₦airaland Forum

Gentlepapi:
Thanks for the info. I just sent you a PM for your number

Hello GentlePapi,

I am unable to view the message you sent despite showing on my profile that I have a message from you. It may be easier to contact me via my webpage in the signature.

Regards.

Gentlepapi:
PLEASE WHICH SITE DID YOU USE TO RUN YOUR VIN CHECK AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

AutoCheck. You can send the VIN to me.

soletar:
hi AutoJosh,

I really appreciate your educative posts here. please how much would a Toyota Camry 2010, preferably black with leather seats cost? the full costs? Can you assist in this regard? THANKS

Between 3m and 3.5m. You can contact me anytime so we can go through the various options and processes together.

The car market in Cotonou is arguably the largest automobile market in West Africa as it thrives on Nigeria’s mega population. Many Nigerians have resolved to buying their cars from this market due to several challenges inherent in getting a good bargain within our fatherland. I recommend that you consider the following advantages and disadvantages before buying your first or next car through the Cotonou route:

ADVANTAGES

1) Level of honesty: This market welcomes you with a lovely aura and a serene environment which gives you the opportunity to explore without being exploited by those guys who always claim “nah my brother get the car”. The Cotonou dealers would calmly communicate the prices of their vehicles to you and they will not hassle or compel you to buy from their lot. Obviously, they are not over desperate to sell and this significantly reduces the extent to which they cheat their clients. However, this does not mean you should be gullible and fall for what they want you to believe as they also roll back mileages and refurbish several accidented cars, but they will hardly sell a registered car to you as tokunbo like our brothers at Berger would.

2) Cleaner cars: The car dealers in Cotonou can afford to buy more cars that are not accidented because they do not bare any import duty cost as the import duty is paid to the Government by the buyer after the car is sold by the dealer. Hence, they have a reasonable amount of cars that are not accidented and the accidented ones are usually repaired by professional panel beaters and painters.

3) Relatively low import duty for high-end cars: Several luxury and recent cars that are considered to be high-end are usually brought into Nigeria through the Seme land border due to reduced duty. A major reason for the reduced duty is the fact that Benin Republic’s Government charges a fixed import duty (500,000 CFA = 320,000 Naira) on all cars irrespective of its year or trim. Furthermore, the import duty at Seme border is less than Apapa and Tincan port as charges that accrue to shipping companies are waived, basic import duties are usually lower and smuggling is easier. I remember counting over 100 Landcruiser and Prado jeeps that came into Nigeria the only night I slept at Ilaro town about 2 years ago.

4) Varieties: If you want to get tired of seeing cars, Cotonou car market is the place to be. You will be overwhelmed by the unlimited number of cars spread over the vast expanse of land. Do not make the mistake of doing your search by foot as those that move around the market on motorbikes still complain of being exhausted.

5) Market localization: This eliminates the stress of driving across a whole state or an entire city in search of a car as most of the cars are located within close proximity to one another.

DISADVANTAGES

1) Difficulty to run a VIN check: This will not be an issue if you have internet data on your phone. However, it is a major issue for so many people who make payment for cars without having information about its flooded history or rolled back mileage. I inspected some cars in Cotonou 3 weeks ago and only realized that the one we liked the most had its mileage reduced from 258,000 miles to 125,000 miles. Thank God we went back to Seme border to get network to run the VIN checks.

2) Relatively high import duty for cheaper cars: There is a myth that all cars from Cotonou are cheaper than cars which are cleared via Lagos ports. This is actually false especially in the case of cars that are relatively old. e.g a 2003 Toyota Camry is usually cheaper if imported through Apapa sea ports as against routing it through Cotonou because you would pay double duty to two separate Governments in the latter.

3) Nigeria Customs’ palava: Customs’ issue is the king of all the challenges you can face when bringing your car into Nigeria from Cotonou. The issues ranges from vehicle seizure to exploitation. I do not hope for my enemy to experience this as those Custom guys are not smiling no matter who you are or who you know. They even seize vehicles that belong to their fellow custom officials as well as that of top military officials. The simplest way to save your car from being seized is by using a reliable and trustworthy agent and ensuring your car is taken into the Nigerian Customs’ compound at the border for proper duty assessment and payment.

4) Restricted movement: Most Nigerians who successfully bring in cars with compromised import duty from Cotonou usually count their gains at the time of purchase. However, this excitement fades away quickly as they begin to watch over their shoulders especially when travelling interstate. Some even travel without their cars due to fear of custom officials.

5) Possible damage when vehicle is in transit: A typical example of penny wise is when you save some bucks by bringing your car in from Cotonou but the cost of damage sustained to your car is commensurate to or higher than the anticipated savings. Some car crossing agents who smuggle cars without the owner’s consent still had a shootout with custom officials a few weeks back.

My verdict is for you to only bring in your car from Cotonou if you have a trusted hand who will not smuggle/fly your car and ensure full import duty is paid after proper assessment at the custom’s office.

What is your verdict on this pertinent issue?

http://autojosh.com/5-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-buying-your-car-from-cotonou/

remmy007:
Please check this VIN: 4T1BE46K08U205392.

kindly forward report to: remmyfbi@yahoo.com

Thanks.

Sent.

gateleo:
Ok

I need your email address so i can forward the report to you.

gateleo:
please i will like to ask...is it possible for two cars to have almost the same VIN number? For example

Car A Vin = 4T1BF28K2YU041221

Car B Vin = 4T1BF28K2WU041221.

The difference between the two cars is one is Y and the other is W.

Are the two Vin valid?

THanks.

Only the VIN for car B in valid and the report has been generated. Your email address is required.

Is your driver’s licence expired or missing and needs to be renewed or replaced respectively? See below steps which will assist you to resolve the issue..

RENEWAL OF DRIVER’S LICENCE

• Upon expiration of a driver’s licence, the holder returns to Licensing office to obtain and complete MVA 12
• Pays the prescribed fee to the MLA
• MLA sends the Form to FRSC (IPC) for processing
• Proceeds to FRSC Information Processing Centre (IPC) for physical capture of photograph, finger print and signature.
• Processed license is sent to MLA for distribution to successful applicants.

REPLACEMENT OF DRIVERS LICENCE

• Obtain a police extract, sworn affidavit and photocopy of lost licence and apply as stated above
• Proceed to MLA to obtain and complete Form MVA 12.
• Pay the prescribed fee to the MLA
• MLA sends the Form to FRSC (IPC) for processing
• Proceeds to FRSC Information Processing Centre (IPC) for physical capture of photograph, finger print and signature.
• Processed license is sent to MLA for distribution to successful applicants.

http://autojosh.com/how-to-renew-or-replace-your-nigerian-drivers-licence/

Cc
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Marpol
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy

[quote author=eremy post=48583638][/quote]Sent. However, the report contains limited information like several other cars from Canada.

eremy:
Kindly help with Vin J12BF22k1Y0257223. Pls send to daniel.john23@yahoo.com
Thanks

Hello Eremy,

There is probably an error somewhere. The VIN is probably not for an American car or it is incorrect.

It is better to copy the VIN from the source and paste here in order to avoid any mix up or you can snap the VIN with your camera.

I await your feedback.

This incident occurred in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, China. This is the major disadvantage of sport cars like the Lamborghini Aventador as the Volkswagen Tiguan didn’t even have a scratch.

http://autojosh.com/can-you-imagine-this-happening-to-your-n136-million-lamborghini-aventador/

Cc
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Marpol
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy

Harzan:
HEllo OP,
@ AutoJoshNG :
Pls I misplaced my original DL few months ago. How can i request for a new one pls? Any help on the process......
When I remember the stress I went thru while obtaining the former, it always discourages me to even attempt to start re-issuing procedure.
Its well.

Hello Harzan,

The process I know is visiting the Licencing Authority's office. Those who use someone to facilitate the process end up waiting for the same period of time as those who process theirs directly.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has informed all motorist plying this route that there's a fire incident involving two tankers carrying highly inflammable petroleum product (PMS). This accident occurred at Ahor village close to Benin bye-pass. Motorists are advised to drive with care and make use of alternative routes.

http://autojosh.com/traffic-along-lagos-benin-expressway-16082016/

Cc
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Marpol
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy

The Nigerian Driver’s Licence is an official document issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria permitting a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles on Nigerian roads. This document can be obtained with the following steps:

• Obtain and complete Form MVA 11 from Motor Licencing Authority (MLA).
• Attend driving test with the appropriate authority for desired category of driver’s licence Form.
• If successful, a certificate would be issued indicating the class of licence qualified for
• Pay the prescribed fee to the Motor Licencing Authority (MLA).
• MLA sends the Form to FRSC (IPC) for processing
• Applicant proceeds to FRSC Information Processing Centre (IPC) for physical capture of photograph, finger print and signature.
• Processed licence is sent to MLA for distribution to successful applicants
• An experienced driver may in addition obtain trade test certificate Issues (3), (2) and (1) from the ministry of labour and productivity.
• The minimum age for driving is 18 years
• The terminal age for driving is 70 years

Note: Changing the category of drivers’ licence requires a new test.

http://autojosh.com/how-to-obtain-nigerian-drivers-licence/

Show me a Nigerian who does not love cars and I will prove to you that the person is actually from Venice. This culture has been ingrained in us from childhood as we watched our Dads fantasize about the Regular Benz and our Uncles daydream about the Baby Benz..

Many cars like Daewoo Espero, Honda Legend, Volvo 240, Peugeot 504 and 505 have made it to the spotlight in the Nigerian automotive industry but non of these car manufacturers have been able to stand the test of time. On the other hand, Mercedes Benz has held Nigerians by the jugular to the extent that we will embrace anything they produce even if it's a wheel barrow.

These 2017 E 300 with estimated landing costs of N32 million were spotted in Nigeria and it is surprising that they have become increasingly common on our roads despite still being scarce on American and Canadian roads. Some of us will say it's not even 2017 yet while others will say they will never buy it because it's too expensive. However, I assure you that a 5 minute cruise in this Benzer will make you have a repentant heart.

This car is overwhelmed with the following amazing features that it leaves its owners unhappy when they get to their destinations:

1) Active Lane Change Assist: This innovation allows the driver to execute a lane change automatically, simply by activating a turn signal for a sufficient number of seconds.

2) Automated Parking: A car that can steer itself into a parking space is no longer news, but the E-class ups the wow factor by parking itself while the “driver” stands outside of the vehicle.

3) Cell Phone as Car Key: This is called a "digital key". It allows your mobile phone to act as the remote key. That means your smartphone will lock and unlock the doors as well as start the car engine.

4) 64-color LED ambient lighting: A network of LEDs creates an atmosphere that suits any mood.

5) Hands-Free Access: It lets you open or close the power trunk with a gentle "kick" of your foot under the rear bumper.

6) Active multicontour front seats with massage: The front seat has eight massage programs that can soothe and rejuvenate your back and shoulders, including two spa-like "hot stone" massages, plus an "active workout" program to help strengthen your back and leg muscles.

7) Head-Up Display: This high-resolution readout places useful information in the driver's natural field of vision, with minimal "eyes off the road."

12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster: Just take a look at the picture which shows the dashboard of the E Class and tell us if you like the high resolution touch screen you see.

9) Remote Start via mbrace Mobile App: You can call your car to start its engine even from the comfort of your living room. This will allow the AC to keep the interior cool in preparation for your grand arrival. You can also honk you horn, operate the lights, run diagnostics scan and find your vehicle with this mbrace app.

10) Car-to-X Communication: In the future, cars will be able to communicate with each other over the airwaves. In the E-Class, the future starts today. With its industry-leading Car-to-X Communication, every new E-Class can send messages to one another.

11) Dynamic Select: This enables you to switch your car between four modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+). This is like having a 4 in 1 car which can help economize your fuel like the Toyota Yaris, provide comfort like the Rolls Royce as well as turbo on the race track like the Lamborghini Aventador.

12) Other features are 9 speed automatic transmission, Panoramic roof, Illuminated Star, Logo Projector, NFC wireless charging, Power rear-window sunshade, Household-type 115V power outlet, ECO Start/Stop system amongst others.

http://autojosh.com/n32m-2017-benz-e-class-in-nigeria-can-a-nigerian-mans-love-for-benz-ever-die/

Cc
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Marpol
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy

Syber:
Hi autojoshng

Signed up on ur site forum autojosh.com

But having problems logging in

Great site btw!

Pls can u help with this Vin

4T1BE46K68U204165

hafiz852002@yahoo.com

Hello Syber, sorry to tell you that this VIN did not provide any information. It may be due to lack of information in the database or an error in the stated number. Kindly resend if the VIN is incorrect.

Thanks for the compliment, however, I will like to know the challenge you had logging in to the forum.

Thanks for contacting AutoJosh.

GAZZUZZ:
Solution buy a Brand new car.

Real life example: a lady bought a nigerian used kia rio 2014 @ 1m naira, she thought it was a good deal, she brought it in for servicing/a.c was no as cold as it should be. After inspection, a.c components were found to be parts of a different car. Parts replaced for a.c Brand new compressor, condenser, pipes, gas and labour charges. Total ~230k.

Next car started overheating. Car was checked, and discovered it had a history of overheating, head gasket had been changed previously, cylinder head wrapped. Solution replace engine, cost total cost plus labour 600k. All this happened within 1 month ow ownership.

It would take me less than 60secs to identify these faults.

I'm sure the lady in question would not mind paying for 10 inspections instead of paying for the repairs for that car.

Well said. I concur.

raheema4u:
Good morning, please kindly check for 1NXBR12E8XZ167220. rahimayakubu@gmail.com thank you.

Sent

emdafe:
4T3ZF13C8YU280713, pls kindly help and send to Emma.dafe@gmail.com

Sent

vicbussi:
kindly help with this pls 1HGCM56373A090442 : vicbussy@yahoo.com thanks

Sent

fasmen:
Hi AutojoshNG,

Kindly assist with the appropriate oil for SAE 5W-30 for corolla in Nigeria.

Thanks

STanley

The preferred one is the oil with the API (American Petroleum Institute) seal which could be the Toyota branded oil or any other original brand. However, you can also use other original brands found in Nigeria without the seal.

obitryce:
kindly check this vin no. 2HKYF185X3H006824 and post result to obitryce98@yahoo.com thanks.

Sent.

Kylie Jenner got a $180,000 (N70 million) 2016 Mercedes Maybach s600 from Tyga for her 19th birthday after he gave her a Ferrari on her 18th birthday. Can you guess what he will give her at 20?

http://autojosh.com/kylie-jenner-gets-a-2016-mercedes-maybach-s600-for-her-19th-birthday/

A Toyota Highlander on full speed ran into the Oando filling station on Awolowo way, Ikoyi, around 12:45am early this morning. This occured while the Highlander was trying to avoid a car that obstructed its path. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident. 112 was dialed and the Lagos state Emergency Service came and provided first aid to the driver who was not injured but insisted on being taken to a hospital. See more photos after the cut…

http://autojosh.com/pictures-suv-crashes-into-oando-filling-station-in-ikoyi/

Credit: lindaikejisblog.com

Cc
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Marpol
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy

jasinto:
How did you get the picture of the car BEFORE and AFTER the accident?

I hope you are not the person that bashed the car while trying to take the picture of a one in town car.

Say the truth, nothing but the truth.

Lol.

The unexpected has happened to this BMW 750li xDrive which got many Nigerians talking on Nairaland just two weeks ago due its price. The car was hit by a Benz GLK which caused a major damage to the rear of the one in town car. This dreadful moment was captured by Ogedegbe Joseph - www.instagram.com/d_of_2

It will definitely cost a fortune to take this car back to status quo and it's only comprehensive insurance that can bail the owner of the Benz GLK out of this. That's if he has one.

http://autojosh.com/bmw-750i-xdrive-with-estimated-cost-of-n58-million-seriously-damaged-in-an-accident-ogedegbe-joseph/

simeon77:
Pls help me to check this VIN : WVWZZZ1HZSP579725 and send to simeonkalu77@gmail.com. Thanks in anticipation.

Simeon77,

Your VIN is probably for an European car but this service is meant for can from USA or Canada. Therefore, I am unable to generate the history report.

The Game (Rapper) showed off this red Lamborghini Aventador as he plans to release a new album.

http://autojosh.com/the-game-shows-off-red-lamborghini/

Hon Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) was seen inspecting the failed portions of the Apapa-Ijora bridge which links Apapa with Lagos Island in Lagos on Thursday 4, August 2016.

http://autojosh.com/pictures-of-fashola-inspecting-failed-portions-of-apapa-ijora-bridge-in-lagos/

It was reported yesterday that Kris Jenner crashed her brand new Rolls Royce Dawn which was just a week young. However, she has shocked everyone by replacing the car about 24 hours after the crash despite an estimated cost of $400,000 (N156million).

TMZ saw the brand new car which is identical with the wrecked one being delivered at Kris' home in Calabasas.

http://autojosh.com/kris-jenner-replaces-her-crashed-400k-n156million-rolls-royce-dawn-in-one-day/