frankphuket

Original GP alloys...

It surely provides "Fun" on the right roads, with loads of character....but not exactly for 1m...hehe

anyway, enough sales...sorry

Forgive the NON-GP alloys...changed them to 17" as the 18" where a pain the back on Phuket roads...(still have them of course).

Gotta agree with Katipo here. Driven both Mazda 3 and Ford Focus and while they're not fast they are definitely a blast to drive, especially the Mazda 3. If they only had a manual transmission though... ;-)

Exactly...the new Mazda 3 is a nice drive, good handling and if it would have a manual box....yeah, with Mazda reliability....count me in. Such a shame because they build some of the nicest manual boxes around (MX5).

I'm much in the same spot as the OP and have been actively looking for a "toy"... Something with stupid horsepower, light weight, handles like a go kart, easy to wrench on and something I can get parts for... So far I've narrowed it down to the following...

Mitsubishi Lancer or Evo...

Subaru WRX

Mini S or JCW or GP

Bolt-on parts are readily available for all of the above to improve performance, handling and styling, so not re-inventing the wheel...

I'm leaning toward the Mini S R53 because I know my way around the car and have had a couple in the past, so I know what breaks on them... Easy to get 240hp with bolt-on parts and re-chipping, along with suspension parts to tighten it up...

I have a MINI R53 GP and might be parting with it if the price is ok. Very well taken care of with low mileage 20,000miles on it.... Wife complains that I can't drive 3 cars!!! No clue what she is talking about, of course I won't drive them same time...

I guess the typical suspects: 2nd hand 3-4 year old VW Golf GTi or Scirocco, Mini S, Citroen DS3 THP manual only ( very hard to find I was lucky).

New: hmmm...only thing I can think of is a Nissan Pulsar turbo....yeah good power, not great looking.

Master suppression techniques.

Its a well known technique many people use in debates. When they are wrong, or run out of arguments, they start to attach or rediciouly the opponent, eg. "u are not a native English speaker". "I am right, you are stupid" etc..

Thanks....good to know!

Not trying to be a pain or even trying to win an argument.... I have my kids for this matter...hehe. Just not care for people who make half true statements and defend them as the one and only truth, bend what they said instead of just saying...yep, maybe I wasn't that clear and actually mean....blablabla.

Well...well...back to the Golfs....mine is ready to go to the garage again with ABS/EPS sensor problem and it just arrived from the US within 4 days. It seems it dislikes half flooded roads here in Phuket....thought we have quite a bit of rain in Germany and it should be ok.

Not too hard to understand actually if you would know something about Germany or German car makers or history. From after the war till just about 20 years ago or so VW was in fact the car for the people (see VW Beetle or regular Golf) and was on the same level/tier as Ford Germany and Opel Germany. It was low to mid class and mainly had no top range models. This has changed after the purchase of Audi a good while back and they aimed to become more middle and even upper class. (VW Phaeton springs to mind as their attempt to challenge Benz and BMW....failed project though). The Porsche purchase is still quite recent.

Wonder what a Porsche or Bentley driver would say if you ask him/her how is his VW group car? Each brand still has quite a bit of individualism in them and of course it is in VW Group interest to keep it this way. So, in the future when we talk brands, can we just call the individual brand....not VW group not Fiat group, nor Chrysler group, Ford Group etc....because then we don't really have any clue what we are all talking about anymore.

Good analysis, although I would say VW was already trying to change its image by increasing quality. Acquisition of Audi was part of that process, not the start. But that may be nitpicking.

You are probably right that they were already on the way to trying to change their image, but even in the 70s and early 80s they were only on par with Ford, Opel...for example their Golf was the direct competitor to the Focus and Astra and all had quite similar image perception, maybe the Golf ever so slightly above the others. Till today this rivalry is still on: Golf vs Focus....Astra a bit behind. The Passat is fighting it out with the Ford Mondeo. I would say VW with those cars have lifted themselves above their rivals. For me one of the most interesting brands of VW group is Skoda, with a number of real nice products, which in my opinion don't have to hide in front of their VW counterparts. The Octavia, Superb, Yeti are all well perceived cars.....

One thing however I think we can all agree: Shame on VW not having established themselves in Thailand!

Give me Tiguan or a Yeti over a Honda CR-V any day of the week...

Not too hard to understand actually if you would know something about Germany or German car makers or history. From after the war till just about 20 years ago or so VW was in fact the car for the people (see VW Beetle or regular Golf) and was on the same level/tier as Ford Germany and Opel Germany. It was low to mid class and mainly had no top range models. This has changed after the purchase of Audi a good while back and they aimed to become more middle and even upper class. (VW Phaeton springs to mind as their attempt to challenge Benz and BMW....failed project though). The Porsche purchase is still quite recent.

Wonder what a Porsche or Bentley driver would say if you ask him/her how is his VW group car? Each brand still has quite a bit of individualism in them and of course it is in VW Group interest to keep it this way. So, in the future when we talk brands, can we just call the individual brand....not VW group not Fiat group, nor Chrysler group, Ford Group etc....because then we don't really have any clue what we are all talking about anymore.

^^Right Frank but when I said VW I didn't single out VW, VW is a group with VW as the head/owner of that group and that's why I stated it as VW instead of breaking down the entire VW group in order, Audi, Porsche, Bently, etc. because that surely would have been a can of worms.

I just don't appreciate being corrected so certainly when my stated facts are in actuality correct, "sorry this isn't true" turns out it is, that's what made it an issue. It wasn't that trivial of a correction from my point of view and here being factual gains respect and credibility, someone making you look foolish does not, so I had to respond accordingly. Now the point is moot at this point since it seems you've made a partial retraction.

Nice "rattrapage aux branches" as we say back home.

Everybody understood that you wrote a Bmw or Mercedes driver would give way to a Volkswagen out of respect of the brand history, which seemed completely ridiculous. Now that a german pointed out your mistake, "of course" you were talking about Porsches and Audis... on a Golf topic, following a few posts that said VWs were not hiso enough for thais.

By the way VW bought Audi and Porsche well after WWII, both brands had not much to do with Germany's reconstruction which renders the original reason invalid for them.

Don't speak for EVERYBODY including me, don't presume to put words or other meanings in my posts either, I said VW as in VW group, Porsche, Audi, whatever, not my fault the both of you are NOT English speakers as your first language based on the quality of your post, but admit YOUR misunderstanding of the language and move on and don't try to twist my post from it's intended meaning as it was intended all the time.

FYI it matters NOT which brand it is if it is overtaking you on the autobahn, YOU MOVE OVER or you get a hefty fine!! Now argue that point? There are and have been plenty of VW products in German trim that are every bit as top end as most other German brands, we were passed by a Ford Focus station wagon like we were anchored at over 140MPH not KPH either.

May I than humbly request as a non-perfect English speaker that you express yourself in international way and if you mean VW and their products you actually mean VW group (as this is by no means clear which I have stated previously in my handicapped English)? Same as if you would say FIAT but actually meant some of their many different brands. You said VW...You DID NOT say VW group, why is it so hard to accept this? It's not about language it is about being precise in expressing it.

Anyway, won't comment on this anymore....Whatever.

I really understand Thai on this point, VW are sold at ridiculous prices in Thailand and that it's so stupid to buy this.

At least with Benz and BMW you get a sort of luxury for the price, but what do you get with VW ? Cars that are not even taxi in Europe ? yes ! (because cheap charlies in Thailand often remind me that Benz and BMW are just taxi in Europe, but VW are not even taxi because they really are the lowest type of German cars).

Even Mini I can understand that people pay more than 2 millions for that box, but for a VW, I still cannot get it.

Agree partly on the ridiculous price issue....not so much on what you get for your money. 3 years ago I was looking for a nice car and in equation I had: bMW 320d, Benz C250, Volvo S60, but went with a VW GOLF GTI...why, interior on very similar level quality wise...but we're the GTI beats the others and what is important for me is fun factor, being engine and handling (albeit the Bimmer is nice as well). I like that few people have them and it looks more like a sleeper car, not show offish.

I also have a Mini and although it is lots of fun it is not on the same quality perception wise...even the newer Minis still have rather plasticky interiors. Their focus is not on luxury but on funky fun.

Horses for courses....

^^Right Frank but when I said VW I didn't single out VW, VW is a group with VW as the head/owner of that group and that's why I stated it as VW instead of breaking down the entire VW group in order, Audi, Porsche, Bently, etc. because that surely would have been a can of worms.

I just don't appreciate being corrected so certainly when my stated facts are in actuality correct, "sorry this isn't true" turns out it is, that's what made it an issue. It wasn't that trivial of a correction from my point of view and here being factual gains respect and credibility, someone making you look foolish does not, so I had to respond accordingly. Now the point is moot at this point since it seems you've made a partial retraction.

Nice "rattrapage aux branches" as we say back home.

Everybody understood that you wrote a Bmw or Mercedes driver would give way to a Volkswagen out of respect of the brand history, which seemed completely ridiculous. Now that a german pointed out your mistake, "of course" you were talking about Porsches and Audis... on a Golf topic, following a few posts that said VWs were not hiso enough for thais.

By the way VW bought Audi and Porsche well after WWII, both brands had not much to do with Germany's reconstruction which renders the original reason invalid for them.

As much as VW group is a group of brands if you ask anybody what you drive and you say a VW nobody would ever ask you which brand, a Bentley, Porsche or so! So if you write about a single brand in comparison and mention VW nobody would consider the entire group of brands but just the VW ( Passats, Golfs, Touaregs, Tiguans, etc) and all those have less "street creed" than Benz or BMW.

I stand by those facts and if someone thinks different well...be my guest.

It is also not Thaaat long ago that they merged anyhow.

In Germany Benz, BMW and Audi are the 3 brands on same tier with slight nuances in "creed" or direction.

I drive a VW, a Golf GTI and do not feel I drive that it is the same brand as Porsche and I am sure that goes for any Fiat or Alfa driver not feeling sitting in a lower budget Ferrari but in a different brand.

Anyway it's all good...we know what we know and if someone can't accept the truth no worries...bigger fish to fry.

Geez IMHO you're on a roll! It's refreshing to see such frank honesty. For anyone who cares to know? In Germany there is an unwritten rule regarding right of way on the Autobahn, and VW and their products are at the top of that pyramid over both BMW and Mercedes, in their minds VW both built and after WWII, rebuilt Germany.

Sorry, but this isn't true, I am German and I would say Benz, BMW, Audi and than VW...although VW is catching up more and more and closing the gap.

I guess I should believe you over the multitude of Germans I spoke with both before and during my trip there then? Especially given that VW dwarfs the other manufacturers mentioned and it is supposedly ranked according to company sales, last I checked Audi was part of the VW group.

Not quite sure I understand you right, but when you say "right on way" I was interpreting that in my poor German English as the cars which drive fast on the left lane and others giving way....?

If this is so, my answer stands and trust me I have done km on the good German highways.

Actually Porsche would come first, than Benz, BMW/Audi and VW.... Even Audi is part of VW (so is Porsche) but as a car brand should be seen separately.

In terms of quantity...of course there are more VW cars on the road, but until only recently they were more mid segment and did not have really that powerful cars out there, the more powerful engines are found in Audis and Porsches of course.

Anyhow...who cares, right?

Siam Motor World

www.siammotorworld.com/

Siam Motor World Servicing the motoring needs of Expats in Thailand. We are a Bangkok based company run by a British and a Thai manager who have nearly ...

Thoroughly recommend there guys. They're still helping me out over 12 months after purchase.

No association with this company other than a very happy customer.

PM me if you need any further info re them.

Cheers..... Mal.

2nd that....just bought a car last month from him and very happy with car and the handling of the purchase. Not huge inventory but I believe they also offer 'check up' services if you don't know about a car and want to have a second (mostly more knowledgeable) opinion (against a fee of course). Maybe also worth to give him a shout and tell him what you are looking for...

And what about citroen and peugeot, maybe they have as good cars as VW ? Just asking, when I see that people can spend so much on a ugly VW maybe they could enjoy a citroen ? <3

Funny you mentioned...but just recently I acquired a 2nd Citroen DS3 with the 156 hp turbo engine which can be found in all pre 2.0l Mini Cooper S in a slightly higher tuning stage.

I really like the DS3 as it is a manual gear...but 1) it is not available anymore for sale in Thailand with that engine 2) it for sure is not in the same league than my GTI power wise. 3) theGTI is more mature....still the DS3 is plenty of fun to drive... Peugeot hasn't really anything out there with close to 200 hp, as it seems they don't sell the RCZ 200 thp here.

So in short I enjoy my GTi, don't think it is ugly...it is very understated but interior is a real nice place to be in, and I do enjoy the Citroen as well...horses for courses

Was to say 2nd HAND...

And what about citroen and peugeot, maybe they have as good cars as VW ? Just asking, when I see that people can spend so much on a ugly VW maybe they could enjoy a citroen ? <3

Funny you mentioned...but just recently I acquired a 2nd Citroen DS3 with the 156 hp turbo engine which can be found in all pre 2.0l Mini Cooper S in a slightly higher tuning stage.

I really like the DS3 as it is a manual gear...but 1) it is not available anymore for sale in Thailand with that engine 2) it for sure is not in the same league than my GTI power wise. 3) theGTI is more mature....still the DS3 is plenty of fun to drive... Peugeot hasn't really anything out there with close to 200 hp, as it seems they don't sell the RCZ 200 thp here.

So in short I enjoy my GTi, don't think it is ugly...it is very understated but interior is a real nice place to be in, and I do enjoy the Citroen as well...horses for courses

Fiesta is fun to drive the Jazz less....

The Jazz has more space and better resale...

The 1.0 engine of the Fiesta has to prove itself still here with longevity, the Jazz engine is proven...as the Japanese don't change them that much, except Mazda....

I like driving so Fiesta would be the one for me. For me Jazz has lost it a bit in terms of handling....the ones 2 models ago had in my opinion nicer handling (not so overly light steering) and a better auto...but that's just my 2 cts.

Thow in a few comments: I have owned a VW GOLF GTI MK6 now for 3 1/2 years (bought good price grey). Must say that my image of the German reliability is slighlty shattered as I did have a number of unwanted garage visits, the biggest one was after 1 year only being a leaking DSG.....but also smaller electrical faults/sensors etc. Nothing big, but just a little annoying. The car drives real nice and is a very mature car i would say, plenty of power and good handling.

However servicing is an issue and so are parts which should not be understestimated and for that reason maybe looking at a more established brand in Thailand makes sense as well. When I bought the Golf there were not 'fast' options for around 2m, now there are a few....The mentioned A250 AMG, or you could go for a C Class 300 Bluetec...no slouch for sure. Otherwise the Volvo V40 isn't bad in my opinion and great value. For 3m you can get a BMW 328i.... Just wish VW would take Thailand more serious....but not selling any cars anymore, just people cariers is kind of back paddling from 3-5 years ago when at least they had a couple of options: Scirocco, Golf, Passat, Tiguan (very shortly)....

Hi Frank.

Do you mind if I ask you what you were paying on servicing your GTI? Please PM if don't don't which to disclose publicly. Something I need to consider before finalising my decision.

I too have heard instances of the DSG leaking as well.. I think they addressed the issue with the MK7's.

Cheers

Servicing....hard to say, a just simple yearly service (oil, filters, etc) is around 4,500-5,000 if i remember correctly. I am in Phuket, so rather difficult to find a decent garage....lucky I have. I order spare parts from the USA (yes....unbelievable but true, much cheaper and 'faster'). Website: europaparts.com. Arrives in 4 days after ordering....bought sensors there, brake pads, filters, etc. Even my garage now orders some from them....a real good find and the quickest was 3 days delivery....damn'it they can't manage that from BKK.

I don't think regular servicing is all that different from other high powered car. My Mini is not much less as well. The DSG leak was hefty and I paid something like 60,000 all together because at that time I didn't have that garage yet and a well known grey market dealer here in Phuket took care (well, at least in charging me real 'nicely'....).

Geez IMHO you're on a roll! It's refreshing to see such frank honesty. For anyone who cares to know? In Germany there is an unwritten rule regarding right of way on the Autobahn, and VW and their products are at the top of that pyramid over both BMW and Mercedes, in their minds VW both built and after WWII, rebuilt Germany.

Sorry, but this isn't true, I am German and I would say Benz, BMW, Audi and than VW...although VW is catching up more and more and closing the gap.

Thow in a few comments: I have owned a VW GOLF GTI MK6 now for 3 1/2 years (bought good price grey). Must say that my image of the German reliability is slighlty shattered as I did have a number of unwanted garage visits, the biggest one was after 1 year only being a leaking DSG.....but also smaller electrical faults/sensors etc. Nothing big, but just a little annoying. The car drives real nice and is a very mature car i would say, plenty of power and good handling.

However servicing is an issue and so are parts which should not be understestimated and for that reason maybe looking at a more established brand in Thailand makes sense as well. When I bought the Golf there were not 'fast' options for around 2m, now there are a few....The mentioned A250 AMG, or you could go for a C Class 300 Bluetec...no slouch for sure. Otherwise the Volvo V40 isn't bad in my opinion and great value. For 3m you can get a BMW 328i.... Just wish VW would take Thailand more serious....but not selling any cars anymore, just people cariers is kind of back paddling from 3-5 years ago when at least they had a couple of options: Scirocco, Golf, Passat, Tiguan (very shortly)....

lovely!

Still think about getting another hot hatch...been trying to persuade the GF she needs to embrace a small car rather than a big people moving beast.

Definitely....was in Europe for holidays and thought to strike gold when SIXT upgraded me from a regular C-Class to a ML 350 CDI....didn't really enjoy it. Too bulky, parking in tight car parkings a hussle and although powerful it was nowhere near 'fun'.....comfy yes! Decided than....those cars are not for me....Did drive a VW Tiguan last time in Europe and than was much more to my liking....very similar feeling to the Golf (no surprise) but with 4WD and a good 170ps Diesel 2.0 engine a nice drive and in my opinion the perfect car for Thailand/Phuket.

For Best Fuel Consumption, good looks and good, quite powerful engine: Mazda 2 Diesel

For good, powerful engine, fun to drive: Fiesta Ecoboost

For Best Resale and space: Honda Jazz

So, finally got my hands on a used DS3 THP manual gear with the detuned Cooper S engine. Took it from Bangkok to Phuket yesterday (9:30 with 4 stops......).

Must say a nice drive, good power, still reasonably comfy with 3 rather big guys in it. Good seats. Handling is also nice. Clutch and gear stick are very easy to use, quite forgiving, albeit a bit loose feeling. Steering is good but sure not as direct as the Mini.

A very good compromise on local roads with a good amount of fun factor thrown in.

Rare to find....but recommended if someone looking for a manual gear with a bit of fun in it.

Did test drive the 1.0 ecoboost Fiesta and thought it was quite fun, nice handling and swift. However my son decided to get the Mazda2 turbo diesel instead. Price is higher, as you can get good discount as mentioned on the Fiesta, not on the 'azda2. The diesel is also a very nice drive and has a good punchy little engine which truly sips fuel only. I saw on average about 5l/100km on my sons tacho with mostly Bangkok city driving.

It is hard to beat the Fiesta at that price fully optioned out, whereas the mazda 2 is at least 100k more with less options....

Both Best in class in my book...

The taxes on imported everything here are pretty high, whether vehicles or food or coffee pots. I love "classic" cars and motorcycles, and tinkering with them (hotrodding them) as much as the next guy, but this is Thailand, and going very far down that road simply doesn't make much sense.

My two door Nissan "king cab" pickup truck cost 640,000 Baht when I bought it new. Made in Thailand. Last time I checked, the new Nissan March base price was 399,000 Baht (manual transmission). Having owned a Fiat, I find it hard to believe they could ever make a car with as much quality as a Nissan March. Maybe Cherry QQ, but anything else, doubtful.

Same with motorcycles. A Ducati Scrambler can be had for 369,000 Baht, because it's made in Thailand. A Ducati Palingale 899 is 757,000 Baht, base. An 1199 Palingale R has a price of 2.2 million Baht. Me? I ride a Kawasaki Ninja 650 that sold new for around 260,000 Baht new (made in Thailand). Because I'm not stupid.

If this was back in the world, I'd buy anything I wanted. But it isn't the world, so I buy what they make affordable.

I don't quite understand the logic behind that some things which are either of perceived/true higher value are described by some of 'stupid' buys, etc.

You can argue this with many things, like wines, whiskies, clothes and so on. A H&M T-shirt is similar to a Calvin Klein in that it covers your body with similar colors, yet materials are probably slightly different.

A new Honda Accord is a nice car, but I doubt that it has the same quality of materials inside or even engine wise as a new Benz C Class.The difference in price 1.6 compared to 2.8 m.

Is it worth is....for many not, but for many yes. Some are just satsified with an entry level smartphone and some want the top end....what's the problem with both...???

Although I must admit buying a VW Up for 1.8m.....can't be considered anything but 'stupid'....haha

You appear to be the German auto industry's idea of its ideal customer, and I encourage you to "import away." Only, don't forget to get your BMW's cooling system rebuilt at 100,000 miles, as the manufacturer requires. Because hey -- all that superior German engineering needs lots of expensive servicing.

Absolutely not, but I do like cars and driving and want to enjoy and have a little fun. It is bad enough that nearly no manual cars are offered here ( what I prefer). Do you actually believe that there are Japanese offerings equaling the fun of driving of let's say a BMW 320d or 328i...as you mentioned BMW! I am fully aware of higher maintenance costs....yet the time I spend driving I want to enjoy, so costs are not always the prime consideration.

I did test a number of Japanese and reviewed them well especially the latest offerings from Mazda, being the Mazda 2 diesel and Mazda 3. Can the Mazda 3 replace my Golf GTI? Well, honestly I liked the Mazda 3 and if it would have a bit more power ( 40-60 hp) let's say yes indeed I would probably choose it. Japanese car makers in Thailand however mostly play safe engine choice wise....and this is the prime reason why I enjoy German cars more. Plus in the past till really only recently the interiors of European cars were nicer. I tried new Honda Accord, Nissan Teana, Camry and so on...still I don't feel I get the enjoyment of handling/driving than a C class or 3 Series or even my Golf.

And let's face it Japanese cars with similar power are not cheaper: see BRz or WRX....

I have recommended many Japanese cars to people on understanding what they are looking for....to each their own.

Once the New Mazda MX5 arrives I surely will look at it closely as I think it is on par with en entry level Z4 or SlK, less comfy but more about driving....so to me (personally more enjoyment)... I am not stuck on brands, just what a car feels like. Test drove a Skoda vRS 2 years back and loved it, nearly got that instead of my GTI.

well that more or less answers any questions I might have had ..... I was hoping this car was an animal. I have aseen a few around and I am in the market for something new. Shame to read the power is so disappointing, cos I seemed to read that all Subaru are more or less sharing the same powerplant, 2.0 boxer engine. Maybe it is possible to strap on a turbo?

unfortunately they don't share the same engine with the WRX....it would not come at that price than either.

In all fairness I am coming from more powerful cars, so my perception might be a bit off. Let's say I always complain about my wifes Xtrail as well, which supposingly has 180hp!!!! never found them though. Compared to the Xtrail it was maybe on par, maybe slightly slower, hard to really recognize as the CVT kind of mulls some speed sensation (if this makes any sense).

It definitely handles better than any other SUV in my opinion, it does not handle like an SUV actually.

The strap on turbo would be great, but in Thailand it is really hard to find any specialist in this I believe....if anybody has had success and knows someone, give us a shout.

Skorchio: if you don't need 4wd and looking for something around 1m new, my suggestion at this time would be Mazda 3. Nice to drive, nice interior, quite good power....was quite impressed with it. Even the Mazda 2 diesel (my son got one since 3 months) is surprisingly powerful and a nice drive as well.

Or a bit dearer the CX-5...

All Mazdas....trust me I don't work with them, and my sons Mazda 2 was the first ever Mazda we bought.....i just think at the moment Mazda is doing more than others. Honda - nothing new since ages in terms of engines, same Toyota. Nissan got most of the designs quite wrong (Pulsar, etc.)...Mitsubishi is doing zippppp, so yes, not much choice.