Toyota Corolla (E120) The Toyota Corolla (E120/E130) is the ninth generation of compact cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate. In Japan, this series arrived to the market in August 2000; however, exports were typically not achieved until 2001 and 2002 depending on the market.
I am starting with this because it seems to be the most popular Nigerian used vehicle on this platform.
Most people are of the opinion that it only comes with the standard 1zz-fe engine, but this vehicle has a variation of engine types depending on what region on the globe the vehicle came from.
Foreign used Corolla prices for the 2003-2007 vary from 1.5m to as much as 2.2m
So why are you getting a cheap deal on that Nigerian used Corolla ? Let's discuss.
1.Extensive wear and tear to body engine and suspension parts
It is an ex Ehailing vehicle (Uber tins): vehicles used for Ehailing usually suffer the worst type of abuse that can be given to a vehicle. Extended oil change intervals, poor suspension setup, varying degrees of body dents and scratches usually covered up with poor paint work.
Engines with sludge, multiple gasket changes and compromised/abused air-conditioning systems are not uncommon.
2. Stolen vehicle: this needs no explanation
3. Converted vehicle : vehicle conversions from right to left hand drive are very common in this part of the world, usually poorly done and will tend to have electrical and air-conditioning issues, also a very uncomfortable cabin with the windows wound up, you would perceive a lot from the outside while inside the vehicle .
4. Extensive rust: Flooded cars and cars from icy regions in the USA, Europe and Canada are very cheap, most times a first time buyer realizes late and only realizes the extent of damage when car is due for suspension repair work, owner then decided to resell vehicle.
5. Engine issues. Replacing the engine of the regular 1zz-fe hovers around 200-300k depending on what you are buying and who is installing it, usually most people just factor in that loss and out up the car for sale when engine becomes defective (oil burn, rattling sounds , knocking sounds, smoking)
6. Frustration: when you invest your 2m on a good Corolla and give it out for rental hoping to get 30,000 a week from a driver only for him to default serially within 6months and work up a repair bill which is almost at par with his weekly delivery.... You know the rest
7. Relocation: when Baba God pics your call and you escape from this change you can sell your Corolla very cheap and say bye bye Nigeria (these are good deals if genuine )
8. Vehicle upgrades. When you are tired of using your reliable Corolla that you have had for 5years and want to upgrade to a nissan pathfinder 2008
9. Sever electrical abuse: electrical abuse can be very frustrating, and when wiring and fuseboxes have been compromised cars can be out up for sale.
10. Fear, you witnessed your friends vehicle stolen at gun point , he nearly escaped unhurt , you have same brand of vehicle... Tomorrow you list it for sale and buy a Volvo cc valarinz
As usual this thread might seem controversial and the timing a bit off, but this is cartalk and we talking about cars.
The autos section is littered with Nigerian used vehicles at varying prices some cars ridiculously cheap, some others even more expensive than tokumbor vehicles
I buy and sell used and tokumbor vehicles on a weekly basis, I also do a lot of paid vehicle evaluations and come across a lot of vehicles with varying degrees of defects . After doing this a lot of times you know what to expect even before getting to the location of the vehicle.
At this point kindly note that there are still quite a few good Nigerian used vehicles out there and this should not be a generalization of all used cars .
This thread will list most of the common issues with certain brands and vehicle models that pushed them into the market.
Again useful tools like vin reports should be employed before purchasing vehicles with verifiable VINS.
As usual the thread is for educational purposes, if you do not have anything positive to contribute , read and pass.
Coating and Painting – Coating the surface of a metal object with a layer of either Paint or Varnish will break the contact between the surface and atmospheric oxygen making it consequently immune to rusting.
Rust is an iron oxide, a usually red oxide formed by the redox reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture. Several forms of rust are distinguishable both visually and by spectroscopy, and form under different circumstances.[1] Rust consists of hydrated iron(III) oxides Fe2O3·nH2O and iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (FeO(OH), Fe(OH)3).
Given sufficient time, oxygen, and water, any iron mass will eventually convert entirely to rust and disintegrate. Surface rust is flaky and friable, and it provides no protection to the underlying iron, unlike the formation of patina on copper surfaces. Rusting is the common term for corrosion of iron and its alloys, such as steel. Many other metals undergo similar corrosion, but the resulting oxides are not commonly called rust.[2]
Other forms of rust exist, like the result of reactions between iron and chloride in an environment deprived of oxygen. Rebar used in underwater concrete pillars, which generates green rust, is an example. Although rusting is generally a negative aspect of iron, a particular form of rusting, known as "stable rust," causes the object to have a thin coating of rust over the top, and if kept in low relative humidity, makes the "stable" layer protective to the iron below, but not to the extent of other oxides, such as aluminum.[3]
If you already own a rusted car this video will help show how best to tackle frame rust.
Surface Rust – Rust that starts from paint scratches or cracks. This type of rust can be easily fixed by using a grinding wheel or sandpaper. Buff out paint and corrosion until the bright metal appears, then apply coat primer, paint, and clear coat respectively.
kingbusy: Hello gurus, i have an issue with my car toyota camry 2004. Any time i'm on motion the transmission will suddenly stop until i stop and restart before i could continue with my journey. It has happened to me like 3times now, i dont have an idea what could be the cause please help me.
inspect transmission oil, remove oil pan and inspect filter
Brozok: Afternoon to all car guru. Pls I want to do servicing for my Honder accord 2004 model, but am not sure of d correct oil to use. My manual says I should use Honda genuiene synthetic blend 5w-20. But d product is scarce in Ibadan I can't find it, d only ones available is sold by retailers on d road & I don't trust d quality of wat dey are selling. D mileage on my hinder is 225,000k, I use forte oil 20w-50 before but I noticed recently d exhaust is bringing out thick black smoke, so am tinking of switching to Mobil 1 advance full synthetic 5w-30 wic is 18k, 5 litres in Ibadan or Mobil super semi synthetic 5w-30w wic is 4ltrs for 5k & #1600 for 1ltrs. I have read a lot of post on this subject but am not really sure of wat to use bcoz of different opinion on d subject matter. Pls any advice will b helpful b4 i do d servicing next week. As for d coolant a friend advised dat I use forte oil antifreeze coolant mixed with water before pouring into d radiator bcoz of d high cost of honder premix 50/50 coolant, type 2 wic cost 20k in Ibadan. Cc gazzuz, luvinhubby
seanfer: If I was in your situation right now. I will delete the contact of the Passat seller and buy the corolla with peace of mind. Corolla won’t stress you like the Passat when the electrical problems starts showing face.
It is paramount to ensure your car is at its optimal operating condition at all times. Even though this regular maintenance will cost you some money, it will make your car not to suffer a catastrophic failure that can milk your pockets dry.
It is a very easy task for dubious mechanics to extort a car owner who does not have a very good knowledge or experiences about cars. Some of these mechanics are not after the well-being of your car, they have an agenda to make money through you. That’s why some of them will make you come back every now and then.
We at Autojosh came up with some simple tips that will enable you get all the right services you are paying for.
Follow these few steps to be on safe hands.
1. Get the basic knowledge about cars:
If you’re among those that can tell apart a radiator and an air-conditioner condenser, this is for you. You need to have the basic knowledge of most of the parts in your car, so the mechanics don’t end up telling you they need to service the wiper blade in the alternator.
In order to protect your wallet, start learning from today. There are a lot of things you can read here on Autojosh. Go through our blog and thank us later.
2. Use a diagnostic tool:
Scanning a car in Nigeria is not all that cheap. Some workshops will charge as much as N5000 or even N10,000 to scan your car. Scanning your car will give you an edge of knowing the actual problem with your car. It will save you a lot of grammar and explanations from the mechanic.
Getting an OBD scanner of your own isn’t a bad idea if you have the money. You will enjoy it on the long run.
3. Identify the reason why you want to take your car to the mechanic:
When you don’t have a diagnostic tool, this is something you should find out. With your knowledge and the signs the fault put out, you should be able to point out what the problem could be.
Is the car misfiring? It could be plug related. Is the coolant in the radiator mixed with oil? It indicates your top/head gasket has been compromised.
When the reason why you want to take your car to the mechanic is very clear to you, you’re on the right track.
4. Ask questions and rely on referrals:
There is this saying that the devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know. Ask your friends, co-workers, neighbors about a very good mechanic they know. These groups of persons are in a good position to share their experiences with mechanics with you. If they felt any of the mechanics cheated them, they will tell you, so you know how to deal with them.
Referrals from friends, family, or colleagues could be the best way to find a good mechanic.
5. Check the prices of the car parts you’re likely to buy:
A bad mechanic won’t leave out any chance to milk you dry. Buying of spare parts is one of the ways they can do you strong thing. When you know that the price of an air filter is N3000, you can’t fall for a dubious mechanic price tag of N5000.
6. Ask mechanics for the old parts:
Some mechanics charge for replacement of parts without changing anything.
Asking for the old parts is one of the ways you can ensure they don’t collect money for new parts and not fix it up in your car. This works well when you are present where they are fixing your car.
Tell them before hand you need those old parts.
When you stick to these tips, the chances of a mechanic ripping you off are minimal. Even though they can still play smart, but it would be milder.
Kindly let us know other things one can do to avoid being ripped off by mechanics.
olosaoko: All the guru in the house, please I need to be tutored on the best SUV that has the durability, robust, synthetic and ability to handle the Nigeria rough roads among the underwritten SUV. Your advise will enable me know which one to put money on. The SUV are: 1.Lexus GX 2007 or 2010 2. Ford Explorer 2012 3. Toyota Land Cruiser 2007 4. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2012
Eddee: Thebigkendo - dem no sabi say people dey make money for here. Baba G go soon bring him own Canadian level, collect him own share... Bounce! amd.man go follow see American level on craiglist pick am up sharpenly, flog am give boys on a low.
Life goes on, I no fit believe say both of them dey fight, (car dealers get only one true enemy (and I can categorically confirm that they don't hate on themselves), las las both of dem dey the same whatsapp group.
I see most persons on here asking people to boycott the workshop or Canadian cars based on rust. Do you know how difficult it is to find a mechanic that won't give you a trial period? Or a car seller that gives amd.man's rates?
Believe me, there are three things a man doesn't change without deep reflection, his football team, his barber and the person who fixes his car.
thebigkendo: You are a wise man One thing people don't understand: For Gazzuzz, As a IPOB member, Money is the ultimate goal/motive and the Customers Wise ones are the ultimate winner in the squibble..
Once Upon a time, VIN/Full disclosure issue came up on nairaland.. Everybody involved was termed hater, Pull him down, Jobless E-Rats.. Some Swedish citizens even had whatsapp meetings on the matter - People like me and a few wises ones learnt what type of "accidented" cars to avoid - Vin tampering is real and how to identify a tampered vin - How to dig out Pre-purchase Auction Photos and some other important information about car business in Nigeria, making us better at inspecting toks and also using pre-purchase accident pictures/Auction selling price to negotiate and get better deals.
Then also, any car with flooded title, was termed a scrap and Junk by all, Then suddenly our chief Google mechanic brought a flooded corolla to sell & explained to us how flooded cars get levels and claimed his own flooded corolla was not a scrap/Junk(we knew the ultimate motive was to sell the car) -While some were busy laying curses on him for "Hypocrisy".. Some of us, the wise ones learnt about types of flooding, salt water and fresh water flooding.."water line", How not all flooded cars are "scrap"
Then Aunty Radu came around..Engine Rebuild vs replace war happened -From the Rad/Gaz war, the wise ones also acquired knowledge on when to rebuild, What to consider and when to replace. -Aunty Radu got must need publicity too(Free of charge)
Nissan and Ford cars are unreliable especially Naija used until their was a Naija used Nissan to sell - The wise ones learn that some Nissan were reliable after all
Hybrid vehicles nko? Forbidden Money pit Till oga started repairing & Selling them.. - Wise ones also noted, Hybrids are not death sentence after all
Now to the issue on ground -The wise ones are learning that Canadian cars are cheaper(I don't agree)..I prefer to say Amdman's canadian cars are cheaper -The wise ones are also learning that not all cars in Canada are rust buckets -After doing 1+2, Wise ones knows they can get cheap cars(with or without rust) from Amdman -Amdman is getting plenty publicity for free
Sometime in the future, after a toks vehicle from U.S lands with some rust ...We will have a lesson on different levels of rust, how to mitigate them and how rust is not really a death sentence.. - The wise ones will learn while the others will be laying curses & posting link to this thread
No one person can have any effect on price of toks cars in Nigeria or even Nairaland... Be it Gazzuzz, Amdman or Gazzuzz + Amdman together self.. The market is too big and they are too small.. When i mean too small i mean ''drop in the ocean" small..
Will this thread affect Amdman's sell? Yes, Positively(More orders, not from the voltrons sha ), but most people will now be specific in their orders eg 2003 camry with little or no rust please
Personally Will i buy a Canadian used car? Yes as long as passes my pre-purchase inspection(PPI) Will i buy an american used car? Yes as long as it passes my PPI
Now if I am to choose between a Canadian or American car(Assuming both pass PPI)- I will pick the cheaper one
Will i Pre-order a car? I don't think so..Well except i can't find the type or spec i want in Nigeria, I am not such a risk taker.. The 100 - 200k i might save is not worth the fear of port rats at Tincan/PTML .. I prefer the dealer to take the risk, Replace all what was stolen or bashed at the port if it happens.. I go to the stand, Do PPI, if i am satisfied, i pay for the car & drive off..
The best deal for me will be someone else buys cheap from our Canadian dealer friend, when the car lands he adds small markup ontop while i buy off him Normal ''thief'' dealers price: 2m Canadian dealer landing price: 1.6m I do PPI and buy from who ever bought from the Canadian dealer: 1.8m or 1.85m
Win win, everybody is happy
As for the Voltrons, When una go order una own car from Canada? ... You guys ended up derailing Amdman thread all by self without any BCD
i have always known your days are numbered here. You won't stay on your lane. Greediness wan kill you. Only you be mechanic, only you be car dealer, only you dey check custom paper, only you dey sell oil, only dey sell parts, only you on uber thread disturbing dru23, etc. You think you are smart? Nah! You are digging your own pit.
I called luvinghubby for a part recently, he said 95k. I drove to parts market and got the same part at 80k . I just smiled at their foolishness on his thread. Group of con men forming saints.
is that what makes luvinghubby a con man? Have you been to trade fair complex in mile 2? Then you will call the person you bought that part from an armed robber.
Car Talk › Re: Are There Cheap Nigerian Used Cars? by Gazuzz(op): 8:53am On Aug 30, 2019
(these are good deals if genuine )
