HauptmannUK

I have dealt with stripped fill/drain plugs quite a number of times. Usually the result of backyard mechanics over-tightening...... If in an aluminium housing its invariably the housing that strips and a Helicoil is required. If into a steel/cast iron housing it is usually the plug thread that strips. The way I have generally got these out is weld a short bolt onto the head of the plug. Then clamp Mole grip on bolt head and turn whilst pulling outward.

There's rather more to it than that. The Celerio has a 3-cyl engine whereas the Swift has a 4-cyl unit which is smoother and delivers more torque. The Swift has higher gearing and so at a given cruising speed its engine will be operating at lower RPM. The Celerio has relatively low geared steering and considerably more body roll than the Swift. The Swift is simply more sophisticated and more capable at highway speeds - no surprise since it sits above the Celerio in the Suzuki line-up. I can't think of any normally-aspirated 3-cyl city car that I would want for regular motorway use. The new 'Third Generation' Celerio promises to be a big improvement over the current model since its built on a slightly cut-down Swift chassis (Suzuki 'Heartect' platform).

Seems unlikely...but its easy enough to remove the starter motor and then check the pinion and ring-gear for any damage or misbehaviour...

Not clear if you want new or used. Be aware that Suzuki Thailand are still selling the second generation Celerio. A new third generation Celerio was launched in Japan last year and is on sale in India. Its a big advance in that it uses the 'Heartect' platform of the latest Swift (and other Suzuki cars). Both the Swift and Celerio use the Suzuki K-series engine. 3-cyl in the Celerio and 4-cyl for the Swift. Its extremely reliable. We have a lady customer in the UK with 300,000 miles on her Swift and the engine is original! Gearbox is either an Aisin-supplied manual or Jatco CVT-7. The Jatco is the same unit fitted to the Mitsi Attrage, Nissan Almera etc. Not the best but OK if you change the fluid periodically. The manuals suffer from worn synchromesh on 3rd gear but its relatively cheap and easy to replace. Both cars have cheap and flimsy-feeling trim but it does seem to last better than you'd think. For me the Swift is the obvious choice if you're going to drive outside the city. Celerio is fine in town but struggles on the open road. The Swift actually rides and handles very well for a small relatively cheap car.

Kick/scuff plates nowadays are decorative trim. If you step on them regularly then consider them 'sacrificial' and replace them when they get shabby. Cheap from Lazada... Toyota dashcams in Thailand/Malaysia seem to be repackaged and Toyota-branded Chinese units (maybe Toguard). They are adequate and without any 'bells and whistles'. My only interaction with a Toyota dealer was Toyota Thonburi in Bangkok - I was pretty impressed but of course an awful lot is down to the particular individual who serves you. AFAIK all new Toyotas get a free 1k km check.

Until 2018 I was a UK DVSA designated MoT tester (UK yearly roadworthiness test). Minimum pad thickness specified in the tester's manual is 1.5mm - anything less is a fail. 2.5mm or less is an 'advisory'. You can check pad thickness relatively easily by removing a wheel and measuring the thickness of friction material remaining on the metal backing plate. O.E. Toyota pads have squeal pins clipped onto the pad. These will squeal at about 2mm. IF the pad is a 2.5mm then personally I would replace. Check the discs for lipping/pitting at the same time - they may also need replacing. I recommend buying genuine Toyota-supplied pads (usually made by Akebono or Nisshinbo). Labour should be around 30 minutes, including lube on the slide pins. Pads (guess) ฿1.5 - 2k for OE axle set (4 pads).

I think the Thai market demand for manual transmission cars is very low and in fact many models are only available with auto. For example I believe Toyota saloon cars are now only available as auto. I remember a friend of mine wanted to buy a small eco-car with manual trans and the only one he could find at a dealer was a Suzuki Ciaz - and the manual spec car was very basic (cheaper trim, narrower tyres etc). Commercial/agricultural vehicles such as pickups are often available as manual.

You can enter UK on expired UK passport (but not enter other countries) but best to carry some evidence of citizenship (e.g. UK birth certificate). Similarly can enter Thailand on an expired Thai passport. But the real problem might be persuading a carrier to accept you!

Yes, property in UK is doing well. Owning a chunk of a successful business also works!. I get some income from our family used car sales and repair business in UK. Used car prices in UK have gone through the roof. Prior to Covid our margin was 8%, now around 25%. Not strictly passive income because I do dabble in the business when back in the UK (more out of interest than anything) - but basically we have staff running the business and I just sit back and receive my share of the profit.

What?!! Are you serious? If true then that would explain the knowing smiles from the village ladies..