I fell in love today..... With a Suzuki Swift Sport...

My Mrs has been making some noise about the budget and my car Marchie lately, and we are contemplating selling it. Obviously, I couldn't bear to sell my first wife, Marchie.

Nevertheless, I being visiting some used car dealers and trying to run up some numbers,like how much Marchie can fetch. Also if possible to find a newer car and hopefully not to pay so much.
I came across a blue gray Suzuki Swift Sport, a bit older for my contemplation. I have being looking for cars that are from 2008 or younger. The Sport is from December 2007 and cost SGD$46,800. The price is cheaper than most other cars I being considering. For the benefit of overseas readers, cars in Singapore are ridiculously expensive and still getting more ridiculous. A normal new Suzuki Swift now cost almost $100,000. A new Sport will cost about $120,000.

While Mrs has been asking me to consider living without a car. I have being having sleepless nights about losing Marchie.

Back to the Sport, after some haggling about the trade in prices of Marchie and the price of the Sport. The sales man suddenly offered me to have a go in it to get a feel of the car.
I stepped in gingerly, as I have not drove a manual shift car for a long while. It has automatic climate control, just like Marchie. The interior is dark with sporty trimming. A huge fob of the key in my hand, I couldn't find a place to slot it.

'Just place it in the cup holder' the salesman muttered. Ah...keyless entry, just like Marchie :)
Full of trepidation, I started the Sport. The starter whirl with a zing and the engine started with a loud roar. I engage first gear and move off carefully. The Sport surged forward. This car doesn't move, it surges constantly.

The shift has a short throw and very close gears. My arms were busy with the constant gear changes. The exhaust was loud and I queried the salesman,

'Has the exhaust being changed?'

'Nope, its all stock, don't forget you got twin huge exhaust pipes at the rear' came the answer.

The first few moments of driving was frentic. Driving was an all encompassing moment, as the engine rev quicky with a loud roar and a metalic twang at the top end. The Sport was agile and handled like a go kart. A silly grin slowly emerged from my face, I am in love...

It brought me back to the days when I was just got my license and gotten my wings by driving around in Dad's rolly polly toyota van. The manual shift, the heel and toeing of the clutch. That was pure driving, no distractions, no talking with passengers, no thoughts about work. All eyes on the road and silence except for the engine roar.

Now I am doing the same in a proper sport car. Dad will definitely like this...
The road was crowded as it was close to rush hour, I didnt dart or dive as what you all may have expected. I drove as smoothly as possible and kept to the speed limits. Even at such sane speeds, the Sport handled differently from other cars that I driven. Yes, including the Audi A4 and a certain 2 litre Proton limousine that I driven before.

In one instance during the test drive, I forgot that car was left in 3rd gear when I stopped at a junction. Green light, accelerator depressed, 3rd gear, clutch released. Engine stalled?
Not a chance. The Sport just moved off the line and continued surging to its desired speed. Not an issue at all. Oh my....

It is effortless in its movement. A bit like doing 1 chin up when you are capable of 20 chin ups or more. The Sport is overengined at a mere 1.6 litre, and having a rally tuned engine and transmission. It makes small work of the smooth and gentle Singapore roads.

If I were to liken Marchie to a favourite workshirt, gentle, comfortable, presentable and very familar. The Sport will be a superman's suit, giving one instant power and incredible abilities. It makes you want to have this ability every day... And that is a dangerous thought. And on top of it, it is affordable...oh oh..

Changing to the Swift Sport

Pro:
1. It is a much newer car and that means less maintainance headaches.
2. It is Oh My God...awesome...
3. It is the cheapest replacement car I found so far that met my needs.
4. I feel like superman.

Cons:
1. It is going to cost more per month. However due to the ridiculous current prices of cars. Any replacement car will cost more than Marchie per month. The Swift Sport has the lowest increase in monthly payment, but nevertheless still an increase.
2. It is a Sport, it may have special needs that I am not aware of.
3. Wifey don't want a car.
4. I can't bear to see Marchie go:(

Dear Lord, what shall I do...