Minor Service

It has been close to 10,000 km since the last engine oil change.

90,XXX km
TYMO Fully Syntetic RM150
Toyota Oil Filter RM28.50
Labour RM10.00

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Alternator belt change

This update should have been made in the last week.

For the past few weeks there was metal clicking sound from the engine bay. Since the Ipsum uses timing chain, I assume the sound was from the timing chain.

One fine morning last week, the sound became louder than usual. I stopped the engine, opened the engine hood and found that the alternator belt has splitted into two.

Not wanting to take any risk, I rang Kurnia Auto Assist who came helping me to bring thw Ipsum to the garage. I was told that the car could still be driven to the garage but if the belt snapped, the car would stop anyway.

RM125 of belt (Bando) and RM20 of labour costs settled the problem and killed the sound.

The belt should last 50,000 km.

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SOLD Toyota Wish Compressor

Mutiara Motors had this Toyota Wish with bolted on Blitz Compressor not too long ago. As a result the horsepower of the car is increased to somewhere near 200HP.

The car also came with leather seat and extra large front skirting.

Michael is one lucky owner!

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Hayden ATF Cooler

A look on the installed ATF Cooler.

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Fuel Consumption, Shell RON 95

The Ipsum's fuel consumption is improving from before. For the past few tanks (less than 3 refills) has been 10.xx km/litre. All of which involving long distance journey but with considerable engine idling for interior cooling.

Tonight fill up is the best thus far. About 340 km of long distance travel and 100 km of town trips, less engine idling, the Ipsum achieved 11km/litre. I wasn't even trying to get this.

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Nice sky

Fuel consumption

Refuel with Shell RON 95 today. I think the combination of the new tyres and ATF Cooler does makes a difference on my fuel bills.

Moderate to agressive driving style, about 1 hour of engine idling with aircondition on - 10.7 km/litre.

Happyyyyyyyy!!

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Shell RON95

Travelled to Kuala Lumpur. Refuel with Shell RON 95 prior to travel.

New tyres with nitro gas, new ATF Cooler and new with Shell fuel.

Refuel in Kuala Lumpur - 11.xx km/litre. Moderate driving style and some engine idling. I'm very happy with this achievement.

Reached Johor Bahru this evening. Will refuel tomorrow.

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Hayden Auto Transmission Cooler Part 2

It feels like having an additional gear - 5 gear instead of 4.

We're going to travel soon.

Hayden Auto Transmission Cooler

Installed Hayden Transmission Cooler today - damage RM450.

Power steering lube change - RM100.

Head unit - video display

Paid a visit to a Car Accessories shop at Taman Perling. I was recommended by a friend who sent his Alphard there.

Original plan was to test this shop's skills on changing my rear light bulb. I had 3 bulbs which needed replacements but the previous shop failed to open up and get access to do so. Fearing damage to my Ipsum, I asked the previous shop to just stop.

With this shop at Taman Perling, I had no worry at all. They used bare hands, some tools, some energy and they used their heads too. Thus, dismantling the covers looked real easy (not easy in fact).

All 3 bulbs were changed. One each for number plate light, brake light and night light. Damage to the wallet - RM20.

Satisfied with their skills, I asked about my problem with my head unit not displaying video when the parking brake is disengaged. They told me that they can solve the problem by adding wires and costed RM50. The previous shop I went asked for RM150. I went ahead.

They did it in 2 tries. After the first attempt, the video keep on the display even after the parking brake was disengaged. However, when the Ipsum reached certain speed or RPM the display went off.

After a call (like a lifeline), they told me that there was also RPM or speed sensor connected to the head unit and they shall fix it. And fix it they did.

RM70 was paid in total for the video and bulb job.

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Primacy LC

Michelin Primacy LC is one comfort tyre indeed. The best comfort tyre I have used so far. Is silent too!

But at the expense of handling, which for this MPV I do not mind.

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2nd Tyre Change

After unsuccessful finding of suitable Pirelli tyres (size and budget), I ended up choosing the just lauched Michelin Primacy LC. I got it for RM440 per piece at the address stated on tyre. The price inclusive of tyre valve, nitrogen gas (and free top ups after this), tyre balancing but not wheel alignments.

Primacy LC was reported to be a very good comfort tyre, being silent and comfy but not that friendly when taking corners at ecstasy speed.

The Yokohama was good when it was new. After more than a year and 40,000 km, I no longer felt confident with it. The remaining tyre thread may look as if it can last for many months to come, but we just didn't feel right about the tyre.

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Toyota Mark X Zio

Went to Mofaz last weekend. They have 2 units of 2007 Mark X Zio. Published price is RM218k. I was offered RM5k discount.

I have always belief that Mark X Zio is the Ipsum replacement. I am wrong -

• the last row can only accommodate 2 child. I think it is meant for a sudden / temporary need of an extra 2 seats for child.
• when 6 seatings are occupied, not much room for luggage.
• the spare tyre is located at the rear, no double storage as in Ipsum.
• the seat is extra wide and extra comfy - this model is more higher-end than Ipsum.

I can define Mark X Zio as - suitable for those who likes Harrier but wants something closer to the ground and car like handling. For those - go and get the Mark X Zio.

Photos will come later.

Caltex RON 95 refill

Town Drive - Caltex - 8.3 km/litre.

Caltex - 10% Town, balance at highway - 10.3 km/litre.

Have only manage to find Shell - thus RON 95, 80% highway, less than 10 km / litre.

Caltex RON 95

Johor Bahru - Ayer Hitam - Yong Peng - Parit Jawa - Muar - Umbai - Jasin - Johor Bahru

About an hour idling engine.

Mix driving nature.

10.8 km/litre

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Caltex RON 95

Town drive 8 km/litre.

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Caltex RON 95 Refill

JB areas - Kulai - JB - Kulai - JB

Hot weather - cold aircond

Engine idling, kids sleeping

Not so slow driving manner

9.4 km/litre

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Refill Caltex RON 95

Kulai - Semangar - Felda Simpang Waha - Kota Tinggi - Damansara Aliff - Munsyi Ibrahim - Bandar Baru Uda

Weather was hot. Crawling traffic between Kota Tinggi and Ulu Tiram. Some engine idling to cool down the car with air-cond. 3 adults, 4 kids with luggage.

10.32km / litre.

Raya Caltex Refill RON 95

JB - Muar - Kulai - JB

Lots of stuff for 3 nights and 3 kids and 2 adults.

10.86km / litre.

Caltex RON 95 refill

Prior to Hari Raya trip, 9.2km / litre.

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Caltex RON 95 refill

Hot weather - more burden on airconditioner, heavy eid hamper for gifts - 7.3 km/litre.

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Dash

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Caltex RON 95 Refill

Re-fill my tank with 31+ litre tonight.

Not so many idle engine plus many long distance journeys with some office travels - 9.37km/litre.

Caltex RON 95 refill

Refill last night. Town drive mainly - 7.8km/litre.

Absorbers change

2004 Proton Perdana V6

Absorbers change - Feb 2009.

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Ipsum & RON 95

I have been busy lately. But I am pleased that RON 95 does not affect the Ipsum's performance. This may be as a result of previous consumption of RON 92 thus RON 95 is like an upgrade.

However, the case is not the same with my 2004 Perdana V6. I felt less power during acceleration. The reduction is obvious.

My brother in law did also complained the same problem with his 1996 Iswara 1.3 aeroback.

We have to drive slower. Pushing the car to deliver the same power should be bad for the fuel consumption.

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Nokia 5800 as MP3 player & weekend

We're happy with the 5800. I only wish if the volume can be a bit louder by either higher volume out from the 5800 or higher volume in on the AV input.

Oh yeah... I wish the head unit touch screen could control the 5800 too.

All this while, I'm stuck with the Greatest Hits by Kenny G on my CD since my kids love them so much. Now daddy has got some music to listen to.

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AV Input and Nokia 5800

There is AV input on the Ipsum. Yesterday I tried connecting Nokia 5800 as an MP3 player. Look what I've got on the LCD screen!

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Ipsum's used spares / half cut

I came across this advertisement by Harp Thai Auto Parts while waiting my other car being washed.

They have Ipsum's half cut.

• Harp Thai Auto Parts 03-80604399

1st Refill With Caltex RON95

Did my refill.

Fuel consumption for the previous 3/4 tank was 11km/litre.

Not bad. But now we have to live with 10 sen more expensive RON 95.

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Weekend trip to Muar

We went to Parit Jawa, Muar last weekend. The Ipsum was installed with a clean air filter.

We are still happy with Toyota Genuine Motor Oil. The car felt stable. With the clean air filter slotted in, the acceleration is much smoother. When overtaking, power came in without notice and the engine did not sound harsh.

It is difficult to tame the accelerator paddle. The Ipsum loves cruising over the limit. At 140 km/h the Ipsum felt as if it has more to give.

My average speed was 110 km/h at the highway and 90 km/h outside the motorway.

From Parit Jawa we picked up 3 adults and proceed to Muar town. The Ipsum does not feel overload and can accelerate and overtake with ease. The weather was hot, thus the air-conditioning was worked harder. But, the engine was still less heaty than before the service.

I'll post the fuel consumption after my next re-fill.

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RON 95 and consumption

It has been reported that RON95 lead to less travel. The figure of the shortage is significant enough that if this is true, this "price decrease" will be a bad detriment to the consumers at large because (1) we are getting less for the same price and (2) our vehicles travel less than before.

Some said that it is best to try all petrol brands to see which one is more suitable for your vehicle and you.

I'll be starting with Caltex RON95. Since I have been using RON92 prior to this (except the latest few fillings), I except the same or better fuel consumption for my Ipsum.

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RON 95's price

We came back from Muar last Saturday. I planned to re-fill today, after fuel price reduction from RM1-80 (RON 97) to RM1-75 (RON 95). I went to Caltex last night at about 10 PM to check whether I can re-fill at the new price. But, it RON 97 was still at its old price. Thus I went home.

The news came to me at 11.15 PM that RON 95 will also be priced at RM1-80. Too late and already tired to go back to Caltex.

What is this Mr Gomen??

If the price of RON 95 was really introduced at RM1-75, I am very certain that the news at RTM/TV3/etc will show interviews of fuel pump customers saying thank you Mr Gomen, the lower fuel price will certainly help in this difficult time, thank you for the creative thinking, we don't really need RON 97, RON 95 is good enough.

But tonight I am sure that this will not happen. I wonder why...

Trip to Singapore (Fuel Consumption)

Went to Little India in Singapore. The Ipsum was refilled few days before this last working day of the week. Because of H1N1 alert, the kids and me waited in the Ipsum for about 45 minutes (engine idling - with air-cond on). The next day before we proceed to Muar, we re-fuel and the reading was 8km/litre.

During entry, the traffic was smooth. No bottleneck or jam, but slight jam on the way of Singapore.

The not so detergent

I washed the air filter with water mixed with a little of this and then with clean warm water.

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Air Filter Wash

I washed the 'reserve' air filter just now. Hope it'll be dry by tomorrow morning.

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80,XXX km minor service

Last Sunday I gave the Ipsum a wash and sent it for a minor service. This time, I purchased a full synthetic Toyota Motor Oil (TMO) from CT Auto at Larkin (RM150) and went to City Tyre (Michelin shop at Taman Pelangi, JB). The oil filter was original Toyota and supplied by City Tyre (RM25) and the labour cost was RM15. Total spent was RM190.

This was my first experience with TMO. All this while, we used M7 engine oil. I was a bit sceptical at first because TMO is locally made for UMW Toyota, the local Toyota authorised distributor. Boy was I'm in for a surprise. TMO is a weightier oil if compared to M7. The Ipsum is a bit reluctant when accelerating with TMO. It is by no mean slow. However, once the Ipsum met the required speed, the Ipsum felt more stable. My wife who was seating at the middle row did also complemented the same.

This was my first time with Toyota Oil Filter too. Before this mostly with M7 oil filter.

This may cause us to stick to Toyota original products. The engine oil is cheaper than M7, more suitable for the engine and last longer (10,000 km). M7 lasted 5,000 km despite being a fully synthetic.

Another thing which I realise is that the front bonnet is less hot to touch after drives. Less heat should be a good thing for the engine.

I was more than happy after this service.

6,000 km ago, the Ipsum was sent to Mutiara Motor's new outlet at Larkin for service. I purposefully did not post about it to wait for this service to compare with.

The new outlet was a clean and of a high standard. There was a waiting lounge with air-conditioner, coffee, astro and LCD TV. The workshop floor is a shiny clean and I've never seen such a standard before. With all this, I was prepared for a premium pricing.

For a start, there was no longer M7 free oil filter with the purchase of the M7 engine oil. This was the first cause of a higher service. Apart from the free oil filter, I usually also get a free t-shirt which is a nice one for daily home wear.

The service was fast. My Ipsum was attended to by 3 personnels.

During the service, I was inform that my Greddy air filter is old and should be replaced. I was told that Mutiara Motor no longer have them in stock and I was recommended M7 filter which was not cheap. I asked whether I can wash my Greddy filter since it is a washable type (I have never washed the filter prior to that - overlooked the matter). The lady went to ask the mechanic and informed me that the air filter's life should have come to an end. It should be replaced.

Since I already have another clean filter at home, I went home later and install the other set. Mutiara was right that my Ipsum improved tremendeously after the other air filter was replaced. However, I have washed the dirty filter and re-fit the same to the Ipsum and it is still in good shape. I smelled somebody was trying to gain some commission from the air filter sale.

I think the labour costs was high and I cannot accept it as reasonable because -

i. It was a normal service ;
ii. They identified 1 bulb which needed replacement but in actual fact there was 2 which needed replacement ;
iii. The bulbs were not changed because they did not have them in stock;
iv. The engine oil was costly but I think not that good for the Ipsum and not long lasting as the cheaper TMO.

I find it hard to accept the above. Thus, that may be my final visit to Mutiara for service.

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RON 92 is finished, RON 97 tonite

Went to Caltex Taman Pelangi, JB and the one near Taat House (no longer in business) and the one near Puteri Specialist. They all have run out of RON92. We filled with RON 97.

The calculation came to 9.7km/liter. Partly town drive and partly long distance cruising.

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Caltex RON 92 re-fill

Less idle engine, slightly better fuel consumption. Town drive 100%, 8.2km/litre.

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Caltex RON 92 Town Drive

Re-fill 2 nights ago. 7.7km/litre - with Caltex RON 92.

Ipsum 240's Owner's Manual

The Owner Manual and Service Schedule Maintenance Book can be purchased here.

Test

This is a manual version. The middle seats are individual seats, cannot be stowed flat to the floor. Left hand drive.

Avensis Verso

Can be found here.

Practical and roomy - that's what the Toyota Avensis Verso is. The Toyota Avensis Verso is a very nice sized MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) for its class. This is large when compared with a number of its competitors. It is in room and practicality that the Toyota Avensis Verso takes the lead. High levels of comfort and safety make this almost untouchable. The Avensis Verso is capable of carrying seven passengers in pure comfort. The elegant exterior looks surprisingly roomy and, once inside, you can see for yourself that the Toyota Avensis Verso lives up to its spacious smooth looks.

The amount of passenger space, even for the tallest occupants, is outstanding. The very supportive cloth seats, adjustable steering column, air conditioning, adjustable driver's seat, intermittent windscreen wipes, power windows, locks and steering, audio system and CD player, and a split folding third row seat make this vehicle a joy to own. For those prospective buyers who like things a little more luxurious, then the Ultima provides ultimate luxury. But both models boast climate control, power windows (front & rear), power steering, a six speaker MP3 compatible CD player, cruise control, power mirrors, central locking & keyless entry, driver & front passenger SRS airbags, front seat side curtain and front seat side impact airbags (Ultima only), ABS with BA (Brake Assist) & EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), the Toyota designed Safe-T-Cell, and a three year/100,000km warranty (whichever comes first). One of the main endeavours that the Avensis design team wanted to achieve was maximum packaging, efficiency and interior space. There are 18 different seating and load carrying configurations. I think they succeeded.

The Toyota Avensis Verso's engine is well suited to the vehicle. The 2.4 litre petrol engine is an in-line dual overhead cam 4-cylinder motor that is sprightly in its action. With 118 kW, you are always equipped with grunty acceleration when you need it. I like the smooth refined delivery of power. It suits the purpose of the vehicle right down to a tee - and that purpose is to carry large groups of people quietly and smoothly. The engine is excellent for a large family who needs to perform transport duty for the local footy team. The relaxed on-road performance is complemented by the exceptional four-speed automatic gearbox that changes up and down the gears unhindered and unnoticed. The Toyota Avensis Verso has the power to climb steep hills or comfortably cruise down the highway at speed. The driver will enjoy the way the car handles well for this MPV type vehicle, and the way the brakes are powerful and effective.

Safety isn't compromised. Every Avensis is fitted with driver and front passenger two-stage Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags for added protection. The Ultima also features front seat mounted side airbags for even more comprehensive safety. Dynamic safety features onboard the Avensis are many. ABS brakes are standard on every model. ABS brakes prevent the wheels from locking up and sliding under heavy braking. Wheel lockup is a major cause of accidents because steering control is lost once the front wheels skid. The Avensis's ABS braking system also features Brake Assist (BA) (which helps you apply optimum braking force during an emergency stop) and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) which dynamically distributes braking force based upon the load inside the vehicle.

The Avensis not only gives Toyota a much more modern and more efficient entry into the people mover (or family wagon) class; it also provides a cheaper alternative to the larger eight-seater Tarago. With a sizable list of features and options, and the ability to carry seven passengers, the Toyota Avensis Verso is the right multi-purpose vehicle for you!

Muar Trip

Went back to my home town in Muar last Saturday. Came back yesterday.

12km+/litre was achieved.

Tyres replacement

Visited a few shop. I was quoted RM490 and RM435 per piece for Michelin Primacy LC from 2 separate shops (I wonder why the great difference since both shops displayed Michelin logo and the tyres are newly introduced in the market) and RM390 per piece for Michelin XM1 (albeit difference in size a bit - 215/60/16 instead of the original 205/60/16).

Currently I am waiting for the price confirmation for Pirelli. I was quoted RM530 per piece but the dealer is yet to come back to me with the model and year made of the tyres.

Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan

The Ipsum covered about 1,500km last weekend. Johor Bahru - Palong - Kuantan - Kuala Terengganu - Kota Bharu - Kuala Terengganu - Kuantan - Segamat - Johor Bahru.

Seems like we need to replace the tyres sooner than we think. Thinking about Pirelli P6.

Good journey. Back at work today.

Wish and Ipsum and Estima

WISH

1. No second blower.

2. Ok made quality - brand new CBU around RM150k.

3. Price around RM120k for 2004 made.

4. Can seat 7, but third row not really for adult.

5. With all seats up, not much space for luggage for long holiday.

6. Tall - car like (handles like car).

7. Made for less market - less volume, less quality? May be I'm wrong.

8. This model is positioned above Altis and below Camry in Toyota's product range.

9. I don't know if Wish ever won any award.

10. Basic comfort (NVH).

11. Good fuel economy at the expense of power?

12. 2nd and 3rd row when folded - give flat floor for bigger luggage.

13. Mini MPV same as Stream, Mazda 5, etc.

IPSUM

1. Got second blower.

2. Better made quality - brand new price CBU RM250k (the price difference is great compared to Wish - great difference in quality?).

3. Price difference only around RM15k compared to Wish of the same 2004 made, but Ipsum with 2.4cc engine and brand new price difference about RM100k.

4. Can seat 7 adults.

5. With all seats up, bigger space for luggage even if compared with Estima - because Ipsum has got underneath storage.

6. Slightly taller than Wish - still car like for handling.

7. This model is sold in many countries - better quality? I think so because more volume, and need to cater many safety requirements.

8. This model is positioned above Camry in Toyota's product range. The replacement (Toyota doesn't say so) - Mark X Zio is positioned even higher. If this is correct, what does it mean? Mark X Zio is like Merc R-class of Toyota.

9. Ipsum / Avensis Verso was the Best People Mover in Australia for 3 years till 2003 until it was snapped up by the current Oddysey.

10. Good comfort (NVH).

11. Good fuel economy and good power to weight ratio.

12. 2nd and 3rd row when folded - give flat floor for bigger luggage and still have underneath storage.

13. Proper MPV same as Oddysey, Grandis.

ESTIMA

1. Got second blower.

2. This is the more expensive of all, quality should be no issue.

3. Brand new CBU price is around RM280k, right?

4. Can seat up to 8 adults.

5. All seats up, bigger storage than Wish but not Ipsum.

6. Tall MPV - not car like handling.

7. This model is also sold in many countries - quality is proven issue.

8. I don't know where Estima is positioned but definitely higher than Wish / Ipsum but lower than Alphard?

9. No need award - proven model already.

10. I have no idea of NVH for this but logic tells me that it should be better than Wish / Ipsum.

11. Good fuel economy at the expense of power (for 2.4 cc)?

12. No versatile luggage carrying.

13. Bigger MPV - same as Naza Ria.

New Battery

This morning, the starter sounded a bit slow compared to normal starts. After a stop, it became more slow than the first start. Thus, I bring it to a car battery dealer at Taman Bahagia, at Jalan Tampoi.

During test (the engine was still running), the dealer told me that the battery should be replaced. I tried to sound sceptical. So, the dealer ask me to turn off the engine and he said that the engine will not start after that because of battery failure. True enough, the engine did not start after that.

I bought a maintenance free battery by Century from the dealer (NS60) for RM185. Few month back, a friend paid RM250. May be battery prices have come down.

The battery came with 12 months warranty.

The engine started as usual after the battery change.

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Mutiara Motors's 2004 Ipsum 240s

A friend is considering Ipsum 240 series (facelifted). He found a BRAND NEW 2005 Ipsum 240s at Naza World for RM150k on the road.

I found this 2004 240s (facelifted) at Mutiara Motors, Johor Bahru for RM128k without road tax and insurance.

Close to 55k km on the odometer

Facelift version comes with silver centre panel, this one

comes with DVD player / monitor / Hard disk

Can you see the words 'DVD Video'?

The steering has 4 spokes with controller built-in

No adjustable suspension

Air cleaner? Plasmacluster?

The seat fabric - taken from the second row

See the ISOFIX connections?

Clean interior

Dark interior - maple

Solid White

Previous owner has installed an extra handle

Standard 17" alloy

HID / fog lamps / new front end

Sporty new image

1 moonroof + 1 sunroof = 2

Solid white

Nice