[1023] Practical Car Musings

I think I've finally decided that if I do end up buying a used car to become the daily driver for Metro Manila it would be the Honda Jazz GE. Ideally with the 1.5L engine and definitely with the automatic transmission. Even better if it's totally unmodified, though I will accept a new head unit installed, specially if it is an android head unit.

I just need the car to be reliable and fuel efficient. And yes I still ideally want a 1.5L Honda Jazz because at least I'll be owning one of my dream cars.

How would I feel if I have to get a Wigo, Mirage, or Vios? Not too bad, because I just really want to have a fuel efficient car we can use almost daily. Times are really hard and the gas prices are really screwing with my budget.

Out.

[1022] More Suzuki Every Musings

Learning a lot more about the Suzuki Every Wagon/Every Van by watching more youtube videos of different local Japan surplus suppliers. Plus I saw a few of them on the way to and from my folks' place in the province.

So the DA17 auto-gear shift is only available on non-turbo engines. The eco-mode that happens in an AGS equipped DA17 only works on auto-gear shift mode and not during manual mode.

Based on these two things I am once again adjusting the Suzuki Every Van I would like to have. It would still be the DA17 van, with a non-turbo engine and auto-gear shift. That's it. It would be nice if I could get the split folding rear seats (or "captain's chairs" like how local surplus dealers call them) and seat belts. Also hopefully get all-power windows and mirrors so that the shelf on the top of the front seats is available.

For modifications I'd like to ask for DA17W fog lamps, a 7-inch android head unit. roof rack and basket, and a rear spoiler coming from the dealer. Everything else is as stock as possible.

Then for additional modifications maybe the OBD 2 port digital temp gauge/OBD 2 for additional car info and a rear LED chase light bar I'd mount on the top of the rear tailgate. The chase light bar would be placed over the rear third brake light and I'd try to do some good wiring so that it can become a secondary set of signal, brake, and reverse lights.

I'd probably try to upgrade the speakers as well. Not sure about adding ceiling mounted fans to improve aircon circulation, but I have no idea how cool or strong the aircon is.

Out.

[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.