Sunday, January 13, 2008

My Second Visit to Fasfik

Last October 2007, I sent my car for a service at Fasfik Kepong. After 4 months of excessive car usage fighting the KL traffic jam plus the extra money from Google Adsense payout earlier, it's time to get my car for a service treat. I drive my Proton Iswara car every single day. So it is crucial to get my car well maintained to avoid any complication in case if I my car broke down along my way to work.

One of the disadvantage of owning a second hand car is most of the important working parts of the car is used and requires replacement. This time, it was my car's front shock absorber. I've heard of stories where people normally gets ripped off when they send their car to the workshop. I never encountered any of that problem simply because I know what parts are needed to be replaced (putting my diploma in automotive engineering practice of course). Apart from that, since I only use a stock standard car and the location of where I live, there will always be replacement parts available for me to shop around.

Here's one tip if you want to slash your car maintenance's cost, buy your car replacement parts at a local shop. Avoid asking your car's workshop to buy it for unless it is really necessary. Also avoid buying parts at a well known accessories shop, their price are 10 to 25 percent higher than the local shop. I've been practicing this for years. One area famous of automotive replacement parts which apparently where I live is Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur. In my area alone, there are 4 - 6 shops selling automotive replacement parts.

Rows of Shop at Batu 5 Jln Ipoh
Rows of Shop at Batu 5 Jln Ipoh
 

Because of the good experience at Fasfik Kepong last time, I went there again today for their excellent services.

Fasfik Kepong Branch
Fasfik Kepong Branch
 

Before handing over my car keys to Fasfik personnel, an agreement is first made between the car owner and Fasfik about the price quoted. Once that is established, then the time of job is estimated and then executed:

My Proton Iswara being scrutinized
My Proton Iswara being scrutinized
 

Replacing my old shock absorber
Replacing my old shock absorber
 

Installing my new car's shock absorber
Installing my new car's shock absorber
 

Jobs Done
Job's Done
 

Replacing the car's shock absorber involves the removal of the wheel. Because of that, a re-alignment is needed:

My Proton Iswara on the Alignment Job
My Proton Iswara on the Alignment Job
 

While doing the alignment, the mechanic noticed that my wheel camber alignment on my left side of the wheel is out of tune. He then suggested for me to install a camber nut for RM25 a piece. A new quotation was made and I agreed to it. The best part of Fasfik is they have a central online management system built using open source architecture called Fasfik Intelligent Management System. Check out their portal here.

Fasfik Intelligent Management System
Fasfik Intelligent Management System
 

Here's the summary cost of my entire car service this time:



Tell me what do you think of the price above. Find out if Fasfik is available in your area here.

3 comments:

Martin weiss said...

Be glad that you don't live in Norway. For that money the mechanic might have a look under the hood, but not much more.

Jimmy said...

How bout this. I send my car to u so u can help me find out wat parts to replace, pay u 20 cents for consultation fees, then I can follow watever u've done. Hehe.

Ashrufzz said...

20 cents ahh? Buy me lunch as well la.. ;-D