[1021] Practical, Used Car Update

Nothing major, I just think it would be best to get a locally sold car. I'm still leaning toward a relatively older Honda Jazz, either gen 1 GD or gen 2 GE. I'm not sure how factual some youtube videos are but they've spoken very highly about the quality of the engines the Honda Jazz uses. I'm also hoping that the repair shop we patronize can do maintenance on the Honda Jazz.

Moving to Plan B is the relatively newer use cars. Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage, Suzuki Celerio, or Toyota Vios are all cars I would consider here. This drops to second simply because the Honda Jazz has been a dream car of mine since I was in my twenties. These cars are newer and have less kilometers on them, and they are probably more fuel efficient but most choices I have are smaller than the Honda Jazz and are probably less spacious.

Finally the last option is the Japan Surplus Suzuki Every Van. I just watched a video of a heavily modified DA17 AGS non-turbo and the "base build" of that car is around PhP330k. So I won't be surprised if the turbo variant costs more plus with some of the accessories and modifications I want this will probably end up being the most expensive option. Aside from the model and add-ons I also either have to pay for shipping to Metro Manila or I have to fly to Davao to get the unit and drive it all the way to Manila. Sounds like a fun adventure but also a very expensive one as well.

Out.

[1020] Practical Daily Driver

If you've been regularly reading this blog you'll know I've been considering getting a more practical, fuel-efficient, second-hand car. You'll also know I've considered the Japan surplus converted Suzuki Every Van/Wagon. I'm pretty sure you also know that one of the attainable dream cars of mine is a Honda Jazz GE, the second generation Jazz.

Now, the re-sale value of the Jazz here is pretty high. I'm seeing ten-year old models and older selling for almost the same amount as a 2016 Toyota Wigo. And these expensive Honda Jazz aren't even the top-of-the-line variants with the 1.5L engine and CVT transmission. I've seen 1.3L variants that are north of PhP400,000.00 and that's just a bit too much for me.

My biggest concern with getting a used Honda Jazz is the reliability. Who owned it, did they take good care of it, does it have issues that are about to show up but haven't yet? I haven't even factored in the question of buying from a private seller or from a used-car dealer. Will they allow me to have the car inspected before I make an offer?

Second concern would be maintenance. If I do end up buying a Honda Jazz that passes a mechanic's inspection I'm pretty sure I'd have it sent straight to a shop to have PMS (preventive maintenance schedule) done on it and to just make sure everything is fine. Once PMS is done I'd probably need to make sure the tires are still good. Basically spend additional amount just to make sure the car will be relatively headache free moving forward.

Once I'm pretty confident that the practical, fuel efficient car is ready for the daily grind only then would I start saving again for mods and improvements. An android head unit, better speakers, stick some blind-spot mirrors on the side mirrors, make sure the headlight plastic is still relatively clear, maybe non-stock rims.

Of course this plan of mine is pretty generic. I'll be doing this to any car I eventually purchase, as long as I break out of my analysis paralysis (if I'm using that term right). It applies if I get the Honda Jazz, a Suzuki Every Van, a Toyota Wigo, a Mitsubishi Mirage, or a Toyota Yaris.

Out.

[1019] More Every Wagon Musings

Yet another filler/Every Wagon blog post. Here we go.

First off I saw this in one of the facebook groups I was browsing. Left-hand drive DA64 conversion kit for the wiper and light stalks. I'm not sure if this works or how reliable it is, plus it says DA64 on the item link so I have no idea if this can or will work on a DA17. This is basically a "quality of life" mod that will make your converted Every Wagon be more left-hand drive.

I've been watching DA17 videos from the youtube channels of both Surplus TV and Surplus Pinas. There are a few things I'm noticing. Since the DA17 rear lights are the same on either van or wagon variant, and the wagon variant is the most expensive one, it seems more practical to get a DA17V with the engine, drivetrain, and transmission you want. Then you just add on the modifications you'd want.

So yet again, a Suzuki DA17 Every Van, turbocharged R06 engine, automatic transmission or auto-gear shift, 4x4. If possible ask for the second row "captain's chairs" (or is it the split-folding rear seats?) Keep everything inside as close to stock as possible. Seat covers in dark grey. No "third row bench seats" since I value space. Fog lamps. Gutter mounted roof rails and cargo basket. Rear spoiler. Another common add-on is the OBD II port connected computer to show temps and other relevant data. Plus it acts as on OBD scanner as well. The left-hand drive light and wiper switch conversions. Additional ceiling mounted fan/blower for the second row (because I've heard that the A/C of these cars takes a while to reach the second row).

As for the paint job, I just had a very crazy idea earlier today. Paint scheme based on the A-Team's GMC Vandura. Basically black body with a red strip along the upper third then a metallic gray color for the upper portion. No need to add the additional front and rear bumpers since that would make the Every Van too heavy. Also hopefully have the red stripe be reflective because I really dislike black and dark grey colors for the car because I value road visibility.

If road visibility is really what I want then I can always go with a yellow bottom and white upper color scheme based on the VW Type 2 as seen in "Little Miss Sunshine."

Out.

[1018] Yet Another Every Wagon Blog

Despite deciding it isn't worth it (or is it?) to get a surplus, converted Suzuki Every Wagon I still keep watching videos. I've learned a few new things about some of the variants. Again, these are things I learn about locally imported Japan surplus Every Wagons so these are probably what happens to these cars when they get here.

The DA17 is currently the latest variant available in the Philippines and features drive-by-wire tech for the accelerator pedal. DA64 still uses throttle cable.

DA17 uses the R06 engine while the DA64 uses the K6A engine. The former engine has variable valve timing making it more fuel efficient.

The wagon and van variants of this new model both have their lights on the bumper, while the older DA64 had bumper rear lights for the vans and body mounted rear lights for the wagon variants.

Auto Gear Shift / Tiptronic DA17 models use gear oil instead of Automatic Transmission Fluid. I'm still not sure if these AGS variants are available in both non-turbo and turbo variants. I'm also not sure if they come with full-time AWD or 4x2.

The newer DA17 I think has an OBD II port, and most modified vans here have a temp gauge / OBD scanner connected to give additional information during drives.

I still am curious what the experience would be to own an Every Wagon, but I still think the pros are outweighing the cons.

I still stand by my earlier blog post that I would still ideally want a DA17 wagon with split rear folding chairs, AGS shifting, 4WD, turbocharged R06 engine, and a few other modifications. These modifications are for quality of life, not aesthetics.

Biggest factors for actually pushing through with buying one would be price, who did the conversion, and how the conversion was done. Maybe the first major modification I would have done would be to find a left-hand drive steering column with light and wiper switches to almost fully transform it to a left-hand drive oriented ride.

Out.

[1017] "Attainable" Dream Car List

It's been a few months, or years, since my last dream car list and it looks like I need a filler (heh) blog post so here we go. I'll be doing this in order of preference at this moment.

1. Honda Jazz GE 1.5L automatic transmission. This is the second generation Honda Jazz. I still think this is the best combination of size and looks compared to the first (GD) and third (GK?) that I see here in the Philippines. Used models are still damn expensive and I can get newer albeit smaller hatchbacks for the same price. Aside from having everything checked and repaired I'd probably try to upgrade the head unit to an Android ready head unit. Definitely buff the headlight plastic to make sure the beams are still clear and not diffused.
2. Suzuki Every Wagon DA17W high roof, auto gear shift, 4WD, turbocharged engine. As far as I know the DA17 is one of the newer models and it uses the new R06A engine that has variable valve timing. My dad and I have been watching so many videos of Japan surplus Every Wagons being sold locally that we both want our own. The reasons I am hesitant to pull the trigger despite the relatively reasonable price are the fact that they are a) converted b) Japan surplus used cars. So since they were never locally sold here I'm not so sure about parts availability. And since they're heavily used and converted I'm not sure how many more kilometers they have left in them. I've seen some units maybe six or seven years old have 150k kilometers.
3. Classic Volkswagen Beetle with a manual transmission. I can still find some really cheap beater Beetles on Facebook Marketplace. The biggest issue here is how much I'd have to spend to repair and modify and how much I would have to spend to improve some important components. Components like a disc brake conversion, a better and more efficient alternator, maybe a new wiring harness if the cables are really old, and maybe an air conditioner if the engine can handle it.
4. Toyota Rav4 XA20 with automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and five-doors. Wait a minute, this is the car I take care of at the moment. I already "have" it. Why am I looking for a replacement? Sadly as much as I love this car, the fuel economy is relatively bad. It gets around 5 to 6 km/L when different people drive it. Aside from that I have no complaints. I'm doing my best to take care of it and make sure it is roadworthy for years to come. I love this car, but with rising fuel prices and traffic getting worse I honestly need to be practical and get a more fuel efficient car if possible.

These are my top attainable dream cars at the moment.

Out.

[1016] Mobile Phone Fiasco

Yesterday I blogged about my choice of mobile phone. Yesterday I also tried to purchase it online with cash on delivery (COD) as my main choice. Then the poop hit the fan.

According to my shopping app I could not continue checking out my order because my account had unusual activities. I thought it was an error so I tried checking out again, still no luck. I tried logging out, still no luck.

So I contacted the app's customer service and the agent basically said the same thing as the error message. I asked if I could find out what unusual activity my account did but apparently they were not allowed to tell me what that was.

Their solution to fix the problem was to find another seller or pick another payment method. I sure as hell don't plan on using my credit card with their app, nor do I have any plans of using their digital wallet yet again.

I'm really disappointed with their app and their answer, but all is not lost. I've decided to just look for another mobile phone that is sold in a physical store locally.

I already rarely use that online shopping app and now I will use it even less. I've stopped getting coffee beans from their sellers and the only things I buy there are cheap household related stuff like detergents and clothes covers.

Out.

[1015] Mobile Phones

The time has come for me to start looking around for a new mobile phone. Unfortunately my current OnePlus 6T is starting to show its age. Plus the lock button has lost tactile feel and is now challenging to press, and I don't want to wait for the time when I can't lock or unlock my phone.

It's been four years anyway, and I feel like I've maximized using my phone. My budget has gotten lower because as I grow older I realize that I need to be smarter with my purchases. So my target now is a mid-range phone that has a decent camera, decent ram, and good storage. I've got some candidates.

Actually I've already got a frontrunner. The Poco X5 Pro 5G (GSM Arena link here) has had some favorable reviews from one or two local youtubers who a friend of mine recommended to me.

My biggest concern now with the X5 Pro is that the only way to buy it is via online shopping so I don't know where to send it for repairs. Poco is supposedly tied with Xiaomi but when I went to a physical Mi Store they told me they don't sell that brand. Weird.

Out.

[1014] The Suzuki Every

I've been watching more youtube videos about surplus converted Suzuki Every Vans / Wagons being sold here. Apparently the V or W in the DA17V/W designation basically means "Every Van" or "Every Wagon." The vans seem to have their rear lights on the bumpers and a bigger rear cargo space, while the wagons have body mounted rear lights and relatively smaller cargo areas. I also think vans have a higher roof. This is all just based on videos I've watched.

It also seems better to get the newer models, the DA17s. They've got the newer R06A engines that have VVT, or variable valve timing. Probably makes them more fuel efficient. Although it can also make them harder to fix if something happens.

These newer Every Wagons / Every Vans can also have the Suzuki Auto-Gear Shit or AGS instead of the traditional 4-speed automatic. Rides with the AGS have more traditional handbrakes instead of the foot brakes.

So what does this all mean? Well basically if I do get a chance to order one, I'm going for a newer, AGS equipped, R06A VVTI engine Every Wagon. I'd ask if they could add an additional aircon blower for the rear, mounted on the roof a la other vans with dual aircon.

Externally I would prefer zero badges, even the the logo. A nice orange Every Wagon with matte black accents for the grills and door handles. Black front hood. Body matching side mirrors, and maybe fender flares just for looks. Keep everything else stock. Add a gutter mounted roof rail and roof cargo basket that would be registered so we can carry more stuff if ever.

Inside I'd want a 9-inch android unit with back up camera, and front and rear dashcams. Not the dashcams that have their screens on the rear view mirror, unless you have the option to actually use the rear view mirror as intended. Maybe a more aggressive sounding horn. Having temp gauge would also be nice since some models don't seem to have one. Seatbelts for driver, front row passenger, and left and right rear passengers would also be a must. Rear seats should be the split-folding so that if ever my family can go on road trips we'd have plenty of space for stuff while still have seats for three.

Finally if I could figure out what steering rack is compatible with the every I'd definitely upgrade the steering rack so that the wiper and light stalks are in the proper left-hand drive orientation so no confusion happens when driving the car.

And that's it. I could probably message one of the two Suzuki Every Wagon surplus shops I check out and ask how much that would cost, but I'm still not totally sold on getting a high mileage converted vehicle from Japan. I still feel more confident in buying a locally sold second-hand car.

Out.