Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by

Advice om 2013 ford focus 2.0 titanium

METALRAGE — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 16:53:13 +0800

Im considering buying a used 2013 ford focus 2.0 titanium. Hope to understand from everyone's experince first
1) Is it a reliable car. What are the major reliability complaints? Is it more prone to failure than say a honda city?
2) How expensive are repairs and maintenance?

Thanm you in advance all

Honda HRV vs Mazda 3 2.0 Sedan

METALRAGE — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:47:50 +0800

I'm looking to buy a 2 year old car. I'm torn between these 2 choices and need a little help to decide.

Which would you rather choose and why given that they are the similarly priced?

A Mazda 2.0 or a Honda HR-V?

TNB still in old owners name

METALRAGE — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 02:34:57 +0800

I hv a TNB bill tht is still in the old owners name which he didnt bother to cut even up to 2 yrs later, and i didnt bother to change.

In case there is an outstanding amount i dont pay, what happens.

What is chargeble back to tenants

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

What is chargeble back to tenants

METALRAGE — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 09:46:20 +0800

After 2 yrs, my tenant left the unit with damage to the walls from bluetac which now requires repaint, missing fan cover, furniture missing, air conds naturally need swrvicing, IWK and TNB unpaid.

Is it fair to charge evwrything back to them, including airconnd servicing cost and cleaning costs?

Dell Vostro 5459 vs Asus K401 vs Lenovo U41-70

METALRAGE — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 01:23:07 +0800

I'm looking for an ultrabook with the following preferences:
1) Under 1.8kg and under
2) Core i5 or above
3) 14", the brighter the better
4) Prefer SSD (But not a must, because I can swap out with SSD aftermarket)
5) Must have discrete GPU for light gaming (CS GO, Dota 2)
6) Good battery life
7) Windows
8) Non glossy monitor
9) Reasonable temperature and fan noise

I've narrowed it down to these 3 models on the market. How would you rank each one in order?
Dell Vostro 5459 vs Asus K401 vs Lenovo U41-70

Extending Wireless Signal with another device

METALRAGE — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 18:49:59 +0800

Anyone has any experience setting up an extension of our wireless signal using another device? I have questions and would appreciate any help and guidance.

Current setup:
Main Router connected to Internet. Also serves as DHCP Host and is connected to a Network Switch via LAN cable. IP is on 192.168.1.x

I have an unused TM D-Link DIR-615 router (flashed with DD-WRT) which I intend to use to extend my wireless signal range. The IP this secondary router is 192.168.0.x.

Questions
1) I want the second router to receive the signal from the Main Router via cable. Should I plug the cable into the 2nd router's WAN ports or LAN Port?

2) For my second router, which wireless mode should I choose?
- Client
- AP
- Adhoc
- Repeater
- Repeater Bridge?

3) Should I turn off DHCP for the 2nd router?

4) What other soft configurations should I be aware of?

TQ sifus.

Insurance Agents vs Financial Planners

METALRAGE — Sat, 23 May 2015 19:42:04 +0800

With respect to insurance agents, something I've always been troubled by is how insurance policies have been pushed. Personally, I've cancelled 3 policies that I got into before, and till now, I have trouble customizing my insurance policies via agents even though I know it can be done.

But over the years, i have gathered very sound knowledge on insurances and its moving components. Perhaps one day I will take the time to share my knowledge by putting it on paper. Until then, articles like these plus the rise of e-Policies are set to shake up the insurance industry.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

More can be read at original source: Insurance Agents vs CFPs

Can old speakers connect to new TV

METALRAGE — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 22:58:45 +0800

Hi sifus,
I have one of those pioneer mini compos from 15 years ago. The CD / Casette central unit itself to which the speakers are supposed to be connected is already spoilt. But the speakers should be working fine.

Right now, I'm wondering how to connect these speakers to my new TV. The TV only has Optical audio and also headphones out if i'm not mistaken.

What should I do / get to make it work? Total dunce here so I appreciate your patience. TIA!

Falling Oil Prices - Where it leaves Malaysia

METALRAGE — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 18:53:57 +0800

With the air of uncertainty being felt as a result of falling oil prices, i'd like to share this very well explained article below.

i couldn't copy and paste some of the tables and figures because they are images. but you can visit the link to view in its original form.

Basically, the summary of it is:
1) Malaysia is actually (MOST SHOCKING REVELATION) a net importer of crude oil
2) Economy will shrink overall on low oil prices, but felt unevenly
3) Government revenue will fall, but it's not as high impact as it could be for reasons explained inside the write up
4) Good news is that the balance of trade could move in Malaysia's favor
5) And inflation is kept in check

Let's hope things will not be so bad for us in 2015.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Original Source: Falling oil prices and its effect on Malaysia

How to outsmart your bank

METALRAGE — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:08:54 +0800

QUOTE

1) Use your credit card like a charge card

2) Use reward cards / Cashback credit cards

Bonus Tip #1 – Pay your monthly bills as late as possible using credit cards

3) Cancel and reapply credit cards before just before 1 year

4) Perform IBG transfers on business day mornings

5) Use online FD placement and upliftment with RHB

Bonus Tip #2 – Place your FDs in small separate chunks

6) Put money into chequing account at the last minute

7) Pay home loan instalment as early as possible in the month

8) Pay your car loan & personal loan instalment as late as possible in the month

9) Use comparison sites like Loanstreet to find the best product fit

Source: 9 Exploitable Banking Loopholes

Good stuff. I just copy pasted the summary here without the explanations.

Anyone can think of a few more?

SIM Card added, pls restart. Solution

METALRAGE — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 16:15:19 +0800

For a background to the problem, I got my Nexus 5 in May 2014. It was working beautifully until about 1 week ago, I started getting SIM Card added, please restart messages.

It started with 1x or 2x a day. But now, it's like at least 5-10 times a day. The phone can be sitting in my pocket and not working which cuases alot of missed calls/messages without my knowledge. The problem doesn't necessarily resolve itself even after restart (for some people it does). Meaning my phone is as good as a brick.

Initially, I thought it was a hardware issue. But after countless trying with hardware related troubleshooting, I researched the problem and found that it's actually an Android glitch that can happen to anyone. Not just Nexus 5 users, but anyone on Android 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4. And there is no fix in sight.

It may not have happened to you yet (like me initially). But once it starts, you'll learn the meaning of next level frustration (E.g. I plan on getting a windows mobile and warn everyone against android).

Google is obligated to fix this (possibly uncommon) but critically flawed bug. But we need to get their attention by voting on this problem.

Now, if you too think Google should look into this problem urgently, please see the original issue tracker here. You can vote by clicking on the "STAR" a the top left of the page.

TQ and lets get some attention to this issue

Is this a good buy?

METALRAGE — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 02:33:17 +0800

Hello Sifus,
I am deliberately leaving out the name / location of the prop to learn how sifu analyze based on numbers.

An opportunity is opening up to me I'm 1-2 days away from putting down the money for this prop.

Background
It is a 6 yr old condo, leasehold, strata title will be out end of the year. Non bumi unit. Interest Rate 4.5% @ 35yrs. Chance for price appreciation is at the average rate of property inflation (with a small once off increase after strata title out)

Rental:
This condo has no issues with tenant, 70% student population, rental from RM2.5-2.8k fully furnished. Less recurring costs of RM320 a month

Valuation & Price
The current reasonable PSF price is RM445-450psf.
The lowest asking price I can find today is RM560k. The price offered to me is RM550k for a fully furnished unit.

Catch
I must put down cash RM80k for the deposit for a cash starved owner

Total Cash Outlay
DP = RM80k
Other Entry Costs = RM20k (Incl. SPA costs, Loan costs and Valuation Fees)

By the Numbers
Net Gain from Rental = RM2.8k - RM320 = RM2480
Annual ROI = Net Gain from Rental * 12 / Purchase Price = 5.22%
Monthly Cash on Cash ROI = (Net Gain from Rental - Monthly Installment) / Monthly Installment = 3.07%

With these numbers, at this point, do you sifus think it's a worthwhile buy? Why?

----

How about if in the time leading up to possession, I stand to rent the unit from the owner at RM1k off from the market rental price and could do an arbitrage? MOT should take at minimum 6 months.

Is it worth while at this point?

All sharing is welcome. I look forward to learning from everyone

[WTR] Puncak Damansara Corner Unit To Let

METALRAGE — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:15:49 +0800

Clean, brightly lit corner unit looking for clean living & responsible tenants. High floor. Suitable for families, young couples, and working professionals.

3R2B Unit comes fitted with kitchen cabinets, air-cond x3, water heaters x2. 1 covered car park.

Attentive landlord who will attend to complaints/requests.

Maintenance and sinking fee absorbed by landlord.

Aug 2014 availability. Call 012-2245422 (Lim).

[attachmentid=3711219][attachmentid=3711221][attachmentid=3711222][attachmentid=3711223][attachmentid=3711224]

Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) Loans

METALRAGE — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:58:17 +0800

if you're a bumiputera, you probably would already have bought some Amanah Saham Bumiputera units. (If you haven't, you'd want to be looking into it).

there has been alot of debate about whether ASB loans are worth taking up. This article conclusively shows that YES, it is worth while taking up. The price to pay is a belt tightening and a diminished ability to borrow in the first year only.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

The table which illustrates the actual numbers can't be copy and pasted here but can be viewed here.

So if you're a bumiputera and haven't yet maxed out your asb unit capacity, you know what to do.

How property attributes affect you

METALRAGE — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 12:02:19 +0800

Malaysia has a pretty complicated land code. how many of us understand the different "status" or "attributes" and how it affects the legal conveyancing, loan application and future repercussions? in fact, the conveyancing costs on top of legal fees charged by lawyers are very much affected by what type of property is being transacted because they require different treatments.

This article nicely summarizes most everything you shld know about every property attribute there is in Malaysia and how it affects us. Copy pasted some excerpts

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Can't copy the summary tables. Original link here

Questions on Sale before VP

METALRAGE — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:06:49 +0800

Hi sifus.
It can be fraught with complications if someone wants to sell a place before they have taken VP.

So to those who have experience, what are the issues that A) As a seller and B) As a purchasor have to be concerned and watch out for? What are the ways to go about it or overcome it?

1 thing I can think of is unable to get developer consent to transfer. Is this usually the case?

Bike butchered by thieves over CNY

METALRAGE — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:01:19 +0800

I ride a Jaguh and stay at an apartment. Over CNY, I parked my bike downstairs from my unit in a visible area beside the corridor where people have to walk when moving from Block to Block. Over CNY, I did not use my bike for a week. And some thieves stole from my bike:
1) Carburetor (Cheapest RM380 to get taiwan replacement, RM450 to get japan replacement)
2) Disc brake pump and brake lever (RM85 to get replacement)
3) Chrome side mirrors (Depends on the type)

It's quite a sum of money for me. The guards have narrowed down the suspects to 2 indian men living in Block B who always loiter around where I park my bike. I want to teach them a lesson terribly better still get rid of them from the apartment for good but am afraid of blow back to my family since we are staying in the same apartment after all. I also believe they are only tenants.

1) Are the prices quoted to me for those parts too expensive?
2) How can I get rid of these 2 customers and secure my bike for the future?
3) Any suggestions on how to teach these 2 miscreants a lesson?

TY all.

Loan Application Experience random sampling survey

METALRAGE — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:39:24 +0800

Hi guys/gals of LYN.
I'm in the process of gathering some data for a survey on Loan Application Experiences in Malaysia I am hoping you could help me with it. Results of the survey will be shared at the end.

Online survey at this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B9XGGPX (English version) and http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BXBKL9Q (Bahasa version). It has 10 multiple choice questions and shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.

If you're in Malaysia and have before applied for a bank loan, please do help fill it out.

Thanks so much!

Sources of Revenue from Credit Cards

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800