    I’m not expecting Toyota like reliability, but if it has no serious issues costing 2-3 lakhs a time (like the infamous BMW N47 Timing chain failure) I wouldn’t hesitate to take one home just for sheer comfort and prestige! Seems a bargain for 7-8 million than paying for a 2016-2017 Premio. Would buy something like a Viva Elite or WagonR for bad road trips?

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      @tiv is it a diesel one? Seems that 2.2 cdi diesels are prone to this timing chain problem with a replacement cost around 900 euros. 

    2. (See 5 other replies to this status update)

  20. Is the Merc W212 E200 pre facelift a good choice in terms of reliability? I’ve seen many commenting about Mercs return to the days before 1995 from this car. Seen few with over 150k kms looking rock solid without wear in the interiors.

    I’m not expecting Toyota like reliability, but if it has no serious issues costing 2-3 lakhs a time (like the infamous BMW N47 Timing chain failure) I wouldn’t hesitate to take one home just for sheer comfort and prestige! Seems a bargain for 7-8 million than paying for a 2016-2017 Premio. Would buy something like a Viva Elite or WagonR for bad road trips?

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      I also read about the airmatic problems, so it won’t be there in the E200/E220 as 99% of them has the normal adaptive dampers unless purchased as an option.

      @tiv that’s something to think? Thanks mate

    2. (See 5 other replies to this status update)

  21. Waiting till a new profile to show up named like ; “DFSK”, “Glory580”, “DFSKGlory”, “DFSK580” or likewise including DFSK related words. Still no one in the forum?

  22. Remember the beeping old JDM vehicles used to make when you  go past 100km/h? Any idea when they stopped it?

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      The Civic FD series and Mazda 3 (both brand new imported) international models have a small beep which occurs after 120kmph. It dies after 4-5 beeps. Reason might be that in japan top speed is limited to 180kmph and most of today’s cars can do it without much issue. I did touch 180kmph two times in my 121 which felt well planted specially after 140kmph. Most cars can do it now except for Keis

    2. (See 10 other replies to this status update)

  23. 2 guys asked if we were selling the car and the offers sound handsome too. Wish the RMV was faster in delivering the car's book before any real depreciation occurs lol (it's been nearly 1 and half months)

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      I never knew it was going this much! Now I get it!!!

    2. (See 8 other replies to this status update)

  24. 2 guys asked if we were selling the car and the offers sound handsome too. Wish the RMV was faster in delivering the car's book before any real depreciation occurs lol (it's been nearly 1 and half months)

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      Are both of them quoting the same price and from your area? Because earlier when I advertised my 121 about 3 people came from your area saying various reasons but all were offering the same price. One is saying that he sold his Axio blah blah blah so he needs a good car for his family immediately. But that bugger didn’t want to see the records or even the book. It was clear that all of them were sent by somebody to grab it by discouraging me by quoting low price.

      Anyway if the price is right don’t mind about selling it!

       

    2. (See 8 other replies to this status update)

  25. Seeing how vezels can be had for 3.6mil and xtrails for under 5 mil. I think it's safe to say modern cars are now glorified electronic appliances

     

    1. alpha17

      alpha17

      Anyway, there are some car electronics which are really useful when you get used to them. Some of them are not that useful, in-fact, they just ruin the experience.

      I find the Smart Key system in the Toyota(there are slight differences from other manufacturers) very useful. I don’t need to pull out the key at all. Then the adjustable lumbar support. It seems like just another marketing gimmick, but it really help me in long journeys, as it rectifies the back pain occurred during long journeys. The park sensors, adaptive high beam, adaptive cruise control(if highway travel is frequent) are useful in day to day driving, specially in long journeys. Another thing is the reverse tilting side mirrors.

    2. (See 6 other replies to this status update)

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