Bridgestone GR90 on Corolla

I didn't know why I resisted so much in fitting the new GR90 on the Corolla. It is all about safety, fun and utility. I drive mostly the Corolla and I love to drive it, but did not change the tires even though it was the first thing I should have done to it, among many things that have been already done to it.

I think I am having a sense of self-denial, working under my skin that I am not aware of. And it is working via my justification to NOT justify it even though practically it is the best thing to do.

Anyway I did the tire change at Jinway for $3000, $750@ on Jan 24th. I am superstitious about Jinway as almost every tire I fitted there ending up replaced shortly. I always fitted the wrong tires there, for some reason, which makes me unwilling to fit my tires there. But I did it there this time, in which with still strong doubt which I need to ignore.

It is the most expensive tires in its size/category, and made in Japan.

The GR90s replaced the Michelin XM-1 (2007). My initial feeling is that its traction is similar to XM1 and lower than the GR80. It is firmer than the XM1 and quieter than the XM1. It is a noise-free tire and resilient. However it does not have the handling and the sure-footed grip and traction of the older GR90, in which the difference can be accounted for by different cars (Civic vs. Corolla) that they each are fitted. GR90, in comparison, is noisy and harsh and yet more confidence inspiring. So far I am happy with the new GR90, as a luxury tire unlike GR80 which is a lot more spirited and sporty in nature.

In terms of side wall, GR90 is both plushier and firmer. It does not steer as quickly as the XM1 and GR80 but the response is smooth and progressive. XM1 has slightly better turn-in and GR80 is simply sharp, in comparison to GR90.

However a fair comment is to be given after initial 1,000 kms. Let's see.

錦田遊樂團

Going out with the HKMB Club gang on a Saturday afternoon to Kam Tin. The goal was to shop for savaged parts for the project cars. I have yet to have a project car. So I went there to see what kind of scraped cars they have in order to limit the choice of project cars I should have gotten myself. Since a project car serves two purposes - restoration and/or rebuild, the availability of salvaged parts becomes a priority.

Cars that are too old (80s') are not suitable, not only they are rare in scraped yards, but also poor in condition. Cars that are in 90s seem to be good, as there are a lot of scraped cars available.

So far I have limited my choice to C36, a car that I once owned.

18" AMG Alloy & Michelin PS2 on SLK350

Finally I bite the bullet (again) and bought a set of AMG 18" wheels and a matched set of good old friendly Michelin PS2. The price is horrible of course at $8K+$9K. It is just right, the handling and the smoothness. I can fault it except the stiff ride, noise and occasional harshness over rough surface. Yet it feel much quickly and natural than the RE11 which has tremendous grip. I like PS2 much better and feel more excited about the RE11. I want to keep the RE11 as I believe it will work in certain car.

SLK350

After getting back the money from the sale of Sunfire, I am deeply addicted to the idea of getting a new set of wheels and tires for the SLK350. I am not happy with the RE11 on the original 17" alloy, now compound with the wheel alignment issue caused by the change of the suspension arms last week. Now I am desperate to get a 18" AMG with the Micheline PS2 for an improved ride and much better look. This is indeed against Tiki's advice.

It is a fact that I regret the purchase of the RE11. It makes me drive the SLK350 less.

It is a paid and expensive opportunity to change it. At least it will look great if the ride is still bad.

I would very much to keep the SLK350, especially after I got the Corolla.

Cars along can't be practical in HK as practical if they are not considered as toys.

SLK350 - December Log

Dec 22 - Fuel Injectors cleaned at SingPo.
Dec xx - Gearbox oil and filter changed. Front lower arms changed.

Corolla - Update & Reflection

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.

SLK350 - November Log

Nov 13 - Bridgestone RE11 $7800 on SLK350. Tires from Jinway.

Corolla - My very first Toyota

Taken on December 20th, 2010 at UST

I took the Corolla over from Stephen by the end of November 2010. It has already 83,208 kms on it after 6 years in service, with first 4 in the motoring school and 2 years with Stephen, while each has done around 40,000 kms to it.

And then it becomes both my utility car and project car. It is cheap on fuel, running close to $1 per km. It is robust and will take the daily chores, around 1,500 kms per month.

I spare no money in bringing it to the best shape that could be possibly done.

It is an incredibly fun car as it is manual and has bags of low end torque. Also it is light-weight and swift through traffic, with small turing circle.

SLK350 October Log

Oct 2 - Oil Service at Pak Lok. 19,000 kms. Miller engine oil, air filter, Bosch wipers, a/c filter.
Oct 4 - 'HA376' on SLK350. Ownership changed to Tiki. Privatized.

SLK350 - First Blog Entry

Finally Tiki and I picked up the SLK350 from the Fairview Park. It is 6 years old but only has 19,000 kms on the odo. The car is in a very nice and mint condition. I simply love it. It comes with a set of 17" wheel (identical to those fitted to my C36) and a set of old and yet usable Continentals.

BMW 523i (E39) Update xx

我在近期購得的523i是否更換某些零件上感覺相當的疑惑，心裡面覺得有兩股力量在爭持著。一股為金錢及利潤的考慮已完成使該車能達到出售基本要求，故不願再花費。二是我想將之據為己有，強烈地覺得應再花費將之完善。藉以消除忐忑心情，但此舉必令其失卻盈利的可能。 屬於我的Civic 是一個好例子，花費完善後感受不好，路噪增加，音響有干擾聲，倒不如不花費，維持原狀。在此時我只好接受事實。

因此，達到出售狀態而安於現狀是一好原則，我亦善於判斷何謂出售狀態及維修程度是否合乎車輛的狀態及價值。奈何我仍習慣性去繼續追求心目中之所謂「完美」。我心中的完善點子往往使車輛遠遠超越了出售狀態，但又未能每次達到心中要求或產生未能遇見的後遣症而感沮喪。花了的錢又不可取回，無奈。每當面對此處境，我感到困惑不安，如屬少量或可justified的金額，則照去便可，否則便要在安全外觀功能上再三評估。

這種疑惑大可透過澄清523i的最終用途來解決。在未澄清是否是自用前只可進行「最低消費」，保留最大的彈性- 可售亦可自用。查實進行「最低消費」時，其目的亦是以少量支出去增加售出機會，亦同時提升自用性。「最低消費」亦有上限，超出並不會對售出有顯明幫助，但卻明顯剝削了盈利。

另一對於523i之疑惑，是來自本人對523i完美最大的渴求—525i。525i相對於523i的明顯優勢有二。其一為年份因素而帶來較優的質素狀態。其二為寶馬對其作出的優化，尤其在動力上的變動。兩車年份差異在三、四年間，但其價差甚大，約在四至五倍間。每當想及其差異及差價這題目，我對兩者目前之取捨則相當清晰，整體上523i有明顯及整體優勢。三年後（2013年）則525i會有優勢。

523i可否被使用三年這問題的答案，將決定我會否留為己用。我已定下兩星期冷靜期後對此問題作回答。爲滿足我對其據為己有及完善的意欲，給予一個協調架構而列出三期清單，定名為目前，冷靜期後，及下次定期維修的項目。旨在滿足一己之欲之同時不損害整體可能性，避免後悔。

換車的需要與衝動

作為一般車主，到了某時刻基於某些因由，總會有換車的動機及條件。此短文旨在勾劃出一些架構因素，提供一些客觀性的看法。換車總不離開一種逼切性，該逼切性提供一系列為換車所需行動的意欲及動力。由於各人行動迥異，暫且不遨。逼切性的多少及持續時間，决定了換車成功與否的主要因素。對一般車主而言，其現有車輛本身及狀況如滿足其基本需求及無其不可忍受的缺失，則換車的逼切性則相對地低，未必會在其意識內構成任何換車的思想活動。但當需要轉變及客觀因素有重大改變，則會構成壓逼性。對一般車主而言，以上因素並非經常要面對的，換車亦不是經常性的。壓逼性另一來源是來自一般人喜愛比較的傾向。所謂比較，是指人意識中不自不覺地將周遭所遇見某些有新鮮好感之事物代入其生活中設想，在思想界面作出一種在兩者間差異上的比較 。進行差異的比較，旨在能簡短有力地去把握主要優點及缺失，但卻往往不經意及間接引發對新事物的好奇心 (Curiosity)。好奇心可大可小，小則是短暫的衝動，大則一發不可收，非得到不罷休。

A brief reflection on car ownership - C32 AMG and 130i

It occurred to me over the busy weekend that I needed to sit down quietly to reflect on the two cars. The immediate urge, as usual, is to find out which is the better one to own. And naturally I hope to eventually own one of them so that I will have a perfect fleet of cars (two only) under my belt. The struggle on which cars to own have been going on fiercely, if not actively, on at least four levels - on a practical, everyday level, on the emotional level, and on the ideal level, and lastly on the financial level. It is so complex it is not possible for me to pin down at times. It is seemingly impossible to lock down over time once a firm grip has been made. It seems evasive and ever-changing, refusing to be locked down. The ownership of cars, therefore, is more adequately described as a stream or a flow of ownership. The cars I own simply become 'obsolete' in my mind before they actually and naturally expire, therefore necessitate various form of justification for the 'change'. I have ever done it so often since my very first car and the result was a combo of bad and good things. It has no doubt enriched my personal, hands-on, relative deep experience on various cars, but on the other hand has damaged my personal finance in the first half of my 20-year of career life. So now I judge that the finance is the very line of defense - as long as the baseline is covered I can do whatever I need and want.

It came to my attention that I needed to write about the C32 and 130i, both adequate cars. The clear advantage of 130i is its young age and speed. The C32 is an continuation of the previously owned C36, its package and my (and Tiki's as well) affinity to Mercedes cars. If it had to be chosen based on monetary consideration, C32 would win based on its lower cost of acquisition as well as second-hand value (easier to sell, too).

Bad news came yesterday that the C32 would not be sold to me. The loss of the possibility of getting the C32 put a good dent unexpectedly in my already dampened mood. This once again proves that the level of abundance in the availability of possibility is well connected to the level of well-being one would feel. I would write about this in my next blog - The Token of Possibility - Money.

A Short Report on Honda FD2

The Honda FD2 Civic Type-R represents an 'ideal form'. This is an ideal form of my own impression and liking in the many years I start thinking about car seriously and in depth. FD2 is quite a gravitating car in a rather pure form. It is stiff, light, precise, racy, simple, practical, user friendly, reliable, comfortable and heavily engineered. For one, despite its generous size and roominess, it is not a luxury car. It is carefully and elegantly looking, with the right proportion and not heavy handed. It is a family sedan after all.

Fuel comsumption (10-mode) quoted is 11.4km/l, equivalent to 8.8l/100km. Not too bad if one compares with the similarly output 325i (E90) at 9.8l/100km. Weight-wise FD2 at 1260kg is significantly lower than the 1505kg of the 325i. Length-wise, my all-time single measurement of car dimension for everyday driving and parking, 4540mm vs 4531mm. FD2 is a longer car. Wheelbase-wise, 2700mm vs 2760mm. BMW has a longer wheelbase. In terms of power-to-weight ratio FD2's 5.6kg/bhp is more favorable to the 6.9 of the 325i, but close to 330i's 5.7 but loses to 335i's 5.3.

BMW 318i (E46 Year 2000) Black

I drove this black 4-door sedan with curiosity. It was made in South Africa but it was nicely and elegantly put together. Even after 9 years there was still some freshness left. The 1.9L engine was surprisingly refined and completely devoid of vibration typically associated with 4-cylinder engine. Its 4-speed transmission was smooth and seamless and behaved like a gear-less transmission. Despite its humble 1.9L capacity, it has certain degree of flexibility for everyday use and it is willing to rev so the car itself pick up the pace quickly. What it lacked is the power and the effortless fast acceleration required during overtaking. It has to be planned ahead and executed without deviation.

The chassis was solid but yet light weight, reminding me of a Golf or VW construction. There was a lot of refinement in the front seat while at the back the road noise ate away the comfort by a small notch. Handling-wise surprisingly it was not so engaging, perhaps because of the aging shock absorbers which did not damp the car motion well in half of the situation. However the ride was good enough in all situation but the road noise was sensitive to the road surface. As I remembered it wore the Continental Contact Sport 205/50R16 on original BMW 16" alloy rims.

After 500 kms and 10 days I sold the car to a new owner whose family perhaps found themselves to be the first time owning a car or a BMW. I could sense their excitement and happiness around the BMW. It reminded me that I have lost this kind of feeling for a long long time, only slightly reminded when I saw the faces of the new owners when they received the car keys from me.

Good Bye C36 (March 2006 to July 2009)

This would be the final blog entry for the C36. At least in theory unless I have something to write about. Because of the nature of business I am in, I would not be needing the C36 they way I needed to. After considerable thoughts, I was ready to find it a rightful owner. I had the confidence that none in the market would have any C36s (1995) would top off mine in mechanical condition. I would not low-ball the price. I simply asked for an owner who would continue to take care of it, and who would pay a reasonable price. I knew already that unless one is a big fan of C36, he or she would not pay this price for an almost 15-year old. But then again, who would want to pay the huge price tag in 1995 back then for a family sedan with a big 6-cylinder engine.

I have asked myself many times why I not keep the C36, with the hope of it becoming a future classic. Well, then, I think 40 months and 40,000 kms are enough time with one car if one is living in the moment while owning and driving it. My curiosity towards other cars have grown. It is time to move forward.

The C36 AMG has finally left. We advertised and completed the sale in one week. We found a nice couple who would take good care of the C36. All seem satisfied. And I was slightly proud of the fact that the C36 passed the detailed inspection at HP Auto with satisfactory result and condition. Just minor oil marks and very slow leaks were reported. Anyway it was finally gone and we would both miss it.

Replacing the 1995 C36 at this moment is a 2000 BMW 323Ci convertible. It is completely different car as it lacks the punch and power of the big straight six of C36. The power delivery can only be said as gradual, ultra smooth and creamy at best. I would say it is a kind of slow. However it comes back with a rare sense of luxury and elegance seldom found in most of the other luxury cars, even though many times the price of the 323Ci. It is a total relaxing drive all the time.

Fancy about the AMG C36 companion or replacement

Right now I really have zero complaints about the AMG C36. It has served its purpose faithfully and quietly for the past 4 - 6 weeks since the last time when the air conditioning was overhauled. As all of you know the fuel cost nowadays are quite frightening. And as a result some oldies are becoming available today. Of course it is always logical either to keep what I already have due to the higher switching cost, or going to some smaller econonbox. The added fuel expense can be offset by lowering daily running cost or fuel cost, or by taking public transportation. As a matter of fact I have been seeking ways to reduce the running costs, and treat it as a hobby.

Since I have sold my DC2 in July I have no more race car that I can do street or track racing. My motoring experience has been reduced to strictly common level communting among familiar places. I still can feel some sort of fire buring inside but not great enough to motivate me to do anything crazy. I consider this a benefit of getting old, and an opportunty to save money that I have already wasted too much in my long youthful years.

C36 - Towards its 14th Year and 4th Year of My Ownership

I have been semi-actively seeking a replacement since last Christmas, despite of the poor economy. I had the wish to find a good deal. The fact is that the price has dropped a lot, and there are a lot of cars for sale. But the one has not come up.

I must say the C36 has aged so nicely and well. I don't find much tear, wear and deterioration. Other than the scratches, dents and dimples that are often unavoidable, its paintwork has actually improved each time when it is waxed. I have thought serveral times to have a complete repaint, but have given up as it still carries its original paint. I did replace the two front lamps and side indicator lamps as they were not expensive. The old ones had grown very dim and some parts got very hot because of poor and oxidized electrical connections.

Toyota Surprise (Part 1)

I can never associate excitement and sweet surprise with a Toyota. But it is true that the 3.5L Camry will outrun C36 any time, any gear and any speed. This car will judder its front wheels scrapping for traction in first, and SECOND gear. Amazing power and smooth generous torque. I can here I confirm its 280ps is as real as the 268ps of the C36. The Camry is big and in tight spots it really feels like parking a big boat. Otherwise its quick, direct and responsive steering does the job. No disappointment here as its turning circle was another surprise. The long car length does not help but I think it is overall manageable.

This is a weekend rental from Toyota-rent-a-car. The 2007 Camry is the only 3.5L on the lot in metallic grey color. The car isn't light, but it isn't 'very' heavy. Again, I would say it is manageable if it isn't pushed. The front tires are under-spec'ed at 215/65R16.

I remember when the Camry first came out in 2006 Tiki and I were among the first to have the test drive. Subsequently I opted for the C36 at a fraction of the cost, and patiently waited for the second-hand Camry, ideally in two to three years time. Now the moment has come to evaluate the situation.

This is only the first half-day with the Camry. I will write more during and after the weekend.

A Walk in the Showrooms - VW and Mini

It is always at the end of the year or the beginning that one can look for good deals, especially during the economic downturn. So it is not important if we are in the market or not, we will always do a tour of the showroom whenever it is the 'right' time. The showroom excitement and fascination are a fine entertainment in itself and bring sparkles to the holiday season. This year we do not plan to get a new car but nevertheless I always want to find some car that will blow me away, or a price deal (bang-for-the-buck kind of deal) that I cannot resist. Just like any other hobbies, I prefer (but not always do that) to actively seek out 'targets' and checking/updating my favorite lists. I fully know that it is also fun if I accidentally or unexpectedly run into something I absolutely like or fall in love with. For me I think a mix of both is nice.

VW EOS was nice. The discounted price was nice but it was 50% over our 'stretched' budget. EOS will make Optimus Prime pale in comparison if you watch its whole mechanical transformation from the hardtop with glass sunroof to the totally roofless configuration. The presentation is totally awesome if it takes a bit long in my view. VW has engineered all the features and basic luxury you would ever practically need and think of in the EOS. I think it is borderlining excessive. It comes in silver and red, both attractive and viable. The look of EOS is a bit off with a solid and elegant style that unfortunately says not much about what it is.

The other good deal was the Bumble Bee - the VW Beetle Convertible. It is exactly the same car in same color that we have spent full four days with. I am impressed with the car inside-out both in design and engineering. Its mechanical is sound and the level of refinement is superb. Don't be cheated by its cheeky look. What really negatively impressed me is its 2.0L engine that powered the Beetle and the Golf FSi. While smooth as a V6 and effortless in cruising, it feels like it is torque-less and gutless. The top-grade 6-speed auto gearbox really saves the whole power-train from being a total loser. You can call me critical but I tell you it is really the smoothest and lamest 2.0L I have driven in the last 20 odd years. 50-80kph takes 3 gear shifts (4th to 5th to 6th) and leisurely ages to accomplish if you are not generous with the throttle. To have a reasonable and practical performance it should not power any car more than 1'000kg. And the Beetle Convertible is around 1400kg plus.

The next best deal in my eyes is the Golf GTI Pirelli version. It is a special sports tune-up package (230ps, up from the standard 200ps) before the model gets an update in 2009. Price is right but still 20% over my 'stretched' budget. Take a look at the leather seat and I want to die. The tire thread pattern seat cover really isn't my cup of tea. Just typical good quality leather seat offered in the FSi will do the job, please. And there is no sunroof because of the weight saving and price concern. Alright. And next there is only 2-door version. Ouch. I want a 4-door Golf. And then only it comes in silver, black and deep blue. Well, I want white color even though silver is acceptable. But silver Golf looks like a bit flat and off-tone for the kind of car it is. So forget it.

The showroom is at an odd place in Causeway Bay and hard to find. Good because I think it saves cost for the VW customers, potentially or existing.

Then after a heavy Japanese lunch we walked into the Mini Showroom to look for the best deal. We saw the new Minis. They are bloated, grown, and more aggressive. The Cooper S version looks to me like a mad dog. The price was shockingly expensive. It was a sweet surprise (and it answered my question) that the Mini convertible we spent four days with is the current version. The updated version will come in mid 2009. Great, we will wait. And we missed by a couple weeks the 1.6 M/T version of Mini (standard) selling at a price that is within our budget. Great, again. It is because I don't need to concern about it anymore. I will wait for the new 2009 convertible Mini.

The showroom experience ends for the day but the showroom tour will continue. Of course web-browsing for second hand candidates is also on.