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Basic information about my car:
2008 Stream RN6 1.8 (JDM)
Reasons why I bought this car:
- I needed to replace my first car, a 2006 1.5M as its COE was expiring.
- I wanted a similarly solidly-built car that was just as engaging to drive and capable in the corners, but with better passenger-carrying capacity and road noise insulation than the Swift.
- I would also need a stable and punchier car for when borders reopen to make trips to KL to visit my extended family.
Being a fresh graduate, I also had a limited budget and needed something economical to run and maintain.
Car Selection Process
- I had a budget of SGD$10k-$20k
- Models that I have considered include: 2008 Altis 1.8, 2008-9 FD1/4, 2009 Avante 1.6M, 2011 Alfa MiTo 1.4T
- I've always admired the sleek wagon profiles of the RN-series Streams and RB-series Odyssey.
- Best Motoring videos where the Stream sprinted and danced with ease round Tsukuba in the Drift King's hands, and was praised for being 'fun to drive', 'fast' and 'stable in the corners'.
Good experience as passenger in a fully-loaded Stream – I was impressed by the controlled damping compared to a bouncy fully-loaded 2009 Wish I also sat in.
User Experience
- I have already done 11,000 km.
- My average fuel consumption is 8.9L /100km.
Running costs and fuel consumption are commendably reasonable for a 1.8 MPV. FC is around 11km/l with 60% highway at around 80-100kmh, although it will drop to single-digit figures if you drive with full loads in congested city traffic.
Pros and Cons
Pros of my car
- Ample power and torque even when carrying 7 persons.
- Entertaining, nimble handling, coupled with sharp and accurate steering
- Easy to park with large windows/slim A-pillars, no issue when family members drive the car.
- Good refinement and comfort for long distance trips.
- Electric power-steering rack helps FC and less problematic than hydraulic rack of FD1.
- Marvellous interior packaging with supportive seats.
- Reclining and sliding 2nd row allows balance between passenger space in 2nd & 3rd rows.
- Good step-in height, and access to 2nd and 3rd row for all ages.
- 3rd row seating comfort is fine for adults.
- Cargo volume and practicality.
- Accessories are plentiful and affordable used.
- Spare parts easily available.
Cons
- Stock driver's position rather high and un-car-like – I changed my stock driver's seat to a Sparco Evo Plus full bucket seat.
- Gearbox lethargy at low speeds.
- Lack of rear seat air-con vents for greater passenger comfort.
- Lack of shoulder room for three passengers in 2nd row and lack of three-point seat belt for 2nd row middle passenger.
- More useful interior compartments desired.
- Lack of split-opening rear windscreen to retrieve small items without opening tailgate
- Boot lacks tonneau/luggage cover – not safe.
- R18A engine prone to leak oil with age with age and mileage.
- Older model, lacking safety features like ESC/TC, ISOFIX, side/curtain airbags, AEB etc.
Total Score: 4
Performance: 4
Quality & Features: 4
Space: 5
Ride comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 3
Price & cost: 4
Summary:
This Drift-King approved Honda MPV has converted me into a Honda fan. I'm thoroughly satisfied with it and look forward to every drive. It's a car that pleases the driver and the passengers in equal measure. Despite its affordability and reliability, it showcases brilliance in the depth of engineering and attention to detail in intangible areas like the tractability of the powertrain, the rich feel and response of the controls and the finely-tuned ride & handling balance.
Event：
Before I even collected the car, my friends and family were endlessly tickled that I, a single guy in my 20s, was buying a Stream. It has a dowdy “family uncle” image because most owners are fathers in their 30s and 40s. With this car, I had my first foray into doing DIY mechanical repairs. I replaced the VTEC solenoid gasket, cam plug gasket, cam thrust cover gasket on my own. In addition, I managed to transporting 3 mattresses with this car last year – 2 single spring mattresses and one single foam mattress. Who knows, I could buy furniture back from JB next time!
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Keyword: Owner review: The Stream from Singapore. My 2008 Honda Stream RN6 1.8 (JDM)