HeavenlyBang:
What are your thoughts on buying a Mercedes in Nigeria. Something from the W203 era, for example.

Good buy? Maintenance costs? Security? Performance?

The W203 era...
Good car, but i will personally vouch for models on or after 2004. Most gremlins were corrected by then

Parts and maitenance?

Believe it or not, parts like engines and gearboxes are cheaper than its Japanese counterparts
As the car gets popular by the day more and more mechanics are becoming familiar with the technology.

Security?
I will feel more comfortable leaving my c class unlocked at the bank than my 2003 Toyota corolla locked and equipped with two trackers

Performance?
My brother, if you drive a Benz as a first car, you may never touch any Japmobile again( perhaps for life )....Maybe except lexus....or Infiniti....Or Acura

MotorGuru:

Thank you sir for your kind words.

More than deserved

Please keep it up; I am learning a lot here

Make your Inquiries here

MotorGuru:


The W203 era...
Good car, but i will personally vouch for models on or after 2004. Most gremlins were corrected by then

Parts and maitenance?

Believe it or not, parts like engines and gearboxes are cheaper than its Japanese counterparts
As the car gets popular by the day more and more mechanics are becoming familiar with the technology.

Security?
I will feel more comfortable leaving my c class unlocked at the bank than my 2003 Toyota corolla locked and equipped with two trackers

Performance?
My brother, if you drive a Benz as a first car, you may never touch any Japmobile again( perhaps for life )....Maybe except lexus....or Infiniti....Or Acura

Thank you!

HeavenlyBang:


Thank you!

You are welcome sir

Your questions pls

Need your modest advice on least amount to budget for a moderate effecient car(Toyota or Mercedes), How to go about it too. Thank you

Hi
I have an 06 rav 4, 3.5l engine that makes this brief (1-2 sec) rattle on cold start. Engine runs fine and smooth. Came to realise the fault is most likely the variable camshaft gear. Is it worth fixing? What advice would you recommend. Thanks

Boss,

Good morning, please I need your advise on what choice of SUV to buy. My three key requirements are:

1. Family size - so I need it in a 3 ROW (7 seater)
2. Budget - 2.5 to 3
3. Low maintenance cost

Thankful for your assistance.

[quote author=donbuchi1 post=67006272]Boss,

Good morning, please I need your advise on what choice of SUV to buy. My three key requirements are:

1. Family size - so I need it in a 3 ROW (7 seater)
2. Budget - 2.5 to 3
3. Low maintenance cost

Thankful for your assistance


Get a 03-07 Highlander v6. It's 3 row and within your budget or Pilot of the same year(s)

1sttruth:
Need your modest advice on least amount to budget for a moderate effecient car(Toyota or Mercedes), How to go about it too. Thank you

Open to forces of demand and supply. But if you need a relatively modern vehicle (2001-up) budget nothing less than 1.5 million for toks and nothing less than 900K for Naija used

newman1:
Hi
I have an 06 rav 4, 3.5l engine that makes this brief (1-2 sec) rattle on cold start. Engine runs fine and smooth. Came to realise the fault is most likely the variable camshaft gear. Is it worth fixing? What advice would you recommend. Thanks

The VTC actuators are already failing (as you have described). What kind of engine oil are you using? How frequently do you perform oil changes?

If you were using oil with a higher weight, changing the oil to factory spec MAY resolve the issue(5W-30 for the 2GR-FE engine).But In my opinion, once these actuators start giving way, Your best best is to replace with a NEW unit. .This can be easily sourced on EBay ( the 2GR-FE engine is a fairly common one with available parts). Pls note that replacing this unit requires removal of valve cover and timing chain(it is invasive to the engine). And because of the very tight space available in your engine bay, The engine may have to be dropped. And you will need a professional mechanic to avoid stories that touch ( your timing will have to be reset ).

donbuchi1:
Boss,

Good morning, please I need your advise on what choice of SUV to buy. My three key requirements are:

1. Family size - so I need it in a 3 ROW (7 seater)
2. Budget - 2.5 to 3
3. Low maintenance cost

Thankful for your assistance.

[quote author=pennzo post=67007362][/quote]

I would recommend the same.

donbuchi1:
Boss,

Good morning, please I need your advise on what choice of SUV to buy. My three key requirements are:

1. Family size - so I need it in a 3 ROW (7 seater)
2. Budget - 2.5 to 3
3. Low maintenance cost

Thankful for your assistance.

[quote author=pennzo post=67007362][/quote]

I would recommend the same.

donbuchi1:
Boss,

Good morning, please I need your advise on what choice of SUV to buy. My three key requirements are:

1. Family size - so I need it in a 3 ROW (7 seater)
2. Budget - 2.5 to 3
3. Low maintenance cost

Thankful for your assistance.
[quote author=pennzo post=67007362]

I would recommend the same (2005 Highlander V6 AWD w/3rd row seats

your questions and inquires

MotorGuru:


The VTC actuators are already failing (as you have described). What kind of engine oil are you using? How frequently do you perform oil changes?

If you were using oil with a higher weight, changing the oil to factory spec MAY resolve the issue(5W-30 for the 2GR-FE engine).But In my opinion, once these actuators start giving way, Your best best is to replace with a NEW unit. .This can be easily sourced on EBay ( the 2GR-FE engine is a fairly common one with available parts). Pls note that replacing this unit requires removal of valve cover and timing chain(it is invasive to the engine). And because of the very tight space available in your engine bay, The engine may have to be dropped. And you will need a professional mechanic to avoid stories that touch ( your timing will have to be reset ).

Thanks so far
I bought car Nigerian used, previous owner most likely used wrong oil.I have changed to recommend with little improvement, vehicle actual mileage 104k mile.
Considering the chances of falling into the wrong hands, is there any consequence of ignoring repair?

newman1:
Thanks so far
I bought car Nigerian used, previous owner most likely used wrong oil.I have changed to recommend with little improvement, vehicle actual mileage 104k mile.
Considering the chances of falling into the wrong hands, is there any consequence of ignoring repair?

Changing to recommended is good. But the siutation will not get any better (or worse i presume).

I think you should just be religious with your engine maintenance( oil changes) , and aside the noise, you may just be fine.

MotorGuru:


Changing to recommended is good. But the siutation will not get any better (or worse i presume).

I think you should just be religious with your engine maintenance( oil changes) , and aside the noise, you may just be fine.

Thanks
Are you based in Nigeria?
Some of us will like to be able to have your contact

[quote author=pennzo post=67007362][/quote]


Thank you for your recommendation. Please what do you think of Acura 04 - 06?

[quote author=MotorGuru post=67009386][/quote]

Thank you for your recommendation, I appreciate. Please what do you think of Acura 04 - 06?

Nice post.

Please what is ur take on Mazda Tribute 2001 model. What are the likely issues with this model?

Then any idea of catalyst in it exhaust ? I mean the price of a good one.

donbuchi1:



Thank you for your recommendation. Please what do you think of Acura 04 - 06?

Not a bad ride too, more rugged, but you'll spend slightly more on maintenance

donbuchi1:



Thank you for your recommendation. Please what do you think of Acura 04 - 06?

My other moniker was banned ( i am to blame)

A very nice comfortable and sporty car. It its heydays it rivaled BMW 3 series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C class in style and performance. Really put Acura back on the map.
Comes with a 3.2 vtec engine and 5 speed shiftable automatic and with Tech features like Bluetooth hands free , memory seating etc only common today. A very good buy, if you see one not abused..

But be prepared to frequent more at the petrol station. And i would personally avoid the first year of production(2004 model) due to transmission concerns.

Harpesin:
Nice post.

Please what is ur take on Mazda Tribute 2001 model. What are the likely issues with this model?

Then any idea of catalyst in it exhaust ? I mean the price of a good one.

Mazda Tribute( Ford Escape )....Not a bad car

I had a neighbor who owned one for 5 years and not troubles. Average build quality. forgettable styling.

I advise you go for the V6...But that is price to pay at the petrol station.....

as for the catalyst... well check local markets(Gazzuzz may be of help..)

your questions pls

motorguru1:
your questions pls

please can u help a friend decide between toyota corolla 2003 and Honda city 2007 model. Major concern is fuel economy here. Tnx

motorguru1:


My other moniker was banned ( i am to blame)

A very nice comfortable and sporty car. It its heydays it rivaled BMW 3 series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C class in style and performance. Really put Acura back on the map.
Comes with a 3.2 vtec engine and 5 speed shiftable automatic and with Tech features like Bluetooth hands free , memory seating etc only common today. A very good buy, if you see one not abused..

But be prepared to frequent more at the petrol station. And i would personally avoid the first year of production(2004 model) due to transmission concerns.

post your concerns here

MotorGuru:


The W203 era...
Good car, but i will personally vouch for models on or after 2004. Most gremlins were corrected by then

Parts and maitenance?

Believe it or not, parts like engines and gearboxes are cheaper than its Japanese counterparts
As the car gets popular by the day more and more mechanics are becoming familiar with the technology.

Security?
I will feel more comfortable leaving my c class unlocked at the bank than my 2003 Toyota corolla locked and equipped with two trackers

Performance?
My brother, if you drive a Benz as a first car, you may never touch any Japmobile again( perhaps for life )....Maybe except lexus....or Infiniti....Or Acura

Very apt! If you have driven a Benz, u won't like to be seen behind the wheels of other brands

You need to drop your contact in your profile so that you can reached for the people who wish to do so

1sttruth:
You need to drop your contact in your profile so that you can reached for the people who wish to do so

Shall do so sir

Your automotive concerns here!