Taking good car of our car

The summer heat could be scorching hot so we bought a screen shade for our car. In addition, to prevent the car from damaging it tires and rims, we also bought what is known as Joysteps.
Well, none of our Japanese neighbors are taking care of their vehicles like the way we do. Perhaps,Singaporeans are kiasu because cars are very expensive in SG. So one cannot blame us for the care we are giving to our precious car!

A grave concern posed by elderly drivers

Car accidents caused by elderly drivers are on the increase in Japan. Yesterday, a car driven by a 87 killed 2 and injured many more....read more

Car damaged

My neighbor had his car smashed up by another car when he was shopping at a mall. He was shocked at the sight of the damage when he returned from his shopping. It must have been caused by another car which was driven into his either on purpose or otherwise. The driver of the car was nowhere to be found.
While my neighbor was examining the damage, a stranger approached him and told him he had witnessed the incident. The stranger gave the description of the driver and the car plate numbers to my neighbor. A police report was lodged. The case is under investigation. My neighbor presented a small gift and thanked the witness for his kind deeds.

Honda Prelude

I came across this Honda Prelude workshop in Japan. This workshop service other cars besides the Prelude but it seems like the latter dominate the place.
If one can recall the Prelude was one of the most famous and popular sport cars in Singapore back in the 80s and 90s.

My father-in-law's Toyota Sienta has finally arrived. He is a bit confused over the modern gadgets in this car but I think he will get over it in a matter of a few days. I too, am not sure about the operation of some of the features as I do not understand Japanese (manual is in Japanese) but is able to drive without much difficulties. 

About cars in Japan

We finally bought the above car, a Toyota Sienta 1.5 liter for S$32,500 with all the extra features. We decided to pay half the amount for my parent-in-laws as a present. In return, we have the privilege of driving the car whenever it is not in use. Renting a car in Japan is very expensive.

My sister-in-law got her Mitsubishi 650cc for about S$20,000 last year. This car is fine if you do not carry too much cargo or baggage or more than 2 people. It is economical and reliable too.

First day in Fukuoka, Japan

We are staying at our parents-in-law's newly built house. My father-in-law had to scrap his 15 year old Toyota Wish and so we told him we would help pay half the price of his would be new car, a 1.5ccToyota Sienta (aka sporty mini van). The Sienta is about S$25,000. In Singapore, with a 10 year coe it would probably cost $90,000.
As for lunch, we were each given a set of fried pork,pickles and salad. The food was absolutely marvelous (cooked by mum-in-law).
We may stay in Japan for 3 months.

Good and cheap,relatively speaking

My friend in Sydney bought this Australian made Holden 1.6 for S$16,000. It was a demo car,6 month old and clocked 1,000 km. A brand new one cost S$19,000. It was sold at a discount of $3,000. In Singapore, a similar Japanese car would have cost $120,000 which includes a coe of about $60,000. Ridiculous is the word. Cars,houses and apartments are so costly here that one have to work a life time to pay for these 2 necessities.

Car, pork pow and sandwiches in Japan

We took a lift in a friend's car (Mitsubishi mini 660cc) and was pleasantly surprised to find it comfortable and quiet. Although small in engine capacity, it was well powered and fuel efficient.
Our Japanese friend told us the price tag of this car was less than S$18,000.
This same car cost a whopping S$90,000 in Singapore.

The pow and sandwiches were from a convenient store. The pow tasted almost similar to the one which we could buy from our local kopitiam. As for the sandwiches, they were really very good, much better than the ones in 7-11 stores.