The first experience to have an imported automobile

    Pooh The 1st was the automobile that I bought the first time with my own money, and the 1st imported automobile for me.

    He came to me in December 11, 1996, and gone with a traffic accident in July 19, 1997. During the time, he worked very hard as an important means of transportation. Thanks Pooh the 1st!
    I'd drove this car about 20,000km in seven months (30,900km of mileage just before Pooh the 1st's dead). Condition of the engine was excellent, so I cannot help having a regret for the accident.


    BTW, Pooh the 1st was the first one for me as an imported automobile. I was anxious about having some troubles that seldom happened in a case of Japanese automobile, but this anxiety turned out to be unnecessary. The only thing I had to be careful was to check and exchange expendable supplies regularly.

I took Pooh the 1st to various places for joy

    The first event to participate after Pooh's purchase was " Ako New Year Off-Line Meeting ", that took place at Ako seaside park in January 3, 1997. I was very happy to see various PEUGEOT models in a place, and to interesting talk with the owners.


    One of the happiest things was that I could meet Mr. Arai (with 205 GTi), who was a classmate in junior high. This surprise was due to taking part in PEUGEOT Mailing List. We met again after twelve years of absence!
    I dropped in Shizuoka on my way back home from Tokyo in Feburary 15, 1997, and we went to Sumatakyo (a beautiful gorge!) with my Pooh the 1st and his 205 GTi. That was a happy touring indeed.


    In March 1, 1997, I went to a Kinosaki hot spring resort with instructors of Osaka Prefecture College of Technologies, where I worked as a part-time instructor for a year.
    On our way, I saw a rare-in-Japan model, 405 GLX, that never imported to our country. It was right-hand drive, and the transmission was 5MT. I guess it was imported from England...


    There was such funny meeting as 309^3 Meeting that, we drove PEUGEOT 309 on Route 309, in March 9 (^^;)
    Personally, the happiest thing was to let myself test-drive Clio Williams. And I went to YM Works (specialized PEUGEOT shop in Kansai area) for the first time that day.


    And this was SUSHI-OFF '97 Spring! Almost a hundred of PEUGEOT cars came in a place... at Mizukatsuka Parking Lot on the foot of Mt. Fuji. I was so much exited to see 'em!
    On previous day, we went to Nishi-Izu and enjoy food, sight of beautiful seashore, touring, hot spring etc...


    There are many other meetings I took part in, like Akashi-Yaki & Sushi Meeting etc., after I got Pooh the first.

Not so fast, but FUN to drive

    I've been asked by so many friends and people: "Why did you choose this automobile?" "Why not choose cheaper one with the same size?" "Japan-made automobile never have troubles. Why didn't you purchase them?"
    Indeed, PEUGEOT 405 Mi16 doesn't run so fast. I think Nissan Primera runs faster. And what's more, reliability of the automobile is not so good indeed.


    However, it gave me much FUN. He closed his life in such a short time, and with completely normal tune, that let me feel like "I don't need any other car. How fun!"
    Good sounds of the engine (Alfa Romeo sounds much better though), sporty and sharp response of the engine... this XU9J4 engine was one of the charming points of 405 Mi16.
    And of course, the suspension setting was another good point. Comfortable to ride in due to long stroke of the suspension, but never spongy. When cornering, it gave a flat riding and linear role, to a driver and passengers without any uncomfortable feelings.
And what's more, large space of luggage room and passengers' room, good feel of steering and stick-shift, elegant exterior design... I loved this car too much. It was a good car without any doubts.

Last Updated: 10:36:12 JST, 04/05/2004 .