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#5275028 Mazda Bt-50 Launched
Posted
on 2012-05-05 10:59:44
Here is my baby...
#5299271 Ford Ranger T6 2.2 Tdci
Posted
on 2012-05-14 12:21:28
Whilst down in Pattaya, I saw a 2.2 Wildtrack... bright sunshine and that Chilli Orange still looked more dull than what the brochures would imply.
But I digress... I drove my XLT down to Pattaya, back and forth to Bangkok (either side of a business trip to Saigon) and home again... all in that was 1788 km of mostly open road. First impression was a very comfortable car for the long haul. I wondered what it would be like without cruise control for the more open bits but since this was mostly daylight driving, there wasn't much open bits about! Anyway, she happily sat around the 120-125 kph mark @ 1800 rpm and didn't get any cramps in my leg. There was plenty power for accelerating around trucks (and undershooting buses). I think I topped her out somewhere around 160 kph when escaping from a bit of city gridlock south of Korat but mostly stayed within the 'limit'. I haven't worked out the details of fuel economy yet having refueled from almost empty before leaving Udon and taking on 2 full tanks since (currently indicates just below 3/4) but when I used to drive a Vigo on that route, the low-fuel warning would be on within the last few hundred km's. The XLT managed to get from Udon to Pattaya to Bangkok and back to the service station on Highway 7 on the way back to Pattaya on the first tank. The second tank took me from there, around Pattaya down past Rayong and back up through the Kabinburi mountains to the first gas station north of Korat. I am not sure what size tank the XLT has but filling from almost empty was 2100 baht in Udon and 2190 baht in Korat (I forgot to note the liters pumped!) So, left Udon at 12:30 and was parked in Pattaya at 20:00 which included one piss stop at Pak Thong Chai and trip distance of 606 km. The return trip saw me leaving Pattaya at 12:30 and home in Udon at 20:30 with the trip reading 617 km and included a piss and refuel just north of Korat and a left-rear puncture (slow flat) around km 168 at 18:00... the only bummer of the trip. But upside is I did get to use the tools provided and they are easy to find and store and importantly, the scissors jack is big enough to do the lift and drop quickly. Too many trucks have the girls-sized scissors jacks which makes for ages 'air winding' to get the truck off the flat. Thanks to the pickup behind me that flashed his lights to get my attention to my slowly sinking arse end. The huge electronic wing mirrors were great for looking at the rear wheels and confirming I had a problem! Tire change took 20 minutes without really rushing.
I normally do these drives overnight as the roads are much quieter. However, since I have no plates, not even red ones so totally illegal and liable to double-extra shakedown by police, I opted for the day run since most daylight traffic stops are 'legit' speeding ones whereas night ones are more mandatory; stopping everything for a close up look. No hassles until in Bangkok where the traffic cops at the off ramp at Ploenchit wanted 7000 frigging baht because I had no plates! I honestly only had about 380 baht, 25 bucks and about 200000 Vietnamese Dong as I had just come back from Saigon. He made me wait for over 20 minutes while he pretended to be talking with his boss and popping back up at my window to see if by some miracle, new Ford's come with an ATM in the dashboard. In the end, he took the 200 that I was always offering and waved me away. Tosser! On the way home, there were two subsequent daylight 'all stop' type police checks either side of the 'mountains' and I thought my goose was cooked but both times, I was waved through. The second one was really interesting as they seemed to be pulling any red-plated vehicle out and I did see the owner of a red-plated Aurora Blue XLT looking wryly at me as I was waved on with my solitary Texas 1984 plate on the back! Eventually, despite having the Cobra on, the speed trap north of Korat got me but the young cop was straightforward, said I was doing 130 kph and just asked for 200 baht... no license, no papers, no worries. He commented the truck was 'suay mahk' as I was leaving.
That's it, first long trip in the new wheels, I give her 10/10 despite the puncture!
But I digress... I drove my XLT down to Pattaya, back and forth to Bangkok (either side of a business trip to Saigon) and home again... all in that was 1788 km of mostly open road. First impression was a very comfortable car for the long haul. I wondered what it would be like without cruise control for the more open bits but since this was mostly daylight driving, there wasn't much open bits about! Anyway, she happily sat around the 120-125 kph mark @ 1800 rpm and didn't get any cramps in my leg. There was plenty power for accelerating around trucks (and undershooting buses). I think I topped her out somewhere around 160 kph when escaping from a bit of city gridlock south of Korat but mostly stayed within the 'limit'. I haven't worked out the details of fuel economy yet having refueled from almost empty before leaving Udon and taking on 2 full tanks since (currently indicates just below 3/4) but when I used to drive a Vigo on that route, the low-fuel warning would be on within the last few hundred km's. The XLT managed to get from Udon to Pattaya to Bangkok and back to the service station on Highway 7 on the way back to Pattaya on the first tank. The second tank took me from there, around Pattaya down past Rayong and back up through the Kabinburi mountains to the first gas station north of Korat. I am not sure what size tank the XLT has but filling from almost empty was 2100 baht in Udon and 2190 baht in Korat (I forgot to note the liters pumped!) So, left Udon at 12:30 and was parked in Pattaya at 20:00 which included one piss stop at Pak Thong Chai and trip distance of 606 km. The return trip saw me leaving Pattaya at 12:30 and home in Udon at 20:30 with the trip reading 617 km and included a piss and refuel just north of Korat and a left-rear puncture (slow flat) around km 168 at 18:00... the only bummer of the trip. But upside is I did get to use the tools provided and they are easy to find and store and importantly, the scissors jack is big enough to do the lift and drop quickly. Too many trucks have the girls-sized scissors jacks which makes for ages 'air winding' to get the truck off the flat. Thanks to the pickup behind me that flashed his lights to get my attention to my slowly sinking arse end. The huge electronic wing mirrors were great for looking at the rear wheels and confirming I had a problem! Tire change took 20 minutes without really rushing.
I normally do these drives overnight as the roads are much quieter. However, since I have no plates, not even red ones so totally illegal and liable to double-extra shakedown by police, I opted for the day run since most daylight traffic stops are 'legit' speeding ones whereas night ones are more mandatory; stopping everything for a close up look. No hassles until in Bangkok where the traffic cops at the off ramp at Ploenchit wanted 7000 frigging baht because I had no plates! I honestly only had about 380 baht, 25 bucks and about 200000 Vietnamese Dong as I had just come back from Saigon. He made me wait for over 20 minutes while he pretended to be talking with his boss and popping back up at my window to see if by some miracle, new Ford's come with an ATM in the dashboard. In the end, he took the 200 that I was always offering and waved me away. Tosser! On the way home, there were two subsequent daylight 'all stop' type police checks either side of the 'mountains' and I thought my goose was cooked but both times, I was waved through. The second one was really interesting as they seemed to be pulling any red-plated vehicle out and I did see the owner of a red-plated Aurora Blue XLT looking wryly at me as I was waved on with my solitary Texas 1984 plate on the back! Eventually, despite having the Cobra on, the speed trap north of Korat got me but the young cop was straightforward, said I was doing 130 kph and just asked for 200 baht... no license, no papers, no worries. He commented the truck was 'suay mahk' as I was leaving.
That's it, first long trip in the new wheels, I give her 10/10 despite the puncture!
#5030521 Ford Ranger T6 2.2 Tdci
Posted
on 2012-02-05 09:14:45
Ungabunga, on 2012-02-04 21:59:13, said:
So, there are no downsides to fitting a racechip?... cool. At only 129 Euros they are literally cheap as chips.... everyone should have one! 
I already have one, just waiting for a 3,2 to be delivered to install it
#5000606 Ford Ranger T6 2.2 Tdci
Posted
on 2012-01-23 22:13:47
funcat, on 2012-01-23 20:00:15, said:
When I've order my XLT,I was told,that some colors will not be available here,so I've ordered the silver,but was going to change it to white...till yesterday,when passing by the dealer I saw some Rangers on display and surprisingly there was a Sparkling Gold and Gunsmoke Blue out there,White and Aurora Blue as well...I'm changing to Gold,it really looks great !
Post a picture when you get it. Would love to see the Gold.
I picked up my Aurora Blue XLT 2.2 Auto Hi-Rider on Sunday. Very pleased with it (apart from a glovebox rattle - which is going back). We got some of the negotiated extras, but some are still on back order and were told we should get them within a week. We also purchased the chrome sports bar and bed liner which also didn't arrive and is on back order. Hopefully soon, as I think the added chrome adds to the appearance of the vehicle. After the bedliner installation, I will have to track down an aftermarket soft vinyl tonneau cover. Either domed or velco'd. The Ford Australia website advertise them as an accessory for about $680, but I am sure you could get one much cheaper than that here. Possibly even custom made, much cheaper. A very minor thing, but a light in the glove box wouldn't go amiss. I'm trying to track down a handbook in ENGLISH, as the Thai version is no good to me. I haven't mastered the written Thai language yet.....
Other than that, I am "over-the-moon", happy as....Also getting lots of stares and sideways looks at the sparkling, metallic blue from neighbouring cars, bike riders and pedestrians. Really is a standout vehicle.
#4995761 Jomtien Bar Closures
Posted
on 2012-01-21 21:55:06
"...I want to drink it in peace... not in a bar full of morons."
There goes my Saturday night with the guys...
There goes my Saturday night with the guys...
Attached Thumbnails
#4969048 Ford Ranger T6 2.2 Tdci
Posted
on 2012-01-10 15:13:50
Yesterday, I ordered my new Aurora Blue Ford Ranger double cab XLT Auto. Salesman told us that we maybe able to receive it as early as the 12th - 15th Jan, depending on what is delivered to the showroom between those dates or at the very latest, by the end of January.
The truck is bloody huge. Much bigger than our Fortuner.
We had to pay extra for the bed liner (which didn't cost much) and the sports bar in the back that appears in all the brochures and advertising for the XLT?
Set the missus loose on the salesman who was very polite and accommodating. She managed to get included, the following freebies in the deal:
The truck is bloody huge. Much bigger than our Fortuner.
We had to pay extra for the bed liner (which didn't cost much) and the sports bar in the back that appears in all the brochures and advertising for the XLT?
Set the missus loose on the salesman who was very polite and accommodating. She managed to get included, the following freebies in the deal:
- Rust proofing
- Mats
- 3M film to the windows
- Full tank of diesel
- 4 zone parking sensors
#4967547 Condo Renovator Identity? (Pics Attached)
Posted
on 2012-01-09 22:00:14
Distasteful Darren speaks again. You ever wonder why the only people who speak to you only do so via Thai Visa?
Man asks a reasonable question and gets shot down by an idiot who has issues which cannot be solved by ordinary mortals
Man asks a reasonable question and gets shot down by an idiot who has issues which cannot be solved by ordinary mortals
#4967063 Atm Scammer
Posted
on 2012-01-09 18:25:03
Darrel, on 2012-01-09 18:05:01, said:
Just a couple of simple facts that anyone can verify from a search in the news links.
I'm not bashing anyone or anything.
I'm not bashing anyone or anything.
#4967022 2013 Ford Mondeo Revealed - Ford'S Aston-Esque Camry Challenger
Posted
on 2012-01-09 18:07:20
The 2013 Ford Mondeo has been officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show:
Engine choices will include 1.6 and 2.0L Ecoboost gasoline turbos, an unspecified TDCi and a couple of Hybrid variants.
Personally, I'm loving the Aston look
Engine choices will include 1.6 and 2.0L Ecoboost gasoline turbos, an unspecified TDCi and a couple of Hybrid variants.
Personally, I'm loving the Aston look
#4964067 Ford Ranger T6 2.2 Tdci
Posted
on 2012-01-08 15:34:15
culicine, on 2012-01-07 08:34:59, said:
skybluestu, on 2012-01-07 07:23:35, said:
Picked up my 2.2 6AT XLT in Mica Black yesterday afternoon but not had chance to drive it properly yet, just 10kms or so home, but first opinions are good. Very roomy and comfortable inside, first time I've not needed the drivers seat at the furthest point (I'm 6'3), with a nice modern feel, very car-like. There were some nice touches like sunglasses holder and adjustable lumbar support in the drivers seat and the display is very easy to read and includes distance it will go until more diesel is needed.
Only 4 speakers in the XLT compared to 6 in the Wildtrak but very good quality. Brakes are very responsive and 6AT gearbox is very smooth, need to give it some when pulling away from standstill at lights though. It is very quiet, could hardly hear the engine or windnoise at all. Tyres are Dunlop AT22 Grandtrek which get pretty good reviews and mileage. Overall I'm very happy, much better than the outgoing model I had a few years ago and prefer it to my Yaris I traded in too. It got quite a lot of attention on the short trip home (we are the first to get ours in Chiang Rai so none about) which is understandable as, IMO, it is easily the best looking pick-up currently available but I'm obviously biased!
When at the dealers I was surprised to learn we weren't getting registration and road tax included which meant another 10,000baht, I've bought two new cars and a few new bikes here in Thailand and always had that included. But we got 1st class insurance, some other freebies and the price will increase by about 20k soon too so musn't grumble. Told that the first service is at 15,000kms which is a bit odd as well, always changed oil at 1000kms so I think I'll do that again. LIke I said, not really driven it any sort of distance yet but thought I'd give a quick update.
Only 4 speakers in the XLT compared to 6 in the Wildtrak but very good quality. Brakes are very responsive and 6AT gearbox is very smooth, need to give it some when pulling away from standstill at lights though. It is very quiet, could hardly hear the engine or windnoise at all. Tyres are Dunlop AT22 Grandtrek which get pretty good reviews and mileage. Overall I'm very happy, much better than the outgoing model I had a few years ago and prefer it to my Yaris I traded in too. It got quite a lot of attention on the short trip home (we are the first to get ours in Chiang Rai so none about) which is understandable as, IMO, it is easily the best looking pick-up currently available but I'm obviously biased!
When at the dealers I was surprised to learn we weren't getting registration and road tax included which meant another 10,000baht, I've bought two new cars and a few new bikes here in Thailand and always had that included. But we got 1st class insurance, some other freebies and the price will increase by about 20k soon too so musn't grumble. Told that the first service is at 15,000kms which is a bit odd as well, always changed oil at 1000kms so I think I'll do that again. LIke I said, not really driven it any sort of distance yet but thought I'd give a quick update.
Thanks for that. I think 15K is normal for ford, but ofcourse I'd enquire about changing the first oil earlier than that - or does that apply only to petrol engines? After you've driven it a bit, I'd also like your opinions on the ride quality on a variety of roads, and performance up to higher speeds.
Do you know when the prices will increase? I don't see how it could increase for the 3.2 though as we don't even have a firm price on that yet:)
Only done another 100kms or so but still all good. Took it in the mountains today and dealt with everything, many roads were pretty steep and it didn't have a problem, was always in the right gear and steering is very precise. Even thought it is only 2.2 it has enough torque to overtake easily and got up to 140kph/2500rpms on a quiet straight near my home but I didn't buy it for 0-100kph speed or top speed so not really tested it for performance yet and probably won't as usually have my daughter in the car with me.
Many of the roads around where I live are pretty poor but the Ranger takes them in its stride. One things I have noticed is how much bigger it is both inside and out, not too big though, I'd say just about right. Parked between a new Vigo and old D-Max at the mall yesterday and it's quite a bit taller than both and a tad wider/longer, has more presence though and more masculine. It has auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers but not tested them out yet, can't wait for it to get dark and start raining at the same time!
Attached Thumbnails
#4960781 Ford Ranger T6 2.2 Tdci
Posted
on 2012-01-07 07:23:35
Picked up my 2.2 6AT XLT in Mica Black yesterday afternoon but not had chance to drive it properly yet, just 10kms or so home, but first opinions are good. Very roomy and comfortable inside, first time I've not needed the drivers seat at the furthest point (I'm 6'3), with a nice modern feel, very car-like. There were some nice touches like sunglasses holder and adjustable lumbar support in the drivers seat and the display is very easy to read and includes distance it will go until more diesel is needed.
Only 4 speakers in the XLT compared to 6 in the Wildtrak but very good quality. Brakes are very responsive and 6AT gearbox is very smooth, need to give it some when pulling away from standstill at lights though. It is very quiet, could hardly hear the engine or windnoise at all. Tyres are Dunlop AT22 Grandtrek which get pretty good reviews and mileage. Overall I'm very happy, much better than the outgoing model I had a few years ago and prefer it to my Yaris I traded in too. It got quite a lot of attention on the short trip home (we are the first to get ours in Chiang Rai so none about) which is understandable as, IMO, it is easily the best looking pick-up currently available but I'm obviously biased!
When at the dealers I was surprised to learn we weren't getting registration and road tax included which meant another 10,000baht, I've bought two new cars and a few new bikes here in Thailand and always had that included. But we got 1st class insurance, some other freebies and the price will increase by about 20k soon too so musn't grumble. Told that the first service is at 15,000kms which is a bit odd as well, always changed oil at 1000kms so I think I'll do that again. LIke I said, not really driven it any sort of distance yet but thought I'd give a quick update.
Only 4 speakers in the XLT compared to 6 in the Wildtrak but very good quality. Brakes are very responsive and 6AT gearbox is very smooth, need to give it some when pulling away from standstill at lights though. It is very quiet, could hardly hear the engine or windnoise at all. Tyres are Dunlop AT22 Grandtrek which get pretty good reviews and mileage. Overall I'm very happy, much better than the outgoing model I had a few years ago and prefer it to my Yaris I traded in too. It got quite a lot of attention on the short trip home (we are the first to get ours in Chiang Rai so none about) which is understandable as, IMO, it is easily the best looking pick-up currently available but I'm obviously biased!
When at the dealers I was surprised to learn we weren't getting registration and road tax included which meant another 10,000baht, I've bought two new cars and a few new bikes here in Thailand and always had that included. But we got 1st class insurance, some other freebies and the price will increase by about 20k soon too so musn't grumble. Told that the first service is at 15,000kms which is a bit odd as well, always changed oil at 1000kms so I think I'll do that again. LIke I said, not really driven it any sort of distance yet but thought I'd give a quick update.
#4953358 Buying A Pick-Up
Posted
on 2012-01-04 07:53:49
So let the Family Choose something, they will in the end. you just Chek Bin.
.
.
#4948620 New Fancy Schmancy Wood Fire Oven Pizza Place Opening In Jomtien!
Posted
on 2012-01-02 00:04:12
Darrel, on 2012-01-01 21:23:42, said:
I can guess without even looking at the menu that it's going to be absurdly overpriced and will probably be desperately advertising on local TV soon.
What Jomtien really needs is a couple of decent breakfast places like Diana Dragon and Casa Pascal, and more Thai places like the night market at the top of Soi 5, at which there are currently so many farangs most evenings that you have to queue for a seat to get your noodles. These are the places that are doing good business, not the silly "designer" places.
What Jomtien really needs is a couple of decent breakfast places like Diana Dragon and Casa Pascal, and more Thai places like the night market at the top of Soi 5, at which there are currently so many farangs most evenings that you have to queue for a seat to get your noodles. These are the places that are doing good business, not the silly "designer" places.
The restaurant hasn't even opened yet and already you complain about the prices! If you don't plan on visiting it why post in this thread?? There are quite a few of us living in Pattaya that are able to pay more than 50 Baht for a dinner so give the constant whining about prices a rest - please!
JT, thanks for the tip. If you find out when they're opening please post the info.
