A new luxury car with HP

Life Cars & Motorcycles
21

A Trevor Tuscan? As an only car? I would imagine they would have felt extremely sorry for every purchasing one. Great noise, great tyre squeal, but boy did those things break, and did they ever always smell like glue, and did they ever snap into two pieces and leave one of my friends customers in a bit of a fit after seeing their rear end overtake them, and were they ever the first car manufacturer ever to be forced by a law court to refund customers moneys because they hadn’t supplied them with by definition “a car”. And did your friend actually own one in in Taiwan?

I think the “twat factor” that you may be referring to is to the point where a few of us are differing in our opinions regarding what is “practicality.” When regarding cost versus usefulness specifically, then a Mazda 5, a Toyota Yaris, a VW Golf or a list of other cars would do a lot more useful for a lot less money 'practically speaking. You can’t put golf clubs or lots of shopping in the back of an Audi TT. You also can’t put a passenger in the back. You still cannot practically drive safely and practically at a gazillion kilometers per hour, especially around Taiwan, and even if you did and I met you on a public road, I would certainly call you a twat and not because of the car you were driving. You aren’t going to receive as practical reliability or service as other cars, and you’re going to pay up to 4 million NT, but you are worried about the extra 20,000nt you will have to pay each year in tax if you own a Porsche and how much extra fuel you will loose. Now who’s being practical? Should everyone drop their Toyota keys and buy an Audi TT or a Porsche? Would everyone if they could? I could, but I’d prefer to put my money into a property and some savings. I have an extremely efficient, extremely safe car. It manages the average speed all around Taiwan and more if I wanted it to, which I don’t really need it to. I can put an additional four people in at with shopping not including me :astonished: . I can load large pieces of furniture in the back, and if I don’t change my car again in the next seven years and I drive it economically, it will be almost as cheap as running almost anything else that’s available. Almost as cheap, but at least I’ll be leaving plenty of fuel in the pumps for Porsches and Audi TTs to use up. Some may say its boring because of the Toyota badge on the front, but lets be honest, the badge doesn’t make it practical or impractical does it?

22

[quote=“Enigma”]I am looking. I saw the new Lincoln P/U and it’s ok but doesn’t scratch the itch. I have owned a couple MB SL’s in the past and they were OK but . . . I thought maybe the BMW 700 series but when I look at them they look like every other car on the road. It might as well be a Toyota. I don’t need nor want McClaren (can’t get it anyway) I don’t want a kit car. I kind of like the new Lexus sports model. Saw one tonight and it was acceptable but, again - YAWN!
What’s out there that has mega HP and appeal? In days of yor, everyone knew what they were. Now, they just seem to be the same dish with a few added spices. Well, I want mine HOT. This will probably be the last new car I will ever buy. No exotics, Contapussys, Lamborgeorgious and the like - Ferrari - hell no. I just want a production vehicle that has appeal and high HP. There has to be something. MB doesn’t have it - not even the new 700 SL (POS) and BMW is a Toyota. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Mod, please feel free to move to MC and Cars if appropriate. Thanks[/quote]

Hows bout the R8 by Audi? If you can get your paws on one that is.

oops been mentioned before, but really its quite a car. Or how bout the RS4? Its got the engine from the R8 , has brembo brakes, recaro seats, momo steering wheel and is a SEDAN. Great driving one too.

23

We all have been trolled.

As I said before “weird post” This post starts at a Yaris to a Phantom. Someone is pulling our tail.

Who can afford a CLK or a R8 in Taiwan beside bad boys or Chen Sui Bien’s wife??? ( Or Ilary… Just a joke) :wink:

24

Taiwan prices for imports are just stupid !! A TT 3.2 roadster is only something like 45,000 dollars here and they are offering 5000 rebate now too !!!

An R8 is from 139,000 to 160,000 depending on options (but there is a 20,000 markup unless you order).

I know someone who bought a lambo murceilago for just under 400,000 in 2006 and now cant sell it for even 250,000 with less then 10k on the clock??

Its stupid to pay stupid prices for imports in Taiwan. And the scooters will nail you once a year and the punks will scratch the shit out of your paint the first few days on the road.

Why bother really. Get a decent car and be done with it (that you can easily afford). Dont worship the thing…its out on the street for goodness sake

25

Got my Ford Festiva 8 years (new) ago and changed a wheel bearing, brakes, speedometer cable and a new paint job. I challenge any owners of any cars to do better. All that for 400k$ (8 years ago… Now 350K)

PS: + normal oil change every 5000km and all the normal maintenance things.

Ha ha ha

26

[quote=“iix23”]Got my Ford Festiva 8 years (new) ago and changed a wheel bearing, brakes, speedometer cable and a new paint job. I challenge any owners of any cars to do better. All that for 400k$ (8 years ago… Now 350K)

PS: + normal oil change every 5000km and all the normal maintenance things.

Ha ha ha[/quote]

You been lucky. I had telstar 1.8 for bout 11 years. And in that time I spent bout 500,000 nt in repairs and replacement items. 80pct of it after the first 3 years when there was little need of any work. But then I did put 420,000KM on it !!

Been thru 9 sets of tires, 5 sets of shocks, 2 sets of springs, untold numbers of bits and pieces for the suspension. An aircon that cost oh so much every year after the first 3 years. Ball bearings that needed changing every 20 to 30,000KM. After the initial set which lasted for over 300,000KM. I guess other stuff wore out. Been thru 3 radiators and all the assorted hoses. Quite a few timing belts. Cars been repainted a number of times and dents fixed. A number of complete rust thru spots on body that needed work on.

The only thing that never broke was the engine and the transmission. The latter even though I only found out at the 250,000KM mark that I was supposed to change the Automatic transmission fluid every 50,000KM :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: I just changed it that one time and went over 420,000KM when I sold it for 30,000nt .

27

The Ford Telstar which was the Mazda 626 rebadged wasn’t it?

28

[quote=“tommy525”]You been lucky. I had telstar 1.8 for bout 11 years. And in that time I spent bout 500,000 nt in repairs and replacement items. 80pct of it after the first 3 years when there was little need of any work. But then I did put 420,000KM on it !!

Been thru 9 sets of tires, 5 sets of shocks, 2 sets of springs, untold numbers of bits and pieces for the suspension. An aircon that cost oh so much every year after the first 3 years. Ball bearings that needed changing every 20 to 30,000KM. After the initial set which lasted for over 300,000KM. I guess other stuff wore out. Been thru 3 radiators and all the assorted hoses. Quite a few timing belts. Cars been repainted a number of times and dents fixed. A number of complete rust thru spots on body that needed work on.

The only thing that never broke was the engine and the transmission. The latter even though I only found out at the 250,000KM mark that I was supposed to change the Automatic transmission fluid every 50,000KM :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: I just changed it that one time and went over 420,000KM when I sold it for 30,000nt .[/quote]

hey Tommy, where did you do all the repairs on your ford telstar? could u recommend a good garage in Taipei area?..my ford is falling apart :frowning:

29

[quote=“StreetSpec”][quote=“tommy525”]You been lucky. I had telstar 1.8 for bout 11 years. And in that time I spent bout 500,000 nt in repairs and replacement items. 80pct of it after the first 3 years when there was little need of any work. But then I did put 420,000KM on it !!

Been thru 9 sets of tires, 5 sets of shocks, 2 sets of springs, untold numbers of bits and pieces for the suspension. An aircon that cost oh so much every year after the first 3 years. Ball bearings that needed changing every 20 to 30,000KM. After the initial set which lasted for over 300,000KM. I guess other stuff wore out. Been thru 3 radiators and all the assorted hoses. Quite a few timing belts. Cars been repainted a number of times and dents fixed. A number of complete rust thru spots on body that needed work on.

The only thing that never broke was the engine and the transmission. The latter even though I only found out at the 250,000KM mark that I was supposed to change the Automatic transmission fluid every 50,000KM :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: I just changed it that one time and went over 420,000KM when I sold it for 30,000nt .[/quote]

hey Tommy, where did you do all the repairs on your ford telstar? Could you recommend a good garage in Taipei area?..my ford is falling apart :frowning:[/quote]

Well first things first. Do NOT leave your car at the dealer even if just for an oil change unless you tell them exactly what you want done and nothing else. I once left my then new Telstar at the dealer and I got a 8000nt bill . I have no clue what all the gooblegook was they charged me for !! But it was not pretty.

I had most of my stuff done at specialist shops. Most of my expenditures went towards tires and shocks and other suspension parts (due to Taiwans potholes). I went to a small hole in the wall guy that I was recommended to go on LinShen N.Rd near Nanking E. Rd… The guy does a lot of imports and is very good. I bought tires from him (and from AUTOBACS) , bought shocks and all other suspension bits and pieces from him. Got re-alignment work done there too. Excellent work. Reasonable prices. Shocks were bout 5000nt a pair installed (TOkico). Tires were bout 2000 each. Alighment bout 600nt. Got alot of my oil changes done at AUTOBACS (from bout 500nt to 1000 nt depending on the oil used). I got aircon repairs done at a dealer (expect to pay 5000 to 10,000 or more). Got body work done at a bodyshop (cheap). Got the car completely repainted at a dealer for free (insurance paid). Lets see what else? OH and all the tiny things like belts and hoses and radiators and light bulbs and such at a small specialty shop. And brake pads done at the same place I did the shocks, same with the wheel bearings. They were cheap. LIke 500nt for the front pads and same for the rear pads. Wheel bearings were like 1200 each installed. Of course all these prices are circa 1999. So add accordingly.

Basically almost any car place can do an oil change for cheap. AUTOBACS does a great job and they are cheap. AUTOBACS is also great for tires, pads, shocks, batteries, hoses, fluid changes and the such.

Any alignment store can do shocks, struts, bearings, tires, pads, and all other suspension do dads. Only need to go to the dealer for engine work, aircon work (they do a better job of aircon work then private shops who muck things up a lot) body work (good job and not bad pricing on body work ).

30

The Ford Telstar which was the Mazda 626 rebadged wasn’t it?[/quote]

Ya it was strange. At that time the Mazda 626 was made by Ford LioHo and badged as a Ford Telstar. But they also imported ones made in the USA and those were Mazda 626 !! And cost a lot more money then the Taiwan made Telstars.

31

well tks, any chance you have the address of that garage?..I think on my ford everything except the engine had been replaced, most of them when still under warranty…the car only 6 yrs old with 80k km…never buy ford again :fume:

32

well tks, any chance you have the address of that garage?..I think on my ford everything except the engine had been replaced, most of them when still under warranty…the car only 6 yrs old with 80k km…never buy ford again :fume:[/quote]

Sorry its not Linshen N.Rd. My recollection of TAipei is getting hazy. I cant find a suitable map of Taipei online either. But if you go from the Ritz hotel which is on Minchuan E. Rd. and head towards Nanking E.Rd. on the cross street that crosses Minchuan E. Rd. where the Ritz is. I just cant remember the name of that street. And look on the right hand side , look for a car allignment place thats on a street corner. Its before you reach Chang Chun road If i remember correctly?

But basically find a tire store that does allignments, they sell tires, do shocks, and other suspension bits and pieces as wel as oil and other fluid changes . But ask around for pricing before deciding who does your work as prices can vary !!!

And look for Autobacs . They are great for tires, oil changes, fluid changes and the like, plus good for buying waxes and other car stuff.

33

well tks, any chance you have the address of that garage?..I think on my ford everything except the engine had been replaced, most of them when still under warranty…the car only 6 yrs old with 80k km…never buy ford again :fume:[/quote]

Unfortunately what you bought was a bit of a strung together car consisting of lots of Taiwanese bits and bobs glued to what was in fact originally a very good Mazda engine, chassis and gearbox.
Ford in Taiwan have to distinguish their cars from Mazda sometimes so that they can maintain sales in each brand area. Personally I would buy Mazda and not Ford as they are built closer to foreign specs. They are also built as they were originally designed and haven’t been tampered with. The Ford iMax for example is a rebadged Mazda 5, but has different light lenses, interior spec etc. Only Taiwan has a Ford iMax, they can be purchased nowhere else in the world. Why anyone would for twenty thousand NT less on the price of a new car purchase something which is more Taiwanese than Japanese, I don’t know. And it won’t even hold its value as well as Mazda.

You’re right about the Ford brand though and I’ve said it a few times. They are generally poor in terms of build quality, but vary in degree with American Ford at the bottom, Euro Ford next and Asian Ford much better albeit still with quality issues.

I would still recommend Mazda though.

34

well tks, any chance you have the address of that garage?..I think on my ford everything except the engine had been replaced, most of them when still under warranty…the car only 6 yrs old with 80k km…never buy ford again :fume:[/quote]

Unfortunately what you bought was a bit of a strung together car consisting of lots of Taiwanese bits and bobs glued to what was in fact originally a very good Mazda engine, chassis and gearbox.
Ford in Taiwan have to distinguish their cars from Mazda sometimes so that they can maintain sales in each brand area. Personally I would buy Mazda and not Ford as they are built closer to foreign specs. They are also built as they were originally designed and haven’t been tampered with. The Ford iMax for example is a rebadged Mazda 5, but has different light lenses, interior spec etc. Only Taiwan has a Ford iMax, they can be purchased nowhere else in the world. Why anyone would for twenty thousand NT less on the price of a new car purchase something which is more Taiwanese than Japanese, I don’t know. And it won’t even hold its value as well as Mazda.

You’re right about the Ford brand though and I’ve said it a few times. They are generally poor in terms of build quality, but vary in degree with American Ford at the bottom, Euro Ford next and Asian Ford much better albeit still with quality issues.

I would still recommend Mazda though.[/quote]

Yup, I never had any trouble with the engine, the transmission or the chassis.

Everything else tho…different matter.

35

[quote=“tommy525”][quote=“Enigma”]I am looking. I saw the new Lincoln P/U and it’s ok but doesn’t scratch the itch. I have owned a couple MB SL’s in the past and they were OK but . . . I thought maybe the BMW 700 series but when I look at them they look like every other car on the road. It might as well be a Toyota. I don’t need nor want McClaren (can’t get it anyway) I don’t want a kit car. I kind of like the new Lexus sports model. Saw one tonight and it was acceptable but, again - YAWN!
What’s out there that has mega HP and appeal? In days of yor, everyone knew what they were. Now, they just seem to be the same dish with a few added spices. Well, I want mine HOT. This will probably be the last new car I will ever buy. No exotics, Contapussys, Lamborgeorgious and the like - Ferrari - hell no. I just want a production vehicle that has appeal and high HP. There has to be something. MB doesn’t have it - not even the new 700 SL (POS) and BMW is a Toyota. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Mod, please feel free to move to MC and Cars if appropriate. Thanks[/quote]

Hows bout the R8 by Audi? If you can get your paws on one that is.

oops been mentioned before, but really its quite a car. Or how bout the RS4? Its got the engine from the R8 , has brembo brakes, recaro seats, momo steering wheel and is a SEDAN. Great driving one too.[/quote]
I started to look but if their advertisement of a fly over of a mountainous snow covered region is to get me excited, it failed. I want a car and usually they don’t fly over mountains, - - - - unless I’m driving on a Saturday night.

EDIT: Anyway, I have opted for the Lincoln pickup with a few added HP extras. I hope to pick it up in a about a month. Thanks for everybody’s comments. They truly are apprreciated. Anybody want to haul some shit, give me a call. BTW, I am told that I will have close to 600 HP with the added aftermarket kits. It’s a shortbed, black with black leather interior and has a small logo of a cigar smoking duck holding a glass of scotch on each of the front fenders. Just Ducky! Thanks for everybody’s input. I will drive it with pleasure.

36

Is it one of these? Does it come with a free electrician?

37

Gosh you want one of these for Taipei?? How the heck you gonna park the thing?

38

That’s his driver’s problem.

39

It’s a freaking monster! A handsome monster, but a monster nevertheless.

You and the other guy on here who imported his Navigator should start yourselves a club!

40

[quote=“Enigma”]I am looking. I saw the new Lincoln P/U and it’s ok but doesn’t scratch the itch. I have owned a couple MB SL’s in the past and they were OK but . . . I thought maybe the BMW 700 series but when I look at them they look like every other car on the road. It might as well be a Toyota. I don’t need nor want McClaren (can’t get it anyway) I don’t want a kit car. I kind of like the new Lexus sports model. Saw one tonight and it was acceptable but, again - YAWN!
What’s out there that has mega HP and appeal? In days of yor, everyone knew what they were. Now, they just seem to be the same dish with a few added spices. Well, I want mine HOT. This will probably be the last new car I will ever buy. No exotics, Contapussys, Lamborgeorgious and the like - Ferrari - hell no. I just want a production vehicle that has appeal and high HP. There has to be something. MB doesn’t have it - not even the new 700 SL (POS) and BMW is a Toyota. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Mod, please feel free to move to MC and Cars if appropriate. Thanks[/quote]

I am also looking . . . This is my first post at Forumosa, I just came here to check out some vehicle registration and license info and stumbled across this thread. I’m not looking to spend millions, and found a one of a kind - 401HP custom MB - that I’m checking out tomorrow. The guy lost tonnes of money in the stockmarket and I’m a comin to the rescue.

It’s not new, but it’s not that crazy expensive either - especially compared to my coworkers. One has a Maserati GranTurismo on the way and another has got a GTR on order. These are far more unique than cookie cutters from the fatherland.

For me a truck is totally out of the question, as is an American car. I want big horsepower connected to something that handles on rails so I can take it out at 5am on the highway and see just how fast it goes. I’m not going to drive it during the week so less worries of punks smashing my shit up. I just want a weekend warrior that I can get down to Taichung with in as short as possible. Since I live in Taipei, it’s just taxis and hired cars to get around. I don’t care who sees me in it and if they think I’m an asshole, got money, am impractical whatever, that’s their hangup. However, what I do care about is how wide my grin gets when I do 250kph around a nice long bend or kick it sideways on the switchbacks to Ilan. I’ve always enjoyed driving and have lived here long enough to know how not to crash into scooters.

That’s probably the best logo I’ve ever heard of. Enjoy your ride.