₦airaland Forum

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.

I think @adonisgold succinctly captured your question. The Uromi-Ubiaja is your best bet. After Ewu junction, (the left turn after Auchi as you rightly said) take a left turn at the fruit market in Uromi and head straight to Ubiaja. It's an unmistakable road, busy, better and used by other commercial vehicles. It is shorter than the Iguegben-Agbor road. Big waste of time if you choose this route with a deplorable state and lonely.

Where you are in doubt about the direction, ask people. It takes you straight to Onitsha-Ugbo and just about 20 minutes to the head bridge. Drive at a controlled speed because there are several speed bumps, sharp bends and potholes. It is a relatively safe route.

Safe trip.

If you haven't made the journey already, it's a pretty straight forward route from Ibadan to Abuja. It takes between 6 to 7 hours to get to Abuja depending on the vehicle and speed. On a public transport like ABC, you are looking at 12 to 14 hours depending on road conditions. If you have the right vehicle particulars, there's really nothing to worry about.

The state of the road is fairly ok by the Nigerian standard as someone pointed out. Those stretch of roads ought to be class A roads, (a major link between the south west and the north) but our leaders prefer to loot public funds with impunity rather than invest in road construction because they hardly use these roads. Drive at a controlled speed because of potholes and speed ramps. There are also sharp bends especially around Akoko in Ondo and part of Edo and close to Okene. They pose serious dangers.

I think most of the responses so far would rather complicate the young lawyer's situation. The op has not said he is a car enthusiast, but is concerned about fuel economy especially, using a/c in traffic and city driving. Telling him that a particular brand of the two vehicles in consideration is bland and boring does not specifically help him.

Consideration is maintenance cost and fueling. One of my observations on this forum is that people always recommend what they like to others rather than what the person needs. There is no point talking about performance and handling because that is not what he needs at this point. That could also push him to buying a car he would struggle to keep in the long run and perhaps, sell at a give away price much later.

To answer your question, I think the Camry will offer you a better option of what you want. I have used the 2001 model of 2.2 I4 engine and the fuel economy is superb. Spare parts may not neccessarily be cheap if you buy OEM parts, and they are readily available. I used to buy my front brake pads then for 12000 to 13000 Naira. They were original and usually lasted a long time while also preserving my disc depending on my driving habits. I could drive for more than seven months with regular long haul trips without visiting a mechanic.

Knowledgable mechanics in this regard are also available almost everywhere. I am not sure I can say the same thing about the Benz. Though spare parts may be readily available but may be more expensive.

Your budget of N1000,000 should get you a very clean tittle of the Camry.

Good luck.

blackgig: CE - Classic edition - base version of the model, basic radio system, a/c is an option.
LE - Luxury edition - comes with power locks, a/c standard and other small features.
XLE - Xtra Luxury edition - comes with more luxury compared to the LE.
VE - Value edition - released towards the end of the model life which has the most popular features ordered and sold for lower price.

Spot on.

Used parts would never be more expensive than the OEM. However, as been pointed out, you got the new ones cheaper because they are substandard and fake popularly known as china. Most of the time, the used ones which are damaged, have been repackaged to reflect a genuine used parts by the sellers and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

For those of us that live in Abuja, there are a few shops that sell original OEM parts. Emodi at Sheriff Plaza is one of them. There is one or two shops at Gudu spare parts market that are also reliable. Not too many shops stock them because they are expensive to buy, and are sold with little profit margin. Mind you, the Original OEM is a lot more expensive than the substandard ones.

From enquiries, most car owners prefer the substandard spare parts to the Original OEM relative to the cost and availability. The substandard parts are sold with so much profit and equally guarantee a quick turn over for the seller.

dgitrader: defensive driving without honking in nigeria is completely impossible. our roads are narrow, unmarked, and sometimes caotic.
in this part of the world, some drivers never trafficate or use rear view mirrors, especially our women. when we dont want to grind to a halt or brush your car, the horn is used.

On the contrary, our roads are much wider than the roads in the UK except the Class A roads which are wider.

Siena: I can't remember when last I operated my horn - most likely was when I checked to make sure it was working, at it's annual MOT (last August).
I'll make sure it still works when we go out this afternoon, I've actually forgotten what the damned thing sounds like.

That is because UK is a sane society where people naturally fall in line without the use of force. In Nigeria, most drivers have the habit of honking their horns even where it is absolutely unnecessary. Drivers are very impatient and sometimes, want attention. Then, you have the taxi drivers that blare their horns in search of passengers.

Despite the peculiar nature of our society, and the justification of its use, it can be drastically minimized.

Over the years, I have observed that most of the technicians handling the electronic wheel alignment & balancing (computerised balancing and alignment) are either poorly trained or unable to effectively use those equipment.

I have tried most workshops here in Abuja with just about the same result of tilted steering & vibration at a certain speed.

However, I discovered a man that does his manually. It's been 4 years since I use him and never had a reason to replace tires due to uneven wear. For those in Abuja, the man's workshop is located close to living faith church, Durumi.

I look at mine every 20 to 30 seconds. I constantly check my temperature gauge, fuel level, rear and side mirrors to ensure no car is very close to me. I like speed a lot but within reasonable limits. Depending on road conditions, I get up to 140 to 160km/hr and can go higher if I am suspicious of the car behinds me.

anneki: We need to be able to define "extreme driving conditions" so that we do not mislead nairalanders. Driving in traffic does not constitute extreme driving conditions. Sustained high speed driving is extreme, pulling trailers is extreme, but stop and go traffic is not. People need to google extreme driving conditions to know if they ever experience such conditions.

We must not lose sight of the fact that only a few yrs ago we were being misled by some mechanics that carburetors and manual transmission was better than fuel injection and automatic transmission. Today we all know better.

Your owners manual contains the interval that should be adhered to. Driving in dusty conditions has also been captured in this manual so relying on a mechanic that might be living in the past might not be helpful.

There is nothing wrong in over pampering ones car but at least you should be aware that that is all you are doing by changing your oil too soon. If you feel you are purchasing poor quality engine oil then it makes sense to remove it at 3000km or miles. However if you are purchasing good quality oil then you should leave it in longer.

Death Valley, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia are 3 areas that on average record higher temperatures than Nigeria. These places are equally as dusty. Do they change their oils every 3000 miles ?

The 3000 mile oil change interval for every car regardless of country of use is outdated. See Links below:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3,000_mile_myth
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/UsedOil/OilChange/
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/change-oil-3000-miles.htm
http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/stop-changing-your-oil.html
https://plus.google.com/+MarkTraphagen/posts/KtQd64qK4FG
http://ctwatchdog.com/finance/3000-mile-oil-change-rule-does-not-apply-to-newer-cars
http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/top-7-urban-legends-about-motor-oil.html


I hope you all find this useful

I agree with you 100%. My 2004 Toyota sienna manual says pointed out what constitute extreme driving conditions which includes driving in dusty areas, sustained high speed, towing a trailers etc. driving in traffic does not constitute extreme driving. I also use the recommended 5w 30 & synthetic. I service at 5000 miles.

I don't think the op heeds to advice. He's been advised by several people to revert to status quo but he prefers to live with this problem and continues to suffer. Apparently, the cost of keeping this van in the current condition will be high as against getting a dodge 3.0l engine.

I'm absolutely stupefied as to why he doesn't want to revert this conversion. I agree with @Siena "your bed, lie in it...

In as much as I would agree that the FRSC has in the last few years embarked on campaigns that have helped reduce the level of road accidents on the federal high ways by massive deployment of officers to enforce traffic rules and speed limits, I strongly believe it has not done well in the area of driver's licence issuance & vehicle registration. I say this because driver's license is issued to every Tom and Jerry without carrying out test on the individual to ascertain if he/she knows how to driver and how well he/she knows road signs, driving rules and the application of these rules while driving and the registration of vehicles without inspection and necessary motor tests. This is the major cause of most of these accidents the writer enumerated in this write-up. They need to deal with the root cause of several accidents in Nigeria rather than trying to solve a problem on the surface; it would never work.

I disagree when you said Nigeria has secured reciprocity with six European countries including the State of Mary Land owing to the features introduced to the new driver's license. Kindly mention those other European countries. Please be reminded that you need to undergo all procedures for obtaining a driver's licence in Europe and America.

It would amount to deceit & self-appraisal to say that a 15 Nation group has adopted Nigeria driver's licence and vehicle registration standards that are devoid of safety procedures and best practices. In the United Kingdom, people celebrate when they obtain driver's licence which allows you to drive in any part of the world. We may not necessarily be like the but put some of those procedures in place.

Every day, we are bombarded with misleading information by most of the agencies in Nigeria. Very sad I must say.

Please kindly advise the best shipping lines to use in the UK. I hear Tilbury is better than purfleet. Which shipping line do you think would be good? A shipper told me Grilmadi is reliable. Can you also recommend a shipper (agent) because the one I'm using now has been delaying my shipment. Over two week, my goods have not been delivered to the shipping line.

Suggestions will be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Sometimes when I read responses on forum like this, I feel very happy that a lot of Nigerians are coming to terms with global trends on certain issues. There are good traffic laws in Nigeria but the crux of our problem is enforcement. 98% of the enforcement agents are law breakers themselves. Getting employment with the military or the para-military in Nigeria has become a means of intimidating the citizens. I say this because I challenged a driver who veered off the traffic lane recently in Abuja only for the man to reach for his ID card and started screaming "do you know me?". Other road users who were equally embittered by his action almost beat the hell out of him.

Drivers in our country are very impatient. People drive with utmost disregard for traffic rules. The situation is worse in Abuja with motorists disrespecting traffic lights. The few law enforcement officers who dare challenge motorists who violate traffic rules are weakened by the fact that when they stop a car that obviously violates traffic, either the driver or a passenger in the car brandishes an ID card indicating he is one of them. For me, this is showing off, absolutely unnecessary & should be nipped in the bud. Such officers should be dismissed from the service as a deterrent to future intending offenders. This is a common practice in Nigeria showing how backwards we are. In Europe and America, such officers lead by example and would never reveal their identity. Another common trend in Abuja is that some law abiding drivers would que behind an erring officer. The result is unending gridlock.

If people are made to pay heavily for such offences irrespective of their status or social standing, we would have better society. In Abuja, it is even the "ogas at the top" that set the pace for others to follow. I usually feel sad when i see how the political appointees behave in traffic, no single regard for either the traffic lights or other road users who are in line waiting for the green light to go. Until we have laws similar to what is obtainable in the United Kingdom where cameras are used to identify traffic offenders & appropriate sanctions are meted out to the individual, we would largely remain the way we are or get worst. Nigerians like to be forced to fall back in line.

One fascinating thing about us is that we were colonized by the Britain but there is nothing to suggest it. When I see Nigerians abroad, they are well behaved, always stay in the que when you see them at the banks and shopping malls. They drive with respect to all traffic rules but practice the reverse in Nigeria where enforcement is weak.

It appears I am taking a swipe at the military and para military, yes, because they are the most culprit in Abuja. Among 10 offenders, 8 are uniform men. Sad to say but it is the truth. The bullion vans are a special case that require perhaps, the Chief Corps Marshal to be able to stop them from this flagrant violation of the law. In Lagos, Governor Fashola has changed public perception about law and enforcement owing to the fact that he stays in traffic and abides by it but in Abuja, the law makers do not even respect the same law they make; what a contradiction?

Above all, we need to change the way think and act. In developed societies, people are positive and collectively reprimand those who violate rules but in our own case, we join the offenders.

It simply means that the 2008 Honda Accord EX-L had an accident & that the airbag deployed in the incident. The vehicle was also towed. Therefore, it is not a clean tittle and does not qualify for a buy back policy. Consequently, they can not recommend it to a buyer.

It is upto you to decide whether you want to buy it against all odds.

Cheers.

[quote author=ose_o]Charging for trolleys is common in most airports I have visited around the world. It is an extra revenue stream for the airport/management company.

In reality until you have passengers flying to airports it doesn't make sense to invest too heavily in most Nigerian airports. If an airport has an average of 300,000 passengers annually and 4 flights coming in a day you cannot possibly justify investing hundreds of millions in building new airports/terminals.

Other than Lagos I don't think any other Nigerian city deserves a bigger airport. Some people may say if you build it they will come, I will respond to that by pointing to Abuja and port Harcourt, after MMIA, Abuja has the second most international passengers with about 500,000+ annually. And of those passengers quite a few chose that route because there was no availability from lagos.

Tambo airport in SA served over 18 million passengers last year, it serves as a hub for 7 airlines 5 of which fly international routes. Why did I just say all that? While MMIA is inadequate it's potential has not been maximized, the renovations and additions should boost the airport dramatically though. When the lekki airport is completed it will be an ultra modern airport and should attract a few new airlines as well.[/quote]I most humbly & sincerely disagree with you that Nigeria not investing to develop our airports is because of low passenger traffic. I have flown several times via Cairo Airport, it's not as busy as Lagos airport even Abuja but Terminal 3 of that airport which Egypt air uses is bigger than the 3 of our airports you mentioned yet they are still expanding. They were built to attract the best. Therefore, ours should be built to attract the best. It is a big shame to begin to make excuses. All our airports look like abandoned old train station. Victoria train station in London is bigger and better than any of them.

Have you also thought about the fact that other countries use older and dilapidated aircrafts to and fro Abuja/Lagos but use better aircrafts equipped with the state of art equipment when flying to other countries around the world from their home countries. Apparently, there is something wrong with Nigeria. Until we are able to do away with corruption, subsume personal interest for National interest and change the way we think and do things, Nigeria will remain hugely underdeveloped.

Take a look at other African countries who have embraced change, we are nowhere close to them in any facet of human existence. Ghana, a small country smaller and poorer than most states in Nigeria has overtaken us. Rather our politicians are busy justling for power in order to enrich themselves. So sad I must say.

Siena: Servicing your car on a monthly basis is overkill, and a waste of money. Regardless of how much an automobile is used, you carry out a major service every 12 months, or 12,000 mies, whichever occurs first.

A major service entails the following:

Oil.
Oil filter.
Air filter.
Fuel filter.
Cabin filter.
Spark plugs.


Then a minor inspection and lubrication service every 6 months, or 6,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

A minor inspection servce entails the following:

Oil.
Oil filter.
Serpentine belt check, replace if worn.
Brake pad, disc, linings, drums check, replace if worn.
Coolant check, if mixture is weak or dirty, replace.
Under body - exhaust, brake pipes, fuel lines checked.

Brake fluid is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture. Once the water content gets too high, it corrodes the pipes, calipers, brake cylinders from the inside out. And also lowers the boiling point of the fluid, leading to poor braking efort, and brake fade.

Replace every 2 years, regardless of mileage, or automobile model.

If your engine runs a timing belt, inspect, and replace along with new idlers and tensioners at the manufacturer's specified intervals. If the water pump is driven by the timing belt, replace as well.

If your engine runs a timing chain, inspect, and replace along with new guides and tensioners at the manufacturer's specified intervals.

Well said @Siena. Those inspections are rarely done by most auto garage in Nigeria. They only charge inspection fee but never advise you to replace any of those components you listed. Very good reminder to us.

The three (3) responders to your question have given you the best advice. Don't drive a car that people want but drive the one that you love. The only addition to the suggestions above is for you to take your time and identify a reputable and reliable auto garage that could help you carry out maintenance when required.

How amazing it is for people to link every aspect of our national problem to God by saying God will help us. Nigerians are too religious yet unGodly. Mention any of the developed or developing countries who got there through miracle. Attaining a state of development as a nation requires carefully selected plans, defined objectives, strong institutional policies and objective execution of those programmes. Unfortunately, our leaders only plan to embezzle and loot. A country, where tribalism, nepotism and favoritism thrives will never develop.

No country achieves greatness by prayers as practiced here in Nigeria. 90% of Nigerians who go to places of worship are hypocrites. Typically, every Nigerian claims to be a born again yet they do unthinkable things. A typical example is our leaders (politicians) who often preach about doing good but do worse things themselves. They award contracts at inflated prices that would never be executed. They loot the public treasury with impunity and then shout "May God help us" and people shout "Amen".

The annoying part is that the whites who brought this religion to us don't call God or preach the way we do in this part of the world yet they are so endowed that they care so much about the feeling of their citizens. They provide basic amenities such as power, housing, education, good roads, affordable transportation, quality health care, security for their citizens. They also have taken care of the physically challenged and the aged. Corruption where it exists in these societies are reduced to the bearest minimum.

I always tell my friends that "there may not be upto 10 Nigerians that will go to heaven despite the fact that everybody pretends to be born again. No wonder so many Nigerians are highly susceptible to anything about religion...so sad. Isn't it? Here, some people live in absolute affluent while others live in abject poverty. There are lots of contradictions in leadership in Nigeria. God does not operate in this form. We should not deceive ourselves. People go to church & mosque every day but there is no change in our way of life. A big shame I must say.

It depicts lack of maintenance culture among car owners. If you sit at a location to observe cars that pass by, you would notice that about 60% or more of the cars require attention. People have this attitude of "if it is not broken don't fix it". Most times you would notice that for a particular part of a car to brake down, it would have shown signs of weakness but owners will ignore it & then look helpless when it stops. It surprises me why people buy cars they cannot maintain.

Again, if there's an accepted standard of operation for vehicles in Nigeria imposed by legislation, such as Emission tests, MOT etc. these incidents of Constance vehicle break down will be reduce. In Nigeria, any thing that has four tyres goes on the road unchallenged by law enforcement agencies.

Have you also notice that most cars on the Nigerian roads have one form of dent or the other yet such vehicles are put on the road. You could travel round the United Kingdom without seeing a vehicle with dent or one broken down.

Your Toyota model should be running T-IV Transmission fluid. It's obvious your mechanic used a wrong transmission fluid. I advise you change it ASAP as it could damage your tranny. I believe this product is readily available in reputable car accessory shops in Lagos.

Goodluck.

It is very irritating when people park their cars in a slanting way taking a large chunk of the next space in such a way that it becomes difficult and/or imppossible for another driver to park.

I may agree with some of the responses but I most humbly would disagree with some of the car dealers' response about why they engage in odometer roll back. It is a sharp practice that spells doom for the end user of the car. A reputable dealer will not involve in that but may sell vehicles with high mileage. I do not see anything wrong with a dealer selling a high mileage car if the buyer (end user) so wishes to pay. It is also true that some buyers may want to get some cars at an unreasonable price, but does not necessarily mean that the dealer is bound to sell. What is also wrong if you have vehicles with clean tittles in your showroom so people can make choices at competitive prices. For me, on the balance of probability, someone can buy a high mileage car that has a good traceable maintenance history at the right price.

From my observation, some dealers are greedy and insincere. They want to make so much profit on a single transaction, therefore, they can do anything to ensure the client buys the car with a feeling of satisfaction that would be short lived. I do not think there is anything wrong in telling a customer that x amount cannot get you a certain model/brand of car & stick to it rather than engage in some unscrupulous transactions in other to make some gains.

Trust me, most end users who buy cars with odometer roll back are ignorant of the true state of the car. So to my understanding, such an underhand dealer would happily prey on the unsuspecting buyer. For those who want to get a cow for the price of a chicken always have a way to pay back.

The show of ignorance expressed on this thread is not surprisingly difficult to understand. I can assure you that 60% or more of vehicles driven in Nigeria have their thermostats removed. The reason for this alarming statistics apart from the sheer lack of knowledge of our mechanics, most car owners don't do any form of research. Most people don't bother to go the extra mile to learn some basic things about the operations of their cars. Yet a lot more rely on the advise of these quacks, hence, the plethora of damaged or near damaged automobiles in Nigeria especially the new model cars.

The phenomena of thermostat removal is on the increase in Nigeria as championed by our road side mechanics and would continue to rise in the nearest future. I had a very heated discussion yesterday with one of those proponents of thermostat removal as a way to curb overheating. I simply asked him the function of a thermostat in car...you will be amazed at his response. Even when the vehicle manufacturer has clearly placed a sticker around the engine bay warning "that under no circumstance should the thermostat be removed" these quacks will tell you that the instruction is for temperate regions, not for Nigeria.

I am also shocked that someone will invest a million Naira to buy a car but will not bother to read the manual that came with it. There is a reason the thermostat was put in there. My experience over the years is that most of these road side mechanics will argue that certain components in a vehicle are unnecessary, yet they are unable to comprehend the inner workings of the basic components.

My advise to those who have read the most educating and informing contributions of some of the knowledgeable members of this forum and still go ahead to remove their thermostat, do that at their own vehicles' peril.

Rochas could be a philanthropist but less an administrator. He has obviously bitten more than he can chew. He embarked on several projects in Imo state only to abandon them. Most of the road projects he undertook in Ideato are either abandoned or near abandoned. He looks more like a clown with his unrealistic and unfulfilled promises.

Our people say the man whose house in on fire does not chase rat. He should fix his house and leave Abia state alone. They are birds of a feather. Imo has been impoverished by these so called money bags whose interest it is to create more wealth for themselves rather than distribute wealth evenly.

bybj: Just took a loan of say about 650k; I intend to invest in drop/cab kinda enterprise.
I need urgent..serious advice of what product I can purchase with this budget that will totally serve the purpose
..durability, fuel-efficiency and comfort being top of the list of wish-lists; in that order.

Guys, help a bruva out.

You did not state whether you are the one to drive the taxi or another driver. But either way, a golf 3 1.6 or 1.8 liter engine should be just good for that business. It's economical in terms of fuel consumption, affordable parts and reliably available mechanics all over the place for maintenance. With your budget, you should be able to get the direct TOKUNBO of this spec in Lagos. It is also a very strong car for this purpose as well as a good resale value.

Nissan sunny 1.4 or 1.6 liter engine is also another good option, but I doubt your budget can get you one in Lagos, except you want do the Cotonou thing. It's also reliable, fuel efficient, parts are cheap and mechanics are available with a good resale value.

You cannot go wrong with either of them, but you can get the golf 3 seamlessly with your current budget.

I hope this helps.

Billyonaire: There is one advise for vehicle owners: Take your vehicles to only the brand service centers, it doesnt really cost much. Fullstop!

You may be shocked to learn that even the brand service centers such as (Elizade) you talked about use Mobil xhp 20w 50 for all vehicles that are brought into their workshop. I used to service my Camry there until one day I was forced to asked them what oil rating they use. Of course, they refused to tell me but I probed further, to my greatest astonishment, they were using 20w 50 drum oil.

From that day onwards, I decided to always buy my oil and filter. For those, who resort to thick oil ratings (as against the manufacturer's recommended viscosity) because of high mileage, I don't understand why they do that. At least, my vehicle manual does not say at a certain mileage, I should change my engine oil rating.