Saturn

Somebody forgot to pay their Bus Union membership fees again Still.. nice to see the law crack down on a Bus driver. But what about the sober ones who drive like drunkards??

Is there a prize for the slowest vehicle? If so I might enter.... :) Hope there are some categories for ordinary stock cars/alternate fuel cars

The idea behind this document is to create a guide to buying a used car in Sri Lanka. This is just my preliminary draft, and if it's useful I hope the experts here will add/edit it, and create a final detailed guide, which maybe could be posted somewhere in autolanka (if they think its useful) Buying a used vehicle in Sri Lanka (This applies to purchase of a used car regardless of the price/age, and applies to all registered and 'reconditioned' vehicles.) 1. tests you can perform: ================ Engine ==== Before starting: - check the engine oil. Is it at the correct level? Yes: OK/Owner topped up No: Owner does not top up, engine burning oil, etc Color of oil - Light brown/colorless - engine is running reasonably good/recent service - black - engine running bad/never serviced Note: diesels tend to have dark/black engine oil After starting Did it start easily? Yes: OK No: problems in engine/battery/starter motor/tune/etc. does the exhaust show visible smoke (white, black, bluish or grey smoke)? this coud indicate engine problems such as oil burning, worn engine etc. -- note: diesels do occationally smoke a bit, especially under acceleration does it maintain operating temperature? - listen to the engine in idle - do you hear clattering, rattling, or any odd sounds? they could indicate various problems ranging from bent valves to broken mounts? note: diesels are somewhat louder than normal gasoline engines Test drive =========== Lets say you decide to go for a test drive.. .. Step out of the vehicle, and ask the owner to get it out of his driveway/car sale etc. As he does this observe the vehicle, and see if it smokes or struggles during the procedure. Look at the place where the vehicle was parked. If there is visible engine oil/coolant, etc this could indicate problems in the vehicle. (water may be visible from the car's A/C, this is normal). Ask the owner to drive you: 1. Along a rough road (so you can test the suspension) 2. On a good road, ask the owner to drive up to at least 56km/h (or whatever local speed limit) so you can see how the vehicle performs at high speed. Turn OFF the radio and A/C and listen to the car for rattles/hums Tip: a hum from front/rear may indicate need to replace wheel bearings (or what our people refer to as razors) - Stop the car and ask the owner to back up a small hill, and observe the car exhaust for smoke, this is a good test of the clutch/etc. Actual test drive: - First make sure the vehicle has insurance and road licence which are valid. Ask to see them. Then test drive the vehicle very carefully. Make sure you have a good flat road and there is very little traffic. Remember its an unfamiliar vehicle and proceed with caution. First, test the clutch and brakes. The clutch should engage neatly before releasing the pedal fully. If it engages very late, it could mean a blown clutch plate. If there are clutch/brake problems, don't drive any further, and ask the owner to resume driving. And ask yourself whether you are sure you want to buy this car, from someone who couldnt even do basic maintenance. Reviewing the owner How the owner behaves during the test drive can give you a clue of how s/he uses the vehicle in real life. For example: - Does he roll down the window and drive (even though there is an A/C) - this may indicate that the A/C rarely worked. - Does he drive like a rally driver (in which case you can buy the car if you are willing to buy an extra engine, transmission and suspension) How has s/he spent on the car? If he has spent a lot on cosmetics while ignoring real existing mechanical problems, then you should probably consider another car. Is s/he straightforward and honest? Does what the owner says match up to what you see? For example, if the owner said the car had 2 owners in total and the log book copy shows 4 owners, then they could be lying about other things, and you should be cautious. Sometimes owners make mistakes, or simply don't know an answer, but overall if the owner appears to be honest and straightforward, that is a positive sign. [Ask Questions As you review the car, ask questions from the owner. If you see anything odd, ask about it. If the owner is honest and straightforward, its a positive sign. Try to gauge how much of what the owner is telling is the truth. A good way to do this is to pretend you don't know something and ask a question. After the test drive ============ After you return to the owners house/car sale, ask the owner to pop the hood and inspect the engine. - check temperature management. The gauge inside the car should be half or less. Aside from the gage, the engine should be reasonably managing temperature and the fans should be working properly. - Carefully tap the radiator cap with the tip of your finger. If it burns your finger off, the temperature management isnt good. Similarly the engine bay should not be boiling hot (unless it's a Nissan ) Physical inspection of vehicle ===================== 1. Visual inspection: simply look at the car - see if the lines are straight. Look at the paint. Uneven areas could indicate repainting. - look at the wheel arches. Look at the brakes. Look under the car (front/rear) If possible, take the car to a service station and inspect the underneath. If this is not possible, try to look under the car and see what is visible at least - (carry a flashlight with you when you go to see the car). - look for rust, damage, etc. - look at the engine compartment. Are there odd wires and do things look as if they have been messed with? Sometimes legitimate mods (e.g. alarm systems, aftermarket headlamps) require new wiring but if you see a mess inside, it probably means the wiring has been messed up by local mechanics in which case you should think carefully whether you really want this car. - (If the vehicle is cold) carefully open the radiator cap - check if it contains coolant, and if there is any signs of oil (could indicate a head leak) Look at the engine. If it has a slight layer of dust its OK. If it is shiny and has a layer of oil that means it has been washed at a service station. I prefer a car which has a normal slightly dusty engine vs one that has been washed and scrubbed to 'look' new. - look for leaks in radiator pipes. (with the engine off) remove the engine oil cover - if you can see nice clean silver metal with perhaps yellow brown color (engine oil) this is a positive sign. (note: diesels do tend to have dark/black engine interior, this refers to gasoline vehicles only). - Look at the fluid levels of the various fluids (power steering, brake fluid, auto transmission if auto) - if they are not up to level it could indicate leaks or careless owner. - if the vehicle is hot you may be able to open the radiator overflow tank (be careful) and check if he uses coolant. Not using coolant indicates: 1. Owner is an idiot 2. Radiator has leak and owner is topping it up with ordinary water. Either case, don't buy the car. 2. Tap test gently tap the body of the car, with a fingernail (dont rap it loudly) as you walk around. Check the hood, front left and right side and back carefully, also doors (as these are the main accident prone areas). Other general ideas: - Ask the owner what maintenance was performed. If he tells you a list of things replaced/repaired, this is usually a good sign and means the owner took some effort to look after car. - check the mileage? Mileage can be modified - but if it corresponds with the appearance of the vehicle then it could be accurate. - ask for receipts particularly for the timing belt/clutch etc HAS THE VEHICLE BEEN SERVICED/WASHED? If the owner was so cheap that he couldn't service the vehicle before he sold it, then do you really want to buy a car from him/her? *Exception*: Sometimes the owner may be actively using the car in which case it may be a bit dusty but all the same he/she should have washed/serviced/detailed the car within a few days of deciding to sell it. Now Consider the actual condition of the vehicle and make a list of all problems you encountered: Scenario 1: vehicle has major problems which can be fixed ===================================== for example: - Clutch plate gone. - brakes not too good. -minor suspension probs (e.g. weak shocks). - minor engine probs (e.g. poor tune up). Indicates that the seller was a cheap idiot (or typical local) Verdict: Buy with caution, knowing there could be other existing problems, and repair BEFORE YOU DRIVE said vehicle. Scenario 2: Vehicle has minor problems which can be fixed later ========================================= - A/C not running cold enough. - Minor dings, dents, scratches. - Minor cosmetic issues. Verdict: Buy the car, but set aside money to fix those problems later on. Scenario 3: Vehicle has major problems which can't be fixed easily =========================================== - Chassis problems (cracks/bent chassis) - major engine problems (e.g. grey/white/black smoke, burning oil, head gasket leaks) - major suspension/mechanical problems - gearbox problems which would necessitate replacing gear box... so on. Verdict: don't buy the car, unless you own a garage, have a million to spare, or are plain crazy. Other costs Aside from the above, there are a number of things you usually have to do, when purchasing ANY used car. These usually include: - Insurance & road licence. - 4 tires. - full service/oil change/air filter etc. - brake pads/etc - New battery (if existing battery not too good). - Timing belt (if close to 100k km's or multiples of that). Many people will say they replaced the belt, they could be lying. It's easier to spend 10k and replace it than to undergo a broken belt and engine rebuild. If they have replaced the belt, you can get a good garage to visually inspect it. signs of a good vehicle: - Vehicle is clean. (As in, the owner has washed, cleaned, and serviced it.) - is in good mechanical condition (good engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, body) - owner has focused on maintaining the mechanical condition of the vehicle - Vehicle has been maintained properly and scheduled maintenance has been done, e.g. brakes, clutch, timing, etc have been replaced at the proper intervals as necessary. - owner cares about vehicle, services regularly, engine oil is not dirty - owner is upfront and honest about any flaws. - owner uses a good garage for maintenance, and used original/quality components Suggestion 1: To all the experts here, can you please add your comments/suggestions tips on buying a used car. Suggestion 2: Would it be possible for Autolanka readers/Admins to set up a car pricing guide? This could be something updated regularly to show average true market values (like edmunds.com) and be useful to people looking to purchase a car. If any Autolanka readers have suggestions on what they check when buying a used car, please add them here. Update: Top gear have some excellent tips here:

Here are some more possibilities: Starlet Ep71 Corolla AE86 Whatever you buy, make it Japanese, and with reasonably good mechanical condition. Here's an idea: if you have around 3 - 6 k, you can get a lease to cover up to 1mn and buy a fairly decent car if you search carefully. In my last hunt i spotted 2 really good cars: an Auto diesel turbo corolla 2 and a 99' mitsubishi lancer, both for a million, and both in pretty decent condition. whatever car you buy keep around 150k aside to 'fix it up' so if your total budget is 600k, means you can buy a car max 450k (you will need the rest of the money to make it roadworthy). Good luck and please do let us know what you get?

Sam I would suggest: 1. Avoid car sales, check newspapers (one good way to get a head start is to buy the Silumina on saturday, you may be able to catch a deal before anyone else). 2. Regarding specific cars... you may be able to get a Ke72 wagon (quite a strong reliable car), a B11 (but they tend to have engine head problems) and definitely an early maruti 800. You may be able to get an 18- mazda, also early Buddy van's can be got for this price.

Probably one of the most insightful things anyone said here for a while. But fixing this would require a radical rethink of what is permitted or not permitted on our roads. Drivers here have a number of bad or insane habits that are so deeply ingrained into their behavior that: 1. We would require a new rule system that covers insane stuff, such as (No overtaking from the wrong side of the road when there is oncoming traffic and you are driving a fuel tanker), 2. We would need to retrain every single driver on our roads, as to acceptable/unacceptable behavior. Such a system could probably not be applied to the whole country initially (it would result in mayhem) but how about this: Cops designate a small stretch of some popular road (e.g. Galle Road) as a 'road rules section' and ticket anyone and anything which breaks even the slightest rule. They could have it such that all rules are followed in this section, even the more rare ones like keeping a distance from vehicle in front, etc. They could have an instant fine system and this would earn valueable revenue. (say, about 10,000 every hour per KM of road) Of course if such a system were implemented Bus and Tuk tuk drivers would go on strike.. I wish someone could propose this to the govt as it would be a useful way to earn revenue AND help fix the mayhem on our roads.

Right now, fines are relatively high (for most ordinary Sri Lankans) in the range of $10 upwards for most offenses. The problem with the current system is not the amounts, but the fact that it doesnt apply to everyone. For example: 1. Tuk tuk & bus drivers are exempt. 2. Fines only work when cops are around. When cops aren't around people break every law with impunity. Even with cops, it depends on the mood of the cop, the type of car, the person driving it (ethnicity, religion), who he is related to, etc. etc. If you think the legal system treats people equally, ask yourself this: When was the last time you saw a bus driver or tuk tuk being stopped by cops? How many times have you seen buses jumping red lights, with a cop standing right there who does nothing? To 'fix' the situation here, I think we need the following: 1. A legal system (which is actually followed) where all are equal. 2. More people actually trying to follow the rules: Show of hands, how many of you actually follow the road rules? For some reason, certain things are taken for granted in Sri Lanka, such as: 1. Tuk tuk's believe they can go anywhere. Right side of road, left side, any side. 2. Bus/truck drivers believe they can go at 100km/h when fully loaded, on wrong side of road. 3. Motor cyclists believe they can go between anything and everything. 4. Car drivers believe they can creep up on the left side/right side and swing into your lane. This unique form of overtaking is a Sri Lankan speciality. How can a proper traffic system exist with such stuff going on? @Hola: Dude, for some reason, whatever you say, certain people get pissed off at you.

NVRAM eh? I'm surprised that car makers would store sensitive data using such a simple easily hackable system. It's a pity that we don't have a 'carfax' type thing here.

I think Sri Lanka (and Cuba) are the only countries on earth where prices of vehicles actually increase. Back on topic my car browsing has confirmed a surprising fact that now a million is about the minimum for anything 19- and above from a decent brand (Honda, Toyota, etc). Another thing I see which surprises me here is the 'drive it till it dies mentality' i.e. an owner will just drive the car until it literally dies, (and then try to sell it). Wouldn't it be simpler, and more cost effective to just do routine maintenance? Sadly, most of the vehicles I have seen were in very poor state, in many cases I was amazed that an owner would be even willing to drive such a vehicle far less demand a million plus for it. On an unrelated note, is it possible for people to tamper with the digital mileage reading? I'm curious because it seems to be impossible (I've seen garages 'editing' the old type meters manually by taking apart the dashboard).

Thanks Don does anyone have latest pricing for the starlet? diesel, petrol, manual, auto ep82 upwards? Most of the EP82's I see now are a million plus. Remember seeing one a few years back for around 700k

@pericles: sorry about email!! As I said earlier, would it be possible to add a 'wanted' section to the classified so people can put that type of ad there? Well yes diesels are a bit hard to find at that price.. so how about petrol cars? Anyone have suggestions? I was quoted 1.1 m for a 19- ep82 - thought the owner was kidding for a moment! I did see a really good late G series 1997 corolla 2 for just under 1m. I was also offered a 65- starlet first owner diesel for 1.25 which was tempting.. Does anyone know the km/l of diesel starlets?

A friend of mine is looking for a small car. She wants a Honda or Toyota (starlet/corolla 2 or tercel) at around or under 1mn - she prefers a diesel vehicle Basically she wants a vehicle which is in good mechanical condition. Do any of you have any suggestions? could you please mail me at ######? ps: to the admins: I'm not sure if its OK to request this here, if not I will delete my email address from this post and please accept my apologies. Suggestion: How about adding a 'wanted' section to the classifieds?

Yeah, then he'd get what all retards here get:A promotion

Like every other bright idea in Sri Lanka, an increase in the cost of fuel will only hurt the poor (And I doubt the money raised will ever benefit people or be used to fix roads). In fact, why double? How about a 4x increase? Just for the fun of it. :). or how about we make it 1000 a litre? At 1k a litre, even I'd be a bit annoyed, but I doubt I'd change my driving habits much. Not that I'm rich or anything, its just that it simply really doesnt affect me. An increase WOULD affect ordinary people who have to go by tuktuk/motorcycle/cheap cars... In other words, the so called middle class. @pericles: Didn't know you read fark.

If your vehicle is running extremely efficiently, in rainy weather it may produce steam (which looks like white smoke). Sometimes garage people think it's white smoke but it's really steam. Next time this happens, just check the tailpipe if its producing a lot of water it's probably just steam. (Or the radiator has a leak..!)

Your engine must have an idle up which increases the RPM just as the A/C is switched on, so you don't notice a difference.. or it's freakishly powerful so the AC has no impact ? Car's with carb's tend to do poorly if the engine hasn't been tuned right - get a professional to do a 'tuneup' which may include replacing plugs/wiring and checking engine timing.. (if it is significantly advanced or retarded you would be loosing power and using more fuel).. Also, how you drive has a very big impact on fuel consumption. Jackrabbit starts and revving too low or too high under load can adversely affect fuel consumption. You might get a significant benefit by switching to better plugs and setting your mixture in your carb a bit leaner. (See your tailpipe, if it has a lot of black soot and you get a smell of unburnt gasoline when you drive, the mixture could be too rich.) Most vehicles here get around 8 - 10 km/l AFAIK. @forum members: which vehicles are capable of performing in the 16 - 20+++km/l range in city driving in colombo? I'm told the latest Corolla and Diesel BMW's operate in this range?...

Toyota 'world's largest carmaker' Japan's Toyota has overtaken US rival General Motors to become the world's biggest carmaker, a spokesman for the company has said. According to company figures, Toyota sold 2.348 million vehicles in the first three months of 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6586679.stm

http://jalopnik.com/cars/news/respect-the-...tory-245386.php what happens when you flip a viper

http://www.flickr.com/photos/avi_abrams/423568852/ Must try these stickers on a local car and see how people here react

http://209.85.135.104/search?hs=sUq&hl...amp;btnG=Search Best car wash ever (its interactive :) try asking them to kiss (NSFW)

I would say that speed increases the risk in any situation. Also, Immaturity kills. I.E person who does not know how to properly handle a vehicle at high speed is liable to get killed. This happens to people who are used to driving at a slow speed (e.g. in Sri Lanka) who try high speed driving (e.g. outstation) and loose control of the vehicle. On the subject of death.. I think the following kill: 1. tiredness/affect of medications 2. alcohol 3. speeding (increases the risk) 4. Not wearing a seat belt (results in people being ejected out of the vehicle/decapitated in high speed accidents, also results in injuries in low speed accidents. 5. Improperly maintained vehicle (bald tires, very popular in Sri Lanka) and so on. What amazes me the most about people here is how everyone thinks its fashionable to: 1. Drive while drunk (many people make it a policy). 2. Drive without seatbelts. So, how many of you AL members regularly use a seatbelt ?

Phew. The é's give me a headache too

BTW. Does Autolanka (forum) have an official list of rules? if so what's the url? thanks! ps: devinda would make an ideal mod.

Welcome dude! Hope you like it here! Golly... guys... ?? You supposed to be mods.. you know.. help people and stuff... not spook them... cmon... chill :)?