New Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser

[Benzmizer]

Benzmizer is correct (as always).

When I first ordered my Urban cruiser, I had a preference for Michelin rather than the Bridgestone tires supplied.

All inquiries offered nothing for my brand new Bridgestones as trade-in, and full price for Michelin.

My solution;

I have kept the Bridgestones, and come to appreciate their good points, in spite of a love affair with Michelin dating back to 1961. Yes, 1961, not a misprint!

The Bridgestones are very quiet (no road noise), and they have very good road adhesion in wet conditions.

I just really hate that they pick up so many stones and pebbles, and stubbornly hold on to them, but I live in farm country and travel unpaved roads a lot.

Ciao!

Uncle Nick.

Thank you for your vote of confidence. You know why I know? I fell for it! When I changed my Trooper's rims to 22s, I opted to trade my 1 month old OEM 24-spoked, chromed rims and Bridgestone Dueler tires. At first, I felt happy for it chopped a little of the added cost of the rims upgrade.... only to realize later on that it was a stupid mistake.... a costly one at that.

You can still pursue your goal of replacing your current with Michelins...... when your Bridgestones eventually require replacement. Good compromise and practical.

[teekoy]

As always, THANKS for sharing your thoughts, sir Benzmizer and Uncle Nick..

Really appreciate it..

[borstar]

Hello everyone, newbie here.. we are planning to buy 2011 alterra urban cruiser. Which is much better the recommended insurance by the dealer or better to take from outside? by the way we trim down our choices to toyota Innova and alterra, we will decide in next few days.

Thanks.

[PATSYS50]

^^

On Alterra vs Innova

The disparity in power can be instantly felt. Fuel consumption-wise they should be more or less the same level. Space-wise, Innova has more due to its smaller tires.


About insurance

Go for the prudental insurance sold by Toyota. It is cheaper and your participation is limited to P 3000 per incident. The one sold in Isuzu (MAPFRE), your participation is 8000 or 0.5% of insured value whichever is higher :-(

[uno1]

Hi to all Alterra lovers here in this forum.
My terry is just one month old(Isuzu Masinag Antipolo,4x2 A/T pearl white). Ive decided to buy it because of good things i read here.
Special thanks to sir Benzmizer and Uncle Nick. Now i know why uncle nick smiles when he looks at his car!
I just want to ask if someone out there bought an end tail pipe finisher for their Terry? A new tire lock also?
I just want to share also that I asked the sales advisor to put an undercoat to my new car. (4.5K)

[uno1]

Hi to all Alterra lovers here in this forum.
My terry is just one month old(Isuzu Masinag Antipolo,4x2 A/T pearl white). Ive decided to buy it because of good things i read here.
Special thanks to sir Benzmizer and Uncle Nick. Now i know why uncle nick smiles when he looks at his car!
I just want to ask if someone out there bought an end tail pipe finisher for their Terry? A new tire lock also?
I just want to share also that I asked the sales advisor to put an undercoat to my new car. (4.5K)

[Benzmizer]

Hi to all Alterra lovers here in this forum.
My terry is just one month old(Isuzu Masinag Antipolo,4x2 A/T pearl white). Ive decided to buy it because of good things i read here.
Special thanks to sir Benzmizer and Uncle Nick. Now i know why uncle nick smiles when he looks at his car!
I just want to ask if someone out there bought an end tail pipe finisher for their Terry? A new tire lock also?
I just want to share also that I asked the sales advisor to put an undercoat to my new car. (4.5K)

First, [SIZE=4]CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase!!![/SIZE]

Second, in behalf of Uncle Nick and others here in the forum, the pleasure is ours to help others in making up their minds in doing a car purchase. It's tough for there are a good number of options a buyer can take but the question is, what would make him (and his family) happy? What would provide to the needs of the buyer?

Third, I second to your plan to get a tire lock. Best to get a thick, plastic-covered chain and a heavy duty lock. As for the muffler tip, I suggest you use a stainless (chromed) tip. Try to get the size that would be proportional to the size of the Alterra. When you do so, snap some pics and post it here for us to see!

Again, [SIZE=4]CONGRATS!!![/SIZE]

[Uncle Nick]

Hi to all Alterra lovers here in this forum.
My terry is just one month old(Isuzu Masinag Antipolo,4x2 A/T pearl white). Ive decided to buy it because of good things i read here.
Special thanks to sir Benzmizer and Uncle Nick. Now i know why uncle nick smiles when he looks at his car!
I just want to ask if someone out there bought an end tail pipe finisher for their Terry? A new tire lock also?
I just want to share also that I asked the sales advisor to put an undercoat to my new car. (4.5K)

I know the feeling, and, I am very happy for you.

My 'Cruiser sleeps every night in my garage which is just under my bedroom........I guess that is about as close as I can get to having my 'Cruiser under my bed! heh-heh.

I have been planning to get the tail pipe finisher which is fitted to the new Sportivo, because it is "oval" in shape which will match the cut-out in the rear skirt of the Urban Cruiser. However, I don't know if it will fit the pipe and is long enough to extend beyond the skirt to avoid discolorization of the rear skirt from the exhaust. Once I have researched the issue, I will post my findings.

Happy motoring!

Ciao!

Uncle Nick.

[Uncle Nick]

I know the feeling, and, I am very happy for you.

My 'Cruiser sleeps every night in my garage which is just under my bedroom........I guess that is about as close as I can get to having my 'Cruiser under my bed! heh-heh.

I have been planning to get the tail pipe finisher which is fitted to the new Sportivo, because it is "oval" in shape which will match the cut-out in the rear skirt of the Urban Cruiser. However, I don't know if it will fit the pipe and is long enough to extend beyond the skirt to avoid discolorization of the rear skirt from the exhaust. Once I have researched the issue, I will post my findings.

Happy motoring!

Ciao!

Uncle Nick.

According to the BMD Motors Cabanatuan N.E. parts department.....

The oval tail pipe finisher as fitted on 2011 Sportivo is welded to the tail pipe assembly, whereas the Alterra requires a bolt-on type.

I have, therefore, ordered the traditional round Alterra tail pipe finisher for my 2011 'cruiser.

Ciao!

Uncle Nick.

[gelahascue]

Good day to everyone! I was wondering what would be the difference between the Zen Edition and Urban Cruiser Alterras? Especially the 4x2 AT variants? Thank you!

[Errol5]

Good day to everyone! I was wondering what would be the difference between the Zen Edition and Urban Cruiser Alterras? Especially the 4x2 AT variants? Thank you!

ei gelahas, IIRC, the Zen is the low-end variant of the alterra, i think its the only alterra in the lineup which doesnt have the 5.1 surround sound system. the UC has that front and rear chin add-ons, dealer option Nav (gps)

[Benzmizer]

ei gelahas, IIRC, the Zen is the low-end variant of the alterra, i think its the only alterra in the lineup which doesnt have the 5.1 surround sound system. the UC has that front and rear chin add-ons, dealer option Nav (gps)

+1 to this. Entry level yung Alterra Zen. And it's only available in MT

[Uncle Nick]

+1 to this. Entry level yung Alterra Zen. And it's only available in MT

In addition to the above differences, the Zen model does not have a reverse camera nor reverse sensors.

Also, the color selection is limited.

On "older" models, (prior to 2010) the Zen did not have a tail pipe finisher nor roof rack crossbars.

For 2011, no Alterra models have the tail pipe finisher and crossbars.

I would suggest that you visit the Isuzu Philippines web site and download the specifications to make a comparison of current models.

Ciao!

Uncle Nick.

[teekoy]

Guys sorry if OT. Any idea where's a good shop for sticker installation? I'm planning to put on black stickers on all chrome parts of my black Alterra UC kasi.. including the aluminum step board.. Mag-last kaya sticker sa step board? Thanks.

[Uncle Nick]

Guys sorry if OT. Any idea where's a good shop for sticker installation? I'm planning to put on black stickers on all chrome parts of my black Alterra UC kasi.. including the aluminum step board.. Mag-last kaya sticker sa step board? Thanks.

I suggest that you take a photo of your Alterra, and, have someone "Photoshop" the changes you have in mind.

If you post the before and after proposal here, You might receive very informed comments from your peers.

Just a thought.......

Ciao!

Uncle Nick.

[Benzmizer]

Guys sorry if OT. Any idea where's a good shop for sticker installation? I'm planning to put on black stickers on all chrome parts of my black Alterra UC kasi.. including the aluminum step board.. Mag-last kaya sticker sa step board? Thanks.

Try those doing "FOIL" finishes on cars. I believe they have a variety of black sticker finishes and are surely to last. Aftermarket stickers may fade or peel off in time.

[Focus]

Uncle Nick,

Just want to share. I have my 2008 Alterra 4X4. I felt the stock suspension is very soft. Cause it was a N2 type shock absorber, That I feel uncomfortable every time the back sways up & down in a long uneven road. I tried using 4X4 that helps very well. But prefer to use the 4X2 cause its a cemented and asphalt road and I'm speeding 100Kph only In Bataan Roman Highway. What i did is replace the shock absorber of the same Brand (KYB) but a special type. Its so called Gas Adjust. A combination of N2 and fluid type separately in one cylinder. it delivers a very good response on all type of terrain. You will feel like your having a stabilizer bar on the back, that prevents the feeling of roll over when turning and soft in a rugged terrain. And the sway up & down fees like a car.

Now hope you could tell me what is the use of 3rd start? And is it alright to use the Power button the whole trip going 250Km and uphill like Baguio?

And lastly can you recommend a store that repairs Backing sensor and backing camera. That is experienced and reasonably good for the pocket.

All the best to Our Alterra,
Focus

[Errol5]

^3rd start function makes the car run on its 3rd gear.

[Uncle Nick]

Uncle Nick,

Just want to share. I have my 2008 Alterra 4X4. I felt the stock suspension is very soft. Cause it was a N2 type shock absorber, That I feel uncomfortable every time the back sways up & down in a long uneven road. I tried using 4X4 that helps very well. But prefer to use the 4X2 cause its a cemented and asphalt road and I'm speeding 100Kph only In Bataan Roman Highway. What i did is replace the shock absorber of the same Brand (KYB) but a special type. Its so called Gas Adjust. A combination of N2 and fluid type separately in one cylinder. it delivers a very good response on all type of terrain. You will feel like your having a stabilizer bar on the back, that prevents the feeling of roll over when turning and soft in a rugged terrain. And the sway up & down fees like a car.

Now hope you could tell me what is the use of 3rd start? And is it alright to use the Power button the whole trip going 250Km and uphill like Baguio?

And lastly can you recommend a store that repairs Backing sensor and backing camera. That is experienced and reasonably good for the pocket.

All the best to Our Alterra,
Focus

Thank you for taking the time to inform me of your suspension findings.......most interesting to say the least!

The "Power" button, when activated, will delay the upshifts for more spirited driving. In other words, the transmission will NOT shift when it really should, but will keep the current (lower) gear engaged a little while longer to give more power than is really required. This would be useful if driving uphill on "switchback" roads. Needless to say, your fuel consumption would suffer "big time".

The Third Start button when activated, will force your Alterra to start off in 3rd gear, rather than 1st gear. This is only useful if you wish to avoid wheel spin due to extremely slippery surfaces. Examples would be ice and snow such as I am very accustomed to, since I am from Canada. Here in The Philippines, you might encounter such conditions on mud rutted roads. Of course, there is a trade-off. Your wheels would probably not spin, but your engine would work harder than normal when starting off by not having the advantage of a lower gear.

Please visit lacaraccessories.com to see what they have available for rear view cameras.

My recommendation, however, is that you go to;

Winterpine Marketing Corporation,
11-A Araneta Ave.,
Quezon City,
Metro Manila,
Philippines.
Phone: (632) 716-4828 to 31,
716-0039

They supply the current Alterra system, such as I am most fortunate to have on my Urban Cruiser. It has a built in rear camera system, Navigation, 10 speakers including a sub-woofer and, what I like the most, accepts my ipod Classic which has 3000 songs on it and lots of room left over for videos.....and......it will fit very neatly into your dashboard. They may also have previously owned units available.

Take your time and get exactly what you want the first time around.

Please, if I have missed something, ask again.

Ciao!

Uncle Nick.

[Focus]

Guys,

In my personal observation on the 3rd Start switch. Never I notice the 3rd Start switch starts from the 3rd Gear. Even trying to observe from full stop to run. I can still feel the transmission changes in a normal shifts until 3rd Gear only. But in normal condition, when you speed up about 90Kph push that button and it will shift down to one notch.
The same reaction from the A/T knob shifting from D to 3.

That is why I'm still wondering whats the real purpose, co'z it seems it will all falls down to A/T knob shifting from D to 3.

What do you think?

By the way Appreciate the info. and store recommendation I'll try them out.
It's a good thing they have it now in Paranaque.

Regards,
Focus