Toyota and status of owning a car in Thailand

[The understudy]

[quote="phillostar"]Car manufacturers make good cars but they can be made better with mods, if done well.

If the car is a status symbol so why not show it off with some more bling bling and wing. Most of the cars i've seen in Hua Hin are more show than go, allthough the exhaust sounds like its a racer. But there is a sub culture in Thailand with car fanatics, with also people who go for looks and performance (bought me some Thai car mags).

Last tuesday i had a walk up Phetch Kasem road and walked by quite a few garage shops that sell the stuff. These guys must earn some money with the sales and mounting.[/quote]

Hi there philoster.

I agree with you on the status Symbol and to show it off with some Bling Bliung. Had you and others ever watch the MTY SHow Pimp my Ride with the famous Rapper as Xzibit. I think such customisesation shops as shown in this Show like Westcoast Costums and GAS (GAlpin Auto Service) could become a really lucrative market for those who want to really tp pimp up and show off their Status Symbol here in Thailand.
Such customisation in the show is estimated to cost around 250.000 Dollar. But how much it would cost in Thailand thats remained to be seen.

Your's The understudy!!!

[chelsea]

Look most of the bling that I saw on the Utes/4WD is factory fitted bling. We have the same over here in Aus.

All of what used to be classed as a commercial ute/pick now have a mid and top of the range models.
Those models have factory fitted mag Wheels, Wide Tyres, Side Steps, fiberglass tonneau covers, Chrome/Alloy Sports Roll bars and Bull Bars and driving lights.

That is the sort of models that I saw in the Toyota and Izuzu range when I was over there.
Noisy exhausts, spoilers and any other bolt on accessory are fitted to lower range models the same way as there are here in Aus.

My observation was the fact of them being able to afford to pay for them, but from what Guess said and other people as well, you terms of credit are a lot longer than they are over here.
That is what makes them more affordable for people to purchase.

I would be hard pressed at present to even be able to afford to buy and run a base model one let alone a top of the range.

[phillostar]

Westcoast and GAS are just 2 of the many customise shops in the U.S.

Off the thai car magazines i bought, i can make up that there are allready a lot of car shops who sell and do make overs for cars. Even in Hua Hin there are some, i also seen a little shop making/repairing polyester parts (bumpers etc.). In Holland you wont find that many shops in one street or area.

About the costs for parts or (off the shelf)styling stuff these are way way less than in Europe, i've seen some prices in the car mags.

My particulary interest in cars is because im a (Suzuki)car fanatic and i have my own car club in Holland (suzukituningclub.nl). Too bad there arent that many Suzuki cars driving around in Thailand, but i have seen some models that arent (yet) sold in Europe.

[Spitfire]

Steve G, the second hand pickup garages are starting to over-flow with new models that have been repossessed and they can't sell.

You may well get what you want very soon.

[PeteC]

There's been many articles lately that Toyota 3.0 diesel pick-up's and suv's are stacking up at used car dealers throughout the country. With diesel III at about 45 baht per liter Thai's are simply not buying. Good chances for a farang with some cash and no worries about fuel costs. Good deals can be had. Toyota has cut back on new production of these types also and almost stopped production of the 4WD versions.

Honda is gaining rapidly every month on Toyota. I would put their quality and customer service at or beyond what Toyota offers at present. The new Accord makes the Camray(sp) look not too appealing. Nissan's new Tienna(sp) is also a very sharp sedan. Nissan quality I don't know about at present.

In the next two years I would expect to see Topyota totally redesign the Vigo, Fortuner and Camary. Pete

[STEVE G]

Last month a Thai couple we know were telling me that their Vigo had been parked up for three weeks as it just wasn’t worth going anywhere in it at these prices.
I’ve noticed far more of those utilitarian looking Suzuki and Kia pick-ups around and I can imagine the market for pick-ups as anything but business vehicles drying up all together.

[PeteC]

Last month a Thai couple we know were telling me that their Vigo had been parked up for three weeks as it just wasn’t worth going anywhere in it at these prices.
I’ve noticed far more of those utilitarian looking Suzuki and Kia pick-ups around and I can imagine the market for pick-ups as anything but business vehicles drying up all together.

You have to do the math also concerning KM/liter. I know a 2.4 gasoline gets around 10 city and some highway. A 2.0 probably 12 and a 1.8-1.6 around 14-16...just a guess, not science. I do know my 2004 Tiger with a 3.0 diesel and manual tranny is getting somewhere around 14 if I don't push it hard with the turbo. So what's the answer as to what's cheaper, safer and more fun? A small metal box like these gasoline 'city' cars, or a big metal box called a pick up diesel?

There's also the nonsense about this E85 stuff. Costs less but km/liter is 3-4 less than gasoline. They may be starving the world with increased grain prices for nothing. Farmers competing now with oil barons...LMAO. Pete

[STEVE G]

I think the best I can manage is about 12.5 km/l out of my manual 4wd Vigo and I agree with you that it’s a better vehicle, but I don’t think most Thais are able to afford much motoring at these prices which is why I can see the market for using them as cars drying up.
You can now buy a couple of small diesel hatchbacks over here in Europe that can manage over 25km/l and I can see this type of vehicle becoming more popular worldwide at oil prices like these.
After that it's back to the Honda Wave!

[ste860]

i drive a yaris and can drive bkk and back for 800 b or to chayaphun from h/h for roughly 900-1000 depending on how fast i go,very pleased with the economy of it

[phillostar]

i drive a yaris and can drive bkk and back for 800 b or to chayaphun from h/h for roughly 900-1000 depending on how fast i go,very pleased with the economy of it

With the thai driving style and many big pick-ups, busses and lorries i would not feel safe in such a small car in the busy traffic (especially the express and highway).

About the fuel use, my 1.8l does 1l. on 10km (city and highway), its a 96'er and a little souped up Overhere in Holland (and i think the rest of europe) it's also no fun anymore to drive, we pay now 1,67 euro (about 85 baht) for a liter unleaded.

[ste860]

i used to drive a bmw when i was in the uk,i looked a loads of cars here but wanted something nippy and well built the yaris fits both ideas,its got loads of room ,had four large people in it many time with no problems,and as long as your aware of what other drivers might do,ive never had a worry,love it and would recomend one to you,great satisfaction watch someone with a pick up or tank similer trying to sqeeze in to a space for 20 mins then just park in the space they could not get in

[The understudy]

To All BArgain Hunters outthere'

The Fortuner has reached its midlife Cycle and due for a Minor Facelift which has been just introduced this Tuesday and Commercials for the Fortuner with New Updated Front Grill and updated Inerior Features,

This means The current model with the old Grill are getting Cheaper in the Show Rooms and Amoung the used Vehicle Tents as well



Ypurs The understudy!!!

[Randy Cornhole]

***FOR SALE*** I have decided to part with the love of my life. I have had this beauty since new and only a recent rise in fuel prices forces a sale. I shall be sad to see her go. I will throw in a spare wheel for the lucky buyer.
Sold as seen, comes complete with book. Only - 55,000 bht
*needs slight attention to body work and some air in the tyres*

[STEVE G]

Randy, you might have given it a bit of a clean before putting it up for sale, the upholstery is filthy.

[Jockey]

Randy - how about a swap?