Malaysian Car Buyer's Mentality

We hear these very often

1 - Don't buy 2 doors car.... No 2nd hand value
2 - Don't buy Continental cars - No 2nd hand value, expensive spare parts
3 - Don't buy Korean cars - No 2nd hand value
4 - Buy Honda or Toyota - Best 2nd hand value, reliable....

And the whole nation believes this.... Now, lets investigate why people buy Honda and Toyota. I spoke to a few people and they say, good back up service, good spare parts stocked, good 2nd hand value, because everyone buys it so it can't be wrong...

Then why on earth did I buy the Peugeot 308 GT? Its a 2 door, Continental car..... the whole nation can't be wrong and I can't be right????

The fact is... the whole nation has developed a car culture. Nobody ever look at statistics, they follow the crowd, that is why they don't stand out.... I bought the 308 GT is because, it has NCAP 5 star safety ratings, award winning engine, Most Fuel Efficient award winner, it has got all the latest devices like TPMS, directional headlights, auto lights, auto wipers, Bosch 8.1 ESP, 6 gear manual transmission with 175 BHP/260Nm torque engine, 6 airbags etc.....

Who cares about 2nd hand value? I plan to keep this car.... I care about driving pleasure and safety values more.... and the best part is.... I stand out from the crowd... every other person I met, admires the car... as it is unique and special....

Dr Cermin

Found a less than an inch crack on my windscreen, and immediately went to get it done. The process of preventing the crack to become bigger only took about 45 mins. The crack is less visible but it left 3 dots where they drilled little holes to pump the liquid in. However, since the crack is not at the centre of the screen, it didn't matter to me as long as the crack don't get bigger. The repair cost RM 80.00 per crack.

However, I also checked that the windscreen for the 308 will cost RM 1600 to get it replaced. That is not that expensive, considering that what I heard from others that it costs 4 times more...

Boron Nitride

Ever heard of Boron Nitride? Well, I got a bottle from Singapore courtesy of my brother Rudy Wong. I sprayed it at the front and back of the Intercooler... and WALLA!! I get smoother and better torque, and the car just feels more powerful... Went up Genting Highlands with 4 adults and 2 kids in the car, and I was basically overtaking all the cars without even pushing the rev beyond 4000 rpm...

This is something that I would strongly recommend to everyone if they have a turbocharged car... You get good power even in the daytime, especially when the temperature in Malaysia is so hot...

Reprogramming your key

I've finally managed to reprogram a new set of keys with the transponder working with the new remote. There are 4 stages to reprogram the new key as follows:-

1) Get a new empty transponder key estimate price RM 450.00 (Nasim is selling it for RM 808.00)
2) Get the transponder code (credit card that came with your car, if you don't have that, you have to get it from Nasim or we have to force a new code for you, and reprogram 2 keys , your current one and the new one for an additional price of RM 100.00)
3) cut your new key - using your old key, we need to LAZER cut your new key for a price of RM 80.00
4) Reprogram your new transponder and reprogram the remote to work... (cost around RM 120.00) then...

WALLA.... you have 2 sets of keys....

Anyone interested to make a new set of keys for your Peugeot 206, 308, 307, 407...
you can contact me... alankkwong@gmail.com

Promotion price until 14th February 2010.... fully cut, reprogram and new key will cost you only RM 688.00 only.

P-Tronic - How it works

I always wonder... how P-Tronic works. So, I did some research to find out and this is what it does...

The unit is connected between the calculator and injection system. All signals come from the car's ECU. The information they receive is analysed, electronically modified, then sent to the injector pump, to the rail or directly to the injectors. This means the P-Tronic does NOT increase the boost of the turbo directly. What it does is that, it increases the boost of the fuel pressure at the injectors.

Once there is higher boost on the injectors, the fuel will be richer. The car's ECU will sense that and will boost the turbo pressure to compensate and equalise the fuel mixture, hence, the car becomes more powerful. The only problem that our fellow friends are facing is that the Blow Off Valve will leak because it cannot handle the pressure of the power, when its being set at level 7. This would mean that, once that happens, the engine will fail due to the fuel being too rich, and the DEPOLLUTION sensor will sense that and give a error, and the car moves into LIMP mode.

The only way to solve this problem, is to change to a better Blow Off Valve. Peugeot don't make the BOV. The standard PSA/BMW blowoff valve, fitted in Peugeot 308 THP 140/150/175 (GT), Peugeot 207 1.6THP (GT/GTi/Rallye/RC) and Mini Cooper S R56 1.6T. It is made by Pierburg.

Pierburg blowoff valves have common internal parts. So the internal parts of this valve are interchangeable with VAG (audi/vw/seat/skoda) TFSI 2.0 blowoff valves.

However, the connector is not the same, which will need some modification if you change the BOV.

Peugeot 308 GT writeup by Nigel Burton

Peugeot 308 GT
6:26pm Tuesday 12th May 2009

By Nigel Burton »

THE FRENCH have always been a cultured lot. Whether it be a nice glass of wine, a new posh perfume or a masterpiece hanging in the Louvre , they love the finer things in life.

So maybe it’s no surprise Peugeot’s hot-hatchbacks have grown more and more laid back over the last 20 years or so. Unfortunately, they’ve also become more languid.

But is that such a bad thing? Do we really want to go back to the 205 Gti with its noisy engine, tailhappy handling and tissue-thin bodywork? I doubt it.

The 308 GT is not a rival to the Renault Megane 225 nor even the Golf Gti, but it would be wrong to dismiss it as a ‘luke warm hatch’, rather than a truly hot one.

It has the same blown 1.6-litre engine you’d otherwise find in a Mini Cooper S (co-developed with input from BMW), lowered suspension, stiffer springs and smart five-spoke alloy wheels shod with hefty 225/40 R18 tyres. That’s still a rather tasty package.

Interestingly, the visual changes don’t go anywhere like as far. Principally, the GT is distinguished from lesser 308s by its tailgate spoiler, a few tweaks to the shark-like nose and a couple of bits of racy trim scattered about the comfortable cabin.

As far as facelifts go, that is more of a nip ’n tuck than full surgical reconstruction.

Peugeot’s stealthy approach to hot-hatchery means you can hustle this French fancy rather faster down your favour piece of black top than, say, an Impreza WRX without fear of attracting the attention of the local gendarmes.

So you’ll probably end up having as much – if not more – fun than a full-on performance hatchback because the 308 is a car in which you can enjoy yourself without the attitude that goes with so many hot-hatchbacks these days.

If only the exhaust note hadn’t suffered the same way. I like to enjoy my sporty cars with a suitable accompanying soundtrack, the 308’s exhaust note sounds anodyne, the same pootling around town at idle as it is revving out in second.

Not that the powerplant needs to be revved hard, thanks to plenty of torque from low down and a handy 195 ft/lb overboost facility that really gets the 308 moving.

The standing start figures are fairly standard but once you are moving the Peugeot feels like a handy tool and I was never once left wishing for a bit more punch.

One common criticism of most Peugeots of fairly recent vintage has been the switch to electric steering pumps. The powered assistance lacks feel – a vital requirement for a car with sporting intentions. On the GT Peugeot’s engineers have switched back to a traditional hydraulic arrangement (albeit with an ‘on demand’ electric pump as back-up).

As a result the GT feels good – the front end is ‘pointy’ with lots of grip from the tyres and a fine feel for the road surface.

Keen drivers will approve.

I was surprised by the excellent ride, too. The suspension may have been stiffened – there’s appreciably less body roll than with a standard 308 – but the damping rates have been carefully selected so as not to rattle your fillings. The GT is a car I could drive a long way without feeling uncomfortable in.

The most powerful engine in the line-up also comes with Peugeot’s smooth-changing, six-speed gearbox which is infinitely preferable to the standard five-ratio box with its slightly ill-defined change quality.

Otherwise the GT is standard 308 – a roomy, mid-sized family hatch with a decent boot and low(ish) running costs.

There are some nice toys, too, including slivers of fake aluminium trim and a smattering of leather on the seats. Mind you, I couldn’t work out how to turn the premium audio system off – pressing the power button just seemed to mute the sound.

So what if the 308 lacks the raw appeal of a 205 Gti? In the real world it is faster, cheaper to run, has more cabin space and won’t fall to bits when the warranty runs out. In fact, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.

Fears over global warming are making the brutality of oldstyle hot hatchbacks social suicide these days. Drive an Impreza turbo or a Lancer Evo and it’s hard not to feel as though you’re enjoying the last of a dying breed. Cars of the future will go fast without looking fast. The old notion of the iron fist in the silk glove has never been more relevant.

So maybe it’s about time someone took some of the juvenile delinquent out of the hot-hatch formula.

If it is, trust the French to add some savoire faire to the recipe.

SPECIFICATIONS
Price: £20,795
Engine: 1,589cc turbocharged 16-valve fourcylinder petrol
Max power: 175bhp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 190lb/ft@ 1,500rpm
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Combined fuel consumption: 37.1mpg
CO2 emissions: 180 g/km
Equipment: Alloy wheels, electric windows, CD/RDS radio, climate control, front, passenger and side airbags, cruise control, electric mirrors, leather trim.

Peugeot 407 2 door..

Peugeot 407 2 door.... looks so nice! CLICK THE PICTURE FOR FULL VIEW...

No need to let the engine warm up in the mornings before we start to move the car!

Although you might think it’s easier on your car to let it sit and gently warm up, doing so is a bad idea for a number of reasons. Most importantly, it does indeed waste gas.

The vast majority of cars on the road today use electronic fuel injection. When your car’s engine is cold, the computer tells the fuel injectors to stay open longer, allowing more fuel into the engine to help it run cold. As the engine warms up, the injectors let in less fuel and everything returns to normal, so to speak.

The problem is, letting your car sit and idle is the slowest way to bring it up to operating temperature because it’s generally sitting in your drive at just above idle speed. And this method to warm up also invites other problems. Remember that modern cars are equipped with a multitude of devices to help them run clean, including a catalytic converter (sometimes three of them), a device in the exhaust system that works to burn off unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream. A cold engine emits a far higher percentage of unburned hydrocarbons than a warm engine. Unfortunately, the average catalytic converter can’t process 100 percent of unburned hydrocarbons even in the best of times. Importantly, the catalytic converter needs high exhaust temperatures to work properly. Throw in a cold engine emitting a high percentage of unburned hydrocarbons, repeat several hundred times, and you can end up with what’s called a “plugged” converter. In a nutshell, the converter becomes overwhelmed and literally ceases to function. This won’t happen all at once but over time, the end effect is the same: poor mileage and significantly dirtier exhaust.

The best bet? Even when it’s 10 degrees F outside, start your car, let it run for 30 to 60 seconds to get all the fluids moving, then drive off gently. Your engine will warm up faster, your exhaust system will get up to temperature faster so the catalytic converter can do its thing, and you’ll use less fuel. Which is what you wanted all along anyhow, right?

If it's below zero outside, it would be a good idea to give the engine five minutes or a little less before you drive off into the frozen wilderness!

— Richard Backus, editor in chief, Gas Engine and Motorcycle Classics magazines

How fast are other cars??

Warranty Issues Settled

I've gone through months of waiting and finally, the issues with Nasim has been settled.

1) I got a refund for the battery issue which I paid.

2) TPMS changed and reprogrammed

3) I got 4 new Pitrelli P Zero Rosso Tyres for the defective tyre reported 2 days after I got my car

4) My seat slider was changed 1 month ago.

Nasim has taken the effort to ensure that they are meeting up to the warranty claims. I must say, there's been improvement and I do hope it will continue to get better.

However, there are people who thinks that I just want to make issues with Nasim and make the AW forum unhappy. Ultimately, the battle is won for now, that the Peugeot owners are getting better service from Nasim. This is proven with 3 more cars with battery issues were changed without questions asked. I will continue to strive to help the Peugeot owners to get what is right, irrespective of who is with me or who is not...

A reply from Nasim

After 1 month of persistent followups... this is the reply I got from Nasim this morning.

Greetings Mr Alan,

 

We are please to inform you on the following :

 

i) The originally factory fitted tire, Pirelli P Zero Nero is not available in the Malaysian market. However, as a alternate solution, we have managed to locate a different model, Pirelli P Zero Rosso which is equally compatible for your vehicle. As an added gesture of goodwill, we will be replacing all 4 tires on your vehicle to ensure the thread pattern match. The tires have been ordered and is expected to reach no later than this Friday (09.10.09)

 

ii) The TPMS sensor is available at our Glenmarie Blue Box. An appointment will be made for the replacement for both the TPMS and the tires as mentioned above this week.

 

iii) The goodwill reimbursement cheque is ready and will be handed to you personally during your visit for the above.

 

We would appreciate if you could let us know if Friday (09.10.09) is convenient for you to send in your vehicle to Blue Box Glenmarie for the above. I will communicate this to the After Sales Division.

 

Thank you.

 

Best Regards,

Dennis Michael

Head Of  Department

Client Interaction Center (CLiC)

NASIM SDN BHD

However, I got a call from Rahim of KS this morning asking me about when I can come and settle the tyre case, I told him I got a reply from Nasim as above. Rahim is telling me that Nasim is billing KS for the 4 Pirelli tyres which was mentioned above....

Personally, I feel that:-

1) KS took too long to give me an answer for the tyre case... its now 8 months since I sent the tyre for warranty and KS slept on the issue. Now, it looks like as if they have to bear the cost of it.

2)  Each tyre cost almost RM 2,000.00 and by changing 4 tyres, KS got to fork out almost RM 8,000 for this issue. 

Do you think its fair?? Your comments please..

Peugeot 308 GT car Review by Ben Pulman

The Peugeot 308 GT THP 175 is only a warm hatch, according to Peugeot. The pre-launch press conference was all about managing our expectations, telling us that the GT was meant to be dynamic but also allow you to cover 1000 miles without getting a bad back.

But Peugeot needn’t had worried, because this 308 is really rather good, thanks mostly to a slick new six-speed gearbox and a 1.6-litre turbo engine shared with the Mini Cooper S.

What makes the Peugeot 308 GT THP 175 stand out from all the other 308s?
All the typical go-faster goodies are present and correct. That means uprated dampers, 35 percent stiffer springs, and suspension lowered by 10mm. Peugeot claims that this has dropped the GT’s centre off gravity by 10mm.

On the outside you get a RC Z concept-inspired front bumper, a rear spoiler that apparently produces downforce, a ‘diffuser’ and 18-inch wheels. In white, and in three-door form it looks very good indeed. In red and with five doors (like our pictures) it’s smart but not quite there, especially as the stylish red rear lights no longer stand out.

Inside you get an aluminium gearknob and pedals, plus a new steering wheel.

Does it all work?
Yes, but with a but. There are a few issues with the 308 GT, so let’s get them out of the way first. In co-developing the 1.6-litre engine with BMW, Peugeot’s engineers seem to have taken a leaf out of the Bavarian’s M Division and fallen in love with thick steering wheels. The wheel is also a little too wide. If only the company has stuck with the standard steering wheel for the 308, as that’s pretty good already.

The aluminium pedals are also too far apart and the accelerator too high for any sort of heel ‘n’ toe action. But the 308 GT has a turbocharged engine so keeping it at 6000rpm isn’t the key to making good progress.

Tell me about this engine then?

We know (and love) this turbocharged 1.6-litre from ourlong-term Mini Cooper S. In the 308 it has 175bhp, and 180lb ft from 1600-4500rpm. And it loves to rev. On the same launch CAR drove a 150bhp version of the 1.6 and it felt strained, reluctant to rev towards the red line, and it was boomy at the top end.

In 175 form it’s so much better, and so smooth that you end up hitting the rev limiter often. There’s no torque curve as such, just a plateau, and you forget there’s just 1598cc under the bonnet. It can be pelted along nicely, but occasionally the 1371kg kerbweight – 166kg more than a Cooper S – made overtaking on the short straights of our Sardinian test route a little tricky.

But the new six-speed gearbox is a joy to use. It’s slick but still has enough mechanical feel so you’re not fluffing changes. Congrats to Peugeot because it’s a pretty damn good drivetrain.

And through the corners and over the bumps?

The smooth roads of Sardinia ensured a smooth ride, despite the firm-ish suspension. The 308 will need a proper drive of Britain’s unique undulations before we can say for sure, but initial impressions are of a well tied-down hatch.

It’s equally good into the corners. There’s lots of grip from the 18-inch wheels - and very little of the torque steer that can afflict our long-term Mini. The ESP is unobtrusive and when it does cut in it does so gently. Turn it off and you can feel the car slide a little more through the bends but it never becomes unruly.

CAR also snuck a drive a 308 GT shod with 17-inch wheels. This car – which won’t be coming to the UK – had a slightly better ride and marginally sharper turn-in that UK-spec cars, but the differences are minuscule. For the warm hatch customer that will buy the car the larger wheels, that make the 308 look better, are more than acceptable.

Verdict

The 308 GT isn’t a full-on hot hatch, and it was never designed to be. It’s a big car, over two metres wide with the wing mirrors out (as they should be) and that rather large glass roof is standard. The interior quality is very good, and it’s quiet. Kit levels include decent bi-xenon lights, dual zone air-con and many more bits and pieces.

Along a twisting road it might be left behind by a Mini Cooper S but the Peugeot is a bigger and heavier car, and more of a rival to our long-term VW Golf GT TSI. The Peugeot's gearbox is nicer to use and the engine more characterful. But while many might be prepared to spend £18.5k on a Golf, we’re not sure too many will spend that much on a Peugeot. 

The 308 GT is good enough that we won’t make any jokes about it being tepid - but ultimately we prefer hot, and not warm. Oh, and a basic Ford Focus ST is £18,250. Makes you think...

Maintenance for 308 THP and VTi

Here is the prices for servicing your 308 in Malaysia.

RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE HERE

Another letter from Dennis from Nasim

Good evening Mr Alan,

 

We are pleased to inform your good self that the goodwill reimbursement for your battery has been approved by the management. A cheque is being prepared and we will get in touch with you as soon as it is ready.

 

Thank you for your patience and kind cooperation.

 

Best Regards,

Dennis Michael

Head Of  Department

Client Interaction Center (CLiC)

NASIM SDN BHD

PEUGEOT CARELINE : 1-800-88-6292

FAX : 03-5569 0599

Change... its hard... but not impossible...

Guys, Its very hard to change the mindset and attitude of someone, be it an organisation. However, people will only change if.. [b]"the pain of not changing is greater than the pain of change"[/b] This applies to any change in life for everyone. We have to feel the pain before we have no choice but to move and change. Since Nasim has felt some pain, there are some good changes starting to move. The theory works. BTW, I am a training specialist by profession. I know what I am doing...

An email from Dennis (Customer Care of Nasim)

[quote]

Greetings from Nasim Mr Alan Wong,

 

Further to our meeting on the 4th September 2009, we wish to inform you that the After Sales Division is in the midst of obtaining approval for goodwill reimbursement on your battery.

 

We will update you as soon as we receive the approval. Thank you.

 

Best Regards,

Dennis Michael

Head Of  Department

Client Interaction Center (CLiC)

NASIM SDN BHD

PEUGEOT CARELINE : 1-800-88-6292

FAX : 03-5569 0599

[unquote]

Guys,

This is what I call good customer service. However, I do hope that Nasim will begin to be more proactive in handling all Peugeot owner's warranty issues. Dennis has taken the liberty to update myself on the status of the Battery issue which I had earlier.... Will keep you guys posted on the entire issue...

A PM from Intermilan to me- for YOUR entertainment purposes

I've always consider you as a friend, even if we had only meet once. But i think it about time that you have a kit kat. This issue is now seem to be very near to achieve or already reach irrevocable damage. It should be taken off the Net or tone down marginally. Let go of the emo.. Why not use the tribunal pengguna or legal option? And unfortunately, your revelation about the discussion in ZTH are just quite tasteless as the discussion itself. Two wrong didn't make it right Alan. I'm afraid it might set the tone for this to turn out to be a hardball game. Game on! David vs. Goliath. Posting your grievance in AW won't help anymore. I see it this way, by revealing the ZTH discussion, you win the battle, but that will quickly lead to you losing the war, possibly. Of course i don't know why you attack lowpro. You must got your reasons. Lastly, I do hope that the objective(s) of your struggle will be achieve. Nasim is clearly the wrong party here. But some of the way you employed to drag your point here didn't help either. From your experience, we know that they can be a s u c k e r. But i'm worried if they decided to be an even bigger s u c k e r after this episode.

{and my reply below}

Intermilan, Do I care what you think of the entire situation? You never even came and supported myself when I was fighting the battle alone. Who are you to come and PM me to tell me what I should do? I am still fighting the battle alone. What have I got to lose? What is the worse that can happen?? I have thought about the consequences, and I am all game to expect the worse. I have always thought of all of you as a friend... Derick, yourself and all the others, till I had to fight this battle alone, I found out who are my real friends... Why not, you take a kit kat and enjoy the show...!

Car Prices in Malaysia - by Syed Akbar Ali

Car Prices in Malaysia

  Digest this article, after that, you may need to vomit. What is the   Malaysian Govt doing all these while. Ripping off our Rakyat for the last   30 yrs with APs designed to benefit a few  well connected Bumis, the   UMNO/BN have robbed millions of citizens in this fiasco, under the   pretext of protecting our local industry. The Govt have forgotten we   Malays are the largest customers in the country. What is the NEP policy  doing ?? Ripping off the Malays (which forms 65% of the consumer base) to benefit a few UMNO politicians !!!

 ”We cannot choose the things that will happen to us. But we can choose   the attitude we will take toward anything that happens.. Success or   failure depends on OUR attitude”   Malaysia Boleh…Buy Malaysian Products….Long Live Malaysia.. Malaysia    Ku Cemerlang…!   BMW 535i sells for RM178,000 in the USA.

In the United States of America (a developed country which we are also   aspiring to become by the year 2020) a 2009 model BMW 535i Sedan is   selling for about USD50,367.00. This is only RM178,000 - about the  price of a Toyota Camry 2.4L here in Malaysia . The same BMW sells in  Malaysia for about RM450,000.

 BMW 328i sells for RM155,000 in the USA.

  The 2009 model BMW 328i 2 door Convertible sells for USD44,014 or   RM155,369.00 in the US . In Malaysia the same car sells for over  RM460,000. This is an untenable situation.

 Audi A4 2..0T Cabriolet Convertible sells for RM142,000 in the US.

The 2009 model Audi A4 2 Door 2.0T Cabriolet Convertible sells in the US for USD40,328.00 or RM142,357. In Malaysia the same car would sell  for about RM265,000.  VW GTI 2.0T sells for RM85,000 in the US. In the US the 2009 model Volkswagen GTI 2.0T sells for USD 24,039 or  RM85,000 only. In China the same car will cost around RM60,000. Over  here the same VW car sells for about RM200,000.

And the 2010 model Toyota Camry 2.4L sells in the US for USD 19,659..00 or  RM69,396 In Malaysia the 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4L sells for  RM170,000. Toyota Camry 2.4L, 2010 model. RM69,000 in the US  [cL: it's  RM70k in Au]

Car prices in Malaysia are about three times higher than the prices in the United States. We are a developing nation. Our land and labour costs are so much cheaper than the US . Why are our cars so expensive? It does  not make any sense. Tak masuk akal.

Then here are some car prices from our neighbour Indonesia . The Toyota  Altis sells in Indonesia for about RM46,000. The same car sells here for around RM 112,000. Again we are three times more expensive than Indonesia. 

 The Honda Jazz sells here for RM108,000.. In Indonesia the Jazz sells for RM 36,000. Three times more expensive.

We are paying ridiculously high prices (and actually impoverishing the Malays - who are the largest buyers of cars in Malaysia) to support an out of date, out of touch with reality motor car policy. 

 We are paying the highest car prices in the world to support the Proton  and other locally made cars as well as support a mind boggling AP policy    which only benefits a relatively few rich Malays. A disproportionately  large number of Malays and other Malaysians are  being impoverished to subsidise the wealth of a few inefficient rich.

26 million Malaysians have to pay three times more for their cars just to   support Proton and 120,000 people who are directly and indirectly  involved in the motor sector in Malaysia and the AP holders. That is a  ratio of 216:1.

This ratio of 216:1 is too skewed. 26.0 million happier people can contribute many more votes than 120,000 members of an inefficient motor  industry. 26 million unhappy people can change a Government. (The maths  is not really difficult here).  And this outdated policy is impoverishing the Malays more than anyone else.

 Here is some news from our DPM Tan Sri Muhyudin Yassin about our car policy. This is truncated:

  Muhyiddin assures govt support for automotive parts and component sector 

  1. KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 - The deputy prime minister said special focus   will be given to “facilitate and encourage” the development of the   automotive parts and component sector despite the current global and  regional economic downturn.

  2. “Under the CEPT and Asean Trade in Goods Agreements, Malaysia has  agreed to eliminate import duties on all products in the Normal Track on   January 1, 2010. This includes motor vehicles, auto parts and  components,” he said.

 3. He pointed out that . .. . the motor vehicle sub sector in Malaysia will not be directly impacted because of its heavy dependence on the   domestic market.

  4. “The Malaysian government recognises the contribution of the  domestic automotive industry towards the development of the country.”

Para 2 sounds promising but then Para 3 and 4 basically says that the Malaysian motor car industry will continue to be protected. This means we   will continue paying the highest car prices in the world for automobiles.

Cuba kita kira : kalau kereta Honda Jazz di jual dengan harga yang sebenarnya (lebih kurang RM36,000 saja) dan bukan pada harga sekarang   (RM108,000) maksudnya bayaran bulanan pembeli kereta akan jadi kurang,   mungkin sepertiga sahaja daripada bayaran bulanan sekarang.

  Jika sekarang orang bayar RM1,500 sebulan untuk beli Honda Jazz, kalau  harga kereta lebih menepati harga pasaran dunia, orang kita perlu  bayar sekitar RM500 saja sebulan.

Maksudnya tanpa Kerajaan perlu membuat apa pun (merangsang ekonomi, belanja berpuluh billion Ringgit duit rakyat untuk stimulus dan sebagainya) setiap rakyat Malaysia yang membeli kereta yang seharga  dengan Honda Jazz akan dapat menjimatkan sehingga RM1,000 sebulan  daripada kos sara hidup bulanannya.

 This is like giving the car buyer an RM1000 pay rise without incurring any extra costs for the taxpayer, the Government or the economy. It  will greatly reduce the cost of living in Malaysia and spur greater  economic growth too.

Tapi sekarang, yang menjadi mangsa dulu dan yang menjadi miskin dulu orang Melayu juga. Orang Melayu yang paling ramai sekali menjadi pembeli    kereta dalam negara kita. Orang Melayu kebanyakannya makan gaji - tiap   bulan dapat gaji tetap. Bila harga kereta naik gila, yang menjadi miskin  di saf depan sekali adalah orang Melayu juga.

In absolute numbers, the Malays are suffering the most because they are   the most in number among the fixed income people who also buy cars.

Some folks said the other day that Proton has 150 major component suppliers, dealers, distributors and about 500 other parts suppliers too..   Of the 150 major component suppliers, about 15 of them are listed   companies. In total they employ about 120,000 people. The Proton supply  chain is a mix of bumiputras and non bumiputras. But here is a sad
fact :  none of them are operating at their level best efficiency. 

  Our motor car policy is forcing Malaysians to subsidise Proton so that   Proton can sustain major inefficiencies in the Malaysian economy. This is   not a good thing at all.

We have to unwind this situation. Set a target of 18 months from now to   unwind all protection for our motor industry. Remove the impoverishing AP  policy also in 18 months. Let Malaysian car prices reflect world market  prices for the same makes of cars.

If a BMW 535 sells for RM178,000 in America , it should sell for a little   less here in Malaysia (our rentals and salaries are cheaper).

Fw: Car   Prices In Malaysia

  The Ministers continue making pronouncements about the car industry as   though nothing has happened. I hope everyone will please wake up. The   Government has a real chance of getting thrown out of office in about   three years. The people will not accept inept answers anymore.   The ridiculous car prices in Malaysia is an issue that is just beginning 
  to get more attention and publicity. It is going to become a really big   issue in the near future. Be forewarned.

Posted by Syed Akbar Ali

Nasim's poor warranty and backup

My car battery went dead after just 7 months. According to Nasim, there is NO WARRANTY for battery anything above 20,000km or 1 year whichever comes first! As far as I know, battery manufacturers give warranty without mileage limitations. But that is not all, I have a few more warranty claims that seems to be left unheard and no actions were taken by them. This is a letter I sent via email today to Lionel, Samson and Dennis of Naza/Nasim. Lets see how long they will reply before I take the next action. Lets see if they are the type that values customers or need to be WHACKED before serving the customer right... Here is the email:-

Dear Gentlemen,

It brings to my attention that I need to highlight this issue with your goodself as I have passed my threshold of being a nice customer. Every customer has their limits.

These are issues that Nasim has not attended to expectation and this is my first step towards giving a good chance to Nasim to react properly to the situation of my car.

Issues:-

Date: 30th January 2009 :- 2nd day of delivery... Pirelli P Zero Nero Tyre found not round, send it back to Kheng Soon. Up to now.... NO NEWS... and still waiting... after 7 months!!

Date: 20th April 2009  :- Sent car for 10,000km service at BB Glenmarie and both seats that is supposed to slide is found to have a part broken inside the seat... SC told me to wait 1 month for the part to come.. UP TO NOW... NO NEWS despite me calling customer service several times, they claim to check and get back to me, but I got NOTHING!!

Date: 24th August 2009:  Sent car for battery warranty claim as the car needed to jump start few times. Sent to Naza Klang and found the battery to be defective. Car is only 7 months old. Just hit 20,980 km. SC claims that there is no warranty after 20,000km or 1 year. However, I do not find this clause anywhere in my warranty book. Had to pay RM 688.50 for a new battery which I think the price is exorbitant. This issue should be covered by warranty!!  As far as I know, all battery manufacturers give warranty of 1 year or some even 2 years without mileage limitations. This is also proven in other car brands too. I am quite shocked to find this VERBAL rule in Naza/Nasim. 20,000km for battery warranty is as good as NO WARRANTY at all... This is getting a little ridiculous! 

Awaiting your "PROMPT" action... today's date is 25th August 2009...

Best Regards,
Alan Wong
owner of 308GT

HP: +6012-XXXXXX

c.c. Autoworld Forum, Peugeot Club of Malaysia, 308GT Blog.

Security Card for Transponder

OK... time for me to explain about the security key code...  

The security key code is for future requirements to reprogram the transponder which is a ship built in your key, should you loose your key and need to make a new one. By keeping the card, you can go and reprogram the transponder back at your Service Centre with the code, in future. I heard that the new remote key is being sold for RM 808.00 and reprogramming will cost another RM 120.00. However, you still need to cut the key with your local locksmith. That could be a few ringgit more. 

Around March 2009, all the 308 that is being delivered, were not supplied with the security card. Those delivered before that still got it, people like myself and AHWAN got the card. The reason they do not give the card to you is because,   

1) If in case you loose the card, they cannot reprogram a new key for you in future. They now have the security code stored in a database, in the internet. Only the Peugeot Service Centre can get access to it. 

2) So that you come back to them and they make money instead of doing it from a third party vendor.  

However, please note that if in case you loose your key at anytime, you can still go back to the Peugeot SC and make a new one. However, you might need to wait and pay a hefty sum for the remote key. I would believe that if you loose your key, they might have to change the code, so that if anyone who stole your previous key, will not be able to start your car.  

So, just be extra careful to not misplace or loose your key... Cheers!

Deadlocking in your 308

Deadlocking is a security device which enables the car to be locked in a way that the door can't be opened from inside or outside the car without disengaging the deadlock first.

If a car thief therefore wants into you car they have to climb in through a window and out the same way as the doors will not open without the correct opening procedure with the proper key or remote.

Deadlocking can only operate if the cars central locking system is functioning correctly. It is semi automatic and very reliable.

The deadlocking is activated either by key on a normal key locking system or by pressing the remote locking either twice or the deadlocking button on the remote.

Disengaging the deadlock is simple just open your door in the normal way and it will disengage the deadlock automatically.

How to get better mileage from your car?

Here are some tips to get better mileage once the petrol prices go up in September 2009 in Malaysia.

1. They way you drive - Rapid acceleration and quick braking increases fuel! Drive gently and you will see significant improvement in your fuel consumption of your car.

2. Improper Tyre inflation - Just 1 tire under inflated, you will realised that your car will be a fuel guzzler. Tires deflate 1 psi every 2 weeks. So, ensure that your car is properly inflated and check your tyre pressure every 2 weeks.

3. Excessive load - Don't put things that you don't need in your car. Why carry extra load? It will definitely put more strain in your engine and it will definitely increase your fuel consumption.

4. Proper maintenance and service - Make sure you service your car in time, a healthy engine uses less fuel than an unhealthy one.

5. Don't speed - Your 308 is most frugal at speeds around 110km/h. You will notice that the engine will double its fuel intake when you hit speeds around 140 km/h. The 30 km/h extra won't get you double the speed but will use double the fuel!

End of the 2 series in Malaysia

We have seen the Bestari/Peugeot 206 for a while already here in Malaysia. This will be the end of this series once they complete pushing the rest of the stock out. We will not be seeing the 207 coming to Malaysian shores which was planned earlier.

Peugeot Malaysia is looking at positioning its brand as up market rather than trying to compete with the other brands in the entry/mass level sector. Yes, they will sell less cars but since they don't have many service centres either, it would be a wise move to concentrate in giving the best service to the upper market cars like the 308 and 407, rather than they spread their resources towards a mass market where they are struggling to do a good service/warranty job.

Having said that, the 206 is a great car. Its proven to be really good in corners/handling and a great comfortable car to drive compared to the Malaysian/Korean and Japanese rivals. Unfortunately, good cars don't make a good brand. Branding is all about perception of the customer. 

There is no doubt that a lot of people know that the Peugeot cars are good. They are still asking about spare parts, customer service, quality of the Service Centre etc. This is something that cannot be built overnight. Rome was not built in a day. It would be a great move by Nasim to start working on quality, rather than quantity! 

Driving fast?? Can I?

Hey guys, driving fast is all about practice, handling and confidence... If one person can hit beyond 200km/h, with the same car, it doesn't mean another person can.

If you are new to driving fast, please do it gradually, until your confidence level builds. Safety is the main issue here. Don't take big risks. Its not worth it.

Average Fuel consumption for all 308 models in Malaysia

Currently, these are the feedback in general about the fuel consumption of the 308  

1) VTi - averaging around RM 0.17 - 0.19 sens per km* 

2) THP - averaging around RM 0.20 - 0.22 sens per km* 

3) GT - averaging around RM 0.19 - 0.21 sens per km*  

*This is based on normal city driving.  

You will be asking how come the GT is averaging better than the THP. The GT is slightly heavier than the THP too. Basically, you must know that the THP has a 4 gear automatic while the GT has a 6 gear manual gearbox. So, if you want a good fuel consumption 308, you should go for the VTi. With RM 0.17 sens per km, the average distance per fuel tank should be around 600km while the GT can hit around 530km and the THP around RM 520 km.

Why we have the PULLING TO THE LEFT PROBLEM on ALL CONTINENTAL CARS

OK... time for me to explain why continental cars have the Pulling to the left problem... Don't ask me to rectify the problem because I am in no position to do so. Not even the local distributors can do it. Just understand the problem and do what we can from our end... You see guys, these CONTINENTAL cars are made for left hand drive... Not right hand drive... So, to make the car right hand drive, they have to take the left hand drive model and modify it... All continentals are made that way because the market for right hand drives are too small to have it manufactured that way. When the car is LHD, it drives on the right hand side of the road. Roads in Europe are slanted slightly towards the right for the water to flow away when it rains. All cars are made to pull a little to the left to compensate for the slant, which is a standard bushing part used. They don't have the bushing for RHD models. Don't ask me why... they just don't have it. When the cars are being modified to the RHD market, plus our roads are slanted slightly towards the left for the water to flow away, we get a big pull to the left. This applies to ALL European cars as they did nothing to overcome this problem. So, the only way to rectify it is to go to a good tyre shop who understands this problem and get them to toe in the front caster so that the car feels straight. My car feels straight on an even road but there is still a slight pull to the left when the road is slanted, especially on highways. Generally, I am happy with this, as this is the best they can do.

Running your PUG 308

I was away from 2nd to 24th June 2009, while working overseas. My 308 GT was parked in my house and the engine was started once or twice a week by my family members. After coming home from the 3 week working stint, I began to face a few problems with the car. Here are the list below:-

1) All 4 tires have been deflated quite badly. The TPMS worked well, telling me all 4 tires needs to be pumped.

2) I received an error in my MFD stating that there is an Error with the Engine. When I sent it back to KS, the computer printout states that the turbo pressure was too high. They reset the computer, and 2 days later, the same problem occurred. This happened when I started the engine, after warming up a little, I rev the engine to 6000rpm.  But after driving for 10 days, the problem was gone...

3) DRL light bulbs blew. I first bought a pair from Brothers for RM 9.50, and it blew again after just 5 days. This time, I bought the 2nd pair from Giant for RM 3.99 and changed them without touching the bulb with my bare hands. I used a cloth to change the bulb. Its been 4 days, and its working fine.

I am away again overseas. My dad (73 years old) has volunteered and insisted that he drive my car around for the next 4 weeks. He took my car yesterday, and seems to be handling it fine. Lets pray that he will be able to handle the car properly for the next 1 month.

Checklist for new delivery

This is a checklist of things you need to check before you collect your new car. This list was compiled by Autopug from the Autoworld forum. Some items does not apply for the 308 but for the 407 models.

anti theft nut

yellow tweezer (ask SA to show you how to use it. but it is mentioned in manual so if he doesn't know, no worries)

wiper

windscreen water

seat belt

seat adjuster (whether your power or manual assisted lever works)

glove compartment

aircond - dual zone and climate control

head light

rear light

seat belt light

vanity mirror light

reading light

signal light

brake light

fog light

Moonroof (check the slider if its working)

Windows (that its working)

Keys (both keys should be able to start the car)

Seats (please ensure there are no holes in the seat)

Mats, make sure they are clean and neat.

lights and rain sensors, make sure they are working

tyre (comb thro' all 4 tyre threads), also check the manufacturing date of the tyre.

tyre pressure (usually they are over inflated. so bring to the nearest station to measure or deflate the tyre to the correct pressure. i usually go to shell since they have this digital gauge)

rim (check for any scratch or dent)

radio, cd player, mp3, USB port and iPod (and the firmware has been updated to the latest version). bring along a thumbdrive and mp3 disc for checking. for iPod you must have the Aux cable.

gps (this is updated and loaded into your software and he/she gives you the password and ID) This is for 407 model only.

chassis number (match against road tax)

road tax expiry (it is 1 year instead of half year)

reg card (if this is loan, then you should get a copy and then match details against the relevant documents)

alignment (can only check this when you drive)

check the mileage before acceptance

check body for scratches

Owner's manual, Warranty booklet.

one more to add, insurance cover note.

Once you sign the dotted lines.... it means you accepted the car as it is... please check through properly...

Reset Service Indicator

Normally, once your car needs to be serviced or, if the countdown on your dashboard tells you its time to service your car, a spanner comes out as a reminder. 

If you don't want to go back to your service centre and decide to service the car on your own, this his how you can Reset the Service Indicator on the 308.

Procedure to Reset Peugeot Service Light as follows:

1. Switch the Ignition Off

2. Press and hold the tripmeter (mileage reset) button on the dash

3. Now switch the ignition to the ON position

4. Keep the button pressed for 10 seconds

5. The display will read '0' and the service symbol will extinguish. Job done.

Sun and Surf

This is another good article from Sun and Surf about the 308 GT

CLICK HERE

Paul Tan's review of the Peugeot 308 GT

You can find it here

CLICK HERE

Engine of the year 2007,2008 & 2009!!!

 The Peugeot 308 GT has a powerplant that is not just another engine. This engine has won the 1.4 - 1.8 liter engine of the year award for 3 consecutive years in a row.  WOW! This is great to know that this car is powered by the best in its class.

BMW/PSA Peugeot Citroën’s jointly developed turbo petrol engine has taken top honours for the third consecutive year in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category, despite the arrival of the all-new Toyota Prius powertrain, which was an early favourite in this class.  Dan Vardie from Autoshow in Romania is one the judges who gave the Mini Cooper S heart top marks: “This is a great, small sporty engine, with an environmentally-friendly stop/start feature. It means the car is supple and fun to drive on winding roads, but is just as good in town.”  Meanwhile Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the IEOTYA, added: “This engine represents one of the finest examples of engine downsizing.”  Featuring innovative stop/start technology on BMW models, jurors from all regions were once again won over by this powerful yet frugal motor. As Marc Noordeloos from Automobile in the USA explains, “This engine provides a wonderful balance of power and economy. It may lack the character of the old supercharged engine in the Mini Cooper S, but the dramatic drop in fuel consumption makes up for it.”  Made from light alloy, the 175bhp unit, which powers not only the Cooper S but also the Mini Clubman and Peugeot 207 and 308 models,  features a twin-scroll turbocharger, gasoline direct injection, twin overhead camshafts, roller-type drag arms that have been optimised for minimum friction, and hydraulic valve play-compensation elements.  All this technology means not only plenty of power – and let’s not forget the 260Nm that is maintained from 1,500rpm to 5,000rpm – but also an average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100km (40.9mpg) for non stop/start engines. Since its introduction in 2006, more than 150,000 units of this engine have been produced and next year the 1.6-liter turbo heart from BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën will prove to be even more popular with the launch of the Mini Cross.

 

       RESULTS  

	points
1. BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (Mini Cooper S, Clubman,  Peugeot 207, 308)	253
2. Toyota Hybrid 1.8-litre (Prius)	198
3. Audi 1.8-litre TFSI (Audi A4, A3, A5, TT, Seat León, Altea,  Toledo, Skoda Octavia, Superb, VW Passat)	184
4. Mercedes-Benz 1.8-litre turbo (BlueEfficiency E-Class)	135
5. Opel 1.6-litre turbo (Corsa, Astra, Insignia)	59
6. Fiat Diesel 1.6-litre JTD (Alfa Romeo Mito, Fiat Bravo,  Lancia Delta)	56