"Being a Honda employee in Australia, my views here will be very biased but I will try to be objective as much as I can.

GO WITH THE JAZZ"

I'm  a Porsche employee here in the USA, now I REALLY think she would have more fun and you too with one of our products.))

Porsches! Yeah, back in the 80's in LA, owned 3 -- work for Steve Taub Porsche/Audi by any chance?

Would love to get her one (and for me too) but would do us no good in Thailand as even the best roads are unpredictable -- most of the time the car'd be driven in 2nd gear, whereas 3rd is where they really fly (or used to).

Nice thought anyway.

Tuky,

OK, no suspense --  she has read (with a little help and a bit of translation) all the responses and is absolutely thrilled with the info presented here -- here then are her exact words --

"I think  Vios  better for me, but Mr. Lopburi and Mr. Tukyleath say Jazz much  better 'feeling' and I like see-ahng of word pizazz, make me think of pizza -- also  able to see for to be able to park and no make accident"

End result: she is going to test drive both next week.  As an observer (I dare not interfere in this decision process) I think what Shola stated about "safety" might neutralize Tuky+Lop and she'll opt for the Vios.

I promise I'll post the final outcome asap.   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

"I think Vigo good car, but want car for me so I say no good! me think husband quy so can have new car no problem, like bangkok people, , better he buy new car than teach me english............

I've driven an un-registered Porsche 959 very fast around Park Lane early on a sunday morning

I've driven an un-registered Porsche 959 very fast around Park Lane early on a sunday morning

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and? did you connection get cut off before before you reached the climax of the story ???

I've driven an un-registered Porsche 959 very fast around Park Lane early on a sunday morning

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and? did you connection get cut off before before you reached the climax of the story ???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No it was just a useless fact since people were discussing Porsche's

And i was trying too look hard

I've driven an un-registered Porsche 959 very fast around Park Lane early on a sunday morning

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and? did you connection get cut off before before you reached the climax of the story ???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No it was just a useless fact since people were discussing Porsche's

And i was trying too look hard

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've owned a large tractor...does this count

I've driven an un-registered Porsche 959 very fast around Park Lane early on a sunday morning

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and? did you connection get cut off before before you reached the climax of the story ???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No it was just a useless fact since people were discussing Porsche's

And i was trying too look hard

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've owned a large tractor...does this count

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've got a brand new combine Harvester and I'll give you the key

I've driven an un-registered Porsche 959 very fast around Park Lane early on a sunday morning

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and? did you connection get cut off before before you reached the climax of the story ???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No it was just a useless fact since people were discussing Porsche's

And i was trying too look hard

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've owned a large tractor...does this count

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've got a brand new combine Harvester and I'll give you the key

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If it hasn't got high and low ratio with a PTO, then I'm sorry I will not drive. I've got my standards after all!

I've driven a Cat 966 front end shovel and towed a 42 foot mobile home with it. Does that count?

BTW, I asked the FG recently if she wanted me to part exchange the truck (Mazda Fighter 4 x 4) for a small car; she said "no way". She likes the driving position - she's only 5 foot and a tab end.

I've driven a Cat 966 front end shovel and towed a 42 foot mobile home with it. Does that count?

BTW, I asked the FG recently if she wanted me to part exchange the truck (Mazda Fighter 4 x 4) for a small car; she said "no way". She likes the driving position - she's only 5 foot and a tab end.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

tab end?

tab end?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A very short length: Depending upon where you come from it could be anything between 5 mm and 20 mm. In Yorkshire it's the lesser.

tab end?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A very short length: Depending upon where you come from it could be anything between 5 mm and 20 mm. In Yorkshire it's the lesser.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

jeff boycout speak?

With the high and often rising prices of gas, diesel is the way to go in Thailand. Diesel pickups are cheaper to buy than cars, built with stronger suspension for the bad roads (of which there are many) and diesel engines last longer than gas ones. Plus, you can run them harder. For those who do a lot of driving they pay off well. Our family has a Mitsubishi Cyclone with well over 500,000 km on it and it starts every time you turn the key. The engine and transmission are original and only in the last year did the roof start to leak a bit which was repaired with a small amount of sealant. A decent car would probably start around 650,000 baht whereas you can get a good two door pickup with a cab and bed cover for about 600,000 or less. Thailand is not as much of a car loving country as the USA, but if a particular type of vehicle seems to be extremely common it's worth checking into. I like the handling and comfort of a car but would rather take the durability, reliability and cheaper price of the diesel pickup.

With the high and often rising prices of gas, diesel is the way to go in Thailand. Diesel pickups are cheaper to buy than cars, built with stronger suspension for the bad roads (of which there are many) and diesel engines last longer than gas ones. Plus, you can run them harder. For those who do a lot of driving they pay off well. Our family has a Mitsubishi Cyclone with well over 500,000 km on it and it starts every time you turn the key. The engine and transmission are original and only in the last year did the roof start to leak a bit which was repaired with a small amount of sealant. A decent car would probably start around 650,000 baht whereas you can get a good two door pickup with a cab and bed cover for about 600,000 or less. Thailand is not as much of a car loving country as the USA, but if a particular type of vehicle seems to be extremely common it's worth checking into. I like the handling and comfort of a car but would rather take the durability, reliability and cheaper price of the diesel pickup.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Pickups are tax deductable...cars are not.

Pickups are tax deductable...cars are not.

I guess the tax deduction is because pickups are often used commercially. The four door pickups are taxed pretty heavily...I heard it's about 8,000 baht or so per year to whereas my father-in-law's two door Toyota is about half that or less. A friend of ours recommended the Izuzu D-Max as a good truck although they often shake a bit after 100,000km.

"Porsches! Yeah, back in the 80's in LA, owned 3 -- work for Steve Taub Porsche/Audi by any chance?

Would love to get her one (and for me too) but would do us no good in Thailand as even the best roads are unpredictable -- most of the time the car'd be driven in 2nd gear, whereas 3rd is where they really fly (or used to).

Nice thought anyway."

Hay Harmonica,

Steve Taub (Porsche wise) is no longer. Steve Taub was called Ralph Cutright when I was in Santa Monica High school in the late 60s.

Porsche's are some fun cars. The new 997 is out and the new 05 Boxster came out last week. Got to spend some

driving and class time in Palm Springs last week. Had a ball.

Sold my last Porsche a year ago. Our house also for that matter. Riding a BMW motorcycle to work. Keeping expenses

low and gearing up for our move to Thailand. Daughter all ready in LOS in collage in Chaing Mai.

Good luck and take care and lets us know what ya bought.

Edited January 24, 200521 yr by sendbaht

With the high and often rising prices of gas, diesel is the way to go in Thailand. Diesel pickups are cheaper to buy than cars, built with stronger suspension for the bad roads (of which there are many) and diesel engines last longer than gas ones. Plus, you can run them harder. For those who do a lot of driving they pay off well. Our family has a Mitsubishi Cyclone with well over 500,000 km on it and it starts every time you turn the key. The engine and transmission are original and only in the last year did the roof start to leak a bit which was repaired with a small amount of sealant. A decent car would probably start around 650,000 baht whereas you can get a good two door pickup with a cab and bed cover for about 600,000 or less. Thailand is not as much of a car loving country as the USA, but if a particular type of vehicle seems to be extremely common it's worth checking into. I like the handling and comfort of a car but would rather take the durability, reliability and cheaper price of the diesel pickup.

Pickups are tax deductable...cars are not.

No disagreement Thaiboxer, that's why I bought a pick-up for myself -- now however, we are talking about a vehicle for the missus and she has made up her mind that it will be a car, either the Vios or the Jazz.

Never driven a Jazz but thought the Vios handled like a boat...felt sea-sick after an hour in it...ugghhh!

To me, it depends how the car will be used. If it's solely as a sort-of city shopping car, Jazz looks good. If you'll ever be driving out of town, Vios might be better. As said, you wouldn't want any sort of head-on crash in a Jazz and Vios also appears to have higher ground clearance (?).

Interesting that some are saying Jazz had better build quality. I honestly don't know, but I'm sure I remember reading an article (in Bkk Post at the time of the car excise tax changes) where 2nd hand dealers were quoted saying that Jazz did not retain its value well as build quality was low.

"As said, you wouldn't want any sort of head-on crash in a Jazz and Vios also appears to have higher ground clearance (?)."

They sure don't make 'em like they used to! A lot of the cars in Thailand today are bordering on tin can quality in terms of the metals used in manufacturing. The Chevy Camaros from the 80's were plenty big and strongly built, however getting parts for them here in Thailand would be a nightmare. Some of the diesel Mercedes from that same era were reliable and the price wasn't too bad but with import taxes here Mercedes is out of the question. Plus, I haven't seen too many diesels around anymore.

"No disagreement Thaiboxer, that's why I bought a pick-up for myself"

Speaking of pickups, there is a BIG trend these days for 4 wheel drive. If you're lucky enough to pay the same or less (like my brother-in-law did) for a 4 wheel drive than for a 2 wheel drive, I'd say go for the extra option. However, I don't see the need for 4 wheel drive vehicles, even on country roads unless you're driving uphill on a dirt road in pouring rain or unless you're off-roading. I see so many office people driving around in 4 wheel drive trucks.......they're not National Geographic explorers (they just think they are)!

sorry for the double post...kind of goofed on the quote

Edited January 24, 200521 yr by Thaiboxer

"As said, you wouldn't want any sort of head-on crash in a Jazz and Vios also appears to have higher ground clearance (?)."

They sure don't make 'em like they used to! A lot of the cars in Thailand today are bordering on tin can quality in terms of the metals used in manufacturing. The Chevy Camaros from the 80's were plenty big and strongly built, however getting parts for them here in Thailand would be a nightmare. Some of the diesel Mercedes from that same era were reliable and the price wasn't too bad but with import taxes here Mercedes is out of the question. Plus, I haven't seen too many diesels around anymore.

"No disagreement Thaiboxer, that's why I bought a pick-up for myself"

Speaking of pickups, there is a BIG trend these days for 4 wheel drive. If you're lucky enough to pay the same or less (like my brother-in-law did) for a 4 wheel drive than for a 2 wheel drive, I'd say go for the extra option. However, I don't see the need for 4 wheel drive vehicles, even on country roads unless you're driving uphill on a dirt road in pouring rain or unless you're off-roading. I see so many office people driving around in 4 wheel drive trucks.......they're not National Geographic explorers (they just think they are)!

sorry for the double post...kind of goofed on the quote 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've just ordered a Chevrolet Colarado 2wd, Its exactly the same size and spec as the 4wd but the deposit is over 100k more, What's the need for 4wd?

I often take my friend's Jazz to go snooker. Actually I feel Jazz is not bad for a girl. But it is really too narrow for me. I prefer Toyota Vios. It looks better and comfortable.

>>>>>Steve Taub (Porsche wise) is no longer. Steve Taub was called Ralph Cutright when I was in Santa Monica High school in the late 60s.

Porsche's are some fun cars. The new 997 is out and the new 05 Boxster came out last week. Got to spend some

driving and class time in Palm Springs last week. Had a ball.

Sold my last Porsche a year ago. Our house also for that matter. Riding a BMW motorcycle to work. Keeping expenses

low and gearing up for our move to Thailand. Daughter all ready in LOS in collage in Chaing Mai.

Good luck and take care and lets us know what ya bought. <<<<<<<

Sendbaht,

Steve Taub was alive and kicking and in full bloom in 1978 when I bought my first 911SC -- his dealership was pumping out the juice in gallons -- on 11th and Santa Monica Blvd -- are we talking about the same cat?

Keeping expenses low -- that's the ticket! Bring it to LOS! Best of luck on your move!

Thanks again for your help -- latest score is 90% for Vios versus 10% for Jazz.

Today, as we were driving around doing our usual search for a house to rent, we saw quite a few Jazz(es) and Vioses and twice saw them side by side -- almost anyways -- a starlet versus a bespectacled serious girl -- that's my personal opinion just based on looks alone. Of course, I am going to keep this opinion from her!

A thai biz owner told me he bought a Jazz for his father and had considered the same alt. choice -- says he, "the Jazz has some kind of structural bar built in to shield the driver and passenger in the event of a head-on collision."

To the several people here who raised this head-on collision issue, your thoughts please?

Muchas Gracias

I have no test to post, but this is a visual example of the jazz in a head on.

With the high and often rising prices of gas, diesel is the way to go in Thailand. Diesel pickups are cheaper to buy than cars, built with stronger suspension for the bad roads (of which there are many) and diesel engines last longer than gas ones. Plus, you can run them harder. For those who do a lot of driving they pay off well. Our family has a Mitsubishi Cyclone with well over 500,000 km on it and it starts every time you turn the key. The engine and transmission are original and only in the last year did the roof start to leak a bit which was repaired with a small amount of sealant. A decent car would probably start around 650,000 baht whereas you can get a good two door pickup with a cab and bed cover for about 600,000 or less. Thailand is not as much of a car loving country as the USA, but if a particular type of vehicle seems to be extremely common it's worth checking into. I like the handling and comfort of a car but would rather take the durability, reliability and cheaper price of the diesel pickup.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Pickups are tax deductable...cars are not.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No disagreement Thaiboxer, that's why I bought a pick-up for myself -- now however, we are talking about a vehicle for the missus and she has made up her mind that it will be a car, either the Vios or the Jazz.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ONLY pickups are diesel in Thailand? They don't sell a diesel jazz? (why not?))

Hmm, have to admit. I am still living in the era of chrome, big blocks, hemis and the notion japanese cars suck. But , have to admit Toyota, Honda and the rest of the pack make great family cars with reliabilty and mileage the focus . Actaully i remember my mates first car was a poo brown 180B , mechanically is just kept going and going and going.

Subaru make great cars, but most here in the LOS are only interested in WRX . But, Forresters, Outbacks Libertys are great cars . Bigger thana jazz and not sure about the pricing on them here.But safety/perfromance wise, better. Either that or a Volvo

ONLY pickups are diesel in Thailand? They don't sell a diesel jazz? (why not?))

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not true - some cars do have diesel options (like the new Innova from Toyota).

Admittedly I think it is derived from a pickup chassis, but not quite so obviously as the G-Wagon, SportRider, Adventure Master, Fortuner, etc.

As for what your wife should get - let her choose... The last thing you want is for her to decide 2 months from now that you've bought the wrong one and it's your fault.

Best you can do is try and get a test drive of both, even if all they'll let you do is drive one around in the area behind the showroom.

"""Steve Taub was alive and kicking and in full bloom in 1978 when I bought my first 911SC -- his dealership was pumping out the juice in gallons -- on 11th and Santa Monica Blvd -- are we talking about the same cat?

Keeping expenses low -- that's the ticket! Bring it to LOS! Best of luck on your move!"""

Yes Harmonica we are talking about the same place. Steve Taub now is only a Audi dealer.

I would love to have your SC now I'll tell ya.

"the Jazz has some kind of structural bar built in to shield the driver and passenger in the event of a head-on collision."

I'd be interested to hear from people of expertise (I'm certainly not), but personally I'd have thought you needed some kind of "crush zone" for head on collisions i.e. to take the energy out of the impact. You wouldn't want a completely solid structure to transfer all the energy of the crash toward the occupants of the car.

Self-evidently, the crush zone of the Jazz is not very big.

Edited January 25, 200521 yr by charles