₦airaland Forum

Nice and informative event, can't wait for the next.

power900:
yea I know there is a risk involved but I don't want to leave the car behind and the person will be properly scrutinized before any journey,okay

Hello Power900,

You also need a driver that has experience, good judgement and sharp reflexes due to vehicles that face oncoming traffic, the spate of kidnappings on that road and be very weary of stopping even if 100 people point at your car like it has a problem. Safe trip.

AutoJosh

power900:
hello nairalanders,I own a car but not done my drivers licence yet and I want to be at edo state ,anyone who has a licence and wants to go to Edo state,Auchi should call me to drive me so he drops at his destination and I continue to journey with less police on the way,okay
09039903202(Whatsapp)

What Gazzuzz just told you is invaluable. Your life is too precious for that kind of adventure.

Brakes: Foot Brake must stop your car within a distance of 8 metres at a speed of 32km/h. Parking Brake should be adequate to hold your car.

Lights: All vehicles must be equipped with a set of functional head lights and tail lights. The brake lights and turn signals must be in good working condition.

Horn: The must be heard from a distance of 60 metres

Emission: The vehicle must be equipped with an exhaust emission system that helps reduce air pollution.

Number plate: All passenger and commercial vehicles must have one valid number plate at the front and one at the rear except motorcycles that are only issued one number plate.

Windshield wipers: The wipers must be capable of cleaning the windshield effectively.

Rearview Mirrors: Must be well located/positioned in order to reflect your rear view on the highway for a distance of 60 metres.

General body: General body of the car must be in good condition.

Tyres: All vehicles are required to be equipped with tyres that are in proper and safe condition with a minimum tread depth of 0.063 inches. Also, the tyres must not be older than 4 years.

Engine: Must be in a good condition.

Other Accessories: This includes your jack, C-caution, extinguisher etc.

Credit: Nigerian Drivers Conference and Vehicle Inspection Service.

http://autojosh.com/11-things-vio-vehicle-inspection-officers-will-check-to-determine-if-your-car-is-roadworthy/

The Benz Velo which was introduced by Karl Benz in 1894 set the first speed record of 19 Kilometres per hour. However, the current land speed record is 1,228 kilometres per hour which is faster than the speed of sound. This record was set in October 1997 by the car below called Thrust SSC (Thrust supersonic car).

The colour of the warning light on the dashboard of our cars tells us so much more than we can imagine.

If the warning light is Red, it indicates a serious problem and you are required to stop the car immediately in order to attend to the issue..

Yellow/orange light mean something needs to be serviced or repaired as soon as possible, however, you can continue driving with caution.

Green or blue is only telling you that a system or feature (e.g headlight or cruise control) that assists you to drive better is turned on and you are okay to proceed without any worries.

AutoJoshNG

http://autojosh.com/knowing-the-meaning-of-the-colour-of-your-dashboard-warning-light-is-a-lifesaver/

This guy was spotted admiring the old G Wagon in Victoria Island, Lagos.

There is a new number plate hijacking trend. Hi-jackers follow you to a parking lot, after you leave your vehicle, they remove your number plate and wait. When you come back and drive off, they follow you. They then overtake you, displaying your number plate out of their window as if you just lost it and they want to give it back to you..

When you stop to get your number plate back, guns come out and they take the car. Maybe even take you and your car. It’s a very well rehearsed and organised plan and everything happens very quickly. Other motorists may not be aware of what’s happening as you stopped the car yourself.

This can be prevented if we inspect our cars before driving off.

http://autojosh.com/carjackers-and-the-plate-number-scam/

larisoft:
The 190es and W230s for instance almost always go for below 300k. Please guys, I am getting interested in these cars but the price seems to suggest it may be a trap. What are these cars like?

The law of demand and supply.

AutoJoshNG

We have been used to police check points and roadblocks from time immemorial, however, this is gradually coming to an end as we now see police in Lagos State adopting the LAPD style..

Once a car driver is spotted committing a traffic offense, they signal him/her to stop with their siren. This is a welcomed development and we hope it is fully implemented across the state and country.

http://autojosh.com/police-road-blocks-gradually-coming-to-an-end/

vali1000:
Higher level of comfort? dnt get it.

Hello Vali1000,

In this context, higher level of comfort means 'peace of mind' as tokunbo will usually have less issues compared to Nigerian used.

AutoJoshNG

?

?

vali1000:
Pls guys can you advise me b/w buying a Nigerian used toyota muscle and a belgin 03-07 corrola. which is your prefrence hence they'll cost almost same. tnx.

Hello Vali1000,

You can only tell after both vehicles have been inspected and test driven. Go for the one with the higher rating based on your inspection.

The fact that a vehicle is tokunbo does not necessary mean it's better than the Nigerian used. However, it usually gives a higher level of comfort.

AutoJoshNG

Lovelynature:
I'll be going inspect a Nigerian used car ( golf 3 precisely), for the first time. Please car gurus in the house what are major things I should look out for, regarding papers and other things when buying a Nigerian used car?

cc GAZZUZZ, Siena and other car gurus, help a brother

Hello Lovelynature,

These are some of the checks you need to carry out:

1) Why are they selling as well as the history of the vehicle? So you don't buy another man's problem.
2) What issues does the car have at the moment and what major repair work has been carried out on the vehicle in the past? e.g change or overhaul of engine, change of transmission, major body work etc.
3) Allow the car to run for some minutes on idle without pressing anything and study the engine's performance for stability.
4) Study the engine's performance while the throttle is slightly pressed.
5) Take the car on a test drive on a rough road (to check the suspension) as well as the highway (to check the handling).
6) Make a left and a right U-Turn while accelerating to check the shaft.
7) Verify the actual owner of the vehicle by checking the vehicle papers against his or her valid ID card.
You can double check the vehicle papers presented to you at any licensing office to ensure they are genuine.
9) You can check the custom papers if available to ensure due process was followed in clearing the car through customs. This is not necessary in this particular case as the Golf has been in Nigeria for a reasonable time.
10) Make sure you only use a trustworthy mechanic for inspection if ever really need one.
11) You can get the contact of the seller's mechanic.

The more questions you ask, the easier for you to discover contradictions if any.

AutoJoshNG

taiyegibbs:
Hello fellas, good day to you all. Am considering getting one of this two cars but having a tough time making a perfect pick. Am aiming at the 2008 models of the camry se or Mercedes Benz c300. I would like to know your opinion as to the cars and why you would go for either Tyler.

Hello Taiyegibbs,

Do the Toyota Camry if you want something that is cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and more practical for the Nigerian terrain.

Do the Benz C300 if you are particular about your social status, vehicle power and quality feel.


AutojoshNG.

tutuwater:
I woke up yesterday morning to th horror of finding out that a thief had access to my car and was able to steal the ECU/ECM and the controls for the power windows.
My car only have an immobilizer.
My question is what are the best measures I can take to safeguard the ECU and car from vandals and theft.

Comprehensive insurance. Do an excess-buy-back so you won't pay a penny if the slightest thing happens to your car.

The insurance company will reimburse you in the event of theft, vandalism, flood, fire, accident etc.

AutoJoshNG

Zoharariel:
This is very simple na. 1968 Ferrari Vladivostock GTB.

It's an European product but not a Ferrari.

?

Meet Gazzuzz on www.autojosh.com and get a free diagnostics scan for your car. Just log on to the forum on AutoJosh website and book an appointment through the Gazzuzz thread.

The free scan is available to the first 10 bookings. However, the forum members will enjoy free advice from Gazzuzz and other experts in the automobile industry in Nigeria as well as other free benefits that are on the way.

Welcome to the automotive family.

bravolad:
Custom Officials stop all vehicles they assume have just been cleared irrespective of the age of the vehicle.

@autojoshng that's part of the major challenge. Why would an agent choose to under pay for a vehicle for which the owner has paid him in order to ensure full duty payment? NCS holds car owners responsible for any compromise arising from duty payment when indeed, it should be the other way.

As a punitive measure, NCS should implement a policy of license withdrawal from such erring agents to serve as a caution to other intending offenders rather than punish an innocent car owner who desires an honest service. In addition, such agents should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

This measure will drastically reduce fraud if not outright elimination of such.

@Bravolad,

You are very correct. The best solution is a reduction in the duty to a fixed amount that is affordable with no room for compromised duty.

The current rates are too high and most of the clearing agents we deal with don't have the custom clearing permit as they also subscribe to bigger agents that have. This gives them room for unprofessional practices as they don't have much at stake.

AutoJoshNG

fathermoo:
@bravolad, I believe it would be better to work through a customer officer if you choose to go solo. I also have a question, if a dealer say the car is in transit from cotonu, hoe long doll it take to get yo Lagos?

Hello Fathermoo,

It depends on the stage of the transit. Is the car out of the Cotonou seaport already?

If yes, then it should take average of 24 hours to get to Lagos.

AutoJoshNG

t9t9:
Cars are fun to drive and they usually put a smile on the faces of their owners. However, they breakdown sometimes which leads to disappointments, stressful visits to the mechanic workshop as well as a hole in your bank account or a financial knockout in extreme cases. This could be … http://autojosh.com/5-ways-to-know-more-than-your-car-mechanic/

A must read.

billy187:
That's the side profile of a Porsche 928

Nice

Hello Bravolad,

This your task no be small thing o. At the moment, it is more expensive to clear small and older cars (less than 2008) through Cotonou compared to Lagos. Cotonou is largely better for new, recent and luxury cars as it is easier to get a compromised import duty.

The first step is getting your laissez-passer and it is a must you work with a licensed clearing agent who will liaise between you and the government in respect of the duty payment. It's either you compromise and pay less duty or you insist on paying full duty which will probably be as much as Lagos duty.

Note that it is almost impossible to to drive any Cotonou vehicle with full confidence especially on interstates as Cotonou clearing is a definite red flag to Nigeria Customs.

Finally, you may be better off if you ensure the car you are buying has a Lagos clearing or you can import through Lagos port yourself. Endeavour to do a VIN check no matter the mode you choose to buy through: Lagos, Cotonou or importing from abroad.

AutoJoshNG

waley007:
I wany to buy either of the two cars but am confused which one to go for...please I need your suggestions or advice thanks

Hello Waley007,

Very easy to decide. The camry design started in 2007 and ended in 2011 while the accord still looks fresh as it was redesigned with the 2013 model.

You can even change one or two body kits to make your accord look like the 2016 model while the camry will look way-back from 2007 design.

Finally, the camry's shape and design has changed twice after that 2011 model, however, the accord has same shape and design with the 2016 model. Accord exl or sport is the answer if price is not much of a factor.

AutoJoshNG

fh100:
iam driving a porsche cayenne base 2012 for over two years now and i really love driving it. but something happened for the past few days now. a friend bought a land rover range rover sport supercharge 2008 model. he toke it at my house the other day and i drove it for a full day.. so rite now i love the range i want to change my car . but i am still like confused. should i stay with my porsche or change to the range. this my problem...

Hello Fh100,

From 2012 Porsche Cayenne to 2008 Range Rover Sport sounds like a no! no!

Forward ever my brother. If your Cayenne seems too basic for you, changing the wheels and tyres alone should make a significant difference.

Autojoshng

Okite15:
hey.
can anyone tell me something about the Mazda 626?
can I get a venza for 2million and below two million?

Hello Okite15,

What year of Mazda 626 are you looking at?

You cannot get a tokunbo Venza for N2million no matter the year. However, you may get a Nigerian used if you want to push your luck but it will most likely be a lemon or a vehicle that the owner is desperate to dispose.

Autojoshng

Hello Dannyokec,

The previous owner probably sold the car for this reason.

Book a free diagnostics at Coscharis. Call them to book an appointment like 3 - 5 days before your visit. They will give you a breakdown of the entire problem as well as a quotation to fix it there. Their quote might not be as steep as you thought or it will give you a reasonable guide even if you don't fix it with them.

Autojoshng

nurey:
the Golf 3 has refused to leave it's price range not because it's a German car, because it is one sort after ride and very solid. the fuel economy of that car is superb especially the 1.6L engine one but if you want something with speed to boost your prowess onroad, go for the 2.8 VR6 engine which is a speedster.

about the electrical it has to do with giving a car problem to a tailor to maintain or repair. if you can get a good mechanic and also do your research you will enjoy that ride.

On point. Well said.

geovidal:
thanks. the problem is my location, I am not based in Lagos, the disc was changed cos I also noticed shaking of the steering when applying break, though it has stopped

Hello Geovidal,

Location may not be that much of a barrier when it comes to getting the best. Your mechanic ought to have considered skimming the brake discs if the discs still have the permitted allowance, changing them should have been a second option. It is almost certain that the former would have resolved the issue.

Autojoshng

sehawale:
Benz Gurus,

Please i am about to buy a GL Class benz. I have asked different people (dealers, mechos, benz owners) the pros n cons specific to lagos in terms of parts availabilty, mechanics, resale value, performance, maintenance cost and frequency etc. on this car. I have heard contradicting opinions. This is why i am here.

Gurus should help me with the pros n cons so i can make up my mind for or against it. Thanks.

Hello Sehawale,

Year not stated. However, you will probably go with the one you fall in love with after inspecting and test driving them. The GL550 usually looks better kitted compared to the GL450 but a few parts will be more expensive. You may not bother yourself with comparing maintenance cost, parts, mechanics, performance etc as both vehicles are in the same league and all these parameters really don't matter.

You can focus on:

1) Having enough back up funds to maintain them if anything goes wrong.
2) Proactive maintenance.
3) Getting uncompromised parts. If you don't trust the parts you see in the market, go to the dealership or use the VIN to get them from the country the vehicle was used previously (probably USA).
4) Do a VIN check to know the history of the vehicle and ensure it has not been tampered with.
5) Be very weary of the air suspension.
6) Make sure your mechanic is an expert. Don't settle for less.
7) The GL450 is not necessarily cheaper to maintain compared to the GL550.

Autojoshng