bamboozled

5 minutes ago, taotoo said:

Looks like you've gone off the idea, but I've had a manual Jazz for 15 years and love it. Occasionally I have a new CVT Jazz as a hire car, but after a few days can't wait to get back in my manual one with its lovely short gearing. Probably last chance to buy a manual too. That said if you drive at 120km/h a lot the manual's not the car for you (nor the Jazz in any form I imagine). 

Hi Taotoo, there is something to be said for stick shift, isn't there? You really feel much more together with the machine. Good to have your input that you are happy with the manual! Well, as you may have seen, I'm a bit all over the place. I may be a bit off the idea right now but I'm still filtering through everything. I kind of want my wife to learn stick, too, just so she has that skill. The 120km was a test to see how the car felt. That's not a super fast speed, normal cruising speed when roads allow for it. And this particular Jazz (all?) was a bit bouncy and lightweight. Is that your experience, too? For trips around the city I imagine it would be tough to beat. But I will be taking roads trips and that calls for some long distances on highways, lots of mountains (here in the north), and lots of curves and such. So I'm hoping to find something a bit more comfortable and safe for such occasions.

I def have to test drive a few of these models. The AWD feature would also be nice for visiting the in-laws on their muddy, hilly road but I haven't quite figured out which models in the past have it and which don't, or rather which years. Perhaps it was an option for all years.

Does the CX3 come in AWD? I think the new ones might but again, get pricey for me.

HRV any AWD?

DavisH, any view on the CX5? A bit more open in the back than the CX3 and some used models not too too pricey, 600k range (and lower). I do not want to spend 1,000,000 baht. Just doesn't make sense for me right now.

Just had another look inside and the ball cock was floating on the top of the water. I hadn't noticed it last night! So, I slipped it back on the stripped threads of the inflow pipe and fingers crossed!

Thanks all, problem solved for the time being!

I am afraid to buy the MG, too, and will not be. However, they did pretty good with the styling. It catches my eye every time and I say, "oh, what's that?" and then see it's an MG and feel deflated. Some folks have said good things about them.

The problem with the Jazz that I am experiencing is all that real estate up front (the large dash area) continues to soak up and radiate heat while you are driving (sun coming through the front, un-tinted windshield) so even when I can feel the cool air from the air con (which I think does indeed need a top up) I can also feel hot air continuing to radiate off the dash.

Not to offend but how do you feel driving the Jazz on the highway at say 120 km? It easily does that speed but the one I was driving feel a little shaky at that speed. It is a perfect around town car and I love the large area in the back with the seats down. Could almost be a mini-pickup!

DavisH, I will take a look at the Honda Civic. The Civic is a great looking car though I think it went downhill style-wise on the rear taillights as of recent. I didn't realize it was a hatchback...or are there two models, hatchback and sedan?

Thanks for the vids...that exhaust is impressive!

I don't need space in the back for people sitting but I would like a single large space for carrying a bulky item now and again. I like the CX3 a lot, it bums me out they restricted the hatchback opening, I guess in the name of style. What I like about the Honda HRV is the opening seems quite large. I have not put the Mazda 3 out of the running, either. It also has a 2.0 engine.

Yes, thank you Sometimewoodworker. My pipe comes in directly down from the top of the tank (not top of the side but top of the top) but none the less, the same set up. But no ball cock! Someone stole it!

On another note...are these tanks to be drained and cleaned on a regular bases? Just wondering as there is some plant debris floating at the top of mine. And a ball valve sitting at the bottom among who knows what else. I just bought a pressure washer. Is there any point to draining the tank and pressure washing the inside?

Ah yes, thanks guys, just like in the toilet. I remember seeing that now attached to the pipe...in the past. Yes, it is GONE. Must have come unscrewed somehow. Guess I'll go fishing tomorrow when it's light!

I'll report back. Thank you!

I just had a look and found nothing. Where would the ball cock be? The straight pipe coming into the top of the tank, I can't see how the ball cock would be activated....unless it is at the end of that pipe poking into the top of the tank? I wonder if it somehow came unscrewed or broke off and is at the bottom of the tank? There is a screw adapter on the end of that pipe. Does it work that once the tank is full the water floats into the end of the pipe (coming in at the top of the tank) and raises the ball to block the opening?

Thanks!

Thank you. You guys know your stuff. Yes, the dangly thing has a very long cord on it but floats so that makes sense that once the level is very low the cord would be at it's max and something would be activated. And yes, the pump is still working and pumping water into the house from the tank so I will have a look and see if I can locate the ball cock. It's probable soldered into the pipes but maybe I'll get lucky! I'll report back.

Wish me luck, cheers....

So I woke up the other morning with the water gently overflowing from the top of the outdoor holding tank. I turned off the supply and have been turning it on and off by hand as needed....until I can address the problem. I have an older-than-the-hills Hitachi water pump (rental house) with a plastic sinker-type thingy dangling into the top of the tank attached with an electric cord and running to the pump. I'm assuming this tells the pump to fill or not to fill (that is the question). Any off the top ideas of what's going on? I don't really want to involve the landlord as that always turns into a bigger issue and they usually send someone incompetent anyway. If I can fix it myself, tweaking this or that, great. Otherwise, I'll call someone myself.

I haven't really studied the set-up but the water runs into the top of the tank from the city water supply, without need of the pump (this supply is what I'm turning on and off). I'm not sure how the pump effectuates stopping the water but I'm assuming in the Rube Goldberg plastic pipe set-up it must pressurize some valve and close it, yes?

Any ideas? This dangly sinker type thing must be the culprit!

Wow that's a great price! New price is only 55k more? My wife probably won't appreciate a manual, either... I should just scrap the manual idea, I guess.

Do the new Jazz feel less like a tin can or does that feeling just come with the territory? I still have to test some more expensive cars to see what the competition is like. I'm really liking the lines and scaled-up luxury (compared to Jazz) of the Honda CHR and the Mazda 3 and cx3. I'm worried they are not going to be nearly as peppy as the Jazz.

That's my plan, to talk to the dealer first. Sorry folks, I just didn't get to it this week but stay tuned. I will be posting back for sure.

I remember back in the day the elephants in Bkk DID have reflectors on their tails!

I have driven other cars in Thailand with the film on the front glass and man was it a crap shoot. I hated it, couldn't see a bloody thing. So many bikes don't have rear lights. It certainly shows you one reason there are so many accidents.

So 40% and it's fine for night driving? I just got back from another ride with this Jazz and yes, the heat was pouring off that front dash like an oven again. If I bought one, I would certainly do film, a dash cover, or both. I guess your dash top is black, too? Does it not heat up like an oven during the day?

So I was doing 120 km down a straight road and the 2010 Jazz had plenty of pep and zip but was bouncing around quite a bit...sort of felt like it could take flight if the bump was big enough. This was with just myself in the car and no gear. I am very impressed with the zip and the braking. Handles pretty well and going up the mountains had no problem. Shifting was quick and smart. I just don't like the lightness and tin-canny feel. Does your new Jazz have that or is it because this is an older, 2010 version with 125,000 km on the clock?

I live in the city, in Chiang Mai, it's true. But it's not Bangkok. I lived in Boston and New York, too, and always had a stick. I do remember my knee feeling like it was going to blow out once when I moved only about a half mile in 45 minutes, in 2 foot increments!

I do like the cheaper price of the car....

Thanks for chiming in!

Thanks guys. I have hired the Jazz, too, auto version. It's a 2010 however so getting a little old. But still quite peppy. Not sure which version...I hope it's the DSI model meaning I will be pleasantly surprised by the VTEC. The 2015 manual version that's for sale appears at first look to be in great shape and the price is much more reasonable compared to a similar condition/year auto version. That's what has piqued my interest on it, the price and condition. Sure, a stick shift would affect resale value for me to so that's something to think about. And good point that the clutch could have been beat up.

The one I have rented is white, tinted windows on the sides but plain glass in front. I have found that the sun pouring in the front is so hot that the car can't really cool down enough. I mean, that windshield is so large, and the black dash so vast, it soaks up the sun and radiates heat like an oven. Have you experienced that? Yesterday, after sitting in the sun, I drove it for about half and hour and the air con never managed to catch up. Perhaps it needs a gas blast or perhaps this is an inherent problem?

Anyone have any experience with the Honda Jazz, manual transmission? I think they run cheaper and probably less re-sale value. I'm mildly considering (among many other cars!) a 2015 version. I wonder how the stick affects performance. Does it make the Jazz....any jazzier?

It's too bad the Yaris is 1.2. I quite like the styling. I haven't sat in one or seen the interior space but it looks quite large and user friendly from the outside.

How do you feel about the carrying capacity of the Swift? 1.6 engine, does it move pretty well? Does it feel like a tin can like the Jazz? Not that I can't live with the tin can feel, hell, I'm rather used to that as I've always had cheaper cars.....though I think they use heavier sheet metal in the US.

My feeling is for a hatchback thus the Ciaz might not do. That being said, I'm trying to be open about everything. Pick-up option is gone, however. Just not the right vehicle for me right now. The big PPVs, that's bigger than I want. The CRV seems a step down from those, size-wise, wouldn't you say?

I didn't realize the BRV had much to do with the Jazz. It looks more like a slightly smaller CRV. MOre rugged than Jazz.

I like the Mazda cx5, too! Getting up there in price again and there aren't many used models out there.

I will check out the Ciaz. On a stupid note, the stylized writing of the logo "Ciaz" on the car bothers me!

 HOnda BRV looks nice, too. And cheaper than the HRV or CRV.

I do like the look of some of the Fords but worried about repairs because not so popular. I like the Subaru XV but worried about repairs on that, too. Also read it is slow. Some of the Jazz look pretty sporty. I don't mind the looks. It's just the tin can feel I don't like. I will try a City again just for kicks, to compare. But it doesn't have that large carrying space like the Jazz. I have indeed been looking on one2car.com and to a lesser degree taladrot.com. I look a lot on Facebook Marketplace as it is the quickest for looking.

Many people are more wary of secondhand cars in Thailand than say, in their home country. I'm not sure this is valid. Really, why do we think it would be any different? Perhaps it's just a control issue....since we aren't Thai and most of us can't speak Thai as a Thai would we feel out of our element wheeling and dealing to get a good secondhand car. Is it just fear? I could be wrong. I think there are probably good deals and bad deals and normal deals and some scammers just like in the US where I am from. I'm just less nimble navigating the field here.

How is the Swift, how many kms on it now? It's a cute car. It seems slightly small and I wasn't sure of the rep of Suzuki. Yes, the Ciaz looks nice, too. I will have a look at those!

I am right now in love with the Honda HRV. I keep seeing it around town and it really catches my eye every time. It seems the oldest secondhand models are 2015 so that must have been when they came out. The cheapest I have found is 600k. Most are 700k and up.

I've got some thinking and driving to do!

Thank you.

2 hours ago, Agusts said:

Racing here is not a good idea, but Thais love it, even in their cars. When I was on my 125cc bike, I was never provoked, but now on my Forza I get pissed off sometimes too easily, unfortunately....

The other day the guy was coming  behind me right to one meter of my bike with his car , we were at 80km/h, basically wanted to push me off the road, so I lost it and max the throttle and watch him in my mirror disappear behind me while I was going 130km/h, this kind of reactionary riding or driving is very bad, but it comes with having a more powerful bike, sometime he can do the same,  then wil be very dangerous racing, I know I need to be more patient and careful....

I know that feeling!

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Your 12k USD isn’t going to get you much here !

You can double that for a new Jazz.

 

I think you are narrowing it down well, you’ve seen the pro’s and con’s with a Jazz , probably time to try out one of the others you are interested in .

 

P.s. I agree with everything you said about the Jazz, it is a bit tin canny and tbh the shape is more suited to an aged Japanese gentleman but it is the most versatile in its class and for city, or soi, life it’s perfect.

12k is not going to get me anything new, for sure. If I don't mind getting something a bit older, there are certainly plenty of decent cars to be had for that amount. Apart from what car i would want/need, the question is how much should I spend/do I want to spend? I COULD spend more. Does it make sense? I don't know but this forum and all your input is helping me get my head around it. Luckily, I am not in a rush so I will try and take my time and look around well. Matteo, I think, had mentioned renting all the cars I am interested in. That's a great idea but not sure if it's possible. Guess I should do some research. Maybe in Bangkok...where I'm not!

Hi Davis, thanks for your input! I've fallen into the trap of the ever expanding budget so that's a good question. I had initially thought 12k USD was my budget. That was sort of a random figure which I'm not sure how I came up with. I did not want to spend a small fortune on a car. But then, of course, I started looking around and kept upscaling, debating this and that in my head, you only live once, blah blah. I have not owned a car in the many years I've been in Thailand. That makes it somewhat hard to know how I will use it in the future or what I want in a car. However, I do like the ability to carry somewhat large items on a whim which is why I had initially thought of a truck. I've tossed that idea but it led me to hatchbacks for the carrying capacity. I don't really want a big SUV...that being said, I did become enamored of the CRV (sitting in it in the lot). Not sure if that qualifies as an SUV or not. Is it worth the extra bucks, compared to a Jazz, for example? Probably any car I buy will be sitting unused a lot of the time as for a lot of the short buzzes around town we will use motorbikes. I'm not sure how to factor that into the equation. Stupid to invest a lot of money in something just sitting there a lot with little use? Or it doesn't matter because fewer km on the clock will maintain re-sale value?

I've never bought a car that cost over $4k USD so this big an expense is a new thing for me.

One yardstick I am using to convince myself to buy a more expensive car is safety, that it will be safer. We can make all kinds of excuses to spend money, can't we??

A lot of folks mention flooded roads but really, for me in Chiang Mai, how often is that a consideration? It's not huge. Of course, not having had a car in the past, I might find myself heading into the mountains more and more and encountering mud and floods and bad roads. Hard to say.

I am driving a rented Jazz for a few days. The interior space is nice, and with the seats down, quite large. It's quite low to the ground, however, and I can see getting the underside hung up on some bad roads here and there. It's a bit tin-canny and the drive is not particularly cushy. It's peppy enough. You wouldn't call it a luxurious ride by any standards. But other than going up to the CRV or and SUV, it seems to be the biggest space going. I like the HRV but is it worth the extra expense? It appears to have a smaller carrying capacity but the ride is much nicer, I'm sure (haven't test driven one).

I live on a small soi at the moment (rental house) and the small size of the Jazz makes it easier to go in and out and turn around (dead end soi).

I guess I could say that something like the Jazz is my normal comfort level in cars. A CRV or HRV or Mazda 3 would be a luxury for me. Do I want to go there or not? It might depend on what kind of financing I can get, or my wife can get. I would be sad to take all the cash out of my account in one fell swoop. I could do it but it would be painful. So, if financing with favorable interest was available, that might be helpful. But...do I want to take on debt? Is there such a thing as 0% financing here such as one finds in the US sometimes?

The thing least on my mind is fuel economy. It's just not on my radar and probably because I have always driven a motorbike here and so quite cheap. If I'm not driving the car often, putting lots of kms on it, perhaps it is less important. I confess ignorance on that issue. I suppose I should start paying attention to it.

So, as you see, I'm all over the place.

What is a ppv?