Hello,

I have a little dilemma involving this issue of transportation. I need something to take me around, but I don't think I can afford to buy and maintain a car, neither do I feel comfortable with the public transport system.

This affects my business a lot (I can hardly move around) so I wonder if there's a solution between the two extremes. Something less expensive than buying my car and more convenient and flexible than taxis/buses.

Thanks.

Buy a motorbike.

Thanks for the tip, Layi. Previously, I considered that briefly but I felt:
(1) Motorbikes are limited in the distance they can travel.
(2) Motorbikes are dangerous - almost every accident results in injury.
(3) Motorbikes are probably not much more comfortable than public transport.
BUT (4) In support of motorbikes, a motorbike rider will hardly ever find himself trapped in bad traffic.

What do others think about this motorbike option? Is it advisable? Is there a better option? Thanks.

And about how much do the common Suzuki motorbikes cost? Thanks.

Seun:

Thanks for the tip, Layi. Previously, I considered that briefly but I felt:
Motorbikes are limited in the distance they can travel.

Depends on what kind you buy.

Motorbikes are dangerous - almost every accident results in injury.

Not entirely true. You obviously haven't heard about crash helmets and protective clothing.

Motorbikes are probably not much more comfortable than public transport.

Are you talking of a NAPEP tricycle?

Seun:

BUT (4) In support of motorbikes, a motorbike rider will hardly ever find himself trapped in bad traffic.

True. Unless it's in a motorcycle fuel queue.

What do others think about this motorbike option? Is it advisable? Is there a better option? Thanks.

Is it advisable? Yes, in my opinion, as long as you take the necessary precautions.
Is there a better option? Yes. Several. A ferrari, for example.

And about how much do the common Suzuki motorbikes cost? Thanks.

I have no idea.

Not entirely true. You obviously haven't heard about crash helmets and protective clothing.

I don't see how a crash helmet would protect a biker if a truck hits him and then drives over his back!

i wont advise you to get a bike or even a tricycle.Bike accidents are always fatal and rampant atleast i see some when driving to school.i also had the problem in the past but got a car instead.i bought a sport car and its not expensive,economical and fuel efficient.you stay in Ogun state so i think u should be able to get a tokunbo car from Idiroko.Anyway,all i'm trying to say is just that it would be better for you to get a car and once u buy it the maintainance wont be much.Toyota cars,nissan,opel,volkswagen are very cheap to maintain.

ABout how much will I probably need to spend to get such a tokunbo car?

it depends on your pocket.you can get a tokunbo car for 120k( golf 3,mazda 323,toyota starlet and so on) and above.

Since a car is way too expensive, taxis are out of the question and motorbikes are too dangerous, the only option left to you is to either buy a bicycle or good trekking shoes!

Well Seun,

Based on your posts above, it seems you have exhausted all your options. However, there might be one more you could at least think about. Back in my secondary school days, we used to move around with "Leg"-edes Benz, and it was very affordable and low maintenance. You should check it out

Other than that, I am afraid you are going to have to settle for, as you said, something b/w the 2 extremes. If this is the case, I would suggest a fairly used toyota, honda or nissan. As long as you change the oil every 3,000 miles or so and change your brakes/transmission fluid at least once a year, you should be good to go. I know I am in another country, but my 1999 toyota camry has only had 2 major incidences (timing belt problem after 50,000 miles and starter problem after 120,000 miles) in its 7-year existence. The car has basically paid for itself.

Good luck!

ur pocket shl decide for u

Seun:

I don't think I can afford to buy and maintain a car.

   You must be kidding me!

Ok.Have you tried keke Marwa ? seems like the best option bro.

@ Seun,

Unfortunately, u cant eat ur cake and have it too. I suggest you get something like a Starlet Toyota or Nissan Micra and stay tight.

Theres no in between. The convinience of being able to pick up the keys any time of the day is good enough reason to get a car. since the hospital is not good now in Nigeria dont sign your death warrant on a bike. We need someone to the maintaining this site

Seun i would suggest u get a car hire service there is one in Ota if u r interested u can contact me

Carhire service is more expensive on the long run

guy the best bet is to buy a power bike.
engine capacity btw 250cc-450cc
and u ride it with utmost care.
during the raining seson u just have to buy a raincoat and dont forget to always wear an helmet.
with all these u are cool.
be cool.

@Seun,

U may not like my advise but nevertheless I ll say it.
I hate okada with a passion
I see it as suicidal whther 3000cc or less

<<snip>>

How can the Obantalapipi of Nairaland be riding okada?
You guys be careful o.

Hmmm. I'm a bit confused but I think I'll experiment with the car hire option.

hmmmmnnnnnnnnnn

I am angry about what u guys talk about when so many people are huzzling lookin 4 job

Seun:
Hello,

I have a little dilemma involving this issue of transportation. I need something to take me around, but I don't think I can afford to buy and maintain a car, neither do I feel comfortable with the public transport system.

This affects my business a lot (I can hardly move around) so I wonder if there's a solution between the two extremes. Something less expensive than buying my car and more convenient and flexible than taxis/buses.

Thanks.

Imagine if Seun followed up on this problem and created a rideshare platform back then. Some Nigerian form of UBER.

Imagine the possibilities.