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Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 9:55pm On Sep 22, 2013
Siena:

He did. Volkswagen Golf TDI. IV, V, VII, does it really matter? They're all TDI's.

So out of all the foreign companies in Nigeria, he has been able to name just 1 that uses a diesel powered car as their official car. BRAVO. SO what happens to other foreign companies that use Toyota, Kia and Hyundai that run on gasoline? Did it occur to him that VW might have a contract with them and supply them these cars at subsidized costs just to advertise and create awareness about how good diesel cars have become? Again I stand by my point, it will take some time for everybody to be aware and embrace this. Not just in Nigeria.. or why do u think manufacturers produce much more petrol powered cars than diesels of the same model.
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 9:48pm On Sep 22, 2013
baby-boy:


I kind off disagree with the bolded comment you made above, because we have had a number of diesel engine cars beating gasoline or petrol engine cars in motor racing competitions Thats an indication how far the modern technology and powerful diesel engine cars are.

For a diesel engine car to win the famous Le Man race that says alot.

These are not ur regular street cars. And if u read my post, u will see I wrote that most of the problems have been remedied in recent productions.
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 9:36pm On Sep 22, 2013
Ikenna351:

Since when did Julius Berger become a Nigerian company?

Ikenna.
u didn't answer the question. What model of golf?
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 9:15pm On Sep 22, 2013
Ikenna351: For those that stay in Abuja, why do you think the giant company "Julius Berger" uses only VW diesels as officail vehicles? As far as am concerned, am yet to see Julius Berger official car that is petrol. Maybe there is, but am yet to see one. All i see is Golf TDIs.

Can we now say the company is wasteful? Or can we say they didn't see petrol Golfs to use as official vehicles if running them is cheaper? Every company would want to spend less in running an office, cutting down on cost of production. So if buying diesels and maintaining the TDIs is more expensive to them than using the petrol Golfs, why waste that resources ?

Remember, this is now in Nigeria, not Europe. So who can prove me wrong on this one? Hehehe!

Ikenna.

what model of Golf? You are the same person saying Nigerians are bandwagon propaganda... so now they are no longer bandwagon propaganda or americans wanna be since Julius Berger use TDI's as their official car?
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 8:28pm On Sep 22, 2013
Siena: @ Elektra, are you saying diesel engines are unproven? Do you realise the diesel engine's not far behind the gasoline motor, in terms of adoption? But light years ahead, in terms of development?

Besides EFI and direct injection, how much has the gasoline engine evolved over the last 50 years? And how far has the diesel engine evolved in the last 15?

The diesel is a proven motor. If you're waiting for it to open your kitchen, boil a kettle of water to make you a cup of coacoa, before you feel the diesel engine has done something extraordinary, then you'll be waiting a long time. The fact is diesel engines have overtaken their gasoline counterparts in every sense, regardless of how you see things.

@siena
I didn't say diesel engines are unproven.. diesel have been available for heavy duty trucks for years and it is true diesel engines have done a lot in the last 15 years. But I ask u, why do car manufacturers produce more of gasoline cars than their diesel equivalent? Most standard cars come with gasoline powered engines, though the gap is gradually closing but will take some time before it can be even. The demand for gasoline cars is still higher, not just in Nigeria but in most countries. Manufacturers will not invest everything on something with low demand.

.Diesel engines are generally slower in acceleration than gasoline equivalents
.Diesel engines must be fuel injected which are expensive and less reliable
.They tend to be heavier than gasoline equivalents
.They produce black smoke which pollute the environ.
.Diesel are not readily available as gasoline. Go to a standard gas station, its always 8:2 ratio of pumps dispensing gasoline vs diesel. Some gas stations don't even sell diesel.

Now I know recently most of these problems have been remedied.. but based on past experience, people will not just jump into diesel cars until they are given a really solid reason to get one. That is excluding car enthusiasts anyway.

The point I am trying to make is that this is not a bandwagon propaganda as Ikenna would call it, or Herd theory as u would call it. Gasoline cars are more common everywhere in the world, not only in Nigeria.
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 7:50pm On Sep 22, 2013
Ikenna351: @ electra80,

Did you say Autralians don't drive diesel cars that much? Where exactly are you getting all these your information from? Why are you trying so hard to prove a point with wrong information?

This thing with your "Nigerians can't afford newer Diesels, let's wait it out". Do you know how long HDI engines have been out there? How many Toyota Camry Pencil light, fish light, Big for Nothing and Muscle is out there on Nigerian road? How many Honda Accord Halla, Academy, Baby boy, EOD, Discussion continues and Evil spirit is out there on Nigerian roads? Are you saying all these while Nigerians were buying these cars, modern diesel cars have not been in existence? When was Peugeot 406 production started and when did it end? Are you saying 406 HDIs never existed when the petrol versions were produced, used, sold and shipped into Nigeria for 2nd, 3rd or 4th hand use? Are you saying all those while Toyota Camry '98-2007 models never got modern diesel engines we all have been pointing out? So if majority of Nigerians can afford these cars sold between 1m - 3m or more, are you saying such amount couldn't have bought them the diesel counterparts? Haba!

About Nigeria switching from RHD to LHD, you brought it up and i stated if you want to go that road, who knows if Nigeria switched to LHD because of US, following other changes that have taken place at that time which i noted. Did i not state there could be other reason for the switch other than copy-copy? Why do you have to twist it my words to prove a point?

Anyway, you still have not not proved my position in this thread wrong. I want someone to prove to me that if Americans switch to diesel cars tomorrow, that Nigerians won't follow suit. If i can be proved wrong, then i will park and leave this thread for good.

Ikenna.

I didn't say Australians don't drive diesel cars.. neither did I say diesel cars are not available on Nigerian roads. The number of diesel cars are increasing in Australia over the years, in fact about 15% of Australian cars are diesel powered.. which means 85% are still powered by petrol. Also in Nigeria number of diesel cars are gradually increasing. Like I said, until diesel technology brings something extra ordinary to the game, the adoption is going to be slow, not only in NIgeria but in most countries. I decided to reply u because u talked as if its only Nigerians that don't drive diesel powered cars. Your points are valid though.. but most people in virtually all countries prefer petrol cars to diesel, not just Nigeria. If a new car maker comes out today and manufacture cars that are on the same par as Peugeot 406, same specs, same materials, same engine and price it same as Peugeot 406... will u buy it? Would u buy a product that is unproven? At least u wait a few years to see if it could be reliable before u venture into it. Why do Kia and Hyndai don't sell much even though they now make cars that are better than Toyota in terms of everything? It is because of past experience.. it will take time for people to embrace them. Toyota have decided to up their game because of the competition that Kia and Hyundai brings.

Now about ur 406 HDI, ask urself how many Peugeot 406 HDI were produced compared to the standard Petrol version. Its a simple logic od demand and supply.. when there is demand, manufacturers will produce more.. are u saying Peugeot made those HDI's strictly for the Nigerian market and that's why they didn't produce more of it.... because according to ur analysis, its only Nigerians that don't drive diesel cars.
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 6:55pm On Sep 22, 2013
Siena:
Gasoline is relatively cheap in North America. Hence they have not just more petrol engines, but favour big displacement engines too. But, the trend is changing, with more diesel engines being introduced into the US market. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen now sell diesel models in North America, which wasn't the case some years back. Gasoline prices are rising.

Glad u said the trend is changing.. so let's wait until its finally changed. Last time I checked there are still more Petrol cars on the road than diesel.

Siena:
Because the average Nigerian will move to the United States, so naturally they'll source their cars there. And set up export business. The average Nigerian has more US than European contacts in the business. And something else - the average Nigerian is fixated upon "American spec" cars. Funny thing is the Americans actually prefer Euro-spec cars where they're an option. Euro-spec cars handle better, with firmer suspension, and more outright power. US-spec cars have their maximum power and speed electronically limited.

Do u expect the average Nigerian to do business in a country where he doesn't have contact? If u are a businessman, would u rather do business in a country where u have no contact when u know u have contacts in a country that has a bigger market?

Siena:
I would pick a Mercedes-Benz over a Japmobile, every time. The day I would pick a Toyota Camry, a bland car that has no feel, no soul, no driver's enjoyment would be the day I would burn my Nigerian Driver's Licence, and employ a driver full time.

Funny thing is, you mention bad roads, yet you're mentioning family sedans. Don't SUV's exist in Nigeria? You should be talking Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Vs Toyota Landcruiser!

I was talking about an average Nigerian. How much do u think the minimum wage is in this country? If u offer an average Nigerian a Toyota Landcruiser and a mercedez Benz G wagon as an only car, and a daily driver, to use it come rain come shine, everyday.. he will choose the Landcruiser because he knows it is easier to maintain. Not that he doesn't wish he has the Benz, but because the extra money to fix the Benz when it develops fault can be used for other things. Again.. I am talking for an average Nigerian, not some rich ones. The average ones dominate about 80% of the population.

Siena
Not true. But let's assume diesel-powered cars cost more to manufacture than their gasolne-powered equivalent. How does this translate to the end user in Nigeria? The cost of an Audi A6 3.0 V6 TDI is less than that of an Audi A6 3.2 V6 FSI petrol of the same year!

And manufacturers don't "have to" install turbos to match their gasoline-powered equivalents. The turbo on a diesel engine has one main objective - to allow the engine to run cleaner. The extra power gained is a secondary consideration, an added bonus. Besides, not all diesels are turbocharged, and not all gasoline engines are naturally-aspirated.

Let me give you something else to consider:

A direct-injection gasoline engine cost MORE to manufacture, than a diesel one! If I told you the sost of a single injector, and the high-pressure gasoline pump in a direct-injection engine, you'd soon see where the extra costs come from.

The gap between the gasoline and diesel engine, in terms of performance is growing, and in the diesel engine's favour.

So why don't we have more diesel cars than petrol then.. not only in Nigeria but in all countries. Since they are generally cheaper.

Siena:
I doubt you've driven a recent Euro diesel lately, otherwise you would NOT cite noise as a negative.

I accept newer diesel powered cars burn cleaner.. but how many people can afford a new car in Nigeria. Not only in Nigeria anyway but in all 3rd world countries? Even in advanced countries how many people buy new cars cash and carry? They take car loans and pay every month within a specified time, unlike in Nigeria where u have to buy cash and carry. So let's wait until these newer diesel cars have been used by their first owners and then shipped to use as tokunbo, then we can access.

Siena:
Urrrmm, your statement above would suggest the "herd mentality". So I guess if the Americans "embraced" the diesel engine, then Nigerians would automatically do the same! This is EXACTLY what Ikenna has been stating, and many have been refuting, or rather, attempting to!

So we're now in agreement, whatever the United States embraces, Nigeria would meekly follow suit.

Its not a matter of 'Herd Mentality'. I have lived in a few countries and I don't see diesel cars much on the road. Its a case of if it ain't broken, why fix it? Unless diesel cars bring something extremely 'WOW' to the game, people will continue buying more petrol cars.. I guess we have to wait until then. Why do u guys talk as if its only Nigeria that don't embrace diesel cars? Countries like Malaysia, singapore, china, Japan, Australia, etc don't use diesel cars that much. SO I am not agreeing to ur theory that whatever United states embraces, Nigeria would meekly follow. A lot of countries use LHD, Nigeria swithched, so what? Why didn't Ikenna say they copied Germany, Italy, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.. or should we say those countries also copied USA?

1 Like

Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 6:29pm On Sep 22, 2013
jcshols: Thermal efficiency is gud in diesel.
"Accordin to d British Society of Motor Manufacturin and Traders, d EU average 4 diesel cars account for 50% of d total sold, includin 70% in France and 38% in d UK" Please take note of d 38% in UK(So its not TOTALLY a 9ja thingy)
I believe its a general ish. Even with manufacturers,on d whole,u v more 'non-diesel' cars than u have diesel. Else if it was down to strictly "copying yankee',how come we have few American cars(Parent Company in America and not 'built for American market')in 9ja.How many cadillacs,chevys,dodges,pontiacs,GMCs,Lincolns etc do we v hia?'Diesel exhaust is well known 4 its xtic smell; but this smell in recent yrs has bcom much less because d sulfur is now removed from d fuel in d oil refinery.Diesel exhaust has been found to contain a long list of toxic air contaminants. Among dese pollutants, fine particle pollution is perhaps d most important as a cause of diesel's harmful health effects.''Naturally aspirated diesels tend to lack power and torque at d top of their speed range. This narrow band is a reason why a vehicle such as a truck may have a gearbox with as many as 18 or more gears, to allow d engine's power to be used effectively at all speeds. ' Naturally aspirated diesels, almost without exception, have a lower power output than a petrol engine of d same capacity whilst d same time requiring stronger (and thus heavier) internal components such as d pistons and crankshaft to withstand greater stresses of diesel engine's operatin cycle.These factors give naturally aspirated diesels a poor power-to-weight ratio.Diesel engines v longer life span but r xpensive and make use of heavy materials.Diesel is less readily available,glow plugs in diesel engines require u w8 b4 startin so it cld heat up.Diesel engines, because of weight and compression ratio,tend to hav lower maximum RPM ranges than gasoline engines,this makes diesel engines high torque rather than high horsepowa and that tends to make diesel cars slow in terms of acceleration.Many of d new diesel engine designs usin advanced computer control are eliminatin many of these disadvantages --smoke, noise, vibration and cost are all declinin.In d future, we are likely to see many more diesel engines on the road.Its worthy to note d@ an average Nigerian does not drive a car made 2010 upwards 4 example talkmore of drivin a new car,well @lest from wia I de(South West,ignore gidi) and whch means a lot of ds improvmnts on diesel engine might nt b available on wht they ride whch leaves room for only d rich n probably d enthusiast.d rich wu isn't an enthusiast(whch's most likely wht an avrage rich Nigerian isnt)will probably base hs judgement on d historical disadvantages of diesel n hence won't go 4 diesel.

Thank u very much. Mr Ikenna and co are talking as if its only in Nigeria that people don't embrace diesel cars. I know newer model diesel cars make less noise and are becoming faster, but then they have to go through a reliability test of say 10 years before people will actually embrace them. If a new car maker comes to the market today and manufactures cars that are on the same par as Mercedez Benz and BMW and put the price in the same range as those cars.. will people buy it? The answer is no.. It will take lots of years of consistency before people will come to trust and embrace them. I know diesel cars have been around for a long time, but they were slow, have bad emmission and are loud.. Most of thr problems have been corrected in the recent models but will take time for people to embrace.
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 6:20pm On Sep 22, 2013
Ikenna351:

Did you actually read my post you responded to?

"Why do Americans drive more of Petrol cars instead of Diesel?" We are not here to discuss why Americans drive Petrol cars instead. Let's focus on the topic.

"European cars vs American cars?" Really? Who is comparing car brands here? I was making reference to specifications not brands, please.


"RHD vs LHD?" Don't you think you may be contradicting yourself here? Have you forgotten that Nigeria was formerly RHD, but later changed to LHD. Any reason why we changed the UK driving position to LHD American driving position? Or was there any other reason for that change I do not know? Or were you trying to prove the point "copy-copy"?


" If Toyota and Honda are readily available in Europe, with left hand drive and cheaper, trust me Nigerians will buy their cars from there instead of USA" Seriously? Are you saying Europeans don't drive petrol Toyotas and Hondas as well? Or you saying there are no LHD European countries that drive Toyotas and Hondas? Have you taken your time to compare car prices between America and Europe?

Sorry, you just proved my point in this thread. Lol!

Ikenna.

So tell me one other single country where u can import as many used and new cars that is as big as USA. And don't tell me Europe because Europe is made up of many countries. Some states in USA are even bigger than 10 countries combined in europe. Coupled with the fact that many euro countries use right hand drive. Its a simple matter of demand and supply. U get more supply in the USA and u don't have to worry about conversion from RHD to LHD. If u are a car dealer, will u source ur cars from Europe or USA considering the demand of customers. I still stand by my point, its not follow follow at all. If there's another country that has a higher supply of what the customers want, dealers will source from them.

About the case of RHD to LHD... Mr IKenna, are u trying to tell me its only USA that use LHD? SO IF NIGERIA SWITCH FROM RHD TO LHD THEN IT MEANS THEY COPY USA. Why didn't u say the copied Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Korea, etc. Why didn't u say we copied any of those countries, or are those countries also copying he USA. Maybe Nigeria should have invented their own steering side, maybe use centre driving, that way u won't say we are copying anybody. Nigeria is not the only country that switched to LHD FROM RHD. Are u saying all those countries also copied USA? And what's wrong in copying USA anyway, are we better than them in any way? I'm sure there's a reason Nigeria switched but its not a matter of copy copy or American wannabe as Mr ikenna puts it. Probably because we are surrounded by countries using LHD.
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 3:35pm On Sep 22, 2013
Ikenna351:

Let me make my statement "Simple, because Americans don't drive diesels. The moment they start, Petrol cars will become "problematic" in Nigeria, to Nigerians." clearer for you.

If North Americans (USA & Canada) decide to ditch petrol cars and start using Diesel cars and avoid petrol cars like they do with diesel cars, what do you think you will in Nigeria? Petrol cars? From where? Europe? If like as you have confirmed above why you and majority of Nigerians prefer American speccs vehicles, is it not going to be from the same America that you will still order for cars or buy tokunbo cars from? Or are you now going to hate American cars because they are no longer petrol engine powered? Where will you order for cars then? India? Or do you think Inspired_m will convert those American specs cars from diesel to petrol engines before shipping them down for you to purchase? So, are you now going to ditch Toyota when all Toyotas that come from USA & Canada are diesels?

How many percentage of cars on Nigeria roads are tokunbo and how many are new? If tokunbo are more, do you think it won't affect the fuel type of new vehicles they will start selling in the country? Back then, PAN produced and sold only manual transmission Peugeot 504, 505, 406 & 607 (am not sure of 307 & 407). But they have come to realise that Nigerians have accepted auto tranny or prefer it more than manual tranny, hence, they recently introduced auto trannies in their new products in Nigeria, along side their manual counterparts: 308, 408, 508, 3008 & 4008. If tokunbo cars in Nigeria, most especially from USA, have made Peugeot to introduce auto transmission in their new cars, do you think if 90% of diesel tokunbo cars from US won't make Toyota do the same by introducing new diesel cars in Nigeria?


And as for "Nigerians like copying Americans". I would suggest you drop it because you do not want us to go down that road/argument. Because, If you want to insist, then tell me why of all the systems of government, Nigeria ditched the one they were operating and switched to Presidential System Americans were practising at that time till date. How is that working out for us? All of a sudden, Nigeria ditched the Europe number plate style and switched to American style. Can you honestly tell me which of them best suits Nigeria? The Europe style which is very bold and glaring everyone can see from afar, which will help Nigerian policemen? Or is it the tiny American style which can only be seen when you are standing directly close to the vehicle? Did it ever occur to Nigerians why Americans number plate is like that? When CCTV is there to snap and track any vehicle at any point in time, even if the numbers on the number plate are not visible to human eyes from afar, but for CCTV and other gadgets. What about Nigeria? How many States in the country have the CCTV, aside Abuja and maybe Lagos state? If a poor policeman can't see a number plate of a vehicle involved in a crime from afar, how then do you expect him to note the numbers? Even with their database, is it not when you have the numbers that you can do your search? Probably, the poor policeman may not even have a Camera phone to snap the car, in case they will zoom and get the numbers from there. Or may be a Nigerian Policeman is expected to have a telescopic eyes, may be.

To cut the story short, an average Nigerian is an "American -Wannabe". Our Sedentary lifestyle explains that a lot. If Americans switch to Diesel cars tomorrow, Nigerians will follow sharp-sharp. You can argue from now till tomorrow, but its a fact. Take it or leave it.

Ikenna.

Now the big question is why do Americans drive more petrol cars instead of diesel, abi Dem too Dey follow follow. On the basis of Nigeria, I don't think its follow follow. We don't manufacture cars in Nigeria so we source from abroad and the USA still remains the biggest market for used cars, especially Toyota and Honda which is what we appreciate most in Nigeria. Yes that's true because they are more reliable. Europe cars tend to be faster and more luxurious but those japs brings a balance to economy, reliability and comfort which no other cars can even come close to. Ask urself, if u can own only one car as ur daily driver and u have option between a 2008 Mercedes Benz e320 and a 2008 Toyota Camry which one would u choose. I mean a car that u drive everyday around the city,good and bad roads.. Will u choose the Benz? Even if u do, most people will choose the Toyota because its more of an everyday car. Most people that own those exotic Europe cars have more than one car, and their daily driver is always these japs that u condemn.

Back to the topic... Diesel cars are more expensive to manufacture compared to petrols, manufacturers have to install turbo into diesel engines just to make their speed close to diesels. Diesel engines make more noise too and not environmental friendly based on emission and these are factors Americans take serious. U can't say Nigerians use petrol just because Americans use more of petrol... Petrol cars bring a better balance to speed, reliability and are more environmental friendly than their diesel counterparts and that's why Americans , thus Nigerians embrace it. Don't forget Americans use left hand drive too... So next thing u will say is Nigerians use left hand drive just because Americans use it. If Toyota and Honda are readily available in Europe, with left hand drive and cheaper, trust me Nigerians will buy their cars from there instead of USA
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 3:02pm On Sep 22, 2013
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 2:59pm On Sep 22, 2013
Car Talk / Re: Why Do Nigerians Avoid Diesel Cars When Buying A Vehicle? by elektra80: 10:11am On Sep 22, 2013
COOLDUN:


You are very right my dear, that is how Nigerians are today going crazy for Automatic cars instead of Manual, juts because Americans are driving Automatic. The cars that were made for the disabled is the best options for the Nigerians today.

Many accidents in Nigeria roads nowadays is as a result of the driving made easy Automatic cars, when someone moves an Automatic car today, tomorrow he/she will enter road without knowing the road signs, before you know it he/she begins to apply long distance routes. When there a little problem on the road you would see them shaking like moi moi. Automatic cars are very easy to drive, and that is why people jump into them as if they are the best. But manual cars make one a good and real driver.

I am not saying that manual drivers do not get accident, but there many Automatic cars easily made drivers on our roads today.

I don't know much about diesel cars but all i know is that, there must be an advantage in every invention. We Nigerians too copy from America, mostly on the bad things. Tell me more of Diesel cars plsease.

most of the points u made are invalid. Where did u learn that automatic cars are made for the DISABLED? Driving a manual car is by choice and in this world where technology is making things easier, why stress urself driving a manual when automatic is available. Let me ask u a simple question... In ur house do u still use the big old CRT television? If not, then why did u switch to LCD and LED TV's, after all nothing wrong with CRT. technology is advancing and dynamic, we grow with it, hence why people switch to auto cars as it makes life easier, not because of laziness. Why do u use keyless remote to open the door of ur car, why not use the key all the time to open ur door and trunk? Why do u play a CD in ur car? Why not play the good old cassette. So bro, switching to automatic is not doe to laziness. In case u don't know, the newer exotic cars like Ferrari and Lamborghinis are ditching manual for automatic.

And where did u get ur statistics that most accidents that happen involve automatic cars. Last time I checked, I have never seen a truck or bus that use automatic transmission... These are most causes of accidents on the highway.

2 Likes

Car Talk / Re: Error Codes P1519 And P1166 On Honda Accord by elektra80: 12:28pm On Sep 21, 2013
U didn't state the model of ur car and whether its 4 cylinder or v6. For p1519 its either the idle air control valve (IACV) is bad or needs cleaning. Check the attached video for how to clean it


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u3XGC0sZe0

for p1166 its likely the ECT is bad. Have it checked by a mechanic.
Car Talk / Re: Honda Ball Joints And Upper Arms Problem by elektra80: 11:48pm On Sep 20, 2013
aku626:
sure it can but its usually cheaper to fix it there as the parts are no expensive a ball joint can't be more than NGN2,500.00 upper hand NGN3,000( thats how much i bought mine for my civic)

If u are buying ball joint for N2.500 then be rest assured its fake and won't last. Endeavour to buy original bann joints. Even the mechanics know the fake ones fro OEM ones. OEM Ball joint does not cost less than N7,000 . Could be costlier though depending.

3 Likes

Car Talk / Re: Do You Drive Auto Transmission With One Foot Or Both? by elektra80: 8:55am On Sep 20, 2013
lomomike: Before I started using Automatic transmission, I used a manual transmission which entail operation with both feet, when I switched to Auto transmission, I used both feet. Over time, I ressigned using my left foot meaning only my right foot did all the job. Nowadays any time I try taking my left foot any where the brake pedal to give even the slightest pressure, it results to an error. I over depress the damn brake pedalangry Gosh I missed those sweet good ol' days when I do the two feet driving technique cry But... I shall bounce back someday wink

Do u use ur left foot to depress the brake while driving manual? No I guess , the left foot is just for the clutch and since there's no clutch in automatic, it is meant to be driven with just one foot. It is a bad habit to drive automatic with both feet, I have a friend that does that and he has mastered depressing the brake with his left foot. But in the etiquette of driving, u can't have both feet on the brake and throttle at the same time, so one foot should be used.

2 Likes

Car Talk / Re: Engine Conversion Is Killing Me,please Help by elektra80: 8:11pm On Sep 19, 2013
@ikenna, I like the part when u said so so far a car is moving, then its OK. I think that's the problem with the op... He thinks since the car can take him from point A to point B then everything is OK. He wanted the conversion, he wasn't received into it. My question is if he so much love Toyota engine, why didn't he buy a Toyota van in the first place and save himself the stress. Anyway, the van is working which is what matters to him, even though its no different from a danfo. I even doubt the car is good on fuel mileage as the original engine was since there's no 02 sensors. And what mechanic would think a van will work well without air filter?
Car Talk / Re: Toyota Big For Nothing Or EOD, Which Should I Buy by elektra80: 7:57pm On Sep 19, 2013
I would prefer the EOD. If u are going for EOD, go for the 2005 model, it has less reported cases of transmission failure, and pls endeavour to use the recommended transmission fluid. The Toyota big for nothing is just bland in my opinion, might be a little bit more economical than EOD in terms of fuel but the EOD has better sports feeling especially the v6. If u don't like v6 the make it i4 ex model, beats the Toyota Camry xle arms down .

1 Like

Car Talk / Re: Engine Conversion Is Killing Me,please Help by elektra80: 5:13pm On Sep 18, 2013
Henry Raphael: I really thank all that contributed on the topic,really then i did not get what i expected but NOW everything is in the right shape,I bought complete Air filter component and also flush out dirt in injector,did small electrical settings in the ignition coil.The van is more than fine.I flog it everyday now.
Here in Nigeria really a lot of people are risk averse,we dont want to do something different,we believe doing things different way is abuse,we keep doing things commonly,let me put it this way,Before i venture into doing conversion,i did research,i saw countless Dodge van,chrysler,Landrover Freelander with Toyota Engine and gear even i saw Murano SUV fitted with 2009 camry Engine and gear because of Murano gear issue.But people will like to blame if something went a little bit wrong rather than advice.A lot of things can make a car not Accelerate well starting from fuel pump,dirty injector etc,which ordinary if not in a converted car we can advise here,but immediately we hear conversion we forget our best knowledge and all you will hear is,"Abuse", "sale it","get ride of it".replace with the same engine,to the point one will start feeling bad ever mention it here,then i asked If dodge engine is not giving problems or if our so called mechanics like working on them here,why will i thought of changing to what they know better,Last year i call a mechanic to come and check my plug,to my surprise he parked his tools and ran away,telling me ah! American car,only japanes.why is dodge van so cheap and you see them dumped in mechanic garage a lot,we can turn misfortune to fortune if we carefully remove MIS.Somebody said down grading from 3.0 to 2.0,yes and i have reasons,1st is our mechanic ideology,2nd fuel consumption,3rd usage.if is speed where am i speeding to,when i will be on go-slow starting from my office till i get to my house,just need something for moving within mainland and Island,not really for traveling but even,it can travel far.,my emphasis is mainly on reliability,economy and easy to work on,which Toyota engine has.
Thanks.

@Op. I feel ur pain, but my question is why not buy a toyota van in the first place, why buy a Dodge rather, then having to convert a Dodge Chasis to a Toyota Engine. It would have been cheaper on a long run buying a Toyota Van than having to go through the stress of conversion. Even the money for conversion alone, add it to the cost of the Dodge and u could have bought a good Toyota van. There is no way u won't lose some features of the Original van after the conversion. ALso pls let us know if the fuel economy is significantly better than the way it was before the conversion.
Car Talk / Re: What Car Speed Can You Comfortably Maintain? by elektra80: 10:49pm On Sep 16, 2013
kingk:

What do you know about cars, how many models and type(s) have you driven? Read the post again, how did this post relate to youtube video? Na you drive the one in that youtube video........ Abeg park well joor

I'm not fighting with u. Siena said he did 251km/hr on the German autobahn and u and others said he was lying. I'm just letting u know that people do excess of 300km/hr on that road. U can go as fast as ur car can take u on the fastest motorway in the world. He has no reason to lie, afterall nobody is getting paid from this. This thread is not about argument , so abeg I no fight with u. We all gain knowledge everyday, that's why we come to forums like this. Abeg u again, no be fight... In fact u win, I give up

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Car Talk / Re: What Car Speed Can You Comfortably Maintain? by elektra80: 10:00pm On Sep 16, 2013
baby-boy:


Do you know the road called German Autobahn?


People take the speed to the limit the slower you drive the more likely you get arrested. In a 3 series BMW Alpina we were doing 155 mph constant for about 25 minutes

pls don't mind all these non car enthusiasts that just come here to say rubbish. People come from different countries just to drive on the autobahn so the can push their cars to the limit. Imagine a road without speed limit, just a recommended speed limit of 130km/hour. Below is a YouTube video of driving on German autobahn. Note the speed of 290km/hr at 0:48 secs.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8PQUTiBNyw&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DP8PQUTiBNyw

this is the fastest motorway in the world.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXt-UGFGO_0


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj-DQPIGBzU&feature=relmfu


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wt9ic4bONQ&feature=relmfu

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=relmfu&v=Va4HnwuLuH4

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Car Talk / Re: What Car Speed Can You Comfortably Maintain? by elektra80: 9:44pm On Sep 16, 2013
ihimami: 200km/h, Abuja- kaduna road with my former 2003 Audi A6 2.7T and 210km/h on my new 2006 Audi A6 3.2L on Shagamu-Ibadan expressway.

200km/hr on abuja- kaduna road I can believe. But 210km/hr on sagamu- ibadan expressway? I don't know which expressway that is but if u are talking about lagos-ibadan expressway then I can't believe u. That road is one of the worst highways in Nigeria and I doubt u can do 160km/hr for more than 5 mins on that road.
Car Talk / Re: Engine Mount. by elektra80: 9:38pm On Sep 16, 2013
You do realize there are about 4 engine mounts for that car and their costs vary. The cost of the front one is not the same as the side ones, so u have to be specific.
Car Talk / Re: What Car Speed Can You Comfortably Maintain? by elektra80: 7:58pm On Sep 16, 2013
25Calibre:


Bugatti Veyron, the fastest road car, maxes out at about 250-260mph, so except you were driving a Koenigsegg or some beastly Ferrari, I don't think you are truthful.

Attempt such speeds on a UK road (except race tracks), and you'd be chased by a full squad of police men in helicopters and cars and then handed a lengthy jail time.

Do you think you are talking to kids here?

Do u know the difference between mph and kph because if u do then u will know 251km/hr is not any closer to 260mph

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Car Talk / Re: What Car Speed Can You Comfortably Maintain? by elektra80: 7:58pm On Sep 16, 2013
25Calibre:


Bugatti Veyron, the fastest road car, maxes out at about 250-260mph, so except you were driving a Koenigsegg or some beastly Ferrari, I don't think you are truthful.

Attempt such speeds on a UK road (except race tracks), and you'd be chased by a full squad of police men in helicopters and cars and then handed a lengthy jail time.

Do you think you are talking to kids here?
Car Talk / Re: What Car Speed Can You Comfortably Maintain? by elektra80: 7:49pm On Sep 16, 2013
REALITY101: This thread is created for drunk and irresponsible drivers.

And lies lol "225KM/hr" I didn't know 007 was on nairaland

so if a car a max speedometer of 260km/hr, what makes u think the car can't do 225km/hr. Or do u think the Speedo is there just for decoration? Moreover that speed was not achieved on a Nigerian road. If u have ever driven on an interstate highway outside the country, u will know no speed is unattainable. I have seen someone do 200km/hr on kaduna- kano highway with a toyota 4 runner. Now compare that with a car built for sports on a better longer stretch road.
Car Talk / Re: How Many Error Lights Do You Have On Your Instrument Cluster (PICTURES) by elektra80: 11:04am On Sep 16, 2013
Resetting the TPMS could be very tedious and need special tools
Car Talk / How Many Error Lights Do You Have On Your Instrument Cluster (PICTURES) by elektra80: 5:36pm On Sep 15, 2013
This is just for fun. How many error lights (excluding seat belt, hand brake, DRL, and other normal lights) do u have on ur car's instrument cluster? Pls post pictures. The engine should be running while picture is taken. I'll start with mine

Car: Honda Accord
Model: 2005
Transmission: Auto
Engine size: 2.4L I4
error lights: 0

Car Talk / Re: Could This Damage My Gear Box by elektra80: 3:23pm On Sep 15, 2013
It is a bad habit. When you shift from reverse to drive while the car is still moving, you put that much force on the drivetrain. The inertial energy of the car's movement is converted by the torque converter into heat, as are loads placed on other parts of the drivetrain. While you can probably get away with doing this forever without a transmission failure, you might not be so lucky, so why take the risk? That extra 1-2 secs it would take for the car to come tons complete stop will not cost u anything.

also its an added stress on the gear mounts
Car Talk / Re: Mercedes-Benz Unveils Self-Driving Car To Be On Sale By 2020 by elektra80: 11:27am On Sep 15, 2013
Bossforeva: Going Too Far..Illusionist.

am I the one going too far or google? I don't get u
Car Talk / Re: Mercedes-Benz Unveils Self-Driving Car To Be On Sale By 2020 by elektra80: 10:40pm On Sep 14, 2013
Google has been working on this for long and self driving google cars are already legal in California. Google use Toyota Prius for their self driven project.

this technology will never work in Nigerian though.. Well... Maybe by the year 2080. We never embrace hybrid cars ,not to talk of electric cars and now self driven cars.

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/blind-california-man-drives-taco-bell-test-google-self-driving-car-article-1.1053265

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/25/tech/innovation/self-driving-car-california/index.html
Car Talk / Re: Why Do German And American Cars Have Low Resale Values? by elektra80: 8:59pm On Sep 14, 2013
KA24DETT: Back to the topic.
I will try to explain more about the resale value from a North american point of view. Please feel free to add or subtract from my analysis .

1. American cars have bad resale value because of RELIABILITY problems and quality. In the early 90s, cost cutting was high, labour costs and layoffs was the driving theme. Chrysler was using plastics in everything. Sitting in a chrysler was like sitting at toys r us. Hard, dark plastics everywhere. Same goes as ford and the general (GM).Head gasket failure in GM northstar engine, Ford 4 banger with broken pistons, chrysler 2.7 with bad oil flow design, bad suspension designs. Reliability suffered and people took their money to the japanese .
2. Rental returns Most of the rental fleet of Avis, National, enterprise are American cars. Most rental companies change their fleet every year or 2. This flooded the Used car market and drove down prices.

German . Mercedes benz in the quest to increase market share in Northamerica has to sell more cars. Mercedez benz has a car for every buyer. New money- C class. Old money - S class. Mad money - G wagon. Psychotic speed demon with class - S class AMG. Wife - ML class.
For every buyer out there, mercedes has a product for you.
In the quest for profit, Quality suffered in the mid 90s. Ranging from suspension problems to electrical problems . When CEO Dieter Zetsche took the helm at Mercedes-Benz, he says "the quality is lousy, the design is troubling". He followed this with some changes like slashing profit forecast and re investing the money into RnD. Mercedes benz Juergen Hubbert, board member responsible for Mercedes-Benz and Smart also said "We are working like hell to correct the glitches that have plagued the electronic control systems in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. We have to learn the right way to organise electronics and have the same reliability standards." Mercedes benz is a huge brand, no other automaker would be at the bottom of JD power and associates in reliability for years and stilll be moving products. Am pretty sure their quality has improved from yesteryears but only time will tell. For now, you can still pick up a 3-5yr old E class for the price of a New Camry and after 10 years, the camry will be worth more than the E class. (Resale comparing 13yr old E class and 10yr old camry). Thats the Power of reliability in the used car world


Good thing about this situation is that people who wouldnt afford a luxury car can buy a used one. If their purchase tend to be reliable against norms, they will be more inclined to buy a new mercedes. This brings more business to Mercedes.
On the downside, if the purchase turn out to be a failure, they will not buy any more mercedes and will scream from the roof top to their friends, family, mother , father that noone should buy mercedes. This perception will further reduce sales for mercedes. You know what they say, 'Success has more friends but failure is an orphan"


Well said. Really learnt a lot

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