By Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

HE IS a patient man sorely tested by his imperfect car.

Mr Leonard Se says he has had to get his car repaired at the workshop 23 times in the last 24 months.

Mr Se, 42, is growing increasingly frustrated that his Peugeot 1007, which he bought brand new in August 2008 for about $75,000, has been hit by a host of mechanical and electrical problems.

He showed The New Paper on Sunday a four-page report listing a host of problems, ranging from rattling noises from both doors to the engine dying while the car is driven.

In two years, Peugeot mechanics have replaced components like the gearbox and selection actuators, clutch kit, air-conditioning compressor unit, passenger lock and door switch, and battery.

As his car is still under warranty with authorised agent AutoFrance, he does not have to pay for all the checks and repairs.

But the inconvenience is proving costly.

Now, he does not dare to drive his car for fear it will break down on the road.

Said Mr Se, a professional photographer: "AutoFrance wanted to offer me an extended warranty.

But the way things are going, what I need is a lifetime warranty or a permanent solution."

His car now sits idle at his office parking lot in Katong.

He takes a bus or an MRT train to work and has not driven his car in more than a week.

The 1.6 litre automatic car has a special feature - its passenger and driver doors slide open with the use of a remote control key.

It is easier to get into than into a car with hinged doors, he said.

But three weeks after he bought the car, the passenger-side door suddenly slid open when he was driving on the expressway.

It was a scary moment as he saw the road 'up-close'.

Fortunately there was nobody in the passenger seat.

Problems with the passenger door continue.

It tends to slide open over bumpy terrain.

Or it will not lock even after the central locking has been activated.

Added Mr Se: "When I returned from a two-week holiday recently, I was upset to find that my passenger door was unlocked during my absence.

"I had a laptop and cashcards in my car... It would have been so easy for a thief to break into my car."

The bachelor admits that he fell for the car because of its sporty looks and eccentric features.

The 1007 'stands out in terms of design and style', he said.

But what is more on his mind now is that a recurring problem nearly resulted in an accident two weeks ago.

Mr Se was driving on the Central Expressway when the car's engine stalled.

He claimed that he narrowly avoided being smashed by a lorry.

Its driver had to hit the brakes to avoid hitting Mr Se's car.

He then switched on his hazard lights and noticed a line of vehicles caught behind his Peugeot.

Added Mr Se: "You should have heard the other vehicles honking at me. I kept apologising and gesturing that I was sorry to them.