Pusat Servis Kereta Toyota Import Dan Tom's

This outlet located behind Giant Hypermarket, Plentong, Johor Bahru. It has an impressive image from afar, especially with the large TOM'S trademark.

I went there just to have a feel of the place and hoping to see Tom's accessories for my Ipsum.

There are no Tom's accessories being displayed there apart from the consumables for normal services (I do not know for which model).

When I asked for alloys, I was shown to 3 model of common alloys not made by Tom's. These 3 models were stored in boxes, and waiting for the owners to come and pick them up.

A bad first impression.

A quick check at Tom's homepage tells me that the only authorised Tom's in Malaysia is in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

The visit may well be my last visit there. A good attempt to impress imported Toyota owners.

Alloys again

Seriously considering the alloys from the Alphard. May be my Ipsum will look like the above once they are fitted? (The above pictures of 240s with 19" donuts)

As for tyres, today I went to see Falken ZE-912. A new comfort tyre from Falken. It is much cheaper compared to Michelin MXV8 even if I opt for 215/5o/17. Threadwear 360 Traction AA Temp A (correct me if I'm wrong).

I think the above photos look better than the next photos, right?

Alloy From Alphard

Looking at Alphard's Rim. 17" so should be installed with 215/50/17.

New Paint

The rear bumper has been resprayed. It is back to new condition. No bumper clip needed to be replaced and there is no slight marking over the bumper surface.

Used Wald Duchatelet II For Sale

This Wald alloys are for sale by an Ipsum Owner in Selangor.

Hands feel itchy. To SMS (ask Q) or not? RM3,000 neg with 60% left 225/55/17. Don't know what brand.

6.5" DVD Screen

Once, I connected a DVD Player to the Video Input provided with the Ipsum. The front touchscreen display did display the video but only when the parking brake was on.

I found this website which teaches how to disable this protection. The problem is, different headunit was used by that owner.

Alloy Change?

I am still waiting for the replacements of my tyres.

Today, I had an opportunity to inspect the standard alloy and tyres which were fitted to latest Previa / Estima. It uses the same tyre size as the current Ipsum 240s. Naturally, I thought of fitting this alloy from the Previa / Estima to my Ipsum, and put plus 1" for the tyres.

Any opinion?

New Ipsum?

Is this the new Ipsum to challenge Honda's Odyssey?

Text reads "Mark X ZIO Ipsum"?

2004 Ipsum 240s

This is the facelifted Ipsum 240s, manufactured from 2004 onward.

Voltage Stabilizer Installed

I went to Kakimotor at Bandar Sunway yesterday to install Pivot Raizin VS-1, a voltage stabilizer to my Ipsum. It costed RM150 only.

After the installation, I felt the car has a much better acceleration. From standstill, I did not feel much different but when cruising at highway, the Ipsum was more eager to gain speed. Without realizing, I was doing a speed which should be prohibited.

At legal highway speed, the Ipsum felt more calm than before making the drive more comfortable.

I have previously installed the Pivot Raizin to my Perdana V6 which I have never regret.

My friend's Harrier 2.2, Ria 2.5 and Wish 1.8 have also been installed with voltage stabilizer but with different makes and they do make difference (better / gain).

I think many vehicles would benefit from this instalation.

Washed the Ipsum

I washed the Ipsum today, D-I-Y way. Since I own it, all washes were on my own, trying the tips used by Kenneth (refer my fav links). I think I manage to minimise the swirl. I tried to be cautious because the paint is solid colour.

Accident

I have wanted to write about this for sometime but without accompanying photo I think it will be incompelete.

I was hit at 110 km/h from the back by an early 80s Mazda 323 sedan. The PLUS Highway at Nilai was wet as it was raining previously. I believe the Mazda was not in good shape thus it lost control and hit me.

The impact was quite shocking. At first I was worried because I thought it will be difficult to get a replacement bumper. But surprisingly, the bumper was not damaged too much. Nothing a complete re-spray of the bumper cannot fix.

The Mazda's driver said sorry 100 of times. Blaming the brakes as the reason. RM100 was paid to me. Complete re-spray will cost RM250. Sighh... Should have asked for more.