Philippine car world

The Philippines has a healthy car following with several unique quirks.

Nothing RHD can be driven here, zip, nada, zilch.

Ford are around, Mustangs are sold new, since 2015ish. They are considered a dream for most people. Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Isuzu and Nissan midsize pickups or SUVs are plentiful. Cars are mostly the above or Korean.

Owning any type of car is beyond most locals, Multicab trucks are brought in from Korea with the roof removed, the roof replaced and painted then sold en masse, I used one last week and for a longer drive they suck. 5'11" is far too tall unless you just drive very locally

I found an Expedition and snapped it up, locals think it is a new valuable vehicle, it is not either. They are shocked when I fill it, gas attendants have never seen so much gas go into a vehicle.

Traffic is unique, signs and lines are mere suggestions. Motorcycles and trikes will pass you anywhere, on any side, blind corners abound and a long hood isn't making that easier. 

Confidence can be your friend but you had better really know your vehicle's width and power. 60kmh is fast here, even in the provinces. Takes me 2.5 hours to drive 73 miles to Cebu City due to low speeds, traffic and that's with me driving like an Aussie late for the pub.

Updates incoming...

Pictures please,sounds like I 4 thru Orlando.

I just need you to mail me a Jeepney.

In reply to TRoglodyte :

I4 is childs play vs traffic in any major asian city. I remember going from the airport in Beijing and there were 6 cars wide in a 4 lane interstate. I finally got the hang of it after many years of going to Asia after my last trip to India. 

Aussiesmg,I missed it but where are you living in PH? I had a team based in Makati for years and have been there many times. 

I see this and it makes me wonder what other makes/models countries like the Philippines could supply.

VW had an assembly  factory from  1958 -81 s , They assembled  “completely knocked down,” or CKD, kit to get around import tariffs.

From Wiki : Plant belonged to DMG Inc., VW's local distributor. Plant moved from Mandaluyong to Quezon City in 1974. DMG later went out of business in the mid-1980s.

here is a report on CKD kits , 

Knockdown kits: How VW spread Beetle assembly across the world - Hagerty Media

In reply to aussiesmg :

I was there in 1966 and 67. I was assigned to a 4 person US Air Force motor pool attached to the US Embassy in Manila. We were located about 4 miles away from the Embassy in a country club like compound overlooking the bay. At that time, American cars brought over by military personal could be sold to prosperous Filipinos. My boss brought over a new Thunderbird and a 271 K code Mustang for a local politician and his son. Taxis and personal cars were Japanese and Volkswagens.

My personal ride was a 50cc Honda Cub. I also had the use of a 300cc Honda Dream.

This was my introduction to city driving and large traffic circles. Sounds like rural driving has not changed much. We would to drive to Clark AFB and Sangley Point Naval Station.

In reply to bmw88rider :

Near Moalboal, Cebu

In reply to outasite :

Clark has the only drag strip for cars in the country.

Motorcycles abound, everywhere

One of the things I wish I had experienced when I visited Puerto Rico was what the car scene was like.

It was likely pretty similar to what it's like here on the mainland, but it still would have been cool to see.

I have a bunch of family from Pangasinan who are now split between Alaminos and Manila.  I haven't been there in 15 years so I am curious what it is like these days.  I still remember the edge out into traffic until someone emergency brakes in order to make a left turn maneuver.

Since you are in Cebu, Kartzone Cebu use to run rallycross and runs time trials on their kart track.  There are a few videos around but I haven't seen much car stuff in the last few years.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XHv9LSaadg

How expensive is gas?

I'm in the PH right now for work and have seen a lot of 1st gen Expeditions. I'm trying to spot a box Lancer if I get lucky and offer them too much money for it.

Colin Wood said:

One of the things I wish I had experienced when I visited Puerto Rico was what the car scene was like.

It was likely pretty similar to what it's like here on the mainland, but it still would have been cool to see.

PR car culture would appeal to this crowd. Very grassroots due to cost of stuff on islands and the lack of semi-pro sponsored players. For some weird reason, rotaries are a thing ( or were 10 years ago).

NOHOME said:

For some weird reason, rotaries are a thing ( or were 10 years ago).

Because rotaries are cool 

On another note, similar to the US SE, Phillipines were hit with some big hurricanes / typhoons and a lot of people there are suffering through the impact that has had on their lives and homes.

I want a Honda Brio. 1.5 liters, 90 horsepower, 880 kg. 

MD Juan in the Phillipines is the main reason Jeep CJs are still alive around the world.

This thread needs some more pictures!