₦airaland Forum

Ikenna351: When seeked for an advice from an average Nigerian mechanic about a car you are interested in to purchase, he would tell you, "Don't buy car A, because the engine cost 200k to replace, while the auto gear cost 350k. Buy car B instead, because the gear cost 60k, while the engine cost 45k." It may not sound professional, since engine ought to last lifetime of the car. But in Nigeria and for most Nigeria used cars, this fear do come to pass.
You told us you are an "income earner", even though I still haven't understood what that means. But I would take it you meant "low income earner". Now, have you bothered to find out how much the tokunbo engines of these 3 costs? What about the cost of their auto transmissions? Which among the 3 can you afford to replace, with your income if one of them fails during the ownership of the car?
One of the 3 cars you mentioned, their engines are prone to oil sludge. Meaning, to own such a car, you have to be replacing the engine oil like the current owners do: every month, 2 months or at least 3 months and not more than that. Some people said on this very section that they made the attempt to wait till 6 months for oil change even with fully synthetic but their engines suffered dearly with sludge issue. Can you afford to be bringing out some thousands from your monthly income to be replacing your engine oil if you go for the car with this issue? But then, the 2nd car in the list, the oil change interval can last 6 months or more, without having to lose the engine from oil sludge.
One of the cars you mentioned, the owners said in this very section that their engine harness (wires) at some point or mileage will expire. And that the only solution is to replace the entire engine harness and the problem will be gone. Can you deal with that annoyance with your income?
One of the cars you mentioned is known for frequent shock absorbers failure. while another car in your list, the suspension last ages before they give up, even though they may be pricey. Which of them can you live with?
One the 3 brands you mentioned don't have much mechanics that understand their systems. Meaning, you will have to start learning how to do some of basic checks and repairs yourself. Are you willing to do that or pay higher at workshops each time the starts misbehaving?
If you stay in Abuja, visit APO mechanic village. Start from Benz line. Find out how many Benz engines and transmissions are sold from that line on "weekly" basis. Then, go to Japanese line, beside France line, find out how many Toyota engines and transmissions are sold on "daily" basis. Then, visit Honda line, the last line on that market. Find out how many transmissions they sell on "daily" basis.
At the end, which of them can you afford to keep on the road from your income? Which of them will have higher cost of maintenance at end of every 6 months for you?
I could go on and on, but it wont help you if I continue. So, have you considered the cons of each of those cars you listed or are you carried away with their pros? Have you asked the right questions that will help you know what you are getting yourself into?
If you were buying tokunbo, there would high probability that you wont meet any of the cars annoyances until after a long time of usage, depending on your maintenance culture. But for a Nigeria used car, hmm! Only very few were lucky to have gotten a well maintained ones that don't give them headaches. You may be that lucky, you may be not. But you need to be prepared for the worse. I won't sign up for any class that teaches "It's not my Portion". Its no ones portion. You only learn how to deal with one, when God says its your time to handle a situation or condition. Like Jim Rohn once said, " Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills to deal with them. Don't wish for it was easier, wish it you were better. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom". My own school of thought is this, "Accept a challenge, because you cant grow without one". I am where i am today in Auto industry because I took up a challenge I encountered when I bought my 505 V6 and dealt with it. Now, people seek to tap the knowledge I acquired when I overcame that challenge. Like I said, you cant grow without one.
Ikenna

I disagree with most of the things you wrote above. 70-80% of the time! buyers do not consider the cost of an engine or transmission as a basis for buying a particular brand of car. Failures thereof arose out of the wrong use of Automatic Transmission Fluid other than the recommended one. Some other time, car owners wait an awful long period of time before replacing fluid. The same thing can be said of engine oil change. Most owners use wrong oil viscosity in Nigeria instead of what is recommended for their vehicles. One case study is the use of 20W-50 for all car models irrespective of manufacturer's recommended oil. Yet some others who use the right oil wait until they notice some kind of abnormal sound in their engines before they replace the oil. Another typical example of abuse of cars is Nigerians using Abro ATF for Nissan Murano which has a CVT transmission.

You talked about sludge. This is a direct outcome of using the wrong oil. I agree that some Toyota engines are prone to sludge, but if you do your OCI at the right time with the required oil, you will have less to do with sludge. For your information, I used a Toyota Camry 2001 model for more than three (3) years and never experienced any of the things you mentioned. The guy that bought the car lives and works in Abuja, he tells me the car still still drives like brand new. He has neither replaced his tranny or engine. Additionally, even if you use the best synthetic oil, provided it is not the recommended grade, you most likely would grapple with sludge.

Else where, we collectively agreed that the health of your car is directly proportional to your maintenance habits. Whereas the Camry/Toyota to some extent can accept this level of abuse, some other brands may not. This is the crux of this discussion. However, just to show the ignorance of an average Nigerian car owner. Last week, I went to check the alignment of my vehicle (Toyota Sienna 2004). While I was waiting for my turn, some men were discussing the effect of Thermostat on an engine. One of the who uses my same kind of Sienna tries to justify why he removed his thermostat and connected his fan directly. He said Nigeria is a tropical country, therefore, there was no need for a thermostat in an automobile. First, I told him that the fan is not mearnt to spin at all time and that it's wrong for him to have removed the thermostat. The next thing he said was that I should not insult him and that by the way; he's an Electrical Engineer. I told him that Toyota categorically and unequivocally stated that the thermostat should not be removed. He continued to argue and I asked him to bring his manual so I can show him. He was shocked to realise that he has goofed. Tell me why this man would not replace his engine or even transmission soon? He has a manual but never read it. This is the typical scenario for most car owners in Nigeria. They prefer to ask roadside mechanics about what kind of oil to use or what parts to buy. What do you expect?

The point I'm making with the above is that, if you stick with the routine maintenance of your car in accordance with manufacturer's recommendation, there will be less issues to deal with. Every vehicle requires attention. Whether or not you understand what OP mearnt by being an income earner is immaterial, a well maintained Camry would be less expensive to keep than a well maintained Benz.

The Camry suspension you also talked about as being susceptible to failure depends equally on the state of your road. Mercedes suspension may last longer but I can assure you that that of the Camry does not fail as such. I used mine for more than three (3) years and never changed it.

But of course, the onus is on the OP to decide on what he wants. For him, there is no confusion. We are not talking about class, prestige or social standing but the ability to keep a car going for a longer time frame.

ZIMDRILL: whats the use of the wipers in the 1st place ?

You just collaborated my thought.

aAK1: I've been seeing car between the year 1996 /1999 and from all indication, were Lagos cleared. I would want to know if the prohibition is strictly followed or is there a way around it?

Your question in unclear. Are asking to know if you can import cars between 1996 and 1999? Or you want to be sure that certain cars of these years you saw were actually cleared via the Lagos port?

In any case, you can still import those cars and genuinely clear them through Tincan Port but with slightly higher import duty of N220,000 and N250,000 depending on your clearing agent.

He must have tampered with the ABS SENSOR. There's an ABS wire that runs from the engine bay to the area around the caliper and the hub. You can look through to ensure that the switch is properly connected. I'm sure that if this is done the ABS light will go off.

Hope this helps.

iykbethany: Great imput/write up.
Am still checking if it's worth the troubles, when you add the conversion fees, parts to buy, risks involved plus workmanship it seems better to just buy left hand drive van from other parts of Europe or USA.

One of the ways to recoup your expenses is to buy somethings that you would sale in Nigeria and ship them along with the van. Your real cost would be covered by the items in the van itself. That way, the van gets into Nigeria at a very low cost. This venture also depends on how much you have. Your cost including conversion should be lower than the cost of the van's equivalent from Europe/USA at least by N200,000 to N300,000.

Ford Transit (long or short frame) should be a good option.

Indeed, it is a joy to read and hear people speak highly of Calculusx. An indication we still have a few sincere, trust worthy and genuine car dealers on nairaland who match words with action. Apparently, others have become his advocate, collaborating experiences. Certainly, this honesty and openness has the capacity to win him more trust which will lead to business opportunities in the long run. This also has the characteristic of persuading someone who does not believe in pre-order to give it a shot.

This suffice it to say that trust in business is built over time. It is not achieved overnight. What else can I say, Calculusx and the likes...more power to your elbow.

FlyboyZee: You sound one of those Joes on the street who feels a Toyota is everything. Never ever ever compare a Toyota Camry to a Mercedes Benz C-class. The C-class is in the same category as the Toyota Corolla and not the Camry. The C Class regularly comes with a 1.8l engine except for tushed up models. It is a continuation of the Benz E190, as in another name for the 190. Your arguments would have been valid, but they made no sense as soon as you started comparing the Camry to the C class. It seems like comparing a goat to a cow or an 18 year old boy to a 35 year old man.

Perhaps, I need a nairaland translator to understand the above write-up...

abatically: You are so wrong man. A Mercedes Benz C class is not in the same class as a Toyota corolla. In fact the cheapest C class will buy 2 corollas brand new. It is even more expensive than the highest Camry trim. A C class is a compact executive (luxury) sedan while a Toyota Corolla is a sub compact sedan. Yes both are compact but one is entry level luxury while the other is a passenger car. It is only fair to compare a C class to a Camry, the C class (though compact) is even more luxurious than a camry.

Good reaction to that. I could not have said it better.

In the UK, their vehicles are mostly right hand drive though left hand drive is permissible but with a huge tax and special permit. In Nigeria, left hand drive is permitted but you need a special permit (which I think requires annual renewal) to be able to drive right hand car. But trust me, even with that permit, you will have a hard time with law enforcement agents such as the police, VIO, FRSC and sometimes, the military guys at check points will harass you. Why would you want to go through this headache just to own a van?

It is better to convert it and have lesser issues to deal with. Important to note is that most of the Toyota picnic and Ford Transit used for transport in Nigeria are imported from the UK and converted. I have personally imported about 5 vehicles from from the UK on different occasions. I currently have two converted cars in my fleet of taxi in Abuja and they are all doing great. I believe perhaps, your fear is based on issues that arise with conversion in Nigeria. But as I said, trust me, there are no worries if done by a professional with complete replacement of the entire dashboard, steering rack, wiring harness etc. I speak about cars of the 1990s and 2000 models only. I have not converted a recent model but have seen an RX330 that was also converted. Looked and drove great when I saw it last year in Lagos.

It important to emphasis that some those cars in the UK are cheap because they are older models and attract more tax.

A has right of way, then B and C can go simultaneously since they are going to the opposing direction. There is no obstruction between B and C.

We have enjoyed loads of physics tutorials and mechanical engineering here. It's fun and enriching. However, insults is an aberration on a forum like this. Personally, I see anybody that insults and abuses the other as being immature, rude, intolerance and narrow-minded. I belong to other fora and blogs where people disagree to agree on different topics but never use abusive and/or insulting language.

Sometimes, there's a tendency to slightly and temporarily derail a thread based on counter responses to subject matters but never degenerate to insults. I have observed that this is a trend across nairaland. Surely, not a good omen. The first response to certain threads start with insults to the original post. An absolute no no and a turn off.

This is where effective moderating is required, though depending on what the owner of the site wants.

Ikenna351: Because she said no to abuse and stuck to it. I could remember then, she was always calling me to educate her on how to keep her Benz in good shape and I didn't hesitate to tell her the secret, "Preventative Maintenance and NO to abuse", and she kept it. Even till that yesterday, she didn't allow them touch her thermostat, not to think of mess with the viscous fan. I couldn't help but admire her spirit. Unfortunately, the same Benz model, you will see my fellow men saying the car is problematic, its a gas guzzler, its that or its this.

I think we are all in agreement that buying a well maintained car is key to peace of mind in addition to also cultivating good maintenance habits for onward retainment. However, I also do not think, in the context of the poster's enquiry that anybody has said (at least on this thread) that a 1999 C class Guzzles petrol or that it is problematic. But in comparison to a 1999 2.2 Toyota Camry, the former is less fuel efficient and would cost more to keep in the long run. That's the pivot of this discussion.

People buy cars relative to their ability to replace parts, fuel, delay certain maintenance work on the car for about a week or more depending on financial circumstance, and of course, enjoy a reasonably seamless resale for value of the car. Now the Camry can achieve the above effect with ease unlike the Benz.

This is a positive dilemma for your friend. Accept my congratulations on his behalf. Having said that, Commercial Assistant relates to marketing I want to presume. In that case, he could have more opportunities to meet people and have a real-time office environment experience albeit learning office etiquette. In the long run, he could get a better offer or move up the ladder in this role.

On the other front, the teaching job may offer him more time to engage in other things especially during vacation. But then, he would not have requisite work experience to pursue a career in other areas except in teaching. Teaching will also limit him from pushing for any other career.

Apart from his academic background, his aptitude and choice are key to any decision he would make. Follow your dreams for the hold endless possibilities for you.

cne010: @bravolad I just can't comprehend how you guys compare fuel economy. Benz is less economical really? On what terms? What engine are you comparing?
Is the 1999 Camry v6 more economical than the 1999 Class C180?
Please if you want to compare economy state the engines in question. If the OP gets a 1999 C180 it's more economical than the 1999 Camry 2.2.
One thing is for certain if the OP is a car guy he won't even ask any question he must have done his research and gone with his desired car. If you don't have a passion for German engineering why throw a Benz in the equation.

Seeking opinions from a car forum isn't a bad thing to do. It's done all over the world. Sometimes, other opinions help to hone an individual's taste(s)and choice(s).

When making a comparison, you compare an apple to an apple. If you read my comment well, I did not compare the v6 models of both cars. Both cars may not necessarily be compared but on the premise of the poster's need, the Camry is a lot more economical both in terms of fueling and over all maintenance cost.

Yes, no two cars attract the same cost of maintenance. But for a daily driver, commuting between his/her office and home, running errands, visiting friends and traveling occasionally, it makes economic sense to go with the Camry. I speak from experience as well. I have used the 2001 model of the Camry and can discuss it extensively. I also have a lawyer friend who uses the 1999 C class Benz. Over the past six (6) months, he's put up the Benz for sale because of associated cost of maintenance. He's not been able to get a buyer for the value of the car.

In as much as some people don't buy cars with the intention to resale in the future, I dare say that majority of car owners in Nigeria have resale value in mind when buying a particular car. OP is a salary earner and surely would love to recoup some of the money he/she invested in buying the car.

The decision to buy a specific brand of car depends on what the buyer wants out of a car. There a consensus of opinion on this thread concerning the Toyota Camry due mainly to reliability, durability, spare parts availability, mechanics are easily come by and above all, the car can absorb some abuse as someone observed.

On the other hand, the Benz could be durable and reliable (both words are used loosely) but what about mechanics and parts? It also has a poor fuel efficiency in comparison to the Camry. Performance in handling around curves is great and also a beautiful design for the Benz. Across the various trims, it has and average mpg 20 city/26.3 hwy whereas the Camry has an average mpg 23 city/30.7 across trims excluding the V6. In the long run, it will cost you more to keep the Benz than the Camry.

Within your budged, if you need a car for aesthetic, social status and performance, the Benz is your best bet. But if you need a car for daily commute, the Camry has an excellent reliability rating, low maintenance, good gas mileage and a good resale value at some point. Remember, your car is as good as you keep it.

Yes, they have have the right to request for your custom papers irrespective of the number of years the car has been in use. As Gazzuzz rightly said, use your discretion when addressing them if you have a fake custom paper.

Even after either years of car usage in Nigeria, you can only brag if you have genuine custom papers. Your vehicle could be impounded with a fake custom papers and nothing will happen. Manner of approach is very key.

blestman: i just got a nigeria used camry 2007 and drove it from lagos to owerri . car couldnt accelerate beyond 80km/h in benin. a mechanic changed d transmission oil and the problem stopped. but after a week while tryin to drive out the engine stopped and refuse to restart even after tryin to jump start it wit anoda car battery. now d mechanic is sayin d fault is not from the battery or starter but that the engine has seize and he will need to bring down the engine of the car. please i need urgent advice..

Based on the faulty code (p0986) you posted, I did a little research and these are the possible causes:
Faulty engine control module (ECM)
Dirty Transmission Fluid (probably solved since transmission has been replaced if the right fluid was used)
Low Transmission Fluid level (ensure you have adequate level in the transmission via the dipstick)
Faulty pressure control solenoid valve E
Pressure control solenoid valve E harness is open or shorted
Pressure control solenoid valve E circuit poor electrical connection

By implication, your check engine light is on. You will need to explain this to a competent mechanic. Alternatively, go to a competent garage to have a comprehensive scan. Most often, they should be able to fix whatever the problem.

One LESSON you must learn, the hard way though, is not to jump to buying a Nigerian used car without getting a competent mechanic to check and scan it no matter how clean it looks on the outside. Most Nigerians have poor maintenance history. Except you know the owner well and his maintenance habits. Buying a Nigerian used car is like buying a time bomb. Most owners abuse their cars and sell to people like you when issues begin to creep up on the car.

MissTeaseMe: So true. I have sold my own things off at ridiculous prices too. There was a time i sold a phone of 50k for just 4k, cos i got fed up of the fone and had 2 other ones and the guy that wanted it really liked it but had no money.
I have a doctor friend that sold his E190 for just 20k to a lab assistant at his hopital cos he wanted the guy to have a car.

There is a slight difference here. The phone belongs to you and from your narrative, the buyer pleaded with you for the amount he paid. This also presupposes that he knows you and can always trace you should anything happens. The same thing applies to the lab assistant that bought the E190 at N20000, they are colleagues and work for the same employer. He has seen the doctor use the car and knows it belong to him. The lab assistant probably knows the doctor's house.

MissTeaseMe: Problem with the op is VERIFICATION! When u get such a ridiculously low price, you shld take extra time in tracing and cross-checking the ownership with the authorities, esp vehicle registration. And all the papers shhld be verified. Then go ahead and buy so far all is in order even if the car was sold for 5naira.
Afterall the owner has a choice to sell his car at any price he chooses, yours is just to verify that the car is truely his. Thank you.

This is the greatest challenge in this transaction and the location in which payment and handover took place, looks very suspicious in addition to the outrageous price.

sultaan: Belt is fake at that price

That's exactly the problem in Nigeria. From my enquiries and observation through spare parts dealers, most car owners prefer the cheap fake and substandard products. Hence, spare parts dealers have invested huge in importing these substandard parts with quicker turnover and profit. It is even worsened by the fact that there is no Government regulations in terms of the quality of products that come into Nigeria.

However, a few car owners desire to pay for quality but can hardly find them available in the market. Recently, I went to buy the timing belt of my vehicle (3MZ 3.3 FE) engine. Because I had seen the one in my vehicle while changing water pump, I was not satisfied with the belt the dealer presented to me. After explaining to him the type I wanted, he said I can never get that in any spare parts shop in Abuja. That if they import that quality, nobody will buy it. I was planning to place an online order for it when he called me from Dubai to say that he saw my specification and how much it costs. I told him to buy it. A week later, I went to his shop to pay and pick it. Surprisingly, someone (apparently a mechanic) who also came to buy parts asked if I intended to use my car till old age for buying that kind of quality at that price (N13500).

Evidently, by extension, peopls's perception in Nigeria about a given product is tied to the relative small amount they can pay for an equivalent or a close substitute of the same product even if quality is compromised.

It's actually very amazing that someone could proceed to pay for a 2009 vehicle at such a ridiculous amount (N600,000) without verifying the owner, vehicle status including vin report. I strongly believe that one does not get drowned on a dry land. I trust, as we are made to believe that the lady in question who bought the vehicle would have friends, colleagues and relations and perhaps, married or at least have a boy friend. She could not have gone ahead to buy a car without telling some people. She could not have acted alone. Much less, making payment at a fuel station. That's the first red flag. Such transactions are better done at an office or residence. It is a common knowledge tha a seller who is not willing to disclose his home or office address should be avoided at all cost.

Ignorant is not an excuse to commit a crime. In this case, no crime has been established. But the amount for which the vehicle was sold and the location of the transaction suggest something sinister. I doubt she would be able to reach the seller again.

First, OP needs to address the questions posed by @chillex8. One other question that needs to be answered is whether the car has been used in Nigeria? Thereafter, get a VIO officer to help verify the name to which the car was (originally) registered as well as owner prior to purchase. While this is on going, ask a police officer to also verify police list of stolen vehicles. It also very important you get legal advise. If indeed, it's a stolen car, you are sure to loose your money except you can find the seller. Additionally, if our suspicion is confirmed, be ready to spend money on the case and definitely your freedom would be temporarily curtailed by police.

In your own interest, do not try to play smart by either attempting to conceal this or sale the car to an unsuspecting buyer as some people advised you. That would compound your problem and make you an accomplice.

Some of the arguments here do not add up. Most have ought rightly derailed this thread. No two cars with different engine sizes, hp, turning circle, torque etc achieve the same speed. It sounds childish to suggest that an inline 4 2.4l engine at 158 hp of Camry would outclass a Peugeot 3.0l V6 at 207hp. At take off, the v6 gains speed faster than the i4. You need to understand that at top speed, the i4 will be unstable. Again, driving conditions are different. The fact that in a journey nobody overtook you does not necessarily mean that your car is faster. The other driver (s) may undoubtedly not be in a mood to match your speed.

@op, there is nothing wrong with a V6 engine as widely and wrongly speculated in Nigeria. You just need to have a good maintenance culture by using the specified engine oil, transmission fluid, quality filter and service your car at specified interval. Obviously, you will use a little more fuel, which you will gain in performance. Provided you are not always driving in a lengthy traffic/gridlock you will be fine. Most of the people who come here to cry foul are those ones with very poor maintenance habit. They use the wrong engine oil, poor quality filter and abro ATF. I can bet that most of them don't read their car manuals to even understand basic maintenance tips about their cars. First thing they do when they buy a car is to remove thermostat. Above all, run away from road side mechanics if you want to enjoy your car.

Most car owners in this part of the world rarely care about basic maintenance of their cars. Just take a look at some vehicles on the road, they reek of poor handling, lack of care. Some don't even wash their cars. How would your car last when you don't take care of her?

Any particular reason for the emphasis on 4WD? Amongst your list, the rav4 would provide a better option in terms of reliability and maintenance in the long run. An i4 engine will give a better mpg but with a reduced performance vis-a-vis a 6 cylinder. I choose the rav4 because of availability of spare parts and associated cost, mechanics and our road conditions.

Someone mentioned Toyota Highlander, which is not part of your list. I think Toyota has 2003 highlander base 2.4l 4 cylinder with 4 speed automatic. This could very well suit your needs. But mind you, if you ever test drive a v6 of the highlander during your ownership of the SUV, chances are that you will hate your 4 cylinder HL. It is also very reliable, parts are readily available as well as mechanics.

I have a neighbour who uses a Kia Sportage. It seems rugged and reliable, however, changing something as little as oil pressure switch could become a harrowing experience getting it in the open market. During one of our discussions recently, his major challenge using the vehicle is availability of spare parts and knowledgeable mechanics.

On the contrary, I enjoy driving when it's raining. As @idarachodb noted, you could be very careful but the next driver might not be as careful. I have always known that the best safety measure during rainfall is to avoid driving while it's raining. Drive in rain ONLY when it is absolutely unavoidable.

Most of the adverts on olx are fraudulent. Take a walk to car stands to have a first hand information about prices. Don't expect to get a good and clean car for a ridiculous amount. There has to be value albeit the price of a given car.

Determine what car you want, then, visit car showrooms to compare prices. The auto section of nairaland will also give you a good market value. Lastly, prior to committing your money for a particular vehicle, it is absolutely imperative you do your due deligence to ensure you are buying from the real owner. Obtaining a paid comprehensive vehicle report will help narrow problems for you. Above all, do not be in a hurry to pay for one.

Goodluck in your search.

taif: d model is 2002.
thanks all for ur responses

One thing you have to understand about Toyota Sienna is that they come in V6 engines. The 2002 model has a 3.0l engine with 4 speed automatic. It is a mini van that drives like a sedan. More storage space, reliable, comfortable and family friendly. It is very dependable with proper maintenance. According to Toyota, the Mpg is 17/23. However, the mpg from the actual usage may be lower than what has been given. The reason for this assertion is tied to the quality of fuel available in Nigeria. Whereas in Europe and America where these vehicles are manufactured, they use the best unleaded fuel.

As someone already observed, the XLE offers a better option because it comes standard with leather seats, 6 loader audio system with JBL premium brand speakers, power sliding door, roof rack, painted bumpers, alloy wheels, daytime running lights etc. The Symphony model also has some of the features of the XLE.

The power sliding door is an expensive fix if it goes bad.

As earlier mentioned, the van is very dependable but maintenance is key. A friend of my has used his for over six (6) years with constant travel yet it still drives like brand new.

Use of recommended oil and qaulity filter as well as using the specified transmission fluid will help your minivan to last and drive smoothly. If you live in a neighborhood with bad roads, your suspensions will wear out easily.

It is worthy of note that the timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 miles. Else, it could be an expensive fix should your timing belt snap. Hence, it is important you have a carfax report of the vehicle you plan to buy.

For further details about features and specifications, refer to http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/sienna/2002/features-specs.html?style=100003140

I hope this helps.

I think you need to be more specific when you talk about fuel consumption. Besides, with engine configuration and size of a vehicle, fuel consumption is relative. Driving conditions and state of the vehicle also impact on fuel fuel consumption. You can not discuss it in isolation.

However, as been observed, what model of the Toyota Sienna are you looking at? The models range from 1998 - 2002, 2003/4 - 2010, 2011 - date with different engine capacity, body and mpg. If you are expecting a Camry mpg, look else where. But I can assure you of its ruggedity, reliability and performance compensate for whatever you spend on fuel. It's a beast on the motorway. If properly maintained, you will enjoy it for a very long time.

I will give a specific review if I know what model you plan to buy.

The Army do not check vehicle papers except you are a suspect, then, they may want to ascertain if you are the legitimate owner of the vehicle. Another reason they would check vehicle papers is if they have been radioed about a lost vehicle headed towards their duty post.

Police have the statutory obligation to uncover stolen cars so they can check the genuineness of your particulars. FRSC rarely do except in certain circumstances. VIO, it is their primary duty to ensure every vehicle on the road has the right documents.

Customs are particularly concerned about duty payment and may not ask for registration papers. Mopol are police officers of a different department.

LASTMA and NURTW has no business asking motorists for papers except in cases where a drivers has committed serious offence or crime as the case may be, then they may request it as way to ensure the driver does not run away.

The last one "YES - O" I have no idea what that is.

JewelStone: Hi guys. I'm a young lady, currently driving my first car, a Toyota product. My car is sound and all, no issues whatsoever, but I'm incredibly bored with it. I want to change it ASAP.
I've always loved Mercedes Benz, but I'm concerned about the cost of maintenance, and fuel consumption.
I don't do much driving. And I don't mind going for it, if I can get a sound one, cos MB gives me joy .
My question is, is it advisable for a 26 yrs old single girl to go for an MB product? I'm interested in ML 350 2007-2010, like how much should I budget for it? Are there any issues associated with these models? Or would you recommend another model?
Please help a sister out. God bless

One of my major concerns about nairaland is the fact that peoples' advise are primarily focused on their preferences, choices and inclinations not according to what you desire. Often, people bring their personal bias about a particular brand. I think it's a Nigerian way of thinking. Unlike other automobile fora, people share real time experiences in terms of pros and cons of their brands.

I have a neighbor who's been using his ML for more than four years. I can't recall him towing his SUV or leaving it behind in the morning. Key to any vehicle is proper maintenance; following manufacturer's specified interval of OCI and parts replacement including driving belt/chain, water pump etc. if you strictly adhere to the guide as specified in the vehicle manual, you will enjoy a smooth and healthy drive all the way. Fuel consumption is also good. The average mpg for 2007 - 2010 is 19.1 not bad at all. Comparatively, spare parts are pricey, but if you ve got the money to keep an ML350, there's no holding back. The truth is that your vehicle is as good as you keep it. For my 8 - 9 years of car ownership, my car has only stopped once at Okpella due to water pump failure but I must admit that it was my fault because I ought have replaced it before that journey.

Enjoy your life while you can. Do you labour to just keep your money in the bank? My dear, the choice is yours.

nurey: Please Op if you about performance in all ramfication of its definition, don't even look at those jap mobiles even though they are efficient they lack power.
I can't do more than 120km/h with any jap suv they tend to become very light and unstable at high speeds.

This is misinformation. Don't easily jump into conclusion over what you know nothing about. My first car was a Honda Accord. I had constantly done 170km/h. While using my Camry, on occasions when I travel, I push the button up to 180km/h. At this speed, they were comfortable, stable and fun. I currently use a 2004 Toyota Sienna 3.3l engine, sometimes, when I am in the mood, I hit up to 170km/h. Stability is understatement but because of the height of the vehicle I try not to exceed that. Sure, these cars are maintained by me so I can cautiously pump up my speed.

Within the context of use in Nigeria, banker's use simply implies a decent use of a vehicle. Not abused by most daily drivers. More importantly, it is generally believed that since majority of bankers leave for work very early in the morning and also close from work much later in the evening, the cars are mostly parked.

It has little or nothing to with how much they have to maintain their cars. After all, some people are rich (comfortable if you like) yet unable to properly maintain their vehicles. Generally, Nigerians have poor maintenance culture. I see vehicle maintenance more as a habit than an individual's financial standing.

Bant: Good Nairaland auto-mechanics and car users, I have been hunting for an SUV to buy and I have filtered down my options to these:
Honda:
- Honda Pilot
- Honda CRV
Toyota:
- Highlander
- Rav4
Nissan:
- Murano
- Xtrail
Volkswagen:
- Touareg
All of them have to be models with automatic transmission and have keyless entry.
If you've used these vehicles or if you know them well, can you please offer opinions to help me make a good decision?
My metrics of concern are:
- It has to drive well on bad Nigerian roads and I'm choosing SUVs because my area tends to be flooded.
- It must be easy on me as someone that's just learning how to drive.
- Ease of finding good mechanics in Lagos (I know little, almost nothing, about cars but I'm willing to learn on the job)
- Resale value. I intend to buy a Tokunbo (not more than 6 to 7 years old) but I will need to resell it in about one year due to a planned relocation at work. I need something that will resell without stress.
- I'll prefer something not overly expensive but i'm willing to pay for good value.
Please help. Thank you.

My best bet would be the highlander 2006/2007 model. My reason for this conclusion is that I currently use a Toyota Sienna 2004 model. They share the same platform, engine and build. Although the sienna is slightly longer and heavier, but they use the same 3MZ - FE 3.3l engine. If you use the recommended engine oil albert constatant oil change at specified intervals, you have nothing to worry about. Parts and mechanics are within reach. Mpg is not bad for its size.

I think the Honda pilot of those years is bulkier with 3.5l engine and that would also impact on mpg. The V6 version of the rav4 may also be another good option but the interior is bland and exterior looks feminine. Personal opinion though.

shevy45: MICRO-SPEEDS TECHNOLOGIES &POWER SOLUTION
INTRODUCTORY PROPOSAL ON MICROSPEED TECHNOLOGIES AND POWER SOLUTION TRACK FLEET MANAGEMENT & VEHICLE TRACKING SOLUTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION
2 ASSET MANAGEMENT SOLUTION OPTIONS OVERVIEW
3 TRACK SECURE AND GIS MAP
4 SUMMARY- FEATURES & BENEFITS
5 MOVEMENT REPORT
6 MAP
7 TRIP REPLAY OF YOUR VEHICLE
INTRODUCTION
Telematics is the blending of computers and wireless telecommunications technologies, ostensibly with the goal of efficiently conveying information over vast networks to improve a host of business functions or government-related public services. This is the principle upon which the vehicle tracking and fleet management operates
With our unique product installed on your vehicle or fleet, you have taken the first step in protecting your assets, should the unthinkable happen. Using only your cell phone or an internet connection you can now enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing the location and status of your vehicle(s).
KNOW YOUR CAR’S EVERY MOVE!!!
Our tracking device is a high-tech product through cooperation with mobile operators. It combines GPS Global Positioning System and GSM/GPRS communication system, which can clearly inform you the position & situation of your car.
GPS is the abbreviation for Global Positioning System, which based on 24 position location satellites around the earth orbit. Their locating precision can be kept within 10 to 15 meters.
GSM is the second digital mobile communication system (GPRS, second and fifth digital mobile communication system), and at present it is the mobile communication system that has the largest coverage and owns the most number of users. This product combines GPS and GSM/GPRS technologies together. It uses GPS system to locate your car, and sends the position/ situation report back to you via GSM/GPRS communication system.
GPS Position Tracking Function
With this function, the vehicle owner will be able to know the geographic location, coordinates, direction, and other related information of the car anytime in any place. The report methods can be via SMS short message service. You can also select a one time report or continuous report (tracking function).
The GSM/GPRS Tracker is also an investment in the security of your vehicles, whether it is a small fleet of utility vehicles or your own private family vehicles.
It has proven track and trace technology is available to you, tailored for your vehicle(s) security needs.
PRODUCT APPLICATIONS
Construction and Mining
Oil and Gas
Logistics
Car Dealers and Leasing Companies
Financial Institutions
Commercial Fleets
Government and Military
ADVANTAGES OF GPS VEHICLE TRACKING
GPS tracking systems have changed the dynamics of transportation. Thousands of commercial vehicles keep the engine of trade and commerce running in the country. Fleet management companies and other freight management companies and their customers benefit tremendously from GPS vehicle tracking.
Real-time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring of vehicles as they move from place to place, halt for re-fueling and other stops is among the biggest advantages of GPS vehicle tracking. Speed checks of vehicles, accurate location, refreshment breaks and other stops by drivers can be tracked as they occur therefore giving vehicle owners and managers peace of mind.
Anti-theft
A principal concern of new vehicle owners is that their car will be stolen. Using a GPS personal vehicle tracking software, your vehicle can be quickly located if it is stolen. Insurance companies look very favorably on owners that install GPS personal vehicle tracking software. The generous discounts they award on insurance premiums will help to pay for installing the system.
Keeping Customers Updated
Customers using fleet management company vehicles to transport goods, products and perishable items can be updated about scheduled movement of vehicles, approximate arrival times at final destinations and, delays, if any.
Addressing Crisis Scenarios
In case of natural calamities, accidents, theft of vehicles and other crisis scenarios, fleet management company headquarters can appraise situations, inform police cruisers and take related decisions or calls on movement or stalling of vehicles.
Fuel and Labor Cost Savings
Companies operating vehicles with GPS-deployed technologies can streamline labor and fuel costs through better management of fleet drivers, changeover schedules, workforce mobility and route management.
Planning
GPS vehicle tracking helps fleet management and freight management companies to better manage fleet vehicles, operations, monitor driver schedules and fueling halts between destinations. Better planning results in maintaining timed schedules and billing of customers accurately.
TRACKING SOLUTION OVERVIEW
GPS-Based
The products employ GPS technology for location information (longitude & latitude), date and time (universal time), and speed tracking. The unit range employs an 8 channel GPS receiver system that gives an average accuracy of 4 meters.
GSM-Based
Tracked location data is then communicated back through the GSM network using the SMS subsystem to a PC installed with the vector maps, fleet management software, and communication kit for the fleet operator’s tracking requirements, control and management.
Speed Monitoring
The system employs virtual speed tracking up to 100 knots via satellite providing effective and reliable speed monitoring even when ignition is off. This proves very useful for tracking in cases of theft and illegal transport by air. Additionally however, the system provides an input for tracking vehicle speed via onboard speedometer.
Emergency Button
The system supports a remote panic button that can be pressed when there is a breakdown in a dangerous place, during riots, robbery or any other times that can cause problem for the driver, the vehicle and the goods. This button, when pressed, sends a panic alarm status with the vehicles location information to the monitoring base station and switches the vehicle unit to high update mode. This mode configures the
device to violate operator configured recording and reporting intervals for a ten second position tracking and 2 minute reporting intervals continuously for 15 minutes.
Installation Footprint
FEATURES
BENEFITSl
GSM (SMS/Data) & Internet
Nationwide coverage
With our unit your vehicle’s location is accessible via a cell phone or the Internet, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week!
As a back one SMS is all it takes to be notified of your car’s whereabouts for active tracking.
Moving time report
(speed recording)
Real time location:
On your cell phone you can access the location, status, speed and time.
Also you can determine what speed you want your vehicle to go. If it is violated it would be recorded against the particular driver.
Active intelligent unit
Unit sensor
The unit fitted into your car does self- tests daily to ensure that it is working. If it is not a call is logged and the client is notified immediately.
This feature give you the benefit of recording whatever is been said in the vehicle. In event of hijacking or onboard conversation monitoring
Web Access(Internet)
Internet/Map
Keep track of your vehicles with detailed internet maps.
With an internet connection to a PC, you can see your vehicles and know its activities on a detailed map.
You can also print out detailed information as back up evidence for future review.
This helps for a better and a more transparent and productive management system.
Trip Report
Reports:
Replay your vehicle’s last 24 positions and get detailed trip-by-trip reports of activities and information such as maximum speed, as well as locations.
You can get other details from reports like incident report, historical report, usage report etc.
There is second by second report of what could have lead to an accident in such events which helps to reveal the faults of drivers.
These reports give detailed information on the activities and eventually eliminate billing errors, excessive over claims, reduce insurance claims.

Immobilization
Should in case your vehicle is been driven without your authority or hijacked you can shut down the engine by just the press of the button on your Phone

All GSM/GPRS Tracker contains:
GPS components
GPS Antenna
GSM Antenna
Internal GSM modem
Internal backup battery
Movement sensor
Activated SIM card
Tampering Alarm (GPS unlock & battery)
Microphone

This single box assembly and compact size design allows installations to be covert and non-intrusive. Wiring harness and antennas (both GPS and GSM) also leave virtually no visible footprint after installation, providing a truly secure and safe and yet powerful vehicle and asset tracking implementation.


NETWORK COVERAGE AREAS
The very intelligent on-board computer uses the GSM network to transfer data to the hub for onward processing for customers’ use. However, should there be any loss of network signal due to no network coverage; the device records all events for as much as six (6) months. All recorded events are transferred to the server upon entering a network coverage area or receiving network signal. With this there is no loss of data or vital information.

Our coverage area includes the Nigerian Land mass with MTN network coverage. Where the vehicle goes into other West African countries the roaming facility will have to be employed to ensure constant and real time tracking.

Warranty
The unit has a failure rate of less than one percent and is warranted by manufacturer for one year against factory defects and system failure with local support provided technical/customer support units.

GIS MAPS
Our range of GPS/GSM/GPRS telemetric solution offerings is supported by the industry and the country’s most comprehensive, extensive, and up-to-date digital maps yet. primarily provides a seamless map of the country and their headquarters. This map features color and line thickness differentiated road categories, street and road names, lengths, type code (closed or open), area names, Points of Interest (POI), over 40, 000 point settlements and more. The benefit of all these is unprecedented vehicle visibility, utmost position tracking, and seamless movement tracing across state and other administrative boundaries.

Beyond the Nigeria maps it provides a road atlas map of the entire African continent thus extending vehicle visibility beyond the Nigerian borders for the most secured, contingency-covered, and reliable vehicle and asset tracking services.



The map was developed from the most recent base maps gotten from satellite imagery taken at a resolution of 1m with meticulous on-the-field tracking for confirmation and the most trustworthy position coordinates.

BENEFITS AND SUMMARY OF FEATURES OF THE DEVICE


GSM/GPRS Tracker is a vehicle recovery (VR) system designed to add value to the private vehicle owner and to the SME (Small to medium Enterprise) owner / manager who runs a fleet of vehicles by allowing cell phone to vehicle location and status and by offering the convenience of internet access to vehicles location and movement information, all at an eminently affordable price.

PRODUCT BENEFITS
Value will be added by the system proactive warning;
Possible Unauthorized movement
Battery Tamper
Ability to immobilize (To shut down the engine)
Usage information
Listening to voice conversation
Mileage
Speed recording/and monitoring
Enhanced personal security
Enhanced vehicle security.
Voice recording
Geo fencing
Sms alert et

TRIP REPLAY OF YOUR VEHICLE
Product Typ
Feature
Device and Installation fee #60,000
GSM Tracking and Web
enable0d (online).
Annual service charge #20,000 after the first year of installation
This is suitable for•
Battery Low
fleet of cars
•
Geo-fencing
Ignition/ACC detection alarm
Power off alarm
GPS Satellite Tracking
Real Time Location
Vehicle Immobilization
Alarm report
Battery Disconnect
Panic Alarm
Sms alert etc
with software
monitor and
manage them
Online.

Thank you

Engr-Michael Maxwell
08028601846, 08104036736
Pin:21D1C3A6

Your advert is here is wrongly placed. You should have opened a new thread rather than derail some else's thread. I want to assume it's a mistake. I can assure you that you won't get any patronage except you remove it.

Reading through the original post, I feel no empathy for him. There is only one way to learn hard facts most often; and that is through experience. Prior to his pre-order business with Inspired, he confirmed that he had read other complaints of such deals going sour with the same dealer. Having read through the experiences of customers, it is common sense to avoid such a dealer at all cost.

There are so many channels through which you could genuinely buy a clean car at a decent price without going through the hazards of a pre-order with an unscrupulous car dealer who uses your money for other business transactions while you are kept in the dark. Several "car for sale" adverts at the Autos section of this same forum would have effectively offered you a window of opportunity to buy one and drive away with the necessary carfax report and a few other inquiries. There are a thousand and one neat and clean tittle vehicles at dealers lots in Lagos that you could test drive, obtain a first hand vin report, pay and drive away.

Perhaps, I should say some buyers are lazy to the extend they can not go out on their own to search for cars of their choice. Rather, they sit down in their homes, call a car dealer for a pre-order and expect to get the best...strange indeed. Of course, some people have conveniently bought cars at some point via pre-order, but statistics show that most of the time, the reverse is usually the case. Mind you, they also want to maximize profit and as such would likely order a car that would fit their budget not based on what you want and at their earliest convenience. And once the car arrives, buyer has no choice but to accept whatever that is presented to him. Some of my friends have toed that line of purchase in the past and were not overtly satisfied and reluctantly accepted the cars in other not to loose their money.

In such a business transaction, risk analysis is always the best approach. Especially in this part of the world, where trust, sincerity and integrity are relegated to the background.

Knowing that this dealer has generated so much controversy in his previous transactions with his customers at least, the ones that came here to report and with the intervention of some of the eminent members of these forum to resolve those issues, one would expect a reasonable measure of caution from buyers. But I dare say "your bed, lie on it"

It's a 3.0l V6 with 18/24 mpg. A friend of mine used it at some point. He did not have any problem with it. It also shares parts with some other Toyota models so in terms of parts availability, you are pretty much covered.

Utmost importance, you need to know at what mileage to change your timing belt because I think it's an interference engine. Get a Carfax report to determine when it was changed and the history of use.