Suzuki Celerio claims it can go 32 kilometers to a liter.

Whether it’s brand new or second-hand, buying a car can be quite a gamble. With the sharp increases in the cost of unleaded gasoline, many buyers are compelled to buy diesel-fed cars because the price of diesel is lower than gasoline. However there are several factors that you need to consider, not just the price of the fuel. Diesel may be cheaper but the maintenance can be a killer in the long run. Not to mention, the noise and environmental effects of the release of sulfur in the atmosphere which diesel engines burn along with other particulates.

Here are four important factors to consider when buying a car. If fuel-efficiency and mileage are  at the top of your list, then look for the following:

1. Power-to-weight ratio. Don’t be intimidated with this uber-scientific term. It’s really very simple; it refers to the number of pounds that every horsepower needs to carry. It’s lb/hp. If you’re a scrawny kid standing at 5 feet carrying a backpack of 10 kilos, that’s quite a chore, especially when you need to use the stairs to the 3rd floor. However, a guy standing at 5’11″ can even run up the stairs with the same 10-kilo weight without breaking a sweat. Cars are no different. Many of us think that a 2009 1.3-liter Nissan Sentra is more economical than its 2010 2.0-liter Sentra 200 counterpart. Think again. When filled with passengers, the 2.0 liter may prove to be more efficient in the long run. It will run better, without the grunts and groans of a 1.3-liter engine that will continually operate at maximum capacity when filled with passengers and cargo. Any engine that operates at maximum capacity will always use more fuel than an engine that operates at normal capacity. It is best to identify your needs before pouncing at the deal.

Sells for P1,100,000 for the AT model

2. Coefficient of drag. This has nothing to do with men in women’s clothing. When you want to go fast, you will want to experience less friction with the air so you won’t flip and turn turtle on the highway. Drag is that force that pulls you back and slows you down. Also known as air resistance, this is the force that manufacturers work hard to minimize most especially in sports cars and air planes. In measuring the Cd, the lower the number, the better. Ergo, a Fortuner will have a higher Cd compared to a Yaris. A 2010 gasoline-powered Fortuner would certainly consume more fuel than a 2010 Honda CRV. A 2010 Mazda 3 sedan would consume more fuel than a 2010 Mazda 3 hatchback because the latter does not have to deal with the overhang and is more aerodynamic. Now you know why those rally car drivers prefer hatchbacks.

More expensive than the sedan but a better car overall

3. External factors. This is my way of saying ‘stay away from the cars that have all those metal thingies attached to the roof and trunk,’ if you want fuel efficiency and mileage. If you intend to travel on the NLEX at 40 or 50 kph, then these attachments are negligible. However, if you’re a speed monster, these accessories tend to pull you back stronger and compel you step on the gas pedal more if you want to cruise at 100 kph. Also look at the tires. Thinner tires make your car go faster. By thin I didn’t mean balding or worn out. See picture below.

borrowed image from www.tamparacing.com

borrowed image from www.tamparacing.com

4. The Human Factor. Whatever you drive, a large percentage of fuel efficiency relies on you, the driver. Whether it’s automatic or manual transmission,your car will be just as fuel efficient as much as you allow it to be. When idle in traffic, AT drivers should put the gear in N to save gas. MT drivers should not step on the clutch all the time, only when changing gears. Finally, drive smoothly. Avoid the jerking motion when driving and don’t overspeed only to brake after a short distance. Doing this is harmful to you and your wallet. The car behind you may not be able to brake as fast and next thing you know, you’re in a C-collar wondering what the hell happened.

I hope you find these tips helpful. I suggest you go see online ads before venturing out. Also try to make sure you talk to the car owners themselves and get the middleman out of the way. More often than not, the owners are more flexible with price than the car dealer, though car dealers can give you some measure of after-sales service as opposed to the owners. Weigh your needs and be prudent with your purchase.

Here’s some testosterone-based entertainment for you, dear reader. It’s all about basketball and it’s also by Robert Rodriguez, one of my favorite action flick directors. It will premiere this Saturday Feb 19, 6:00 p.m. at the Ronac ART Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. Soon thereafter, everyone can go watch this awesome movie with Kobe Bryant and my favorite Danny Trejo! Check out the trailers!

Gone are the days when the only electric vehicles that ever existed are golf cars. For a third-world country,  the efforts of the Global City administration are laudable for using electric tricycles to ferry people from building to building. They’re quiet, smokeless and fun to ride. Not to mention free. Or used to be. I think they now charge P5.00. Still cheap, if you ask me.

The city of Makati hasn’t gone too far with their efforts and the E-Jeepney has been spotted  in Legaspi Village carrying passengers to and from various office buildings in the Central Business District.  I recently tried riding these E-Jeepneys and it was a fun experience. It was very quiet and there were no vibrations. Now if only they had Wi-fi… (just kidding).

We are at the frontier of a revolution; a revolution in alternative energy sources. In first-world countries like US and Japan, government incentives abound for those who are willing to do research and development initiatives towards the development of cars that run on alternative energy sources. A big deal in the US is the public debut of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, a car that runs on both electric power and gasoline. It has a gas generator that charges the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and once it’s full, you can start turn off the gas engine and run on electric power for the rest of the trip!

In Japan, they already released the Toyota Prius and it has debuted in the Philippines. A Prius here sells for P2,250,000 or roughly US$51,000. A hefty price tag just for driving green.  Nissan, another Japanese car manufacturer, came up with the Leaf, a braver, more revolutionary vehicle in that this one has absolutely no gas engine. It has 80-kWh of power under its hood and is cheaper than the Chevy Volt. Something to think about.

As a Pinoy motorist, I can only wait for the EVs to come to the Philippines and wait further still for the prices to come down to Earthly levels, well enough for the ordinary motorist to afford. If that happens, then maybe Meralco will be the new enemy. It already is, as things go.

I was surprised to know that premium diesel is now available in the Philippines. There are currently in the market: Petron Turbo Diesel and Shell’s V-Power Diesel.

What is Petron’s Turbo Diesel?

Petron developed a diesel fuel that has certain additives that make it best for older diesel engines and for the newer engines with Common Rail Diesel technology (CRDi). According to the Petron Press Release, it had a higher Cetane (CN) rating compared to regular diesel. Not only does it sport a higher CN rating, it also has additives that reduces emissions and cleans the engine.

Diesel engines have come a long way and no longer the clunky machines as we know them to be. Many diesel engines now go faster and with lesser emissions. They behave and sound much like gasoline engines. I personally drive a diesel and the savings far outweigh the “uncoolness” of my utility van.  So on one trip to Manaoag, Pangasinan I decided to try both fuels. I used Petron Turbo Diesel on the trip going to Manaoag.

Petron Turbo Diesel Perfomance: How did it fare?

I could feel it right away. My van carried 10 passengers, plus myself as the driver. Aside from the passengers we also had picnic baskets with us, which added to the overall weight of the van. The strong pull of the my van’s Mitsubishi 4D56 diesel engine made for a smoother-than-usual ride on the Petron Turbo Diesel because of the significantly lessened shake during idling. There was slightly more torque when driving up steep inclines like on bridges and hillsides. Overall, Petron Turbo Diesel was worth the extra P4 (US$ 0.09) difference over the regular diesel which sold for P33.50 (US$0.75) to a liter which is roughly US$ 3.00 to a gallon.

What is Shell V-Power Diesel?

Overall, the claims are pretty much the same. Shell came out with the premium diesel because of the improvement of diesel engines everywhere and the proliferation of CRDi engines. Euro IV emission standards are in effect which is why most people now buy diesel cars and vans.

Shell V-Power Diesel: How did it fare?

I guess I was expecting too much but, sadly, I didn’t have the same experience with this fuel as I did with the Petron Turbo Diesel. Unlike the Petron Variant, the V-Power Diesel did not perform as well as it should be. In my opinion, there is little difference between this variant and the regular diesoline of  Shell. Of course, diesel engines are expected to be shaky when idling, but the usual shake was still there. There was a slight difference in torque, really slight though.

I have to say that in my experience, Petron’s got this one. The V-Power diesel did not seem to have performed as well as the Petron Turbo Diesel, though most of their claims were basically the same. I still buy Shell every time I go out of the house on short drives such as grocery shopping or going to the mall. However if you want to go on a roadtrip, fill ‘er up with Petron Turbo Diesel. Worried about the cost? Petron Turbo Diesel will pay back the difference through a more comfortable, yet powerful drive.

]]> http://pinoylifeonwheels.com/2010/09/29/petron-turbo-diesel-versus-shell-v-power-diesel-which-one-is-better/feed/ 4 http://pinoylifeonwheels.com/2010/09/22/2010-formula-1-singtel-singapore-grand-prix-the-most-exciting-night-race/ http://pinoylifeonwheels.com/2010/09/22/2010-formula-1-singtel-singapore-grand-prix-the-most-exciting-night-race/#comments Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:51:23 +0000 Arpee http://pinoylifeonwheels.com/?p=106

On September 26, Asia’s most exciting Formula 1 night race will begin. At exactly 8:00 pm, the checkered flag will be waived and again fans will be treated to close views of these Formula 1 wonders as they zoom past through all 61 laps in a race to the finish.  The world’s most famous drivers, like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton (last year’s champion) will be battling it out at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and vying for top prize.

Entertaining racing fans are some of the world’s best performers such as Mariah Carey, Missy Elliot, Daughtry and Adam Lambert among others. There are designated zones around the race track where spectators will be treated to concerts and parties.

F1 fans will get to see the Grid Girls! As in all other races, Grid Girls are people who help promote the F1 race. They’re witty, popular and sporty. It’s also a popularity contest of sorts where the winning Grid Girl gets to be in the limelight even after the race, plus a handsome cash prize. This year’s winner is Mabel Lau.

For more information, please visit the 2010 F1 Singapore Grand Prix website or my blogger buddy Dante Ward’s blog.

This is the kind of fun we had the Autocross 2010 at the Clark Speedway last August. Shown here is Dante Ward learning how to use sports mode on the 2010 Subaru Legacy Sedan. Indeed, a powerhouse of a sedan. The 2010 Subaru Legacy is one of the most coveted sedans in the market today. According to the marketing guy, it is currently sold to the tune of P2,048,000 apiece. See the features below:

• Aluminum Subaru 2.5 Turbocharged Boxer Type Engine
• Symmetrical All Wheel Drive
• E5AT
• Bilstein Shock Absorbers
• 225/45R18 Tires
• Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC)
• Brake Assist
• SRS dual Front, Side, Curtain, and Knee Airbags , Seat Belt Alarm for Passengers
• Tilt Adjustable &Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Hill Hold Function
• Paddle Shift
• SI Drive
• 10 Way Adjustable Electric Driver’s Seat with 2 Position Memory
• Adjustable Electric Front Passenger
• Leather Seats
• HID Head lamp
• Sun roof
• Twin Muffler
• Electric Parking Brake

Considering the things that this car can do, I don’t see why the price would be unreasonable. After all, it’s a Subaru.

The Subaru Legacy is like the Clark Kent of sedans. Outside it looks like an ordinary sedan, much like any other. Inside, there’s something super about it. In our trial run, the Legacy went from 0 to 120 in 4 seconds! And Dante wouldn’t even really floor it! You will have to excuse my French, but when that car went into sports mode, it just took my breath away.

Inside the car is not much to look at. Same bells and whistles that you would see in a Toyota or a Nissan, but under the hood, no one is created equal. Subaru has perfected the All Wheel Drive technology and has minimized the yaw movement of a car during cornering, giving the driver more control to prevent skids caused by oversteer and understeer.

Now the next question is, how do you get a Subaru Legacy or any car for that matter? If you have the money, you can always pay in cash, but what if you don’t? Then an auto loan is in order. I also have an existing auto loan and the processing time for it was a whole lot faster than expected. Here’s a quick guide on what to do when getting an auto loan.

Tips on how to get an auto loan

1. Identify the bank.  There are so many banks in the Philippines that offer auto loans, but not all of them offer the same perks.  I recommend that you get your auto loan from a bank that offers flexible terms of up to 60 months because most other banks only offer till 48 months. Find one that offers low downpayment and high loanable amounts of up to 80% of the car’s price tag. Finally, choose a bank that allows convenient modes of payment.  You need a bank that will give you enough wiggle room for your income bracket.
2. Have your requirements on hand. Naturally, the bank will call you and ask you all kinds of questions related to your work and if you are married, they will also ask questions related to your spouse’s work and income. They just want to make sure that you are gainfully employed and will be able to make your car payments.
3. If you don’t understand anything, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Normally, the vehicle’s sales agent will be able to help you out with these things. When you walk into a showroom they will be able to provide you with a sample computation. Get those big calculators and start doing the math yourself to avoid surprises. Union Bank’s website allows you to compute your monthly payments based on the downpayment you can afford. Try it!
4. Ask your friends which bank they went to for their auto loans. Chances are, you will get some first-hand information on how to handle mortgage payments, insurance and important car care tips. Remember that getting a new car is a responsibility as it will also pay for itself in the long run by providing comfort and security for you and your family when you travel to work, school and on holidays. It’s never just a car, it’s a member of the family.

Volvo cars have been known to be safest cars in the world, thus the most amazing innovations are available in the 2010 Volvo S60. Volvo has been pioneers of what the automotive industry has made into standards for most of the world’s cars, such as the 3-point safety belt, laminated windshields, padded dashboards, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), City Safety™ and pedestrian detection with full autobrake.

Volvo’s City Safety

This is a feature that automatically stops the car when it is traveling at 15 kph or less. If the car is traveling at 32 kph, City Safety applies the brakes to make the vehicle slow down and lessen the impact. To help you understand it better, I got a video from youtube. See it to believe.

Pedestrian Detection

This is one of the most revolutionary features on an automobile, Volvo has made the pedestrian detection a reality though the new S60. It works much like the City Safety only it detects people. For a car to detect other cars and people, expect a lot of science and research have gone into the development of these features. With a certain number of meters, the S60′s brakes move closer to the disc allowing for a more responsive braking system and automatically lowers the chances of injury during low-speed and possibly prevent death in high-speed collisions.

I would personally buy a Volvo, if I could afford. The price of the new S60 in the Philippines is P2.8 M for the entry-level S60, which comes with a four-cylinder engine. Though the pedestrian detection system does not come standard with the 4-cylinder model, the City Safety does. Still a good buy if you are after safety and staying alive when in vehicular accident. In Europe as well as in the US, insurance premiums have gone down for car buyers who go the Volvo way. Not sure if it is that way over here. Still, the S60 is a good buy for its safety features, creature comforts and the looks it gets from passers by.

Unleash your wild side with the new Volvo S60.

Ah, so you like your car nice and shiny. So do I. When I was younger I never saw the logic behind washing cars on a regular basis. All the while I thought it was just about the looks of the car that had to be maintained and nothing more. How wrong was I! Cars are washed because the body needs to be protected. The more protection, the longer the paint job will last. That and other myths have been dispelled by 3M technicians and researchers. Here are some debunked car washing myths.

Top 3 car washing myths

1. There’s no difference between cleaning and washing/ polishing and waxing. Big mistake. Cleaning your car means removing all dirt from both the exterior and the interior of the car. Washing it, well, it involves water. Doing both means your car will be spic and span. Polishing is just making the exterior and the dash shiny clean. Waxing is what you do before you polish. They’re not necessarily all the same, it’s just that you have to do all these things to ensure that your car’s is cleaned and protected. Why? A clean car is a well-maintained car. Rust and corrosion are held at bay by the constant cleaning, which will eventually prolong the life of your vehicle. 3M has some of the most effective polishes and waxes available in the market. 3M is highly recommended for those who want a professional-looking clean and shine without having to go to a detailing shop.

2. Detergents are best for cleaning the car. Wrong. Detergents contain abrasives that can strip your car’s paint of its external protective coating. Never use detergents, better yet use foam washes that are designed for car paints. Also don’t use just about any cloths when you wash your car. Some motorists make the mistake of using cloth diapers (yes, there are car wash boys who do) or old t-shirts. I personally use 3M™ Perfect-It™ Detailing Cloth for my car and van. Microfiber-based detailing cloth by 3M does the best job in taking away the grime and soap without scratching your car’s surface.

3. Car waxes guarantee protection for a year. So not true. Despite the expensive detailing and lengthy sales pitches, protection afforded by waxes can never be guaranteed for whatever amount of time. The rate at how the protection wears off depends primarily on the weather conditions where you park your car. If your home is near the ocean, don’t expect your wax to protect your car for long, though it does help a lot when you wax regularly if your car is constantly exposed to the sea breeze. If you live in the city, there is little corrosion from the elements on a regular day. However in Metro Manila the rain water tends to be acidic, thus the need for regular waxing.

You have spent a lot of money on mortgages and fees when you got your car. Maintaining it and making it a keeper shouldn’t cost you so much. 3M car care products may seem expensive at the onset, but with the protection it affords, 3M actually SAVES you money in the long term. Think about it.

The recently concluded Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) was a big success. It generated sales and it renewed an interest in automotive innovation. One of the most noticeable is the PIMS theme which is “driving the green road.” True enough, there were a lot of Hybrid versions to existing models and some new ones too. I’ve been very interested in these hybrids for the longest time and at PIMS  found what I was looking for. Presenting, the Toyota Prius.

It sports a 1.8 liter gas engine but with an electric generator that powers the mechanical parts. The Prius is what is known as a Full Hybrid. This means it can go from regular internal combustion engine t electric vehicle and you wouldn’t know the difference. All thanks to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

It’s what’s under the hood.

(photo taken from wikipedia.org)

Yeah, I was looking for the radiator too. The car show people closed the hood so soon and I wasn’t able to take a picture.

More than just good looks, the Prius goes 23 kilometers for every liter of gasoline, an approximation by a Toyota salesman. It’s got beauty and brains, a sure winner.

The Hybrid is different beast altogether. If you plan to own one, better be ready to fork out P2.25M for one unit. I know, it’s expensive, but the fuel economy of the whole Hybrid thingy is pegged at about 24 kilometers to a liter of gas!That’s like traveling from Quezon City to Ortigas and back for as little as 45.00 pesos! And still there’d be enough gas left for another trip.

One of the hazards of the Prius are pedestrians. The car almost has no noise, thus would be dangerous for passers-by who might get hit. Drivers would have to be vigilant because people might just walk in front of you, especially in Manila streets where many pedestrians text while crossing the street, relying mostly on external noise and honking horns to guide their way. Overall, it’s a “politically correct automobile.”

borrowed from www.ayosdito.ph

We all buy used cars at some point in our lives and during our search, price has always been the most consideration.  Knowing if our budget can take us further than the car wins the game. However, there is more to used-car hunting than just the price. In this article I will discuss five of the most important things you need to look out for when buying a used car in the Philippines.

What should I look out for when buying a used car in the Philippines?

1. Price. So you want that sweet ride but can’t afford it? Relax and take it easy. In the Philippines, buying without haggling will only show that you are not a conscientious buyer. Even the dealers will expect that you will ask for a discount so be ready.
2. Mileage. There is a difference between the year the car was made and the year it was sold. You can easily verify this when looking at the CR (certificate of registration). I recommend that you pay special attention to the odometer. If the zeroes are not well aligned then it might mean that the car’s odometer might have been tampered.
3. Engine and body numbers. These numbers must appear on the certificate of registration. If not, then the vehicle may have been stolen. Prior to purchase it is always a good measure that you double check with the Land Transportation Office. Never buy stolen cars.
4. Physical state of the vehicle. Try to go around feel the car for bumps or bubbled paint. Look for areas that might have been repaired or patched up. Too many bumps may mean the car may have been through too many road  mishaps.
5. Buy only from a reputable vendor of quality used cars like AyosDito. It’s an online classified directory where you can find the best car deals in town.