Car Features - Taxicabs Across the Philippines

This feature article serves as a stop gap one to ease your waiting for the next used car review, which will be posted in the first day of August. So, let's talk about the taxicabs roaming around the different parts of the country. If you think Metro Manila cabs are a monotony of white and yellow, Corollas and Vioses, let's see what cabs could you see in different cities.

BAGUIO
Based from available photos, high raised vehicles are dominant in the Summer Capital's streets. AUV's such as the Mitsubishi Adventure, Isuzu Crosswind, Toyota Revo, and Toyota Avanza rule the streets. On the other hand, sedans such as the good old Toyota Corolla and Kia Pride are not to be forgotten. If you think you can haul the clan in an Adventure taxi, the rear jump seats are folded since they are metered, not the popular Mega taxis. And in that case, five people (driver included) can hop in. The good thing is that, flag down rate is P25 and drivers are friendly.

Mitsubishi Adventure taxi

Kia Pride taxi with Tamaraw FX cabs in the background

ANGELES, PAMPANGA
With a trip back in 2009 as well as a story from a friend who lives there, taxicabs are not metered and you'll have to bargain. You could see them in the Balibago area, SM Clark, Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, and in the friendship gate. Common cabs include Love Life Corollas, N13 Sentras (when it was the base model of the Exalta series), and Pizza Lancers (most of them are GLX models from 2000-2002). In total, taking a cab as what one travel site said, cabbies are notorious for not using their meters and prices can get high.

LEGAZPI, ALBAY
You might not know taxicabs existed in Legazpi City, albeit in small numbers. Taxi services can be had courtesy of Early Riser and Taxi Cool. If Manila cabbies prefer the Vios, Bicolano drivers choose the Avanza due to the road conditions present in Bicol, since they tend to bring tourists to Donsol, Sorsogon, Daraga, Albay (Mount. Mayon), and other places. Hyundai Accents are also being used due to the fact that it uses diesel.

Two Hyundai Accent taxis by Early Riser

A Toyota Avanza taxi

ILOILO CITY

This bustling city in the island of Panay has a variety of taxicabs. While most of them are white in color, they're more brighter thanks to the usage of light colors when it comes on writing their names and other related information. A variety of taxis are used such as the Toyota Vios, Corolla, and Avanza, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Sentra, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Aveo. If you're in a hurry, you can hail one outside of any major mall (SM, Robinsons, Gaisano, Marymart, etc).

Vios taxis queuing up outside Iloilo International Airport

Hyundai Accent taxi outside SM City Iloilo

A Toyota Avanza taxicab

BACOLOD CITY

In the City of Smiles, you can hail a cab almost anywhere. Common taxicabs include the Toyota Vios, Avanza, and Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Aveo. The same comment goes for Iloilo, they use bright colors in their names, numbers, and other related information. One company has their fleet in blue and it would be an interesting sight.

A Chevrolet Aveo taxicab

A Corolla taxicab parked

This is what I'm referring to, a blue taxicab. 

CEBU 

Arriving at the busy Mactan-Cebu International Airport will lead you to ride what is familiar in Metro Manila, yellow airport taxis or Coupon taxis in short. However, staying in the city? You'll have to hail a cab and they will let you in. Beware, taxis are in shortage whenever a huge event happens in the city. The good thing is that, a fruit salad of taxis of various makes and models which include (as I saw these back in 2011) surplus units of Kia Sephia and Avella and local Hyundai Matrixes. Their top indicates if its occupied or vacant, which is a good thing especially at night.

Corolla taxicab in downtown Cebu

Kia Rio taxicab

Toyota Vios taxicab outside Cebu City

DUMAGUETE CITY

This quiet city has one taxi company in operation, Arari Negros Taxi or ANT for short. If you want a cab, better ask for their number once you arrive since you'll have to flag a tricycle. Just a fact: Cebu's KEN Taxi used to operate back in the 90s but pulled out due to financial woes.

Hyundai Sonata (imported ones from South Korea) taxis by ANT

TACLOBAN CITY

Only one company operates a fleet of Avanza taxicabs in the city, to think that no Toyota sales outlet exist in the province of Leyte. A browse from Google Images that these taxicabs are operated by Michael J. Lhuiller - the one person who mans the pawnshop and fresh farm chicken selling. Another cheap alternative is the open Spyder taxis, which could be hailed anywhere.

The pawnshop magnate has a pool of taxicabs 

An Avanza taxi roaming the streets of Tacloban

A Spyder taxicab

CAGAYAN DE ORO

If you plan to sell your Corolla Altis, you might want to sell it to Cagayan de Oro since 90% (an estimate based on videos and pictures) are, you guessed it right, Corolla Altises. Rumor has it that if you ride an Altis taxi, you are sosyal while local cabbies are itching to drive one. The rest of the 10% are a mix of Nissan Sentras, Kia Avellas, Toyota Avanzas, Toyota Vioses and Toyota Corollas. Besides, a taxi driver told me previously that "bawat driver gusto makapagmaneho ng Altis".

A line of Corolla Altises (photo from Michael Ray)

A Toyota Corolla Altis taxi

Maiba naman tayo, Nissan Sentra taxi

DAVAO CITY

Tired of the monotonous white taxicabs roaming around Metro Manila? Travel down to Davao City and you'll be surprised with the various colors of taxis roaming the streets. You'll see white, yellow, silver, blue, orange, even black and violet! There are a variety of brands and makes in Davao, and even the most friendliest drivers in the country. As I write this, a certain company now accepts debit cards and ATM cards as payments. You might not know that their cabs have GPS and TV screens in the rear, it is not the scariest place to hop in a cab. In the past, non-aircon taxis exist but they are phased out in recent years.

Black Nissan Sentra taxicab

A taxicab traversing a flooded street

Lines of Kia Avella and Rio cabs

Blue Toyota Vios taxi with LED light on top

Maligaya taxi cab

A non-aircon taxi. Notice the open windows

Purple taxicab

Two taxicabs in downtown Davao

All photos courtesy of the following sources listed below. Photos are owned by respective owners.
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/feisoar/4/1306472110/taxi.jpg/tpod.html
http://article.wn.com/view/2009/10/13/All_roads_to_Baguio_now_open_but_limited/

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=61152149

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=175804&pp=20&page=1920&langid=5
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1bd253/
http://irecoholic1925.blogspot.com/2011/04/iloilo-international-airport.html
http://bacolodcity.olx.com.ph/rmc-taxi-iid-309068796
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=81009532
http://global-drifter.blogspot.com/2011/04/bacolod-city.html
http://cebucity.olx.com.ph/taxi-for-sale-iid-21372605
http://www.affordablecebu.com/load/cebu_travel_guide/colon_st_cebu_city/4-1-0-64
http://www.white-beach-bungalows.com/how_to_get_there3.htm
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=70093631
http://www.taclobanhotels.com/TRAVEL-GUIDE.htm
http://atrandomness.blogspot.com/2008/06/taxiii.html
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1905b1/
http://tsikot.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/13969
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=730054&page=2395
http://davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com/2012/06/united-colors-of-davao-taxis.html
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=592070&page=42
http://nickilo.wordpress.com/2008/08/02/where-is-my-non-aircon-taxi/
http://anythingdavao.blogspot.com/2011/10/davaos-colored-taxis.html

Used Car Review Compilation (7/24/2012 Update)

NOW UPDATED WITH LINKS TO NEW ARTICLES. LIST WOULD BE UPDATED ONCE IN A MONTH.

UPDATE AS OF JULY 24, 2012.

I've started creating used car reviews since December 2011 in a weekly basis and it would be very hard for several of my blog visitors to wade around my blogsite. So, to simplify your life, I would be compiling all used car reviews done by me and this list would be updated once a month and you'll see the possible vehicles that I would be making a used car review in the future, and the existing ones. You may also suggest a car that you want to see in this page by commenting. Do take note I would not be reviewing all used vehicles locally, only those that are desirable as a used car purchase, or cars that demand as collectors items. All existing models are not included.

So, here are the cars. Links are provided for available articles.

Used Car Review - Kia Rio (2006-2011)

Filipinos love Koreanovelas, K-Pop songs, and Korean cars. Myk Belmonte finds a K-pop wonder that delivers the goods in a simple way, but without the looks of Yoona of Girls Generation (or SNSD if you're a rabid fan) or Sungmin of Super Junior, that's if you're after going to point A to Z with minimal fuss.

2006-2011 Kia Rio

Plus with random K-Pop video (scroll it down) on the end of this article!

History
Let's admit it, back in the 90s, Korean cars - such as Kia, Hyundai, and Daewoo - are popular, but with people who cannot afford wheels made by Japs. With time, Korean cars reached their popularity peak and are no longer relegated to second tier status. Their appeal reached to everyone, just like Korean dramas that are dubbed in Filipino (with some fans wanting to learn the language). Now, Korean cars have a spot on a buyer's shopping list.

The Kia Rio - with the chassis code of DC - went under the radar in year 2000, and this vehicle replaced both the Pride and Avella; the two vehicles were not the cars for having 'aegyo' poses (or cute poses), so the Rio had soft but unconventional styling. After five years being on sale and five years of Endless Love being on air, the Rio was redesigned and improved in 2005. It did target budget conscious motorists and saw a progress in quality and exterior design.

Columbian Autocar Corporation brought the JB Rio in 2006 with both sedan and hatchback styles available. It was the time that the distributor was 'hwaiting~!' (a slang which meant to cheer up or fight for something) to traumatized owners of Korean vehicles and even to the general public. The hatchback body never took off and dropped off the line up in 2008. The Rio found success with taxi operators due to its low price and roomy interior. Face lifted in late 2009 and sold until 2011, with the UB Rio replacing it in 2012. Trim lines available are the loaded EX (in both sedan and hatch configurations) and the taxi driver popular LX, which was added in the lineup during the MMC.

Value and Costs
For second hand vehicle buyers, low resale values when new translate to low prices, which is an advantage to their part. If you're a 'netizen' scouring online ads or an old schooler who picks up a copy of Car Finder or the Sunday edition of Manila Bulletin (and check its famed classified ads section), a 2006-2011 Rio can be obtained between P270,000-P420,000. No mechanical changes were done, so I advise buyers to focus with the vehicle condition. Some units from 2009 have the remainder of their warranties, have a lookout for these.

Cost of maintaining one is not expensive as you think, with support of third party parts suppliers and Kia's wide dealership network (if the unit you've purchased had the balance of the warranty) is there. Since the Rio is commonly used as a city car, inspect the unit thoroughly for wear and tear that are visible or not. If possible, avoid ex-taxi units; these could be a pain for prospective owners.

Exterior and Interior
The Rio was one of the recipients of Kia's evolution in the brand's design philosophy. You may describe it as elegant looking (especially if matched with Red or Blue) or plain looking. If you know the members of U-Kiss one by one, Rio owners will point out some exterior changes involve the blacked-out bumper sections are replaced with body color ones, and the signature tiger nose grille was applied. With the not-so-striking exterior, you won't see this car being used in Boys Over Flowers.

You and I would say that the Rio has a spartan interior. The interior was done in black motif with the absence of airbags (and even an ABS braking system) and a common 1-DIN audio head due to cost reasons. The Rio offers decent room with a reasonable space for passenger's elbows and hips at the rear. Surprisingly, the boot is spacious, thanks to its deep and low portions. Opting for the LX - which is the basic trim - would mean the deprivation of power windows and its side mirrors and door handles are blacked out.

Engine
Propelling this vehicle is a 1,389cc engine with 93hp at 6,00rpm and 125Nm at 4,700rpm. This has the ability of reaching triple digit speeds despite the lack of variable valve-timing technology that is present in competitors during its time. You can weave through traffic through a broad range of revs, which you can relieve your City Hunter car chase scene fantasies.

Driving Impressions
If you're after something simple to drive, the Rio is one good candidate. One niggle for newbie drivers is the manual transmission shifter, with the reverse gear located beside the first gear (with access via a pull-up ring below the shift knob) that takes time to master. Expect your passengers to find the ride firm with the suspension setup relegating to cushion them, but one must not expect a plush ride for a budget car.

Verdict
Music groups like 2NE1 and DBSK and Korean dramas are widespread and can be heard or seen anywhere. The Kia Rio is one vehicle that is common for a reason. And if you need is a basic car that can bring you to F.T Island (this is a boy band, not some place in Subic) or anywhere without the flash, this car merits consideration with low prices to boot. There is no need to fear for reliability problems that early Korean cars faced.

Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Lancer (1993-1999)

In the market for a cheap beater? Myk Belmonte finds a 90s wonder that would fit the bill. Old as it may be, but let's go back and review the car's merits. If you've found memories with this car, we're not responsible for the tears on your face

1993-1999 Mitsubishi Lancer

Thanks to user mikehunter1980 of tsikot.com for supplying some data!

History
Bet you didn't know that unlike the Corolla and Civic, the Lancer is sold worldwide with a number of names under Mitsubishi and different brands. Care to know? These were the Mitsubishi Colt Lancer, Carisma, Lancer Fortis, Galant Fortis and Mirage; Dodge/Plymouth Colt; Chrysler Lancer and Vallant Lancer; Eagle Summit; Hindustan Lancer; and Soueast Lioncel. Sorry if I get you confused with a bewildering number of names. The Lancer was introduced in 1973 and has since reached its ninth generation which was introduced in 2007.

Introduced in 1991, the sixth generation Lancer was made available to world markets. This generation saw the huge gap and difference between the Lancer and Mirage, with both of them having different sheetmetal. Various body styles were offered to consumers that includes a sedan, coupe, and a wagon. Numerous engine configurations are available; which includes carburetor and fuel injected 4-cylinders, turbo, diesel, and a 1.6 V6. It was the basis of the Proton Wira, a rebadged sixth generation Lancer.

Filipinos usually call Lancers by the shape of their lamps (usually the tail lamps) or their body style. The 1975 -1978 Lancer was the L-type, the 1979-1989 Lancer was popularly known as the box-type Lancer, the 1989-1992 Lancer was nicknamed as the 'singkit' or 'pusa', the 1996-2002 Lancer was called as the 'pizza', and the 1993-1996 Lancer (the featured vehicle for this week) are usually termed as the 'itlog' or 'hotdog'. Enough of tail lamp design analysis; this generation of Lancer was introduced in 1993 and with the introduction of the 'pizza' Lancer, the GLi and GLXi trim lines were dropped and the EL became the EX (which does not have anything to do with today's model). The EX variant stayed in the line-up until 1999, with no direct replacement from the 'pizza family'.

Value and Costs
A glance at classified ads would reveal that Lancer 'itlog' prices are between P85,000-P150,000. This covers the EL, EX, GLi, and GLXi variants in different states and varying years. There are units that are set-up to resemble the Evo I, II, and III from the outside and carries a different engine; and not to forget, ex-taxi units, since the Lancer 'itlog' was once a cabbies favorite. Do avoid the two if you encounter one.

With the vehicle selling well back then, parts are widespread (from the original, replacement, to the third party) and their prices are affordable. If there is one thing to be mindful of when considering this vehicle, it would be the suspension. Lancers (and most Mitsubishi sedans) during the 90s had the notorious suspension problems - or kalampag in local parlance. Fixing the suspension system is not inexpensive and must be done before purchasing one.

Exterior and Interior
You can say that the Lancer's exterior design is either luxurious or does not standout. If you're considering a GLXi model, it does come with chrome roof drip and belt moldings as well as outside door handles. However, the latter may look out of sync with the rest of the body color. EL and EX trims had blacked out door handles while the GLi makes do with body colored ones.

The interior is a plastic affair, with good pieces and bad ones mixing together. The dashboard (if not removed by the previous owner) looks well assembled. If there is one gripe with the controls, they feel brittle and would seem to crack for those who have a habit of pressing buttons harder. Tachometers are not present in the EL and EX, while power steering for the GLi was not offered until September 1995, and power mirrors became standard with Lancer GLXi models built from November 1994 onwards.

Engine
The usual menu among sedans sold in the 90s are a cuisine of engines with either carburetor or fuel injected flavors. Both EL and EX have a 4G13 that has 73hp; GLi models do have the 4G15 with 92hp as standard; and for the GLXi, a 4G92A with 114hp at 6,00rpm and 134Nm at 4,500rpm. It may not have any strength on the lower side or on the higher side of the torque spectrum, but it does offer the compromise one might seek whether for the city or the highway drives.

Driving Impressions
A fact: the Lancer was developed as a compact car to fill the gap between the Minica and the Galant, it ended up creating Mitsubishi's heritage in the world of motor sports. Its success meant that their cars are meant to assure owners and buyers that Mitsubishi products can withstand various driving conditions. With that in mind, the Lancer itlog is one reliable drive. The multi-link suspension setup can hold up the worst road conditions. Its engine may not be class leading but it returns spirited driving performance.

Verdict
If the requirement is a "cheap all-around vehicle", the Lancer itlog merits consideration. It may not be the first car to ring a bell on your lists but this one deserves a look. With maintaining one not causing a hole on your wallet and plenty of examples to look at. Just have patience on vehicle hunting and you'll reap the rewards in the end.

Wildcard Pick of the Month - Hyundai Matrix (2003-2007)

This month, we'll be having our first wildcard pick. The thrill is that a surprise vehicle (published on a surprise date) gets the spotlight. But do remember this one will happen every two months, so watch out this September and November for our wildcard pick of the month. 

If you are looking for a practical vehicle (sedans are not included on the list) that can be bought for less, you're in luck for this month. And as Myk Belmonte launches the wildcard pick of the month, the featured vehicle fits the description above.

2003-2007 Hyundai Matrix

History
There is a market for buyers who pick style over substance, and the trade-off is functionality in exchange for vehicle styling. If you've purchased a Toyota Echo Verso (or Fun Cargo in Cagayan and some parts of Mindanao), Suzuki SX4 (I'm discussing the hatch version), Honda City GD, Fiat Multipla (if you live in Europe), or a Hyundai Matrix; reward yourself that you've got a highly functional vehicle that can perform all-duty tasks. As they say, beauty is just skin deep.

The Matrix (or Lavita in some East Asian countries) was introduced in 2001 to replace the Hyundai Santamo (which is essentially the italicized H's version of the Mitsubishi Chariot/Spacewagon) that has been due for a replacement. The weird looking exterior was designed by car design firm Pininfarina, which crafted designs for various high end automobile manufacturers. It stayed in production until 2010 without any exterior design changes, with the Europe exclusive ix20 filling in the void left behind.

While synonymous for Starex vans during the early 2000s, Hyundai Asia Resources Incorporated took the courage to launch the Matrix in 2003. It had rants and raves from the media to ordinary consumers; some praised the interior flexibility offered while some gave a thumb down for its odd ball looks. It initially had a gasoline engine that could be paired with both stick shift and automatic transmissions with a 2005 update had a diesel power plant under the hood. With Matrix production shifting to Turkey (all units are built in South Korea) and it would be costly to import directly, Hyundai had no choice but to discontinue it in 2007.

Value and Costs
If you are looking for a cheap daily car with the practicality of a hatchback, you're in luck. Prices of used Matrixes ranging from 2003 to 2007 would be usually priced between P200,000-P300,000. This is definitely an advantage if you find the sizes of the Aveo (definitely your last choice) and Jazz (the obvious first choice) too small for your needs. A diesel engine wrapped in a flexible interior with a shell at low prices? It's a bargain!

The Matrix is a trouble free daily car, with major problems not reported on popular automotive forums. Parts are shared with several Hyundai vehicles, but with the Matrix being a discontinued model, expect for some components to have long waiting periods. Be cautious if you're checking one with a diesel engine under the hood for faulty fuel injectors and tail pipe problems.

Exterior and Interior
This Italian design can be dismissed as weird or wonderful, with comments more on the former. But the oddly proportioned shape translates to a functional interior. The side windows on the rear portion do not go with the flow together with the rest of the window sills.

Having a weird taste can mean a good thing, with the occupants being treated to a roomy interior and good all-around visibility. Other odd items include the center placed instrument gauges and the location of the warning lights stalk, which is placed above the steering wheel. But the "dare to be different" theme ends here, with the other controls located in their usual spots.

Engine
Unlike the Hyundai's main and direct competitors, a gasoline engine and a diesel power plant was offered in the market. The gasoline option is a G4GR 1,599cc (from the Beta engine family) that has 103hp at 6,000rpm and 141Nm at 4,900rpm while consumers who opt for the diesel will get a U (from the U-Line group of engines) 1,491cc which carries 102hp at 4,000rpm and 235Nm at 2,000rpm. The gasoline burner has adequate power in low speeds but push this hard, the engine feels strained which results to low fuel consumption figures. The engine of choice is the diesel; it has the capacity of motivating this 1,370kg body in a fast but frugal manner. Not to forget, it won't need frequent trips to the pumps.

Driving Impressions
Thanks to its McPherson and multilink suspension setup, the Matrix can attack corners with safety and stability. You'll feel safe driving one (due to the suspension settings, not of a "hidden" stability or traction control, but the Matrix does not have them) but forget sporty driving, this does not inspire the likes whose idols are Vettel and Hamilton. On the tightest of turns, the Hyundai screams for more grip no thanks to its puny 14 inch wheels. Braking is decent, despite the absence of ABS brakes.

Verdict
If you don't mind the funny exterior design (not all are like Kim Kardashian when it comes to be choosy in designs), the Matrix is one good choice if all you need is a daily commuter car. You have to grow with the weird proportions, but you'll be rewarded with its interior flexibility. With prices that can get you a garden variety sedan, this is one fish that stands out in the sea.

Used Car Review - Daihatsu Feroza (1989-1999)

There are cars that have a following, and most of them are out of production. Myk Belmonte hunts such one car that a group of people love. The advise? Test drive one and you'll know why it gathered a following among a certain group of people. Off-road enthusiasts, prepare to drool for this one.

1989-1999 Daihatsu Feroza

History
Sold worldwide under the names of Rocky, Feroza, Sportrak, Rugger, and Fourtrak; the Daihatsu Feroza was a mini SUV (smaller than your mother's CR-V) that had off road capacities without the bulk and consuming little space. This is a niche market that only a few of these compact SUV's with that capacity are sold currently.

Manufactured between 1984 to 2002 for worldwide consumption and assembled in different parts of the globe. It provided excellent beaten path driving dynamics at a low price, it was derided for being crude and bare, but true off-road aficionados won't complain. It was replaced by the Terios in some world markets.

Asian Carmakers Corporation - the assembler and distributor of Daihatsu vehicles back then - introduced the Feroza to the Filipino market back in 1989. It was a novelty vehicle, indeed. With the ability of transforming an ordinary two-door SUV into an open top roader. Available for nearly 10 years straight, it saw success within a certain market, and with the demise of Daihatsu in the Philippines, it would be such a sight to see Terios units on the road.

Value and Costs
You'll be surprised that acquiring a Feroza is affordable, with units costing between P90,000-P180,000. Since this SUV remained unchanged throughout its selling life, it would be a diligent choice to focus on vehicle condition rather than interior features. Go with a unit that had been used as a daily commuter than something beat up and driven mostly off the road

There are some myths that Daihatsu parts are hard to find. I'll tell the truth, this is not true; with several parts that are shared with some Toyota vehicles. Be mindful about the carburetor if it functions properly, the tires must be as specified and rust must not be visible. Other than these pet peeves, maintaining one wont drain your resources.

Exterior and Interior
Curves that afflict modern compact SUV's are absent in the Feroza, in place of these are boxy angles. Adding to its macho stance is the rectangular grille work bordered by square headlamps, and the fender flares that add some assertive attitude. What others may not know (or may know) that the thick B-pillar works as a rollover protection bar. The white roof panel and rear passenger canopy can be removed if one fancies top down motoring.

The interior is bare looking, but those travelling the beaten path wouldn't mind. Front passenger space is good but the rear is best left inhabited due to legroom issues. The seats may appear thin but they assure that they have adequate support and they are adjustable.

Engine
You may say that the carburetor metered HD-C 1,589cc engine with 94hp at 5,700rpm and 127Nm at 4,800rpm won't do justice with this perky bugger. But, this HD engine (as what Daihatsu fans refer to) has 16 valves instead of eight - typical of carbureted motors, which could be explained that it generates more power and torque than ones with half the valves.  It drives effortlessly, body weight and bulk notwithstanding.

Driving Impressions
Ingress and egress is easy, despite of the high ground clearance. The distance between its under chassis and the ground is adequate if one longs for off-road excursions. Driving along, acceleration is a bit fast and easy, and handling is pointy, credit this to the recirculating-ball steering system. It handles the rough stuff with aplomb despite the short wheelbase. You think the ride is harsh? No, you'll even feel comfortable even when the tough goes rough.

Verdict
This mini SUV that can handle the worst that nature throws in can be obtained at less the price when new. Parts availability is not a liability nowadays with an advent of similar Toyota parts that can be used. If your daily route involves unpaved roads, want a weekend getaway warrior, or an off-road aficionado; add this mini ute to your shopping list.

Used Car Buying Tips - How to identify an "ex-taxi"

I stumbled upon an article from everyone's favorite online selling site which used car buyers must know. And today, I'll be sharing this write-up about ex-taxis that are floating in the used car market. Want to know if you're getting a good or sour deal? Read this one and you can outsmart the seller.

Here are some tips before plucking down a deal that you might not know its an ex-taxi.
1. Inspect the plates if there's a small letter H located in the side of the first letter. Also, majority of ex-taxis sport the Rizal plates.
2. Looks may deceive you that some sellers paint the letter "H" to cover it and say you're not buying something that has seen taxi days.
3. Most ex-taxis must have their original plates (Rizal issued ones) and if they sell you with the original yellow plates but say "idrodrop namin yan", be careful with that term.
4. Odometer reading can be questionable. Some might be astonishing high (you can imagine where it was traveled) while some might be tampered
5. Interior is worn out, which must be checked thoroughly. Inspect if the seats are worn out, if the dashboard has holes on it (where the meter was placed); and door locks, handles, and window cranks are present.
6. Paint is low quality, and you might be surprised that the name of the taxicab can be seen even repainted!
7. If the unit had LPG fuel installation, this must be removed before selling.
8. Speedometer won't work (if the unit is uber old) due to a broken cable.

Here are most vehicles that you will (and definitely) encounter being as ex-taxis:
- Toyota Corolla XL/XE Big Body
- Toyota Corolla XL/XE/LE Love Life
- Nissan Sentra JX/LEC B13
- Nissan Sentra FE/EX Saloon B14
- Mitsubishi Lancer EL/GLI Itlog
- Kia Pride Hatchback and sedan
- Mazda 323/323 Familia
- Daewoo Racer ETi/GTi
- Hyundai Excel
- Toyota Vios (they're sprouting one by one)
- Toyota Tamaraw FX (good luck hunting for a private unit)
- Mitsubishi Adventure GL/GLX (not all base models of Adventure are ex-taxis)
- Isuzu Hilander
- Toyota Revo DLX/GL (same comment as the Adventure)

VERDICT
Purchasing an ex-taxi can be a risk and at the same time, a reward. But as with the saying goes for used car buyers, caveat emptor, or in Filipino, bahala ka sa buhay mo.

Source: http://sulit.com.ph/4327306

Used Car Review - Ford Expedition (1998-2002)

History books dictate that the real independence day of the Philippines is July 4. And what better way to "celebrate" it is by reviewing an American car. This vehicle is American as apple pie and definitely one of American's idol. For people afflicted with colonial mentality but price is a concern, Myk Belmonte found the perfect car for you. Just prepare the fuel bills, though.

1998-2002 Ford Expedition

History
The Ford U platform had been utilized in various Ford sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) sold in North America. Five versions had been made for different vehicles since 1991 and still in production up to now. Vehicles that used the U platform include the Explorer (and its Mazda Navajo, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator twins), Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition (plus the Lincoln Navigator), North American Escape (and the Mercury Mariner), and the Edge (together with the Lincoln MKX).

Developed under the UN93 program, the Expedition replaced the two-door Bronco in Ford's line-up.  It featured many standard equipment plus two more doors than the vehicle it substituted. Standard but noteworthy features available included an optional third row, a choice of captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the middle, genuine premium leather on the seats (imitation leather is not available, to the protests of animal rights activists), and Ford's high-end Mach audio system with rear subwoofer.

The Expedition's arrival in the Philippines in 1998 also signalled the return of Ford in the country, which brought in a plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. During its time, this was the 'it-suv' for politicians, showbiz people, business executives, and the papas of the Sex Bomb Girls (it was mentioned on one of their songs). It sold well to the moneyed crowd, since they have the capacity of maintaining an oil well at their backyards. It was continued to be sold until 2002, with the U222 chassis Expedition replacing it the following year. Trim lines available include the volume seller XLT, Premium Sport, and Limited.

Value and Costs
With the stereotype that high displacement vehicles (which are gasoline fuelled) receive locally come selling time, a first generation Expedition would usually be priced between P320,000-P480,000. There are various Expeditions in different state of condition, and mileage in their odometers. It would be better to focus on the vehicle condition rather than the features on it.

With its V8 engine, do take not that not all parts are available outside the casa. Maintaining one could cost you three weeks’ worth of groceries due to the large engine displacement, suspension bits, and some mechanical parts. If you are considering one, do check out the air-conditioning micron filter if it was replaced, brake pads since it could get worn out due to the bulky body, and the suspension system functions well.

Exterior and Interior
Bulky is one word to describe the first generation Expedition. It does resemble Ford trucks and even the flashy but impractical F150 pickup truck. Notice the curved sides which look well integrated throughout showing a balance which the doctor just ordered; and this one does not make it too tall or fat, just the right bulk. And you can't help but notice some chrome bits on the outside, they do the job well showcasing the SUV's luxury stature, but without going too much.

Going inside, large, child friendly sized buttons (which is a staple among full sized ones) greets the occupants.  Interior quality is excellent such as the fabrics (leather ones do have the tendency to wear out under the heat of the sun) that are placed on the comfortable front and middle row seats. The side facing third row - sold only in the Philippines - is definitely a source of knee pain for those who will ride in that position. Why have I say so? You sit in an awkward position (causing your knees to position 90 degrees to the floor) and children could breathe properly without bowing their heads.

Engine
An American car is not American if it does not have more cylinders. The Expedition is truly one, with a standard 4,601cc Modular V8 engine fitted under the hood. If you're after fuel consumption or practicality, definitely not a good pick. With 232hp at 4,750rpm and 393Nm at 3,450rpm on tap, it traverses well, but with some reluctance. Power distribution is fine but this causes the automatic transmission to be confused. This meant that there could be power, sometimes none; but it just requires pressure on the pedal to get things right

Driving Impressions
If you're a first time driver of these vehicles, you'll need time to master to drive these. The Expedition's handling is definitely not sports car inspired and does have the tendency of tipping to the sides on corners. Your passengers would certainly love this but tasking Mang Mario to drive for you (as a mean of livelihood) can be forgiven. Manoeuvring this vehicle is a challenge if you plan to use this as your daily driver.

Verdict
Living the American life isn't as easy as you think. The Expedition is reserved for the determined few. If you could live with its horrible fuel consumption, body roll experienced when attacking corners, and maintenance costs equivalent to your pension plan; the Expedition is one good choice. That's if you plan to use it occasionally and someone will drive for you.