Why is modern vehicle maintenance and repair beyond the reach of most Nigerian vehicle owners?

Is it that most Nigerian vehicle owners are "penny wise, pound foolish"  so they are reluctant to invest in modern vehicle maintenance or that the modern repair centres are Shylocks due to their monopolistic prices

It is economics. It works out cheaper to buy in mass and produce these cars. Hence it is more expensive to actually fix them. That is one view.

Car manufacturers are more or less starting to "monopolise" their approach - i.e if you buy from them, they want you to come back for the after-services etc - hence why everything appears to be "computerised" and dealers/approved service centre can charge what they want. That is another view.

Then there is the issue of people just buying a car, without thought for the maintenance and running cost. Some cars are known to be cheaper than others to run/maintain. For example, it cost more to run a BMW X5, than to run a Kia's equivalent.

In the real world, technology has a 18 months cycle, i.e within 18months after a new technology comes out, there is something out there better(take a look at the new iphone)

The keyless ignition started with some cars Lexus LS430, but now you'll find it in a Suzuki SX4($15k) the tech trickled down to most cars in about 6 years.

The 1st generation of hybrid was the Prius was tested in Japan in 1997, 2nd gen was sold worldwide in 2000, 3rd gen 2003and 4th gen, 2009 is estmated at 50mpg(20km/litre).Ford started their hybrid line with a borrowed Toyota Synergy system.

Now Ford just came out with their own sytem in the new Ford Fusion Hybrid that was rated at 47mpg but  just driven at ~81mph

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-challenge-81-mpg-1445-miles-one-tank.php

In 4-8 more years they would have gone so far ahead it will be a nightmare it will be dificult to catch up; all this while the govt is still imposing high tariff on old technology and inhibiting importation of newer ones.

sultaan:

In the real world, technology has a 18 months cycle, i.e within 18months after a new technology comes out, there is something out there better(take a look at the new iphone)

The keyless ignition started with some cars Lexus LS430, but now you'll find it in a Suzuki SX4($15k) the tech trickled down to most cars in about 6 years.

The 1st generation of hybrid was the Prius was tested in Japan in 1997, 2nd gen was sold worldwide in 2000, 3rd gen 2003and 4th gen, 2009 is estmated at 50mpg(20km/litre).Ford started their hybrid line with a borrowed Toyota Synergy system.

Now Ford just came out with their own sytem in the new Ford Fusion Hybrid that was rated at 47mpg but  just driven at ~81mph

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-challenge-81-mpg-1445-miles-one-tank.php

In 4-8 more years they would have gone so far ahead it will be a nightmare it will be dificult to catch up; all this while the govt is still imposing high tariff on old technology and inhibiting importation of newer ones.

WTF ?

It all boils down to money. Vehicle maintenance as in changing of motor fluids alone proves a challenge for some people.

The fact that this thread has only received 4 replies vindicates the accusation that we, in Nigeria, have a very poor maintenance culture.

Our poor maintenance culture is particularly evident when it comes to vehicle maintenance.  Maintenance, let alone good maintenance, is an ofter thought, and tends to be very reactive.

And Yes, many Nigerian vehicle owners are "penny wise, pound foolish"

When are we going to learn? 

Our poor maintenance culture is evident in most social amenities and structure. lol

Very true indeed