Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by gold member

IMPORTANT- UNIFI BROADBAND 500Mbps (800Mbps)

gold member — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 23:00:24 +0800

I'm unsure how many Unifi users are experiencing the same issue, but here's what I discovered:

- In 2017, the plan was 30Mbps, with a modem supporting up to 1000Mbps and a router supporting up to 100Mbps.
- In October 2017, it automatically upgraded to 50Mbps.
- In September 2018, it automatically upgraded to 500Mbps.
- In October 2023, it automatically upgraded to 800Mbps.

If your plan aligns with mine:

Upon calling 100 and resolving the issues, here's what I found:

1. If you don't inquire, call them, they'll quietly charge you for the promised 500Mbps but deliver a low-speed connection (with many underlying problems).
2. In 2018, when the plan upgraded to 500Mbps, Unifi should have replaced the router, as the original one supports only up to 100Mbps, causing frequent disconnections due to the high-speed connection (Broadband & Modem are 500Mbps).
3. Without active inquiry (calling them), there's a misconception that local speed is inherently slow. If you don't call until the issue is resolved, you're left with a maximum 100Mbps connection, while you should be getting 500Mbps (automatically upgraded to 800).

Using 800 as an example, the speed should be around 75%, roughly 600Mbps.

Solutions:

1. Call 100, request a technician to inspect the existing equipment and wiring. Given the ongoing Covid situation, please be cautious.
2. Consider buying a new router by yourself if possible and obtain the password from them. Note that the mentioned steps exclude the PPPoE password, which requires a call to them.

Yes, since 2018, my plan has upgraded to 500Mbps, but the speed caps at 100Mbps or below when using the router.
Meaning to say, I have been paying for 500 Mbps, but when I connect through router and I did a test before calling them was 10 Mbps ONLY!!!
I have been paying RM190 for 5 years but didn't actually enjoy the service!!!!

Act quickly, or your plan might be 800Mbps, but the actual speed could be below 100Mbps.

Unifi, as service providers, should always ACTIVELY ensure users receive the contracted internet speed.
I wonder why nobody takes action against them or even complain to Consumer Association?

Car Detailing for a Restored Car- Interior painted

gold member — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:01:24 +0800

Hi, All, just recent I have an old 25-year car restored.
Well, it was done and looks like a showroom car.
However I notice one problem, for the 4 door cards and lower half of dashboard, the Interior Shop has used paint to paint these area including the PVC, vinyl, plastic frame cover and the leather.

Now, I have this problem. If it is in original condition, unpainted, I can use respective detailing product for interior detailing.
Because of these surface has been painted (to cover the sign of ageing) so what are the products I need to use to dress or condition these PVC, vinyl or leather?
The seats were not painted.
According to the shop, they recommended just use water to clean and no need for other detailing but I was thinking it is quite an old car.
The shop owner also mentioned that he recommended using Amway interior products (not promoting but based on his experience in the past) if I really want to do detailing.

If I want to do some detailing, any points I need to take note?

If it is a new car, I will use branded detailing products for interior for different materials though.

Please share if you have any ideas about the detailing for painted interior.

Shell Rimula?

gold member — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:04:51 +0800

Just realized there is a type of shell engine oil called Rimula. It's the same, it has fully to mineral range and as advertised, targeted at fleet.
I have seen some cars that need high quantity of engine oil use Rimula.
I was thinking, if the information I collected is correct, that is, fully synthetic Rimula R6 can be used on daily driven cars, that means a 20L of Rimula R6, merely cost RM11.65 per liter.
Meaning to say, even we get the RM89 engine oil from Giant, it is still a rip off as we can frequently change engine oil as the cost is low (RM11.65 per liter, a 4 liter engine oil merely costs RM46.60.

Anybody can shed some lights? Or these Rimula oils doesn't suitable for car? Or is it the other way round.
Note that Rimula says is for Diesel vehicles (probably targeted at trucks and so).
But compare to drivers who don't change engine oil periodically, isn't that the Rimula serves the purpose?

Sold

gold member — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:24:26 +0800

Item sold. Thanks!

Sold

gold member — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:51 +0800

Sold, thanks!

Sold

gold member — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:36:59 +0800

Sold thanks!

Car Preventive Maintenance

gold member — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 01:04:11 +0800

Throughout the years owning cars, whenever I do my cars' maintenance at the workshops, I think 9 out of 10 workshops would advise me, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Recently, my car's mileage has reached 150k km, checked with the mechanic the cost to replace water pump, fuel pump, engine mounting, motor and etc. Both mechanics told me the same thing.

I tried to search, but none give me a very satisfied answers on what mileage to change which part as part of the preventive measures. I have checked car manual, it doesn't mention clearly at which mileage which parts to be changed. Understood that a lot of parts are relying on our driving skills and style. I am not considered myself as a car man, but last I changed all my stock tyres clocked at 90k km! (Which these stock tyres have no problem stretch to over 100k km as the indicators show still safe).

We all know that wear and tear thing can't be avoided. The purpose that I carry out preventive maintenance is to avoid car break down out of sudden and maintain good driving pleasure (imagine a leaking cooling coil will cause the journey inside car cabin so stuffy) and tip top condition close to new car if possible.

I would like to list down few common fluids/ items to be changed (advisable):

Fluid:
Engine oil 5k to 10k
Oil filter 5k to 10k
ATF oil 30k
Break fluid (50k?)
Coolant (40-80k)
Air-con coolant (80k?)

Wear and tear:
Battery, Amaron (have it checked annually or show signs of low power, 2-3 years should be)
Air filter (used at own's risk, K&N, slightly dirtier throttle)
Cabin filter (50k?)
Spark plugs (Mine 100k)
Engine mounting (100k?)
Engine hoses (?)
Radiator hoses (?)
Tyre (~80-90k for me, light footed)
Break pad (~120k km for me, don't use break so much, some 20-30k don't know how)
Break disc/ break drum (every 30-50k?)
Engine timing chain/ belt (?)
Air-con belt (?)

Parts:
Shock absorber (Around 120k)
Radiator Fan Motor (Around 150k?)
Air con compressor (?)
Air con cooling coil (150k)
Water pump (150k?)
Fuel pump (150k?)
Alternator (150-200k?)
Starter (?)
Light bulbs (periodically checking, ~70-80k)
CV joints

Periodically
Overhaul (?)
Fuel tank (?)

Understand that it all comes down to driving habits, conditions and fluids/parts used. I always opt for close to original parts (OEM, seldom able to get "genuine original" parts).

2017 New Car Price

gold member — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 03:44:07 +0800

Quite a number of car dealers / SA mentioned that most of the car prices will be increased in 2017? Is it going to be increased as at 1st of January or there will be grace period e.g.: after CNY? Most giving the reason due to weaken local currency vs cars (or spare parts) originated country. Do not know how true is it? No 30% discount but X% increment? Will we see buying crowds again in end of the year 2017? i.e.: no huge discount no buy?! Well, it is still too early to say. What you say?

Trend nowadays more towards SUV?

gold member — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 12:18:51 +0800

I noticed that nowadays when people choose for >100k vehicles, normally people nowadays more favour SUVs, e.g.: CRV, HRV, X-trail, CX-3, CX-5, XV, Sportage and etc (or around 60k e.g.: Alza and Exora, MPVs, bigger cars). There are still segment C and segment D sedan supporters. But nowadays I see more and more female drivers who likes SUVs against conventional sedans. Even once guys' favourite Subaru XV and Sportage become girls' choice nowadays. Other than higher ground clearance (practical during flood or going off road or challenging road condition), giving sense of security, better visibility, maybe value for money and bigger boot area (multi purposes), what are other reasons that nowadays more and more people leaning towards SUVs rather than segment C and D sedan? Even my friends who drive sedan after driven Avanza/ Innova are more towards SUVs and I do have hard time to explain to them if without some specific off road or harsh road condition, for our urban road system, most of the time there is no need for SUVs. Understand that existence of SUVs is no longer meant for beach boys to go to the shore to showcase their muscular bodies, it is become a trend nowadays. What is your view on this?

Is Forester a good to own SUV?

gold member — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 20:24:33 +0800

While looking for a C or D segment car, tried a SUV. Went to test drive Forester 2.0iP, like the neat design (even though a bit old school, not so futuristic), view in the car, layout and multi-function display (everything adequately within reach, most cars does so, but Forester's suit my liking), handling and power.

I like the Forester as a SUV mainly due to:
-AWD
-Boxer engine (more stable and safer in term of getting into crash, right into engine bay)
-Safety features (quite rugged, tough and safe) and plenty (to name a few: 4 channel ABS EBFD system, side door reinforcement beams, ring shape reinforcement and etc.)
-Again safety, 7 airbags
-Power boot
-Both driver and passenger power seat (with memory function for driver's seat)
-Very informative display (although a bit like 80's design)
-Many features and gadget e.g.: X-drive, paddle shift, cruise control, roof rails

What I worry about Forester are:
-Relatively "cold door" / less popular in Malaysia (maybe due to previous marketing and pricing)
-Bad sales service (potentially, due to less SC and some bad feedback from some owners)
-Expensive spare parts (need to verify)
-High fuel consumption (responsive's engine drawback)
-Low resale value (understand that we buy what we want, not to buy to sell but just a factor)
-Any other potential problem. (E.g.: for XV read that the NVH is yield at the >110km/h especially at the side mirror area and etc.)

Understand that there is other SUVs like Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-trail and Honda CRV.
Have not driven any of these 3 before but have seen CX-5 (2.0) and X-trail:
-All 3 might lose to Forester due to safety features forester has.
-X-trail is 5+2 seats but lack of power boot
-CRV read that somehow popular due to success branding, CX-5 and X-trail are catching up.
-Forester is almost having the international specification as compare to other 3 SUVs which some of the features are disappear in local models.
-Feeling CX-5 a bit small on the other hand, X-trail too big.
-Forester is 2.0 l but is AWD. If for CX-5/X-trail/CRV, only 2.5l is 4WD. IIRC, forester's AWD is fully engaged/ automatically, whereby for the other 3 (2.5l variant) only active when engaged (X-trail's might be auto)
-(Personal taste), not very liking all 3 SUVs curvy design.

What do you think? Would like to get your opinion on Forester and suitable SUVs. All feedback are welcome.
This thread can help to potential SUV buyers to evaluate their choice too!

Forgot to add, OTR price for Forester 2.0iP is around 13X k. To be, with nearly 20-25k discount is a bargain!
(Disclaimer: I am a buyer, just interested to know about SUV, not a SA! Information as I can recall, might be inaccurate, refer to respective model for the specifications)

Peugeot giving huge discount for this Deepavali!

gold member — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 16:24:31 +0800

Peugeot is giving huge discount for this Deepavali. Discount from 9k to 37k.

Peugeot website:
http://peugeot.com.my/campaigns/style-shines-this-deepavali/

Is Peugeot car worth it or this is another "cold door" car campaigns after so many huge discount by Continental Cars, Volkswagen and even Subaru?
What is your opinion about this brand?

Other than it is a lifelong vehicle, what other good thing about Peugeot?
I believe Peugeot's sales would at least "shine" a bit in this campaign!

*Peugeot 308 THP Discount RM 9,000
**Peugeot 508 Discount RM 20,000
***Peugeot 5008 (MPV) Discount RM 25,000
****Peugeot 3008 (SUV) Discount RM 29,000
*****Peugeot 408 Discount RM 37,000

Segment D Showdown

gold member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 22:34:11 +0800

Hi, guys. I always want to ask this question, which segment D is a value for money. I am more a practical guy, however, well, guys do like expensive toys. Therefore I would like to settle down with a D-segment and enjoy driving for the next couple of years. Currently driving a compact MPV, serves the purposes well, spacious but not much driving pleasure.

Currently with the FL of Honda Accord, there will be some discount for the previous model. Following Accord, soon Camry will have another FL, since the current hybrid cycle has been quite some time already (or for the 2.0 variant). Then will be followed by Nissan Teana's FL. And normally Nissan gives the biggest discount for the going to be replaced model.

The discussion is to know the pros and cons for each car, currently shortlisted these three (there are mazda 6 and passat, of course).

Accord does win hands down on the handling, safety and engine department but kinda loss in the NVH department. It is more like a driver's car. Generally maintenance and spare parts are more expensive. There are some gearbox issues (for previous model)

Camry is somewhere in between Accord and Teana, which has good RV (again some will detest based on RV), reliability but lose out in NVH (hybrid) and safety (features) department. Handling is good too. Generally maintenance and spare parts are affordable.

Teana on the other hand is comfortable for both driver and passengers, look elegant/ "atas" (interior and exterior), has more adequate safety features, better package, good NVH. However, Teana's cons are mainly on the handling and power (hp). Generally maintenance and spare parts are cheap.

The debates can go on and go on without any ending. However, by discussion D segment cars, we get to know the common perception about typical segment D car in local market. There will be some potential buyers who like to know the pros and cons before buying. So, feel free to comment.

Additional note: I do notice that from the past that if the driver is able to choose the car with suitable characteristic, it is much more easier to maneuver. E.g.: some drivers prefer EPS, some prefer more realistic feedback.

2016 Proton Perdana Specs Revealed? How much?

gold member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:38:07 +0800

From Paul Tan

QUOTE

With all the spyshots of the 2016 Proton Perdana, we’ve just got a glimpse of some of the items that will be featured in the national flagship D-segment sedan, which is based on the previous-generation Honda Accord.

Additionally, we’ve been told that the Perdana is now officially open for booking. The price has not been set yet, but Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed candidly said at a briefing today that it will be priced between RM100k-RM150k. Also, the launch date for the car has not yet been finalised, but there’s a possibility of it arriving sometime in the first quarter, so the word goes.

Inside, items include paddle shifters and cruise control, and also on is an infotainment system with GPS navigation and reverse camera function, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, anti-trap power windows for the front, a tilt and telescopic steering and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The Perdana will be equipped with a 2.4 litre engine offering 181 hp and 222 Nm of torque. Paddle shifters and cruise control are also to be found. Safety-wise, the Perdana will come equipped with airbags (no specific mention of how many), electronic stability control as well as ABS with EBD.

Previously, the car has been sighted with L-shaped LED tail lights, a rear diffuser, a tall rear lip spoiler and DRLs. The Perdana was also spotted with a black-and-beige interior scheme with brown wood trim.

How much do you think 2016 2.0 and 2.4 Perdana will cost respectively?

Got Anti Trap Power Window!

Our country's tax system and car policy

gold member — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 21:15:57 +0800

I compare the NGL sold in Indonesia and Malaysia. NGL in Indonesia is sold at equivalent to RM 80k. However, I understand that we cannot compare model which sell in different country. However, some of the differences that I have spotted are:

1) Bigger rim/ tyre (15 vs 16)
2) Double Din (MY antique CD player, no MP3 some more!)
3) Driver and Passenger air bags (MY most 2 air bags in the front)
4) Keyless (sure have key in MY one)
5) Shock sensor (never heard before)
6) Reverse camera (rear mirrors counted? high tech I believe!)

It is suppose to be "grand". At current offer, some would mention it is not value for money etc. I don't mind it is either 80k in Indon or 100k in My, but least give whatever specification sold overseas here.

The reason is very simple. If TC imports or we have those NGL with overseas specs, this will make local BBQed cars like protong or mayvee less competitive (It is not competitive now, yes! What I meant is less less competitive.) Let's say in this scenario, we have NGL selling at 60-70k (full spec) with overseas specs, how much do you think we have to price protong and berodua? Even local baked car and vios priced at the same price range, with foreign brands with more feature, do you think local fried brand can even be sold?

By imposing higher tax, encourage local dealers to sell at sky rocket price WITH reduced features, do you think consumers would be happy with the purchases?! On the other hand, slightly reduce local produced cars price, add more rubbish function = good sales!

Furthermore, another point is, our gahment don't really encourage dealers to bring in too many models. They much prefer those handicapped models on the road rather than those handicapped protong and maivee. Compare Sillipore car to Bolehland cars, then you know the answer.

In the past, we more or less benefit by protong, but not these days. If possible, I rather that local baked brands close shops for the benefit of at least LYN car enthusiast!

Nissan Expects to Market Self-Driving Cars by 2020

gold member — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 22:51:19 +0800

Japanese Auto Maker Pledges to Offer Vehicles That Can Operate Autonomously

IRVINE, Calif.—Nissan Motor Co. 7201.TO -2.58% plans to offer cars with self-driving technology by 2020, a senior company executive said on Tuesday.

"Nissan Motor Co. pledges that we will be ready to bring multiple affordable, energy efficient, fully autonomous-driving vehicles to the market by 2020," Executive Vice President Andy Palmer said during a presentation in Southern California.

Self-Driving Car Swerves to Avoid Pedestrian
Nissan is one of several major auto makers working to develop cars that can drive themselves. Silicon Valley search giant Google Inc. GOOG +0.06% also is working on autonomous driving technology.

The push to perfect cars that can drive themselves, all the time or part of the time, is aimed in part at reducing the number of accidents caused by driver errors.

Mr. Palmer said Nissan will build by 2014 a proving ground to test its autonomous vehicle systems.

Nissan demonstrated on Tuesday how a prototype self-driving Leaf electric car could use a combination of laser guidance systems, radar sensors and cameras to navigate around a track with various obstacles.

The car could detect a red light and slow to a stop. When a dummy pedestrian jumped in front of the car, it automatically swerved to the left to avoid a collision. When a test driver engaged the turn signal, the car turned right to simulate exiting a freeway.

The Nissan prototypes don't use a rotating device on the roof, as some of Google's prototype self-driving cars do. Instead, Nissan engineers said, their sensors are built into the car.

"Most of the technology solutions are in sight. The challenge is not…the technology," Mr. Palmer said at the presentation Tuesday. "The big step is the regulatory framework."

Beginning in 2020, Mr. Palmer said Nissan plans to roll out autonomous driving technology and make it available across its model lineup within two product generations, or roughly between eight and 10 years thereafter.

Nissan said its engineers have been working on self-driving car technology for years alongside researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford, Oxford, Carnegie Mellon universities and the University of Tokyo.

Nissan will work with hardware suppliers to develop its technology, Mr. Palmer said.

"The question is how deep do they get into the software, which is the critical challenge. Mr. Palmer said the company isn't working with Google on its self-driving car technology, although it does work with Google on other projects. "I can't preclude working with Google," Mr. Palmer said.

Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn was expected to attend Tuesday's session, but members of his staff said an unexpected issue forced him to cancel his appearance. They didn't elaborate.

More vehicles already offer technology that automates certain driving functions. Currently available cruise-control systems can automatically slow and speed up to maintain a set distance behind cars ahead in a lane. Brake systems that automatically stop a car to avoid a collision are available as are systems that can keep a car in a lane.

Among the technical challenges for auto makers seeking to develop fully autonomous driving are developing low cost, reliable sensors that will "see" around a car and guide it along its route.

Nissan's goal of developing a self-driving car for sale by 2020 is consistent with forecasts from technology and other industry executives that the hardware and software could be ready within that time frame.

But the most difficult obstacles to marketing fully self-driving cars could be legal and regulatory.

A few U.S. states have passed laws making it legal to test self-driving cars on public roads, but before high volume sales to consumers can begin, auto makers, regulators and insurers will have to sort out who would be liable if a self-driving car gets in an accident.

Full Article

Highway PLUS topic

gold member — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 15:50:01 +0800

Hi, sometimes I do travel from KL to JB area and fro. However, I notice, of course most of the cars do obey the speed limit rule. However, do notice that some of the cars like to speed like > 110 km/h on the highways. Putting danger aside, these people do not worry about the summons?

I heard that there are some ways to avoid those pretty photos turn into summons. Anybody got any insight?

Also, some drivers really are reckless. Sometimes it is not that we do NOT want to give way, imagine that we are driving at 110 km/h, sure we want to give way if POSSIBLE, but sometimes these MYVIs, Personas, Inspira, Preves and those luxury car, sports cars and EVEN TRUCKS were so reckless on the road. I even experienced few times that those stupid travel buses overtake me at the speed >> 110km/h. OMG~!

Why don't they have those ejection seat in automob

gold member — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 21:53:36 +0800

Do you think it is possible in future? Just like airbags. Many years ago, before the air bags were being introduced, nobody realized the importance of these air bags. How about an emergency ejection seat, that evacuates the driver to the mid air, landed with parachute opens?

Great idea, right?!

Drive big car easy to get married sooner?

gold member — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 17:16:57 +0800

I just recalled that one of my friend before he changed his small kancil to Ultimate Dugong, his mother in-law refused his proposal to his gf. I believe most of our society members judging the book by its cover.

Sometimes when we drive Kimchi car, people will say, " Wah! You drive K*r*** car! Can run one ah?" or "How is it?" or after sitting, they will give some passing remarks! OMG!

When a couple into relationship, the family member of the other side would tend to judge the guy by the car he is driving, not evaluate how the guy treats the daughter some time. It is like drive big car = successful man. Most people tend to forget car = liability and property = asset. Car will devalue over the time, property appreciate over the time.

Back to my friend's case. He got married with the girl after changing to Ultimate Dugong within 2 years! (Need time to prepare for wedding no matter what, that means instantly Ultimate Dugong= marriage carriage!

Sometimes I drive my van and thinking that IF I were to own any big boss's car e.g.: Accord / Camry / Teana I would turn my car into chicks MAGNET!

What do you think? Are we moving towards a more materealistic society?

inflate tyre in petrol station

gold member — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 00:01:24 +0800

Just happened to me that I inflated my car tyres in an usual petrol station. Surprisingly, finished inflate each tyre I noticed that there are some water spraying out from the nozzle. Further checked found that there might be some water in the compressor due to the air was compressed. Compressed humid air (humidity) = water.

So my question being, little bit of moisture/ water in the tyres, will cause some side effects to the tyres?

Redundant/ unnecessary service by SC

gold member — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 20:14:34 +0800

For those who go back to SC for routine car service under warranty, how do you manage the chargeable items?

Take it example, I asked the SC to remove:

1) Balancing
2) Alignment

From the order list. What I want is to just to back to SC with the minimum spending possible.
Some of the services are redundant.

I understand the importance of balancing and alignment but leaving my car with SC without monitoring, some other little troubleshooting that I addressed to them they never attending, how do I convince that they are doing their works?

In this case, I rather split out balancing and alignment from SC, and have them done outside!

All I want to back to SC and cover under warranty as minimal possible!

I recall there is another hose power something.

Another I can think of is to top up battery water yourself before sending to SC, top up all the brake oil etc. Change air filter yourself.

Any other redundant service that we can cut off to save money? Please list down.

Save money, save the cost.