₦airaland Forum

Devirus2:
Pls where can I find that oil weight cos I can't find it here in abuja.

Go to Gudu market, you will find it at major car dealers' shops.

MohammedObey1:
Please guys I need your help. Between Toyota Sienna and Picnic which one is more durable, reliable and easy to maintain+ fuel consumption.

MohammedObey1:
Please guys I need your help. Between Toyota Sienna and Picnic which one is more durable, reliable and easy to maintain+ fuel consumption.

The picnic and the Sienna can not be compared in terms of cost of maintenance and fuel economy. The Toyota Sienna is a 3.3l V6 engine while the picnic has a 1,998cc inline 4-cylinder engine. So they are miles apart.

However, having said that, both vehicles are very reliable and durable. Note that statistically, the picnic is one of the cheapest MPVs. The parts are cheap and available as well as mechanics. I have driven the picnic once in the UK from Buckley where I purchased to London on just £20 about (N5000) fuel then. I did not take note of the total mileage for the journey as it was less of a concern to me. The journey was more than 7 hours because I missed my way on several occasions. I still had enough fuel after it arrived Nigeria.

The picnic is a 5 passenger MPV while Sienna is a 7-8 passenger van. Although, 3 passengers can sit at the back of the picnic, but it would be very tight and uncomfortable. The picnic also has a diesel variant.

The choice is yours depending on your purpose of purchase.

There is not much of a difference between both cars. But the 2000-2001 models are a facelift with changes at the bumpers, taillight, front grille etc. The interior of both cars is essentially the same with the exception of the (perhaps) automatic seat position adjusting lever in the 2000-2001 models.

The share the same engine. In terms of aesthetic appeal, I think the 2000-2001 model has an upper hand.

megaik:
pls bravolad, I need more explanation on this cux I am already a victim. I was advised by my mechanic to help drop the engine temperature.

I believe your check engine light is on. One direct consequence is a drop in mpg. It will take a longer time for your engine to attain optimum temperature. This weakens the engine over time. Your fan is not designed to spin all the time.

The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant but by removing it, you have altered this function.
It is in your best interest to revert to pre-purchase status.

Siena:
[color=Blue]Just as I thought - you're using the wrong grade of oil! Don't you read your car's Owners Manual?
20W-50 oil is way too thick for a modern engine. It's primarily for much older engines, or later ones that have covered a million miles.
Your engine rattles on startup because the oil is too thick, and so does not circulate quick enough, your hydraulic tappets don't pressurise quick enough, and your VVT-I will struggle to work with that heavy oil. Toyota recommend 5W-20 or 5W-30. That glue you're running in your engine will kill it, with the camshafts being the first components to fail.
You don't state what oil filter is used on your engine during an oil change.[/color]

@Siena, this is a major problem with most car owners here in Abuja, especially those who drive modern engines. They use 20W-50 oil irrespective of what the manufacturer recommends. Some of them are ignorant of the recommendations of the car manufacturer while others feel that all oils are the same and achieve the same effect (lubrication). These group of owners, believe so much in roadside mechanics that whatever the so called mechanics tell them is right. They carry out oil change at petrol station where the guys that carry out the oil change are not even qualified as roadside mechanics.

There are still many other car owners who do not read their owner's manual, they tell you that they have been using cars for years and do not need manuals to maintain their vehicles. In this case, they use whatever oil they see available and tell you it does not matter.

I met an Airforce Officer who came to service his RX330 with 20w-50 oil grade. Because we have been discussing, when I saw that oil, I immediately told him that that oil is wrong for his SUV. Guess what he said? My dear I have been using this car with this oil for more than a year and have not had any issue with it. I told him the effect would not be immediately obvious, but that he is killing his engine by installments. I also told him to look up the right weight in his manual which he said he would do when he gets home because he removed the manual and kept it at home.

My point therefore, is that, most car owners in Nigeria do not necessarily bother about what oil specs to use or what the manual says. Often, cost is considered rather than the manufacturer's recommendations.

lomomike:
Lol, ordinary ABS pump. How much the engine go cost na?
Over priced toyota+over greedy Nigerian service centres giving Nigerian Toyota owners leaky pockets since 1960.

Sometime ago, someone paid 1.3 Naira to one of the Toyota dealerships in Abuja to replace his 07 camry engine. While some of us struggle to make money some don't and spend it recklessly. So @Lokomike don't be surprised.

It happens in Nigeria but only a few people practice it. Almost everybody in Nigeria is in a hurry, very impatient. In traffic, while waiting for the light to change, drivers start honking their horns. Annoyingly irritating. I have seen in the UK, once you approach the zebra cross every vehicle coming from the opposite direction comes to a screeching halt. But in Nigeria, drivers do not even understand why the markings are there.

The video shows human sympathy to those that deserve it. I am humbled by their humility and willingness to help.

Available research shows that the 2007 Toyota Camry records engine and tranny failure after a few thousand miles irrespective of engine oil and ATF. On different car fora, I have read about frustrations of owners even in the United States about engine and transmission failures. However, some other owners have amassed hundreds of thousands of miles with no problems. Please note that this problem is not Nigeria soecific but a global phenomenon.

I have also read about engine rebuild and how well it restores the engine. In this forum for instance, Siena has constantly emphasized the benefits of a rebuilt engine where guarantees are given for upto 3 years or a certain mileage. In Nigeria however, I do not believe such expertise exists. Although it is more expensive to rebuild an engine or a transmission. I would advise you run a scan, if nothing is discovered, use it till such a time your are unable to manage it and replace the engine.

Most of the established mechanic workshops including dealerships engage in engine replacement rather than rebuild.

Please kindly state the location of these vacancies. Thanks.

Got 55%. That's 10 out of 18

Genuine Toyota Type ATF T-IV Transmission Fluid. Pull your transmission dipstick, it is boldly written on it. Any other ATF could damage your tranny.

I know some people would be wondering; why this question? On several occasions over the years, while washing my car, some of my neighbours would be asking me, jokingly though; why don't you take your car to the car wash? Some would cynically say; you do not want operators of car wash to feed? Yet others would suggest you are stingy.

They say all manner of things to you through jokes but in the process pass strong messages. I remember on one occasion whilst changing the engine oil and filter of my camry by myself, a neighbour of mine asked; why don't you resign from your paid employment and establish a mechanic workshop? My response to him was that I need not resign my employment but that I love to carry out little repairs that I can comfortably do by myself. I feel a level of satisfaction once I accomplish a certain task in my car. Through research and observations, I have learnt a lot and can troubleshoot some symptoms in my vehicle. This also extends to some home repairs, I do them myself.

Even some of my friends, often times, make mockery of me when they see me wash my car. They say they would bring their cars so I can help them to wash it. My response has always been provided they can pay. Washing my car could take upto 2-3 hours especially when I have to wash the engine bay. I prefer to wash my car because it gives me joy, it's part of exercise and I do it better than most car wash centers.

I also realise that a lot of car owners feel too big to engage in the act of washing their cars themselves. A colleague of mine once told me that he can never condescend to washing his car. If his girl friend sees him doing it...how would she perceive him? I was extremely appalled at that statement. I have seen some well established guys carrying out repairs in their cars themselves. They are happy doing it.

While some do not want to get dirty, others feel they are too big to be seen doing that. No wonder many car owners do not understand anything about the car they drive everyday. I met a man at the bank last week who had a flat tyre struggling to loose the bolts. As I drove pass him, he gently approached me and asked; Please how do I loose the bolt? Do I turn the wheel spanner left or right? Of course, I parked and helped him loose it.

When it comes to automobiles, a lot of people here are greenhorns. Little wonders then, mechanics are the ones recommending engine oil and ATF to owners when the vehicles come with manuals. Even something as little as bumper whose bolts and pins holding it has fallen off can be fixed by owners without consulting a panel beater.

So fellow nairalanders, what is your take on this? Do you think it's right for owners to learn to fix certain aspects of their vehicles irrespective of their financial standing and positions in offices?

The argument about synthetic and conventional oil rages on, no end in sight yet. This discussion blossoms in most car blogs till date. While Toyota did not specifically advise owners to use synthetic oil for the 2005 Camry, they did state the oil weight (5W-30) to be used. This particular oil weight has the synthetic, semi-synthetic and conventional blends. I strongly believe that the choice of which to use is strictly personal based on financial strength. Using any of the variants would still achieve the same effect on the engine but the synthetic gives you the benefit of an extended OCI while still retaining its protective additives.

In Nigeria, just recently especially in Lagos, oil seller have started to import the conventional blend of 5W-30 and similar oil weights and ratings. You could spend the next 3 weeks searching for this conventional oil (5W-30) in with no success. By implication, it's cheaper than the synthetic and semi-synthetic blends. But the synthetic blend has become readily available almost everywhere in Nigeria, just the same way mobile 1 (0W-40) is readily available. The reason some car owners in this part of the world seem to favour mobile 1 0W-40 is because of its availability and the fact that it presents as a close substitute for the recommended weight provided it fulfills the SAE rating. This practice is not peculiar to Nigeria, it still obtains even in the United States.

As I said earlier, until recently, precisely 3 -4 years ago, synthetic blend of 5W-30 was an exclusive preserve of the rich who import their cars along side this particular engine oil rating. Back then, it was difficult for the most informed car owner who required this oil weight to service their cars. Consequently, some resort to 5W-30 as a close substitute. At least, I know some dudes who have refused to change to the required rating even after they became available. Still a lot more car owners feel there's no harm in using 20W-50 mostly mobile XHP as advised by road side mechanics. But this thinking, (perhaps, a cost saving measure) is not peculiar to those category of mechanics even the most established car dealers such as Elizade use 20W-50 drum oil to service cars. I surprisingly realized this in 2009 and ran away from them.

The battery essentially powers the engine including all electronics therein. The question should be...what is the quality of batteries available in Nigeria. I can bet it that most car owners here change batteries within a year or so of purchase. This stems from the poor quality batteries sold in the market. Regulation of standards for imported products is either non existence or poor, hence, sellers import all manner of low quality and substandard batteries from Taiwan, China, UAE, Korea etc. These batteries can hardly last beyond a year or at the very most 18 months.

It could be very embarrassing when your car battery suddenly fails leaving you stranded. The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is more like a rubber stamp institution. They are weak and doing nothing about the infiltration of the Nigerian markets with all manner of fake and substandard products. Often, the only option to get a qaulity product is to import from US and Europe. Whereas it is not everyone who owns a car has the capacity to import spare parts and accessories, it is pertinent for these sellers to realise that business is not just about profit but how lives are affected.

100Cents:
For records , cars of this shape have gear box issues. I own a Sienna and will never buy any car of this shape again unless I will get a free maintenance warranty from wherever.
These cars are very costly to maintain..

Your gearbox problem is one of the isolated cases of car reviews for Toyota Sienna. Gearbox failure rate for Sienna is low, especially if the right fluid is used. From experience and available statistics, tranny failures are a direct result of a number of factors such as fluid type, usage and change intervals. Except some well documented car models and brands that seem to fail at certain mileage owing to factory defect. Most often, owners use wrong transmission fluids and begin to cry foul when issues come up. It's been emphasized on this forum and else where, that the state of one's car is inversely proportional to maintenance habits vis-a-vis quality of parts used for such maintenance. In Europe, America and Asian countries, these vehicles amass hundreds of thousands of miles with no major issues but once they find they ways into Nigeria, they begin to fall apart within a few months of usage.

I still believe the Sienna has a better interior but do agree that the qaulity of the dashboard is abysmally poor and nothing to write home about. I use the XLE trim and it's fun to drive. Acceleration is unbelievably smooth and fast.

Comparatively, maintenance for any car is not very cheap if you use original replacement parts. Apart from fueling in which case the Sienna with an awesome 20 gallons, every other thing is pretty much the same with other vehicles. The only caveat about the Sienna is the sliding door, which requires regular maintenance depending upon usage.

In conclusion, we see beauty in different ways (subjective). It's also subject to different levels of interpretation. So, any day, anytime, I go for the Sienna.

oweniwe: ehn Look-at-ew.......
U didn't see wia i said 02 sienna?
Don't u know that certain defect are perculiar to certain cars/model years alone that no matter how much you maintain the car, the defect will come out.....
D door handle palava and rear suspension issues.... If u deny its a sienna problem, den you havent used sienna frequently...
So cos my sienna has suspension issue means its poorly maintained? There are brand new cars whose transmission failed or engine packed up after 30,000 miles.... Those ones are poorly maintained abi? All the toyota engines with stripped head bolt and sludge issues, they're poorly maintained too? 05 Nissan pathfinder's radiator defect that could result in coolant finding its way into the engine is due to poor maintenance?? Do you know what factory defect is?
Abeg, i dont have your time.

You seem to have a comprehension problem. Perhaps, you need to read my post once again. You just muddled things up. I itemized my responses based on your comments earlier. An effeciency and reliable car won't have a transmission failure at 30000 miles. It has little or nothing to do with maintenance.

Application of force to any car door handle would certainly break it, so it's not peculiar to that model of Sienna. More so, some of these things wear out with age and time.

You may need to sanitize your A/C vents with a specialized equipment. If you are in Abuja, you can send me a pm so I tell you where to go.

I have actually read a lot of comments concerning this accident and the reference to superstitions and supositions, typical of Nigerians. Have we looked at the condition of the driver while driving? His/her speed? The condition of the car before the accident? Anything from carelessness to malfunction in the car could have caused the accident?

It's wrong to attribute accidents of this nature to witches and witchcrafts. Nigerians are so religious yet very unGodly.

oweniwe: the odyssey is more loaded than the sienna.....
Naija peeps avoid d odyssey coz of its 1999-2003 years transmission issues.
Also, the car doesnt tolerate much engine abuse unlike d sienna u can drive about with CEL on.
.

I disagree with some of the points above. The interior of the Odyssey might be just a little better in term of the quality of dashboard. However, the exterior of the Sienna is a lot better than the Odyssey. Transmission failure is a major problem that requires an expensive fix. So nobody wants it irrespective of your financial status. Tolerance to abuse is a sure sign of reliability and efficiency.

oweniwe: A well maintaned odyssey will dust the sienna (assuming they're same trim).

How did you arrive at this?

oweniwe: The sienna's rear suspension noise, bland+boring interior and fragile plastics are most annoying.

You need to be specific. Which model of the Sienna has a rear noisy suspension? This is misinformation. Perhaps, the one you drove lacks proper car and maintenance. Hence, your faulty generalization...! Get your facts right.

oweniwe: I will never forget the day i wanted to open the passenger door dad's 02 sienna and the door's handle just scattered in my hand. I was so shocked
I nor go lie, sienna's engine and gear are rugged sha.
avoid the 1999-03 year..... 2005 ^

Apparently, this is an obvious sign of lack of care and maintenance. A poorly maintained car door handles would fall apart irrespective of brand and model. Just for your information, while the Sienna and the Odyssey share the same sliding door platforms, the Sienna is a lot more rugged, reliable and easy to fix than the Odyssey. The cost is a function of who does the work for you.

Congratulations @charly24 for your new car. Good to know you finally settled for a camry. Remember, as you have been advised, proper maintenance is vital to peace of mind in car ownership.

The recommended oil for that model is 5W-30 or 10W-30. These grades of engine oil are available in conventional and synthetic blends. The choice of which blend to use is purely personal. Depending on your driving condition(s), Oil Change Interval is 5000 miles.

No matter the circumstance, do not remove your thermostat and ensure your fans are not connected directly. As part of oil change, clean your air filter. It's a bad habit to rev up your engine in the morning as a way to warm the engine. Allow your engine to idle for about 1-2 minutes before driving off.

It's also worthy of note to change your timing belt at 90000 miles as Toyota recommended although it's not an interference engine but you will be stuck if it snaps. Generally, the car is reliable and dependable if properly handled.

Enjoy your ride.

P.S. Please use Toyota coolant for your expansion tank and not water. The red colour is conventional while the pink colour is an upgrade.

Quite a good number of such drivers here in Abuja. I meet them everyday. The taxi drivers are the worst culprits. I avoid them at all cost, no pride or arrogance. I just show courtesy and stop to allow them have their way. In comparison, most of the times, you have a better or neater ride than them so why risk the scratch and regret afterwards.

Truth24: Mmmmm I thought u're gonna realize d water was filled by some marine spirits from ur village....
well tank God u didn't...

Such assumption would apparently be the beginning of one's problem. Tackle issues as they arise rather than recourse to superstition and old traditional voodoos.

edozie04: Seriously??If I was in your shoes I would have sued them,am 200 percent sure they will buy a new vehicle for me for that singular act

Peaceful resolution of conflict is tantamount to harmony and tranquility.

@mayor2013, the fuel pump looked ok but clogged. That's the reason it was cleaned. In addition to location of their storage tanks, I thought fuel stations should have different layers of filter to monitor water infiltration into their system. A lot of people grapple with this problem without knowing its source.

Before I share this experience, I must say that life is a learning process and we learn on a Daily basis. Caution, carefulness and approach are a vital ingredients in conflict resolution. This is a slightly lengthy story.

On September 23, 2014, I had less than a quarter tank fuel left or just about that so I drove into a fuel station (name withheld) that I regularly use in Abuja. For safety reasons, I have deliberately omitted the name of the petrol station. I shall explain my reason for this decision a little later. As I drove into the fuel station, there was no queue so I headed straight on to one of the attendants who beckoned me forward. Before he started, I made sure the meter was wiped off from the last person attended to and ensured I was not swindled.

While my tank was almost full, I observed that the colour of the fuel was reddish hue (brownish) a little different from the the normal fuel colour. I expressed my concern but the man quickly dispelled my fears by saying that they are a reputable oil company and would not engage in any image tarnishing venture.

My tank was filled with approximately 73.86 liters. Thereafter, I left but shortly afterwards, less than a mile away, my check light came on and the vehicle switched off in the middle of the road. I made a desperate unsuccessful attempts to restart it but to no avail. I got off and placed my "C" caution behind as a warning to other motorists that I was in distress. I thought for a while; my vehicle has neither switched off on the road nor stop in such a manner. What could be the problem? I opened the bonnet but nothing seemed to be wrong.

The next thought was to call the garage I use. So I put a call across to them. He asked if I did anything on the vehicle and I said no. Meanwhile, I told him that he knows that if I had any problems his garage is my first point of call. I then told him that I just bought fuel. His response was; wow! That's the culprit. "They sold water to you". He then suggested I go back to the fuel station to complain to them. It is their responsibility to ensure that the water is removed from my fuel tank. The mechanic at this time was certain that water was responsible for what happened to the vehicle.

I said ok. But how do I convince anybody that my vehicle stopped after I bought fuel. After all, so many other vehicles buy fuel from the same station without experiencing the same problem on my hands right now. As I went into the fuel station, so many cars were streaming in to buy fuel. First, I went to the man that attended to me. I already know his name because I usually take note of that. I asked him if he could remember me that I just bought fuel from him. He said yes and also remembered our discussion about the colour of their fuel. I quickly thought "good, at least no denial. A step forward". I told him I'm afraid there's water in the fuel he sold to me. Surprisingly, he asked me; how are you sure your vehicle stopped because you bought fuel? I said it is my car and I know it is very sound and had no problem prior to my buying fuel at their station. He then said as a precautionary measure, they test for water before commencing sales everyday. It could not have been from them. A customer whom he was serving at that point with a 2007 Camry quickly interjected: but all of us are buying the same fuel? How come no other person is complaining? I felt like a loner...but I countered him immediately by saying that it's a possibility.

Then I requested to see the manager. He invited some other people in the same uniform as his but very calm and cautious of my choice of words, I insisted on speaking with the manager. When the manager came, I explained to him what happened and what my mechanic said. Amazingly, the manager did not object/argue but requested that their mechanic must verify to ascertain what could be responsible.

The mechanic, two other people and myself set out to the place. Alas, the mechanic's checks confirmed water in my tank and as a matter of fact, a lot of it. We managed to take the vehicle back to the fuel station. At this point, the manager and other employees of the fuel station were actually very apologetic to me.
Realizing that it could become a scandal the manager promised that they would bear whatever the cost of rectifying it. Before then, my mechanic has informed me that the only way to avoid a perennial problem with my vehicle was to bring the fuel tank down and the clean the injector nozzles with injector cleaner.

They happily agreed to do all those. Initially, I insisted to carry out the work at my mechanic workshop but the station manager voiced out his only concern of scandal in which case the garage may now use it as a reference point. I saw reason with this critical thinking but my fear was how competent their mechanic/electrician would be. After an assurance that they would do a good job, I caved in.

So the following day, I went for the work. When my fuel filter was removed, it was covered in dirt. So dirty that sooner or later, it may fail. Finally, it was cleaned, refitted and my fuel refilled from a different pump. The job lasted about 5 hours.

One fascinating thing was the humility of the manager, his prompt response and decision making and of course, willingness to accept a mistake and address it head-on. He also suspended that particular pump and told me he had written a report about it. Now, for this singular act of sincerity, I have decided I would not mention the name of the fuel station because I am satisfied with their service. I would always patronize and recommend them. I believe it was a mistake. If I had gone in screaming and shouting...perhaps, I would get a different result. I learnt to approach any situation with calm and caution.

Lastly, kudos to the garage I use (Autogenesis, 86, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Abuja) for knowing exactly where to probe. A road side mechanic may have fumbled with it and damaged other things.

It's not completely correct to say that Nigerias prefer fairly used cars (tokunbo) to the new ones. Rather financial resources play a major role in determining what kind of car an individual buys. The real situation is that people prefer to buy the fairly used Japanese and German cars to their Korean counterparts due largely in part to the cost of maintenance over a long time, reliability, efficiency, resale value etc. the above variables are important because if someone wants to buy a 2004 Hona Accord for instance, he may have a budget of N1.7. This amount obviously cannot buy a brand new accord of the said year and may not also buy a brand new Kia of equal status to the Accord in terms of engine size and body build. Hence, a used car becomes an immediate choice.

To some extent, this preference is also influenced by "taste". I would prefer a fairly used camry to a brand new Kia Optima of the same year, in which case the variables I listed above also become a factor. Again, the price of the used camry can not also buy the brand new Kia Optima of the same year. So finance is very key to determining one's choice.

Another determinant factor is performance. In comparison, the handling and the kind of joy you derive driving an FX35 would not be the same with Hyundai ix35, even though the former is a 3.5l engine but there's some kind of similarities in front headlights, rear tail gate design, rear tail lights, even the wheels. Most buyers can't afford the brand new model of the FX35 but can afford the used one. Yet, majority of these category of buyers can afford the brand new Hyundai ix35 by adding a small amount the cost of the used but would prefer the FX.

It's owned by Peter Okoye. So what gift do you have for me for getting it right?

talk2odim: Hello Sieana, i am very sorry to digress a bit but i really need to be comforted with your unparalleled auto skills, knowledge and guidance.
I have been having this noticeable vibration on my 2009 camry le (4 cylinders) this prompted me to go for a comprehensive scan. The results gave a P0560, P0441, C1300 and U0073.
The auto mechanic says the P0560 error could mean a damaged ECU. Now this got me a bit confused. i need to know if a defective ECU will still be able to render errors codes et al. The car appears to drive fine but vibrates intermittently.
The plugs are new and the recommended Denso SK20R11 iridium tipped plugs. How does one know if an ECU is defective and is there anyone in the house that could refer a professional that can help sort this out?
I am open to useful suggestions before i get ripped off!!! Esteemed car gurus over to u.........
two additional codes now involved: C1300 and U0073.
At first thought I was prompted to change all the plugs, have the throttle body cleaned and the injector serviced. The serpentine belt is confirmed to be fine/hard. The alternator fine and also the battery. The idle rpm is btw 750 and 800 and drops to around 700 when engaged in gear (sometimes btw 650 and 600) yet it vibrates noticeably. This was what prompted the need for the comprehensive scan which revealed the codes. I sense the auto mech is trying to rip me off with the damaged brain box line thereby causing me to require the need for someone with your renowned skills esp since he is saying something about the brain box which he is not being assertive on. I don’t want to gamble on this.

It's always important to mention your location while seeking assistance to enable people know where to refer you. However, I also think you should open a new thread for this. That way, you get more responses.

In any case, I doubt that your ECU is damaged. Whatever happens, don't touch your ECU. Take your vehicle to another competent garage for a much better scan where they would print the result for you. It would be your choice to allow them carry out any repairs they discover or you go else where. If you are in Abuja, there are a few places you can go.

In this part of the world, some people erroneously believe that a car is an asset. Some also associate car ownership with wealth and there's this weird thinking "I have arrived". It may look as though there is nothing wrong for a 24 year old man to buy a car of N3.5, but in reality, there's more to it. That automatically puts you in a class, with more people prying into your personal life. This venture also has the potential to derail his/her focus. Depending on resources, in the nearest future, it makes it difficult to use a car in a lower category. Ironically, this guy still lives with his/her parents. Eventually, when looking for a house, your brand of car would also influence your choice of apartment. And from the OP 's tone, the guy wants to acquire the ride just to show off, intimidate/oppress and impress his/her cronies.

Most parents would not allow their children to engage in an ostentatious lifestyle even when they seemingly have the money to. But would rather encourage them to invest for the future. After all, the words of the elders are the words of WISDOM.

Peer pressure only often influences peers who yield in. I believe with the right upbringing albeit the right choice, a substantial part of peer pressure could be subdued. I for one, in my early years, fifteen or thereabouts; while in secondary school, almost all my friends smoked but I never did. Till today. Some guys also say their kind of business requires them to own luxury cars in order to attract more businesses but we all know it's a hype. In Abuja for instance, a lot of these "never-do-well contractors" buy these cars with this unfounded belief but after a few years or even months of ownership, they begin to struggle with them. Your car never wins you a contract, but trust and honesty do.

A 2009 Toyota Highlander may not necessarily be a papa's ride but will project the image of the owner (early 20s) and that of his/her parents within their neighborhood. I also want to believe that "his parents are not living in a rented apartment". The vehicle at N3.5 would depreciate as soon as it leaves the dealership. But again, depending on the regularity of his/her income and his willingness to accept challenges thereof, this decision may affect other aspect of his lifestyle.

nurey: I don't know whether my odometer reads in miles or km, I need you to help me clarify how to know whether my odo is reading miles or km and explanation how to differentiate both
Pix attached is for my trip A and total trips. Thanks in advance.

Your odometer in miles. It is clearly stated on the left side of the figures (odo 92925). So you have 92,925 miles.

Oil Change Interval is a combination of different factors. In defining "extreme driving conditions", the vehicle manufacturer considered a number of things:
1. Short trips of less than 5 miles (which do not allow the engine to warm-up)
2. Constantly driving in dusty areas in which case engine is at a low speed most of the time.
3. Driving in traffic (traffic here does not refer to traffic lights but gridlocks. In Abuja for instance, We hardly have this level of traffic situation except for those who live in Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba and its environs). This is what they call "stop and go driving". Most city driving will generally fall under category 1 above.
4. Towing a trailer or regularly carrying heavy loads
5. Driving in a very hot or very cold weather.

If you drive in any of those conditions, you will consider your driving to be severe. Therefore, oil change will be in line with the manufacturer's recommendations.

I use myself as an example, I live in Abuja and drive within the city everyday and drive moderately. I change my engine oil at 5000 miles or 6 months. I also use synthetic oil and 6 months because at this point, the oil starts to loose some of those protective additives. I have not done an oil analysis to determine this but available research seem to conform with it.

But again, I tell people that going by the manufacturer's recommendation would never endanger your vehicle. This is in terms of the oil viscosity and change interval.

However, some people argue about our weather as the reason for the frequency of oil change but Nigeria can not be considered in the category of severe weather as indicated on point 5 above with the adjective "very".

While recommending engine oil for their brand of vehicles, manufacturers are not region specific. Irrespective of country of assembly, they are aware that these vehicles will be used in different countries with weather variations including the hottest regions. These engines are also tested at maximum low-temperature cranking and pumping viscosities as well as a minimum high temperature or high shear viscosity at 150*C.

So the best option for car owners is to go with the manufacturer's recommended viscosity. Certainly, you would never go wrong.

auto001: Colour: WINE!!
Mileage : 125k + Miles
Electric Glass Sunroof
Alloy wheels
5 Speed Automatic Gearbox
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Very Chilling A/C
4 Wheel ABS
AM/FM Stereo + CD Changer + 6Speakers with steering control
Adjustable Steering Wheel
Automatic Daytime Running Lights
child Safety Locks
Cruise Control
Emergency Trunk Release
Engine Immobilizer
Intermittent Wipers
Keyless Entry
Pass-Through Rear Seat
Power Door Locks
Power Mirror(s)
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defroster
Tilt + Telescopic Steering Wheel
Overdrive
Two remote keys and one ordinary key all three keys comes with the car buy drive anywhere you like smiley
PRICE : 1.5M ONLY
For Pictures and inspection please kindly reach me on 08128364895 bbm 7617c773

auto001: Colour: WINE!!
Mileage : 125k + Miles
Electric Glass Sunroof
Alloy wheels
5 Speed Automatic Gearbox
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Very Chilling A/C
4 Wheel ABS
AM/FM Stereo + CD Changer + 6Speakers with steering control
Adjustable Steering Wheel
Automatic Daytime Running Lights
child Safety Locks
Cruise Control
Emergency Trunk Release
Engine Immobilizer
Intermittent Wipers
Keyless Entry
Pass-Through Rear Seat
Power Door Locks
Power Mirror(s)
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defroster
Tilt + Telescopic Steering Wheel
Overdrive
Two remote keys and one ordinary key all three keys comes with the car buy drive anywhere you like smiley
PRICE : 1.5M ONLY
For Pictures and inspection please kindly reach me on 08128364895 bbm 7617c773

auto001: Colour: WINE!!
Mileage : 125k + Miles
Electric Glass Sunroof
Alloy wheels
5 Speed Automatic Gearbox
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Very Chilling A/C
4 Wheel ABS
AM/FM Stereo + CD Changer + 6Speakers with steering control
Adjustable Steering Wheel
Automatic Daytime Running Lights
child Safety Locks
Cruise Control
Emergency Trunk Release
Engine Immobilizer
Intermittent Wipers
Keyless Entry
Pass-Through Rear Seat
Power Door Locks
Power Mirror(s)
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defroster
Tilt + Telescopic Steering Wheel
Overdrive
Two remote keys and one ordinary key all three keys comes with the car buy drive anywhere you like smiley
PRICE : 1.5M ONLY
For Pictures and inspection please kindly reach me on 08128364895 bbm 7617c773

This post is wrong. Kindly open another thread for your sale.

GreenWorld: Please don't get worked up. Do the needful by posting your price here. I dont know why some overnight dealers will alway put all their life problems on the price of their car.
2. Just as someone said above, anyone that buys this car for N900k is insane, considering it has been used in Nigerian for over 7 yes and you want to sell for N1.3m. Buyers here are well informed and no one will fall for this SCAM.
I challenge you to post your price here if it is not ridicolous

Though the right thing would have been for the OP to reveal his price, but if he refuses to do that; I suggest you move on and look for other cars if truly you want to buy. The price at which he sales is entirely his business provided the buyer is willing to pay. The benefits of posting a car with the price can not be over-emphasized as some buyers are immediately attracted to a car because of price. You are also picking unnecessary quarrel with him. Totally uncalled for. If you are still interested in the car, for goodness sake, call him and negotiate.

Clearly, he's put in a lot of money and time towards the maintenance of the car. Notwithstanding, I feel it's high.