A class -> 318i

Because of one of our car Mercedes A class went to heaven, we had to get next car since
with out car Yongxia can't drop Rin off at kindergarten and go to her job...
I was researching some hybrids, downsized direct turboes, and euro diesels.
well, me personally likes Euro diesel more than Hybrids. 
since Hybrids are lack of 'fun to drive' in most models, yet Euro diesel and Downsized turbo models.
hmmmm but in Japan not much Euro disels are on store yet (only high end Mercedes E class model only,
and in JP brand new mercedes are astonishing price tag on it.  i.e, E320 CDI cost about $90000!)
so I decided to wait few more years untill other C class, A4, etc introduce Diesel models in JP market.
So this time we got good deal on 2003 BMW 318i so we just jumped on.
It runs well and good manuever, Yongxia and Rin liked it too!
Unfortunately it is right hand drive though hehe.

Earthquake Mar11

When it happend, I was at work at desk.  It was weak shake where we live but it was shaking sideways
very long-period motion and last more than 5min.  I first felt it was dizziness, hmm am I too tired? sleepy?
(and I was packed and sieged by lots work to do those days)
but I found out that my water in cup was waving.  Then I paid attention to building sealing, curtains etc.
Yes it was really weird like entire 3 story building is like ship on ocean...
Yet because of its magnitude (we were about 350mi from where disaster striked)
we werent felt fear, just '???' whats going on?
Then I checked Earthquake report online then found out major one hit sanriku area.
I just could not believe how big that disaster was and flood & nuclear issue...
I also believe Japan will be recover back strongly!
I pray for people who has striked by disaster.

Farewell Mercedes A160 Avangart Limited

2003 Mercedes A160's AT just went south on Feb28.

its AT trouble is common for early model of A class and

it'll fail almost 100%.  Ours were late model which is 30-40% of them.

Most of failed late models are failed on 30k-55k odd and our just passed

80k so I thought ours were OK but...

it happened.  Repair cost is $4000 and car worse (when it is running fine)

about $1500 for trade in... so yes we had to face it to

get rid of it.

We really liked it but it is way too much to put 4grand in it...

Farewell Mercedes A160 :-(