Hiran de silva

Thanks guys that was awesome response. I am seriously looking for a merc S320 since my retirement..... I am interested in a S320 2002 petrol LWB. Have researched it on internet and mostly positive but negative comments are scary as listed below. 1. susceptible to corrosion . 2. Airmetic suspension is a weak point. replacement cost about 150K rupees / unit . 3. fuel only about 5-6Km/ltr colombo and 8-9 highway. 4. Interior material is not premium. 5. reasonable price today? 6. resale value ? 7. A competent independent place other than DI*O to get a test report. 8. what are face lift changes... what year was the face lift. ? how to technically identify true face lift model? Kindly give me some heads up on above. thanks in advance.

thank you. that was sound advice. what ever happens.. Any idea of a reasonable price ?

I have been a Toyota user all my life and now retired. I do about 1000KM per month now. I like to buy a Merc and eyeing a few S320 1993- 1998 short wheel base models . Is it advisable buying a w140 today ( 24years old) ? 1. what is the reasonable price to pay. 2. Are body parts available locally just in case. 3. Is AC good in these vehicles as they may be meant for older climate. 4. Is AC condensors/ compressors/ evaporators available here or can be fabricated locally.( thinking of age). 5. Estimated cost of ownership per year ( very average).service cost , Air /oil filter cost? etc.. 6. Any known issues like corrosion prone etc etc... 7. Are wind screen / door glass findable ( what a word) locally . 8. Undercarriage rubber parts/ engine mounts available locally ? 9. Tphone number of a shop / gaurage dealing with these cars pls? Any other issue I should know before considering these old S class big cars. Your honest opinions are appreciated.

Dear experts, My car , toyota vista 1999 , rides lower ( only about 2 inches gap from wheel well edge.) when 3 people sits it lowers to about 1 inch . the silencer cylinder hits even moderate bumps. when carrying 3 people. 1. does coil springs tension wear off with time.? 2. is it a shock absorber problem ?. 3. Or both above? what is the recommended solution.? Thanks in advance.

that I think is a doable test...... thanks all of you.

thanks guys ..... I think now I can go see the seller. btw pls tell me a way to test the AT while test driving , if you know of a rule of thumb way. would be of great help. thanks again.

Dear DON , As is always its a matter of opinion.... getting back to the question about AC is because its a big car and probably JDM and may or maynot be intended to use in a hot and humid climate? I used to work in qatar for some time and one thing I noticed was radiator and AC compressor size differs with same item is same model back home. they probably are built for 50c 100% humidity and to hit 140 km on hight way during summer. I refer to the response about the A/T box by VVTi ...... as been a weak spot to handle higher torqure. I think this A/T box is also built by japanies engineers who are not imbeciles . fuel consumption is a concern wheather the car is big , small, luxuary , owner is filthy rich or not. therefore the question.Knowing is better than " never mind". You have assumed I have not researched internet.... I have done this more than 1/2 a day but could,nt find exact answers. All the answers are pertinent to US and Russia. In any case all you guys have been very helpfull.... but my question about fuel consumption is still unanswered. ( I know it depends on how you drive , where you drive , when you drive.... etc ... etc... lets assume average working day goint to work down galle road from Ratmalana to Kollupitiya taking marine drive ...)

brilliant...... this is very professional advice.. thanks guys. 1 point i need to clarify.. what makes a 4 speed A/T inherantly weak wich a hight torque engine. is it the fewer hops of gear changing through a steep torque curve?

Thanks every one.. sorry for some of the so called silly questions. but pls try to understand all of us are not experts in cars to know which class what car belongs to. the very reason why some of us non experts browse these forums is to learn rather than the other way around. this forum is doing a great job in giving the general public a place to field a question and get an unbiased answer. I hope some one can respond to my question about what is the current market price for 2003 gloria Y34 56,000km done.

Dear gents, Please share your opinions and advice on Nissan cedric/gloria MY34 /2003 1. Is this a car with a reliable engine? 2. Are the engines with timing belt or chain?. 3. are they prone to Interior rattle and premature dedradation , dash board cracking like the cefiro ? 4. mechanical parts available ? 5. used body parts available ? if known please mention 6. average fuel consumption for colombo city and Out station running? 7. resale value ? 8. approx buying price today for a well maintained 2 nd owner model? 9. any other relevent known issue with these vehicles? 10. AC ' capacity for a big car good/bad/average? 11. comfort level.? ( compared to a camry or accord of same vintage) pls compare above with same attributes of a 2003 toyota camry or a handa accord which are familiar to me. your valued opinion is most welcome

Thank your guys. great help. kindly comment on the petrol 2.7L engine. consumption?

Dear gents, I see many santa fe 2007 suv's in the adds. i wish to solicit your opinion on following before I begin to consider any of the above seriously. 1. Since it's not a japanese .. any advise on reliability of engine & power train.all vehicles advertised are 70K -100K KM done. 2. Are the engines nearing overhaul at this milage? 3. are they prone to Interior rattle and premature dedradation ? 4. mechanical parts available ? 5. used body parts available ? 6. average fuel consumption for city and Out station running? 7. resale value ? 8. 3rd row seat usability 9. any other relevent known issue with these vehicles? 10. suseptibility to rusting ( quality of body metal and protective under coating ? 11. quality of switches , dashboard material and trim and other fixtures in the cabin? 10. today's market value ? pls compare above with same attributes of a 2004 toyota harrier or a 2004 honda -CRV.( these vehicles are familier to me). your valued opinion is most welcome. BR Hiran

thanks so much for a complete answer.

In my humble opinion.... cars with GDI engines are alergic to aggresive solvents mascarading as additives. Please be aware. I ruined a High pressure pump of a toyota vista GV50 - 3sFSE engine-D4 . Auto miraj -Aththidiya , where the job was done denied any ill effect and as usual in sri lanka claimed that the pump failed for some other reason. I did not argue too much with them because they have done very good jobs for me before. the repair cost for parts were 90K. beware GDI owners.

Pls advice on following, 1. How can a GDI p/p fail. 2. Is GDI a failed design.? 3. Can wurth fuel treatment cause a GDI pump to fail if the petrol/additive mixture is left in tank for a period of 3 months idle. 4. can a GDI pump be repaired. ( any service kits) . 5. generally why do a GDI pump fail.? thanks Hiran

Dear experts, Please advice me on following, 1. differance between escudo and grand vitara. 2. any known issues. 3. agents attitude 4. repairability, maintainability , reliability 5.comparision or parts cost 6. average fuel ecconomy, 7, resale value 8. reasonable price for 7 seater model. 8. parts availability thanks in advance.

I am interested in buying the Creative T-40 SE PC speakers. The local agent "EP*I" does not stock this. I see it on ebay and on singapore sites. 1. How to order from these site 2. is it a hassle to clear from customs 3.how much % tax would computer speakers attract Any reliable shop or outfit in srilanka who does the guying and delivering on clients behalf? your assistance is appreciated thanks

thanks, for the input. My car is toyota vista cv-30. How do I ( Or any one for that matter ) decide if the shaft is worn? hiran

Dear Don, I mean this is a hydrolic oil leak in the steering mechanism. Oil leaks out from the tie rod boot. what is my best option? is hydrolic side repair in steering rack successfull ? Hiran

Dear guys , Please advice on the wisdom ( or lack of it) in repairing a leaking Steering rack. I saw recently in HI* ADD an advertisement regarding guarenteed steering rack repairs. what should I do ? repair or replace with a re-con unit. ? your advice is taken seriously. Hiran

Would appreciate a review about Toyota vista ARDEO - YOM 2000 with 3SFSE engine in sri lanka . 1. reliability ? 2. parts ? 3. current value ? 4. safety ? 5. body parts availabiliy ? 6. Engine parts ? etc.... thanks in advance Hiran

I am interested in a Mitsubishi space wagon Y2000.2L model. Could any knowlegable guy enlighten me on the car. specialy fuel consumption . parts availability at agents and High level road. comfort level,DURABILITY. what is reasonable milage for a petrol engine ( is 120,000Km considered wasted engine?) what price should I negotiate assuming condition is good. ?? Your response is appreciated.

I am interested in a Mitsubishi space wagon Y2000.2L model. Could any knowlegable guy enlighten me on the car. specialy fuel consumption . parts availability at agents and High level road. comfort level,DURABILITY. what is reasonable milage for a petrol engine ( is 120,000Km considered wasted engine?) what price should I negotiate assuming condition is good. ?? Your response is appreciated.

I have just bought a OBD2 interface conecting to laptop through USB and could scan the ECU for all the PID's. My question is what are the referance data ( good readings) for things like fuel pressure, MAP , AFS , Lambda sensor , Oil pressure, etc.. I am using the software 'Scanmaster". The car is a Toyota Vista 1999 petrol 2L the engine is 3S-FSE (D4) http://yfrog.com/n5274245766dscf1384j

2 months back I did a Air intake clean using wurth at AU*O M*RAG* . And also put the injector cleaner ( Wurth) in to a full tank. During engine run during the cleaning phase I remember getting the unmistakable Hydrogen Sulfide smell ( bad egg smel). from exhaust. is this a sign of CAT failure ???? Then the bigger problem. 2 days after this event I had to go abroad for training. I asked my wife to idle run the engine twice a week for 10 minuites( my wife does not drive) to keep the battery charged. then came the shock. the emmission test was due last week and my fater took the vehicle to LA**FS test centre and the test was failed for the 1st time due to high HC emmision. What could be the problem. ??? Could it be the Petrol with the injector cleaner chemical stagnated in the tank for 2 months. Could the Plugs get fouled by Idle running ?. my father tells me that no engine light is ÓN". your expert opinion is appreciated.