Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by GarryA

Iswara is King of cars.

GarryA — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:10:25 +0800

After much deliberation (probably too much) it seems the car to suit my needs is the Iswara. For those of you not familiar with these necessities I am 1.87m, require a car for short drives, 50 km, no racing, not performance minded other than not embarrassing me by stalling on the Causeway, budget of RM10000, will go higher if exceptional, will go lower and expect repairs to get it right, will buy '95 if in good shape, will buy '02 if affordable, between 100,000 - 200,00km, not into modding (yet) other than the frame and chassis to stabilize and smooth out ride (if rough), like the Saloon for its boot space and 4 door.

Any suggestions, correction, cautions or out and out critisisms?

'97 Satria or 00 Iswara?

GarryA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:09:49 +0800

Which one would you choose?

Why?

Buyer Beware!

GarryA — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:31:17 +0800

As most sellers would rather lie to make a sale rather than own up to the fact their car has had an accident, or has underlying rust issues what is the easiest way to inspect for these problems? Without any tools either than a small flashlight and a wondering eye how can I detect these aging flaws before grabbing a car that has new paint and new tyres, but a decaying chassis?

Debating the best of less.

GarryA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:15:52 +0800

Which would you prefer?
Which would cost the least (repairs, petrol)?
No drifting, no dragging, no racing, no distance (over 50km).
Obviously no high performance.

THE CHOICES FOR NOW: Kancil'02, a Wira'94, Saga'97, Iswara'95.

Old School - Mitsubishi Lancer

GarryA — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:27:09 +0800

I grew up in the age of the four-barrel and hemi. When cars looked like cars. Not long range ballistic missiles or Apollo rockets. Soon we will be in the horizontal position in the drivers 'gurney' peering out of slits just above the bonnet at the cars booster rockets just ahead of us in the traffic jam. Someone could not see the stalled car 10 meters in front. Looking ahead will be something of the past.
I don't know about you but I like being able to see a few car lengths ahead especially in slow, or heavy traffic with two or more lanes optional.
I have seen older model Lancers, sure it is still the longitudinal engine and marked as a race car but is there a practical side?

Conflicting stories!

GarryA — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:05:36 +0800

It seems with my starter budget I should get a bullet proof Iswara, a Waja, Wira, Saga, Toyota KE, LE, TE, Kancil etc. You get my meaning? Which is best?
With a miserly budget of RM10000 (will go to RM12000 if immaculate, or as low as RM5000 but expect repairs or alterations) which is the best buy. I don't have a heavy right foot and distance driving would not be a factor unless you consider 50km a long stretch. As I would be living in JB a 'pretty' or expensive looking car would be more a danger. So any mods would remain out of site, aka, under the bonnet, box, axles, possibly rims.
Some say my best is an Iswara. Others prefer Saga. Some say Wira is a more solid car while others bet their life on a Waja.
What next!!!

Will I be targeted?

GarryA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:11:13 +0800

If other drivers/riders see into my car and notice I am 'orang puteh' would that target me as easy prey? Would they intentionally ram me and then accuse me of their injury. I'm sure I would have many witnesses ready to lie against me. This is my wife's concern as she has spend much time in Malaysia.
Do I have a relevant concern?

Save the Kembara

GarryA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:02:43 +0800

Remove FWD linkage and shaft, plug holes where shafts were,sway bar, stiffer shocks. Keep high profile, do not lower.
Opinions???
(New thread, old topic).

Kembara mods (revised)

GarryA — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:05:26 +0800

I'm sure it has it's advantages and conveniences but, for what it is, it lacks power to weight. What's worse, it's 4WD!! Who wants a 4WD that barely has the power to climb speedbumps? Remove the FWD shaft, diffs and linkage.
Seriously, I want to save this vehicle. Is it just the drain from the FWD components and can simple removal of these articles of power erosion make this car sensible again? Or is the center of gravity on the car too high and the wheel base to narrow? I'm talking practicality. Driving to work, to the store, to visit family. Not rally races or drifting.

All this is coming from a dumb Canuck that has never been in one before and I'm drawing pictures in my mind from reasonable descriptions and suggestion.

I have had to revise the introduction because of misinformation passed to me earlier. Upon further inspection at an auction site I have found the Kembara engine NOT to be transversely mounted, so changing to FWD only could be disastrous. I also realize from other forums converting 4WD to 2WD is not new. In that case please bear with me as I rehash.

Fitness Instructor

GarryA — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:57:22 +0800

I am a Canadian living in Canada but intend on moving to Malaysia in 3 months time. When arriving I will be needing work and a working visa. My qualifications are certified by the IFA (International Fitness Association Florida. Training includes Body Building, weight lose, weight gain, strength training, cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, and Isometric training for young and old.
Are there any openings in Johore?

Dream Car (revised)

GarryA — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:56:53 +0800

Some interesting and very informative threads on here. Very pleased, and appreciate the help I have been given. Now I'm going to list my dream car and it might get a lot of sour looks. None the less the Kembara would be my car of choice. But before I get all sorts of rude and sarcastic comments let me ask "Is it possible to mod, restore, revamp or renovate this vehicle to make it more socially acceptable. I realize it is underpowered, a 4 wheel drive, and chain drive for the front wheels. Can the front wheel drive be cut without harming the drive flow? Would this also increase FC? Does it need a bigger engine? Can it take a bigger engine? I also realise that for the size of vehicle it will be harder on petrol but can any changes be made to better it's already poor FC?

I want to save this car. I like the looks of it (obviously not a 'ride' fanatic) from a practical standpoint and it's a bit bigger to suit my 1.87m frame. So before you jump on me with fangs and laser eyes I know it has problems. Is there hope for it?

Upon further inspection I have found the Kembara engine to be LONGITUDIALLY mounted. I was misinformed and would rather remove the FWD and all components and leave the RWD as is.
Opinions, suggestions, directions?

Buying a used car

GarryA — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:53:28 +0800

Now I realise that RM10000 IS NOT A BIG BUDGET. So with that out of the way hopefully we can progress. My needs are simple. Local driving, occasional jaunts to Sg. I have found a site that caters to my needs at http://www.mudah.my/li?ca=12_s&th=1&q=&cg=...s=&pe=2&rs=&re= My next question would be which cars are the best at that age, mileage and price?
Any advice?

Buying a car from an Auction?

GarryA — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:57:22 +0800

I am moving to Malaysia from Canada (whether you think that's practical or not) and need a car for running around, going to market, to S'pore to see relatives, maybe going out at night, but not a partier. Looking at buying a Kembara from an auction. Am ready for repairs but to avoid costly breakdowns would enlist the aid of a mechanic to scope out problems before I 'leap into the breach' and bid on something not worthy the towing service.
My mechanical skills just surpassing tire changes prompt this.
If the car cannot be started (because of battery or fluids) is not always an indication, or warning. How else would a mechanic know if a car's drivetrain is sound. If the fluid is ok but battery dead (most likely) can it be boosted at the warehouse/lot to check it?
Some of the cars look damn decent, but what do I know.

So, do you think I am headed for disaster?