Shipwreck

The title says it all.

How is it?

Was it worth it?

What is it lacking?

What is the best part about it?

Would you recommend it?

I am seeing them all over the place and the wife is liking the idea of saving 200k+ on a compact city vehicle.

So...what do you think of your March?

r transfer the money from your ATM after calling the number on the back of the ticket and they will mail the license back to you without having to go down to the office to get it.

Have you actually done this? How do you tell them your address?

I have heard of people making color copies of their western license, laminating them, and then presenting them to police.

If it is confiscated, no problem! It cost you less to make than the fine is to pay.

Due the recent release and success of the Fiesta, along with the upcoming new pickup, Ford's reputation will be on a positive upswing for years to come.

Besides, any new car you buy and try to sell after 7 months will have a pretty steep depreciation. Even a Toyota will go down 15%+

No BMW on the list? Merc and Land Rover on there...no love for the Bavarians?

Since Lotus is a Malaysian company, is it possible to buy an Elise in 2015 for the 35000 GBP price? (1.7m Baht) Do they fall under the ASEAN trade agreements?

If so, I expect to see a lot of those around.

Thanks for the reply and link. We share very similar views evidently. The Suzuki's quieter and better driveablity/manoeuvrability as well as the 'made for the purpose' - and not simply adapted - was a big appeal. But the better resale prospects for the Pajero, as you say, count heavily in its favour with me too - a few years down the line I may well upgrade/change.

So what have you decided on? Or will you be taking a lot more time for that?

Personally, I won't be buying until early next year, but I have been doing some research. I am looking at typical sedans like Corolla and Civic, but would really rather have a small SUV, which is why I am drawn to the GV.

If you are probably going to upgrade/change within just a few years I would say go for the Pajero.

But if you don't mind the cons pointed out in MRO's list, and would be driving it for 5+ years, I'd go for the GV.

Others have noted that the cost of fuel is going to be high with the Suzuki, but that might be a minor issue. If you are not going to enjoy driving a big car, it might be worth the extra $$$ for gas and ride comfort you get with the Suzuki.

You could also pick up a used one. Here is a 2009 for 888,000. Save yourself 162k off of list price and you probably still get a warranty.

http://one2car.com/SUZUKI_GRAND%20VITARA/I17100242

I have also been considering the Suzuki Grand Vitara, as it has good reviews and costs 200,000 less than a CRV.

My main concern with it is the lack of an extensive dealership network and lack of brand recognition by Thais. It might hurt resale value down the road.

I too like the looks of the Pajero, but live in Bangkok and don't want to deal with parking a large truck, so I'm considering smaller options.

Here is a review that sums up the pros and cons (even though this is a V6 3.2 and Thailand only sells the 2.0)

thats onl Thai government registered theachers. They get very low rate finance so they can get in deep debt and and be trapped into a low paying profession. Of course, this does not encourage corruption so that's ok then

Do foreigners working at government schools get that rate? If so, is there a special place to go for that deal? A particular bank? Any dealer? Or maybe some online documentation outlining the savings?

Thanks!

I was able to answer my own question by having the wife do some searching.

The government worker must be Thai, be on a Tabien baan and have an ID card. They also must be on the 'dead teachers' fund, which asks for contributions when a teacher dies to help out their family.

FYI

One of my brothers-in-law's son has just got a job as a teacher in a government school, so he's now entitled to a loan over a million baht as he's got nearly 40 years employment ahead of him.

So his dad has plans to buy a pick-up outright with the loan. I asked who would be responsible for the repayments to the bank and he said his son as gratitude for being brought up by his old man.

Start work and owe 600,000 baht immediately!

He is only able to get loans IF he is a member of "Sahagon Khru"....If not then he's able to get Jack sh&^%

My wife is also a teacher in a Govt. school with 16 years experience and she is only able to get 600,000 so i think 1 million is going a bit too far.

What is meant by 'Sahagon Khru" ? Is that a teacher union or something?

thats onl Thai government registered theachers. They get very low rate finance so they can get in deep debt and and be trapped into a low paying profession. Of course, this does not encourage corruption so that's ok then

Do foreigners working at government schools get that rate? If so, is there a special place to go for that deal? A particular bank? Any dealer? Or maybe some online documentation outlining the savings?

Thanks!

I'm currently listening to the song that plays with my newborn's swing.

Relaxing....really!

Yet, in reality, there are no fire exits...

Man, I bet that is as flat as....(insert punchline here)

That story was a heck of a lot more interesting than the ones I usually get from the in-laws. When you move into a new place they ask the address and then play the #s, When you buy a car they ask you the plate number and play the #s, When you are about to have a baby they ask the expected date and play the #s.

I would have said yes to the invitation you got too, just for the experience.

I would like to try this.

My vote: Get rid of those market lao-khao liquor stands and make fried beer stands!

and if you have 1.5m you can nab yourself a 95 z28... ha!

http://one2car.com/C...AMARO/A22100165

Holy Mother Mac Cree! The RHD dash conversion on the 95 Z28 is an abortion!

They never made any factory RHD Camaros? Does that mean that the conversion was done in Thailand?

Anyone have a ballpark figure for the price of that Jazz Hybrid? +/-1M?

Didn't you notice this when you took it for a test drive?

Correction: that's ITAsoftware.com

Thanks for that, that is a pretty decent site.

The recently Facelifted Toyota Corolla Altis sells 3,500 units in it's first week - proving you can teach an old dog new tricks..

Big thank you to Toyota LOS finally replacing dated engines and 4 speed slushers in Corolla Altis, with same engines as in US and EU, and more modern autos:P

What are the specifics of the facelift change?

Also, what 'new engines' are available on this new version of the Altis?

Thanks!

I agree so that's why I picked up a 5 series e39 instead of a new accord or camry. I'll take some additional repairs for a car I enjoy driving and still have some cash left over.

You say that you took 4 cars in for inspection before deciding on that particular e39?

What are some examples of what the testing company found that turned you off from those sales?

Do they make a recommendation of purchase, or just lay out the facts of what they found?

Thanks

I also agree with the other posters who are saying shop around.

I recently booked a room at the Chumphon Novatel through Hotels.com instead of Agoda because it was $10 less a night.

2 rooms, x 3 days =$60 savings for looking at other sites.

What were those 800,000 rais growing that they won't be growing in 6 years?

Perhaps that would be the best thing to be growing? Extra rubber means less.....?

Enjoy:

http://www.419eater.com/

That site is awesome, especially:

http://forum.419eater.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=170645

Freaking hilarious!