2014 Corolla Altis - Technical, Features & Use

[ConnorMcLeod]

On 12/23/2025 at 10:49 AM, zipping said:

Different ride but coe car, $ not much difference on comprehensive insurance (must do homework), nvr claim b4 so not sure on claims & scrap, road tax every yr add 10%, went mechanic (jb) to replace items that NEEDS replacing upon coe renewal, e rest wait until down then replace.

Hi @zipping. Thanks. 

[Kklee]

@ConnorMcLeod

IMHO.

Eh.... extended COE?  How many miles now?   Should be good till 240km. 

[ConnorMcLeod]

On 2/2/2026 at 4:23 PM, Kklee said:

@ConnorMcLeod

IMHO.

Eh.... extended COE?  How many miles now?   Should be good till 240km. 

@Kklee 

most likely extend COE. only 130k km now. if good till 240k km then mire then enough for me 😎

Edited February 2 by ConnorMcLeod

[Kklee]

On 2/2/2026 at 4:33 PM, ConnorMcLeod said:

@Kklee 

most likely extend COE. only 130k km now. if good till 240k km then mire then enough for me 😎

IMHO.
Mine IIRC is 220k.   Change the whole set of ignition coils early.

[ConnorMcLeod]

On 2/2/2026 at 4:37 PM, Kklee said:

IMHO.
Mine IIRC is 220k.   Change the whole set of ignition coils early.

i talked to the SE at my previous service. 

Ge mentioned things like cooling fan belt, ignition coil, aircon, are typical items that need repair/replacement. of course consumables like brake pads, shocks/suspension etc

all ok based on my expected low mileage for the coming years. 

[Kklee]

On 2/2/2026 at 5:36 PM, ConnorMcLeod said:

i talked to the SE at my previous service. 

Ge mentioned things like cooling fan belt, ignition coil, aircon, are typical items that need repair/replacement. of course consumables like brake pads, shocks/suspension etc

all ok based on my expected low mileage for the coming years. 

IMHO.
BM only change ignition coil when spoil and they change one.  You have another 3 chances. 
The down time is not worth it for me.  I got someone from Carousell when it was down the second time,  change everything. 
 

[ConnorMcLeod]

On 2/2/2026 at 7:19 PM, Kklee said:

IMHO.
BM only change ignition coil when spoil and they change one.  You have another 3 chances. 
The down time is not worth it for me.  I got someone from Carousell when it was down the second time,  change everything. 
 

The BM SE actually suggested to change all 4x ignition coils at the same time, because he sees they should all fail around the same period. IIRC he says SGD400 each (I suppose parts + labour). 

Based on this YT video: https://youtu.be/qpeEK1-mQns?si=0-JIr7231wy0uNVN  , changing one ignition coil is a 2 min job (video 01:00 to 03:00) + another couple of minutes to disconnect & connect the battery. Let's say the YT video skipped some of the details so each ignition coil replacement takes 10mins. So replacing all 4x will be about 1 hr. I wonder how much BM will charge for labour 😉

Now basic service, even after my TSI discount of 30%, costs me SGD240. Before covid, i think even the service package that changes CVT fluid is less than SGD300. Prices went up a lot at BM.

Edited February 2 by ConnorMcLeod

[Kklee]

On 2/2/2026 at 10:13 PM, ConnorMcLeod said:

The BM SE actually suggested to change all 4x ignition coils at the same time, because he sees they should all fail around the same period. IIRC he says SGD400 each (I suppose parts + labour). 

Based on this YT video: https://youtu.be/qpeEK1-mQns?si=0-JIr7231wy0uNVN  , changing one ignition coil is a 2 min job (video 01:00 to 03:00) + another couple of minutes to disconnect & connect the battery. Let's say the YT video skipped some of the details so each ignition coil replacement takes 10mins. So replacing all 4x will be about 1 hr. I wonder how much BM will charge for labour 😉

Now basic service, even after my TSI discount of 30%, costs me SGD240. Before covid, i think even the service package that changes CVT fluid is less than SGD300. Prices went up a lot at BM.

IMHO.
I stranded twice. 1st time tow back to BM.  2nd time on expressway, tow to nearest carpark. 🤣
That's why change outside. 🤣

[ConnorMcLeod]

@Kklee hmm... the SE was telling me when an ignition coil fails, the engine will have much less power (basically from 4 to 3 cylinders) and vibrations and CEL on, but never said it will not able to drive at all --- of course when powerless it will take long time to move off from traffic light so this maybe bad enough to have the car towed away.

Indeed nasty when the car has problem on the expressway/highway.

[Kklee]

On 2/3/2026 at 9:11 PM, ConnorMcLeod said:

@Kklee hmm... the SE was telling me when an ignition coil fails, the engine will have much less power (basically from 4 to 3 cylinders) and vibrations and CEL on, but never said it will not able to drive at all --- of course when powerless it will take long time to move off from traffic light so this maybe bad enough to have the car towed away.

Indeed nasty when the car has problem on the expressway/highway.

IMHO.
Yes, can move but no power - really no power.
Actually expressway good, can call EMAS.  If you off expressway, call your own.   2nd time I towed some carpark and ask the carousell fella. 🤣

[ConnorMcLeod]

@Kklee will be quite dangerous if fails while in fast lane on ecpressway n needs to limp to the left kerb side to wait for emas..... 🥶