CharadeSG: Fuel for Thought: Future second car choices in MYS?

Monday, 16 December 2024

Fuel for Thought: Future second car choices in MYS?

Surfing for a potential second car. What's good around here?

With a little bit of time on my hands currently, I've taken the non-novel approach of scrambling Facebook marketplace to take time off. Now, as one could imagine, for an enthusiast, this is essentially the stupidest method of using one's time to surf the internet.

But thus far, I have seen may a models that I do have genuine interest in, that isn't a Charade 3 door. This is because they are basically close to extinction, and the other choices that I have interest in both have the same 90's cult status as the Charade (If not more), but also they are within an attainable price range.

Someone please pull me away from the internet.

Honda Civic Ferio SiR EG9

Cheapest and verifiable-to-be EG9 that is local. Rare find around this part through my searches, and as most EG's in much better condition can sell for up to 2x what is being asked, I'm very inclined to give one a try.

Source: Facebook

Daihatsu Charade (Detomasso convert)

My rough understanding is that this is a pretty accurate Detomasso conversion, not just the exterior like many swaps. This I believe has the 1.6, the same displacement the Detomasso got, plus the Recaro front seats, bodywork and wheels. I would prefer the G100 Charade more than the G200, but I'm very impressed by this. It, like the other cars featured within this post isn't cosmetically great, but for the price, its worth consideration, all things considered.

Source: Facebook

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Mercedes-Benz E260

This is more a consideration for my father who has always showed interest in a classic Mercedes. Super far away but accessible in budget, I myself am quite interested with this.

Source: Facebook

Daihatsu Charade Aura 1.0

This is the closest I can get to getting the dream car (Of my own youth) within attainable means. What I do fear is the 1.0L motor that is present in this, and most other Charade's. I mean, I'm suppose to love it for the 1.0, but that would be the GTti 3 cylinder turbo motor. This doesn't have one, and instead if I'm not wrong, has a carburetor.

Hearing stories of these cars having significant difficulty travelling up Genting does unnerve me, especially if I'm to bring people around. But it is the G100 generation, is low in price, and more importantly, is cosmetically quite clean inside and out.

So I am torn. With the recent encounter with the 3 door, maybe I will wait.

Source: Facebook

Honda Civic Si EF3 (SiR convert with B16A)

Going by the description, this is a EF3 chassis, so it is nice knowing that this used to have the D16ZC motor. Why this appeals to me is I was quite interested with getting a EF3 in Singapore and went as far as to schedule to see the car, but the deal fell through. Where price and appeal is concerned, the EF series is the best to get for me, since EG and EK hatchback prices are all over the place in Malaysia. This though, condition I'm not very steered to. The paint itself, the interior, modified engine.. well, it is cheaper than other options, so that is the tradeoff.

But honestly, to ask myself where I'm looking to steer towards, it likely would be to the EG9. I mean, I still want a hatchback, but I really don't mind a EG9; it appeals to me more than the EK series for some reason, and I'm feel willing to trade chances with a EF3 for one. With the notion that it will be using to bring people around, a 3 door hatchback may be impractical, and with the way I have been driving (God forbid a fresh driver like me gets behind the wheel) probably means I'll want something with displacement or power, which most of these cars don't have the power, or displacement either.

I'll likely for the rest of the trip be keen on EG sedans, so this is nothing more than, well, let's be honest, a kid with too much time to waste. Maybe next year I can fully consider, but as of now, I can keep aspiring.