The history of my GAL!

[Dexxx]

I am Dexter Magpily de Leon, born on the 5th of July.
I'm husband to Odessa (who's 2 yrs. younger than I am), a father to Bianca Louise (my eldest who is in 3rd Grade) and Clark Aloysius (still a toddler ). I have always dreamt of having to drive my own car and just recently that dream came true! I bought me my very own '99 Mitsubishi GALANT! I have set my eyes for these eversince it got out. By then I
knew I couldn't afford it (only CEO's, Executives and the super rich can buy 'em at the time it was released...how cruel!!) so all I can do is watch it from a distance. Years passed and my interest in it grew when in 2004 I saw it featured in the USED CAR SEGMENT in our local Car Magazine (TOP GEAR Philippines to be exact, in it's November issue), a 1998 GALANT VR! The review was excellent (maybe I'll scan it and show it to all of ya out there one day, its really good! I hope
they will permit me though). Anyway that review became pivotal in my
decision of having to own one! From then the search is on! While browsing thru the net about the 8th GEN GALANT, I came across a website called CLUBVR4. This website is awesome! I never knew so many were drawn to this type of CAR! I thought I was the only one who had a fascination with this type of car (and I haven't even bought one or let alone driven it for that matter). I don't know why this car is so special to me! I would've joined your club then and there but since I don't got one, it would be a shame really.

After coming across your website the yearning became more of an obsession! I searched frantically over the Internet and found some but then again, the one's I saw were not the one's I'm hoping for. I think it's just not my time to own one yet. So family and work comes first and I almost forgot all about it...well...almost! When 2007 came I know I can afford to buy a car (a used one that is), in the office some got their new set of wheels (2 bought Toyota Avanza's, 1 bought a Kia Carens, and 1 bought just recently a Toyota Innova) most of these guys (and gals) bought 2nd hand Mitsu's too as their 1st car before opting to buy a brand new one. Now I'm getting really jealous as I only drove a motorbike on the way to the office (my ever trusty YAMAHA Sport w/c I aptly called "Blue Hawk"). This is unfair since I've driven cars since I was sixteen (a Renault, Ford Laser and an "Owner Jeep" in w/c the body parts came from an old OPEL). I really love cars and I'm working my ass off just to achieve this dream! I've personally have driven Mitsu's eversince I met my wife. My father-in-law who's a fan of Mitsu's got a 2005 Lancer MX (which they got it from a trade in with their previous '97 Lancer GLX), a 2004 Outlander and their latest a 2006 Field Master PAJERO. All of which handles like a dream. But personally I enjoyed their 97 Lancer because of the need for speed and great fuel consumption. All of their latest cars are now AT's so I was bit of annoyed when overtaking. But you can say my father-in-law was also an inspiration for me to buy a Mitsu.

Back to my story, July 2007 came, after a routine check-up from the Hospital , my wife saw my dream car in a Used Autosales shop. It was night then and I and I was sleepy and I'm not into cars anymore since I thought what the hey my pa-in-law got lotsa cars so why do I need one...right? But she insisted..and to tell you the truth I was a bit excited when I saw it. The price was good but then they were closing so we left . But my heart was pounding...I need to see it again soon! It was August when we I finally decided to check on it again. This time I wanted to test drive it, a certain Peter attend to us , I was bit surprised at first since he wanted a downpayment for just a test drive..but they changed their mind and we took a stroll in it. But then, he pushed the pedal to the metal and drove it so fast I was confident it had no problems when it comes to speed! A stop at a Gas Station and I decided to drive it. By the minute I took the steering wheel ..I knew this is my CAR! A drive to the expressway and back to the Sales shop was really an exhilarating experience for me. The handling, the speed, I just can't describe it. But again I have to say goodbye bec. I wasn't really sure if it is the right time to buy it . But I got the number of the sales dealer so...

The dilemma is this. My wife wanted to re-construct the house, I've got a sister who has Cancer (pls pray for her btw), we've got problems from Land-grabbers ..etc! The list is endless. All you will hear from me are problems...I even hate my job (although the pay is great which is why I stuck around). But the only thing that renewed my perspective in life was that car. So came September....I bugged my wife about it and she finally gave in. You should consider, here in the Philippines owning a CAR is already a "Status Symbol" , so for us buying one really is a big deal (like buying a house). So after some serious consideration and negotioations (and some very good signs from above ). On Sept. 3, I would say I am now a proud owner of an 8thGEN Galant! My wife and the kids really loved it too! Got it blessed from a Priest and a Pastor, and been drivin it ever since. Now you may frequently see me posting in your forums here and there, beacause I've got tons of questions, insights and pictures to share with you guys (and gals) here @ CLUBVR4. I REALLY HAVE NO REGRETS! I'm the envy at the office (even the new owners thought my car is cool). It is also very timely because I have to wear a necktie at the office (now wouldn't I look stupid drivin round my motorbike lookin formal and all? hehehe).

THANKS FOR CREATING THIS WEBSITE! I'LL BE HANGIN' AROUND HERE FOR AWHILE NOW THAT I HAVE MY VERY OWN GALANT! GANG WAY EVERYONE.. VROOOOOOOMMM!!!!

P.S.
Sorry for the long haul (well I said history..riight?) Hope u had fun reading it.


For those who wanna chat my YM is dextermdeleon. Pls. drop me a line!

[Nick VR4]

Good write up there

[Kieran]

Wow! What an introduction! Welcome to Club VR-4 Dexter, and enjoy your stay on our forums!

[KiwiTT]

The Galant is a wonderful car. There was a Galant for all sizes

1.8 GDI, 2.0-16v, 2.0 MiVEC, 2.4 GDI, 2.5 V6, 3.0 V6 or the mighty 2.5 V6 Twin-Turbo VR-4.

[DefeXion]

What?... Galants exists other than the 2.5 litre v6 turbo? That's news to me

[ianturbo]

, you forgot to tell us colour of your undies , apart from that ,i know all about you !!
ian

[Dexxx]

Tnx for the kind words. Now to answer IANTURBO's question..right now I wearing none! It's friggin hot here man! Hehehehe! Here's my car...







BTW is that GAY TALK I'm sayin here???

[Nick Mann]

What is a Galant VR? Is it a V6 with no turbos?

I'm glad you like your new machine!!

[Subaru ETA]

we have, well had VR's in NZ sold new zealand new. facelift with the 2.5 SOHC non turbo

[Subaru ETA]

after looking at the pics closer that apears to be different to our vr's. thats a prefacelift. plus our vr badge looks like the vr4 one without the 4

[bradc]

Yeah in NZ our facelift V6 sedans were sold as VR's, however the prefacelifts were sold as V6-24's and looked identical to that car.

[Kieran]

Nice Pictures - The big smile on your face reminds me of when I got my first Galant, I couldn't stop smiling!

[Dexxx]

u can tell huh? This is my first car so it is a big deal to me. I'm always like borrowing if not from my parents then to my in-laws...w/c is a shame really hehehe. nyways it's all stock! the wheels, the leather seats ( i kinda noticed the driver seat has wears on 'em..could've been the chauffer's sweat while sleeping on it...augh!). No facelifts whatsoever! I know u guys got the mightier VR4 (and cooler I suppose). But lookit the brightsides...I still got the biggest engine compared to what is parked on our office lot. hehehe ; )