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Showing content with the highest reputation on 07/18/2018 in all areas

  1. I have been a Ford Mustang fan since a kid and this is my second Mustang in Dubai. I am driving this Ford Mustang since 2014 fall and never had any major issue that cost me more than 1000 -1500 dhs to fix on the tops (some exhaust or manifold sensor failed once, second was engine bushes). First two year I had service from Al Tayer and after that I'm very happy with ENoc quick service that saves time and money both. As all Mustang, the performance is the key contributor of their major sales all around the world, that they snug the driver so nice that dragon and the rider become one to eat any car on the road. lololol, just kidding I don't race anymore, but I'm serious on performance is beyond anyone expectation and imagination. I drove a couple of G35, Golf, challenger, camaro, Subaru's etc. but nothing can come close to the real muscle car made for men and not boys/babies. My car is currently 86,184 kms driven and I get about 16-20 L/100 fuel mileage, 16 when sober and 20 while kidding ;-). in this newer Ford Mustang they have added tons of enhancement in infotainment system which was not there in my previous 2007-8 MY. IN this new shape the steering wheel also has lot of options for setting and controlling cruise, changing music source/channel/track etc with volume buttons. Almost everything that you wish to touch while driving is very well placed in the steering wheel. Adding Bluetooth to pair with Microsoft Sync system to answer calls and play music is another great blessing. There are few things that I really wish that Ford dealer should be more responsive in doing services more faster. Ford can improve interior craftsmanship as in places it feels bit squeaky and cheap plastic or faux leather used. Last but not least, my strongest advice to stay away from US salvage model as those are flood damage or insurance totaled cars to begin with and being non-gcc, they will cough up 4000 - 5000 dhs job during the summer month. If the car has been driven in Dubai since few years and those changing of radiator and compressor and cooling is sorted it may be a good cheap deal to put your hands on.
    2 points
  2. you should have asked the last owner if he had it changed on regular basis gear being stuck or taking above 2k rpms for shift is usually the oil level low or the particular valve body solenoid getting stuck because of clutch /bearing/dirt particles getting in the way or even electricity problem in the wiring or the solenoide itself but that usually sets out a code in the latter cases get the oil level checked if less use approved atf oil and if you have a d light blinking or check engine light on then also get it scanned... proper inspection will shed some light on whats wrong... @Barry what do you say...?
    2 points
  3. 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Restomod Engine and transmission: 351 CI Windsor V8 engine Edelbrock 4 barrel carb with automatic electric choke Electronic ignition 4-1 tubular exhaust manifolds Custom 3” dual exhausts Upgraded to electric fuel pump with safety cutout Custom built air conditioning system for Gulf climate 3 speed FMX automatic transmission Chassis: Monocoque construction Uprated shock absorbers Lowered 40mm in front on springs Lowered 40mm in rear on modified spring hangers Polybushed Front strut brace connected through bulkhead Power steering conversion with uprated pump Brakes, Wheels and Tyres: Billet alloy wheels Kumho Ecsta LE Sport 245/40 R18 on front Kumho Ecsta LE Sport 265/35 R18 on rear Vented discs all round SSBC Force 10 twin pot calipers front and rear Additional SSBC Force 10 handbrake calipers on rear Bodywork: Full respray in custom gun metal grey HID headlights Front chin spoiler Bonnet pins Hood scoop Sequential direction indicators fitted in scoop Chrome bumpers and trim Shortened radio antenna Vents on rear quarter panel Interior: Original vinyl low back seats Custom colour changing dashboard Dashboard plastics painted to match exterior colour Springalex style steering wheel Kenwood DVD head unit Boston Dynamics speakers Reversing camera screen hidden inside rear view mirror, only visible when activated I have been looking after this car for around a year now, doing maintenance, repairs, restoration and modifications along the way. Now I know you’re thinking it doesn’t look like any Mach 1 you may have seen before. That’s because it doesn’t. The previous owner had left the car with a bit of an identity crisis. It was a weird Mach 1/GT500 Eleanor hybrid. Eleanor bodykit complete with front bumper, arch spats, side skirts with holes for a side exhaust and random fake vents stuck all over the body. When you walked to the rear of the car it had the original Mach 1 rear window louvre and ironing board spoiler. Now the car has been restored to a much cleaner look with all the Satwa spec stick on parts removed. It’s finished in a beautiful gunmetal grey with deep lacquer for a high gloss finish. The first thing that hits you when you get into the car is the smell. Vinyl and petrol. It transports you back in time to a place where no modern car can ever take you. When you turn the key, you are greeted by the illuminated dashboard which can change colour at the touch of a button. If the car has been sitting for a while, it’s best to turn the ignition on/off a few times to fill the fuel bowl which facilitates easier starting. In this hot climate, the fuel will evaporate from the carburettor if the car hasn’t been used. Turn the key further to engage the starter motor, pump the accelerator a couple of times and the engine fires into life assaulting the senses. The first thing that hits is the noise and vibration. The 351 Windsor V8 with 4 barrel Edelbrock carb and 3 inch exhausts sounds like thunder and will rattle windows half a mile away. Engage D on the 3 speed FMX slushmatic box and you’re ready for the road. The Windsor engine produces 250 BHP in standard from. This example produces an estimated 275-280 BHP with the modifications. Being an almost 50 year old car it isn’t going to set the world on fire but it can hold its own amongst modern traffic. The suspension modifications help the car to corner flat and level and the wide, low profile tyres help it stick to the road. The car is equipped with an open type differential and would greatly benefit from one of a limited slip variety to add some tail out and donut action. The car originally came with drum brakes all round. The change to a modern system with vented discs with twin pot calipers makes a night and day difference to stopping distances and inspires confidence in hard braking situations. One thing to remember about old cars like this with carburettors is that they will need tuned twice a year to ensure maximum performance, once in winter and once in summer to account for the difference in intake air temperatures. The old points type ignition system has been changed for electronic ignition which leaves the car a lot more reliable and easier to service. The new modern sound system performs well but let’s be honest, when you drive a car like this the only station you need is Exhaust FM. This is an extremely long car and the reversing camera with disappearing screen concealed in the rear view mirror is a huge benefit. Other little touches like sequential LED turn indicators in the hood scoop, the HID headlights, all add up to make this a car you can drive every day. If you don’t mind the fuel bill that is. If you liked my review, don’t forget to hit the like button, share it with your friends and get them to hit the like button too. If I get a good response, I will review more classic and high end cars.
    1 point
  4. toyota corolla tercel 1999 i really have no idea from where to start a review but here we go i got this car ar 250k kms for 2.5k aed and ran it for another 450 or 500k it had a smoking engine which i replaced and she was back up and spurring like a kitten with carb powered 2efe 1.3 cc engine that not gonna roar but will get you wherever you want thanks to its 5 spd manual gear it had more then enough to run around everywhere i need to be and was my trusty partner for use in the workshop for hauling parts it had the best fuel economy as its a 1.3cc which used to give a run of around 600 plus per tank the car itself in look wise is really basic not a cheap box but if you can toss some $$$ then this car can make heads turn and the interior is also very basic with a stereo system and the seats are not that comfy for very long drives the windows were manual and there was only 1 airbag for the driver others would just hope for the best i guess there was no abs not much electrically loaded as you can guess but still its a really wonderful car to have as the maintenance cost is very low and the fuel economy is great and the air conditioning is built of very tough components the summer afternoons could not make it bow down the parts are readilly avalable in orignal and even aftermarket is nicely catering to this kitten the small parts like door handle interior handle or the window handle to bonnets doors even the used market has everything this car requires to run like the fornt headlight pair is 200 aed which would be the cost of only 1 headlight in many newer cars this car has reached such a stage that you can buy it of the market for 2k to 4k depending on the condition and for using it for 2 to 3 years it still part with almost the same amount from you only if you take good care of it...these cars are very hard to comeby if in really good condition as the owners are still in love with tercel and are reluctant to part with a gem that toyota produced the last were produced in 1999 as then toyota echo took over P.S : the 2 pictures is of my tercel and the rest is sourced from the internet
    1 point
  5. As soon I entered the world of off-roading in Dubai back in 2006 with much awaited Land Cruiser LWB - desert safari special, I realize that it's too heavy for real dune bashing and every convoy used to wait for my refusals and failed attempt. After the first stage of denial, I realized that I need something small and nimble and then my attention got glued to the next King of the desert in Dubai - Nissan Patrol. After a few months of searching, I finally got lucky with the 2006 model Nissan Patrol GL - SWB with the manual gearing. This 4x4 had no "bells and whistle" other than the real grunt of a capable off-roader, but it was a true head turner and it came almost desert ready with Aragosta rally suspension with lift, BF Goodrich tires, Warn winch, and plenty of underbody protection mods. All mods were done very tastefully and still able to pass the RTA test back in those days. I had this Patrol for about 2 years and never spent any extra money other than the regular maintenance. I just had an issue with the front wheel bearing once, so changed it outside the agency under 600-800 dhs. Every time I used to send this car to the agency and was very happy with its performance, looks and reliability. Due to stiffer suspension, it was a pain to drive on the long drives, as I did few Oman visit and came back with a sore back. Nissan Patrol with 4.5 V6 engines in such short body was a killer recipe for any off-road enthusiast's to climb the dunes with zero run-ups with the torque so huge that you can even drag up instantly with even 5 people in the car. It was an amazing 4x4 for self-recovering in almost any worst situation and 1st gear torque was the best friend ever to rock/crawl out of any sticky spots. Being so ready with power delivery and torque it was a true gas guzzler that I could see the fuel gauge needle move during serious pushing. I haven't used to maintain the fuel logs, back in those days but it must be close to 20 L/100 on road in two wheels and close to 30L/100 in 4x4 mode. The first gear for the road was too short, that you will always spin wheels unintentionally if you are in rush, so starting on 2nd was the best option to have a good drag till 40 and then change to 3rd. In off-road first gear was a blessing to go anywhere with zero momentum or climb up sideways and splash sand and still go upward on side slopes - had a crazy power. However, this year model up until 2008 had a known issue with its gearing and downshifting on a long hill climb was a disaster. You can't attack tall dunes in 1st as it was too short that 6-7K rpm will get you 20-30 speed, and downshift from 2nd to 1st you will wait until 2500 rpm so it will again spoil the long hill climbing momentum. It should have allowed downshifting just above 3000 - 3500 band to let continue the momentum and plus without breaking the speed. This issue has been addressed by Nissan after 2009 model and in 4800 VTEC models. As many of my friends and cousins have swapped the gearing of 4500 with 4800 model and were very happy on the long hill climb. There was another known issue for Nissan Patrol I heard was a bent differential due to heavy offroading. Luckily I never had that, as the previous owner has installed good braces under the differential to prevent this from happening. Almost all my friends had their diff bent within 2-3 years of regular off-roading, some got changed in warranty by Arabian Automobile and some left to spend their own hard earn money. If anyone is looking for this year model to buy, then you must check that engine and gear mounts are safe to drive as I have seen few Patrols when you give full gas, engine shake to the right side and can cause some other damage. The second thing to check is the wheel bearing and steering alignment is straight or not as due to offroad jumps and irregular landing this might have been damaged. The third is to check differential is still straight or bent already due to jumps or offroad impacts. Resale value of this beast is always a very big plus point if you maintain it well. I bought this for 80K and sold for 60-65 after little more than 2 years. As it's fun to drive and fun for weekend offroaders so it's always in demand in used car market due to less supply.
    1 point
  6. It's been a while since I posted anything online about IronHide. Yes.. I named my truck after an AutoBot and its not a GM vehicle. I could go on how the original IronHide wasn't a GM vehicle and was based on a Dodge Wagon / SUV, but that is not what this is about.. It's been 4 years since I have had my vehicle and its currently done just over 75,000 kms. The notion of owning a pickup truck seems rather agricultural or signs that you are a someone who uses his vehicle to haul stuff. You would rarely think of a pickup truck being a family oriented vehicle. But nevertheless, looking at what the modern pickup truck has become you would do well to give them a second glance. Noticing the number of large SUVs on the roads of Dubai, you get the notion that having a big vehicle is pretty much a status symbol as well as a necessity if you have a large family. But to be honest, most people in Dubai do not need anything more than a 5 seater. Initially when I was in the market for a new car, I was hesitant in choosing a large American pickup truck. But now that I have had it for 4 years, I'm very glad that I did. Those interested in seeing how I made my choice of a pickup vs a sedan, please click links below: This is Dodge Good Bye Alfa - Ford or Dodge Hello IronHide The biggest caveat of purchasing a brand new vehicle in Dubai is trying to keep the paintwork as prestine as for as long as possible. Truth is you cannot stop the actions of the "inconsiderate idiot". You know this type.. he/she is the one that parks so close to your vehicle in a parking lot and "rams" their door into your's whilst trying to get in or out. I even had infuriating encounter where the person peeped into my car, looked at my face and then proceed to vandalize my vehicle. I can only explain it as he was making sure that I wasn't an Emirati or a European / Western expat. Forget confronting such people.. They would easily dismiss you with, "So?... This is Dubai... It is normal." However watch such people make a huge fuss when the same is done in return to their vehicle. Mind you, I still treat another's vehicle with respect; regardless of who they are. But I guess it is pointless to expect the same in return. After a couple more dents were made to the paintwork, and I had my first accident with the truck, I gave up trying or caring. Now I just try to maintain it the best I can and find the grace to ignore what I can control. Getting into the technical aspects of the truck: Ram 1500 SLT, 2014 4x4 5.7 ltr V8 HEMI with MDS (Multi-Displacement System), 8 Speed Gearbox CrewCab configuration with a shortbed 5 link multicoil suspension At the time of purchasing the truck, the SLT package comes with the cloth seats as well as the 8.4" display in the center. Rosella from Trading enterprises was exceptionally helpful in the whole buying experience and I can't thank her enough. It is amazing to think that I entered the showroom with the intent of buying a Charger or a Durango and came out with something better.. IMO. While I can praise the sales team of Trading Enterprises, I can't exactly say much of the same for the staff in the service center. With the exception of a two individuals who have been exceptional brilliant in handling my agency services, I can't say much about the rest. There are certainly things that I would like to see improve with the service centers here; for all the agencies, not just Trading Enterprises. However I will say one thing, dealing with Trading Enterprises is far better than with Toyota's service center. Getting back to the truck, in the 4 years, nothing has gone wrong yet nor has skipped a beat. Everything works well. The rotary style shifter takes some getting used to initially, but it quickly becomes second nature after a while. After two months with the truck, I drove my brother's Camry and kept putting air conditioning up while trying to reverse into a parking space. The gearbox in the Ram is excellent and has really smooth shifts. I have been informed that it is the same 8 speed that is in the Rolls Royce Phantom. Having said that, I do notice a slight jerk as the vehicle comes to a halt; as the autobox changes down from 3rd - 2nd - 1st. Looking through the online forums you do notice that this is a common minor annoyance with the 1st generation 8 speed boxes and is nothing major to complain about. There are fixes and I will be looking into it. Another common flaw in the design of the Ram comes from the seals around the 3rd brake light on the back of the cab. Those in wetter climates will notice their headliners will start to stain as it retains water. The seals are exceptionally tiny for what it should be and do a pretty bad job keeping out the water. Ram isn't the only truck with this flaw. This has been noticed among Fords and the GM trucks as well. The sad thing is that though this is known as a common fault, it has not been attended to by FCA at all, even amongst the new 2018 models. So my suggestion to anyone buying a Ram truck anywhere, please do follow the instructions in the link below as soon as you take delivery. It won't void your warranty and actually will save you a lot of grief. 3rd Brake light fix In the city, parking is pretty much the Achilles heel of the Ram or any large vehicle. You would think that in a city with a large numbers of SUVs around, malls would be more accommodating, but that isn't the case. Some places you go, you struggle to find a sport large enough. Even the standard size length of the parking bays slots are not long enough at times. You need to take that into consideration wherever you go in the city. Having said that, I haven't been too inconvenienced to concede that the Ram is a poor purchase. On the road, the truck is never wanting for power; especially given the size and weight. The engine is smooth and immediate. Anyone who has driven a Dodge with the current Magnum Block HEMIs will find the experience quite similar. The on-road manners of the Ram is certainly better than the other pickup trucks. Sure, the Ram is no sports sedan like its FCA stable mates (Charger, 300C), but the 5 link coil suspension is a certainly a testament to its on-road performance. Ram is the 1st and to my knowledge, the only one that does use coils in the rear of its trucks and also the online one to offer air-suspension as an option. Other manufacturers still use leaf-springs. Certainly leaf-springs are more hardwearing and "old-school", but the coils do a far better job in keeping the Ram stable during heavy cornering. The air-suspension wasn't an option when I was purchasing the Ram and came into the region later with the Ram Rebel. I certainly would have liked to have it, but again comes the age old argument, "less complicated, less to go wrong later on." Certainly is true. With the current coil setup, it is easier upgrading later on for better off-road capability. Talking about Off-road, I can't say much as my experience is limited. However the brief instances over soft sandy patches near Al Qudra proved extremely easy for the Ram. The just glided over it easily. I am sure that I would have gotten better performance if I had aired down the tires, but being my 1st off-roading experience, with no one else around, I didn't have an issue. I got stuck one, reversed out and then the truck plowed through with ease after. Ever since, I have been educating myself on the off-roading dos and don'ts. I have nothing but good things to say about the 8" infotainment system. The Uconnect system is by far considered the best of all the factory infotainment systems out there. Adding to it is a screen which is far more responsive than anything that I've experienced with Ford's Sync, etc. Certainly leaps ahead of Toyota's standard system. Having said that, it would have been nice to get something with navigation or the current generation Uconnect that gives me Apple CarPlay. As I understand it, my current unit cannot be upgraded to the latest software release. Now to the business end of the truck. I can't express enough of how good it is to have a dedicated cargo area. Sure unlike those Hilux trucks you see around with rails and cages attached to their beds, my carrying capacity in terms of large volume items is slightly limited, but the bed has come in handy more times than I can count. Feels good when you go to IKEA and they offer to have stuff delivered by pickup and you say, "No need... I've got a truck." One of the amazing things about a pickup truck is how interchangeable the parts are with each in the model range. For instance, I can easily purchase bumpers of the 2017 Ram Rebel and put them on my truck. That should give the Ram a bit more clearance for off-roading. To add, all of this can be done in a parking lot or drive way; using a set of hand tools and the help of a couple of friends. If you read my articles linked above, you will notice that I mentioned there is a huge aftermarket supply for the Ram and other pickups in general. Certainly the Chevrolet and Ford vehicles have bigger aftermarket support. I guess that probably shows that those trucks need more improving over the stock than my Ram... (just my little joke).. 😄 That aftermarket supply is one of the reasons that I went for the truck over the sedan. This bring me to my next point. Another advantage of a pickup over most other vehicles. Pickups don't change their shape often and for the most part, they don't age. You can look at a tastefully modded '98 truck and it still looks modern and cool. Of course, looking at the new 2019 Ram 1500s coming in later this year and next year, I am tempted to trade in for a newer model. Certainly the new 12" tesla style screen of the new Ram will be a treat to have as well as the host of other features and improvements. But seeing that Ram will still be selling the current 4th Generation 1500 as a "Classic" for 2019 onwards, shows that still there is demand and it has been one of FCA's best and sought after models. I have a feeling the 4th Generation Ram will go the way of Toyota's own 76 - 79 Land Cruisers & Nissan's Patrol Super Safaris... You still see these older models being sold as brand new production vehicles. The reason is that people still love them and want the old school off road look. So those who are serious off roaders might prefer to have a 4th Gen Power Wagon over a 5th Gen luxury truck. I could go on and on what a great purchase this truck has been so far. Can't have too much of a good thing? Then you haven't yet tried the 4th generation Ram 1500.
    1 point
  7. Very nicely written review, that can make anyone tempted to jump on buying the pickup. Especially myself, who have never had a pickup and always wish to own due to its looks and class but always double minded due to the parking woes, cornering and offroad capabilities being Extra LWB.
    1 point
  8. Very nice review @Danny, I totally agree with everything you said as I had 2012 model up until last year. Only thing is DISLIKE the most about that Mustang is the driver seat position that hit the driver right knee into center console all the time. Maybe this was because of my height or previously spoiled with bigger 4x4 seating.
    1 point
  9. After a lot of searching, patience and prayers from all of you finally I got lucky to source a really clean, low km driven (68K Km), original Japanese engine for my beloved Pajero - exactly same as mine 6G74 + DOHC As it is so rare and so clean and hardly used on road only, it cost me quite a lot: 6K only engine OR 7K for full half cut, so after testing and firing the engine early this week with Saleem and Jalil, we decided to go for half cut as many bits and pieces were so unused and fresh that we can use almost all of it to breathe a new life. Thanks to Saleem and Jalil for endless support and advice. Opened the initial engine ancillary items yesterday and it seems all look good and now we are in process of changing to new timing belt, plugs, engine main seal, converter seal etc. Hoping to plonk the engine soon and fire it by tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed until then. Special thanks to Jabal Tokyo owner / partner - Ahmed, who has been kind enough to give me a call within 10 mins of this half cut arriving and I manage to seal the deal immediately.
    1 point
  10. Just finished the matrix trilogy. Wifey has never seen any of these old movies (isn't it weird that they're old movies now?) so I'm revisiting them all and it's good picking up on a lot of stuff I missed before. Anything new worth watching? Last cinema experience I had was horrible. I will never go to a cinema again. Screaming kids, people on their phones, talking loudly to each other etc. I even asked 2 people to go outside if they wanted to talk and they promptly shut up. You shouldn't have to ask for that in a cinema. Streaming FTW. If the movie makers don't like illegal streams, they should do something about the cinema experience. Set rules and broken jaws for anyone who breaks them.
    1 point
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