A visit on Dec 23rd to San Po Kong took care the engine vibration issue largely. Fuel injectors were cleaned at HK$150 a piece, which brings refinement and perhaps more power via a fuller combustion. Now the car should feel closer to its brand-new condition. And additional engine mount ($280) replaced a much stronger and stiffer (not broken) one which takes care of the excess vibration. The next step is change of tire (BS GR-90) and
I think the Corolla is a step closer to minimalist motoring. It is a fun (stick shift) and utility (a Toyota 4-door). It is like next to not owning a car in terms of everything I know about an ownership. I regret that, for no particular reason, to change tires on the SLK350. I do not see the link between the SLK350 and the Corolla, as it is quite painless to own both of them myself. And both represents a liquid asset. And there is no urgency to sell either one of them. It should be comfortable in physical terms to own both them indefinitely. And the cheaper $800 per month per car park proves to be a further reduction in car park rental expense. The car park rental is indeed the lowest in years I have known. Why would I feel uncomfortable owning both is beyond me. It seems more like a feeling of mutually exclusive mindset that I should sell the SLK because the prime position would be assigned to the Corolla. But it would be normal that I would like other car later on this spot. There can be no permanence on this spot as I would want change for some external and convenient reasons. The concept or idea of prime spot is very funny and not very inconceivable to me even if the idea and specific feeling are mine and mine alone. There can be a spot of having both cars which is now physically feasible. Consider it as a package that both cars not conflicting, but complementing each other. There can be no better situation as of today. There can be other time that owning both cars (of different breeds at a different time) would be not reasonable and feasible, or under default consideration. So I would like to enjoy this specific moment of exception, while it lasts.
Corolla is stress-free, care-free car. It will bear no pressure. The only drawbacks are status-related impressions, as well as lack of acceleration when it is needed. It is not that it will come very often. It is that this embarrassing moments would come unannounced and unexpectedly, which could be annoying at times. And this annoyance will cause my desire to change car, again. This is the situation I frequently have found myself into, even though I cannot quite satisfactorily explain and provide a solution.
I seem to be forever trapped in the kind of yo-yo action, swinging back and forth slowly between choice or cars and unwilling and forced execution under the force of my own irresistible desire.
I will let the situation to show itself when it comes down to the SLK350 and Corolla. There is no need to calculate, as it is a sign of weak principle or simply a lack of it, that govern and overlook all my decisions.
Corolla is a freedom car, isn't it? Not quite but it is one of the best in terms of minimalistic ownership.
The limitation is perhaps in the presence of flat spots in acceleration as well as the lack of status symbol when a situation requires.
Corolla has a very nice and tight turning circle.
Waxed on Dec 2nd. The clear coat on the rear was gone.
Wiped clean the buttons. One of the water jet working very weak after a quick fix (better than doing nothing).
CR1616 for the remote battery.
First service done on December 11th, Saturday. I love the result. Oil, filter, and air filter change. Front brake pad, new engine mount and new spark plugs. All for $2200. A little regret about the high price and if it is less than $1000 I would feel much better. The acceleration is a whole lot smoother and more urgent with less vibration. I had a haircut with dye and obtained form for ownership transfer (Bora).
I aim at the Philips LCD head unit, but I was told it has a buggy software. So it is better to spend more on JVC head-unit.
I still think of new tires for Corolla BS GR90 - $3000 for 4. Also there is a Michelin LC (used) for $1300.
