₦airaland Forum

duality:
Can you clarify number 3.

What are the obvious reasons. You may get a good deal.

No be when moto begin worry na im them de ask mechanic to sell am?!

If you de look for 'good deal' for merchanic place, be sure that your village people are gradually succeeding

Socialproject:

When you've mastered the rules of grammar, you can bend them (at will) to serve you.

Using a dictionary to compose and understand basic sentences is a sign that mastery is still waaaay off!

Kihem:
Which oil is the best for the car

A quick Google search implicates 5W20.

However, kindly refer to the exact oil weight as indicated in your owner's manual or in its absence, the indication on the engine oil cap.

Kihem:
Please assist me with great review our gurus as I need to make a choice on the car to buy
Please matured comments only

As a general rule, avoid ANY Nigerian used car (unless you know how the previous owner treats his or her cars directly).

Nigerians are notorious for having a super poor maintenance culture and only think of reselling when they have abused a car till its ogbanje spirit activates

Go for the toks Outlander.

However, before you buy, make certain that these our car dealers aren't using you to prove street.

Run a thorough VIN check and only settle for one if and only if its title proves clean.

When you buy the vehicle, take time to read its owner's manual and religiously follow what it says especially as regards preventive maintenance.

Don't change the belts, for example, only when they cut, change them by the miles (or age) the manufacturer recommends.

Finally, don't take such egungun inspired advice as putting the questionable 20w50 into your crankcase, using water as coolant or removing your thermostat...these things always have a way of ending in tears

Do these and you'll use that Mitsubishi for years to come, problems FREE.

oshiosense:
Pls am really confused as to the best affordable engine oil type that could be good for my Nissan car. I changed the oil that came with the car (it's a tok) and now use AP or Forte Oil super V 20w50. My mechanic even advised me to keep using the oil that it is better for a car to get used to a particular oil. Pls is AP super V 20w 50 a good oil? Also, what is the meaning of oil grade labels like 5w 20, 20w 50, etc? which of these oil grade is better for a Nissan Primera?

Bros, follow wetin your owners manual talk. No allow one kazeem push your egungun enter express

Trustme2:
Bro no pun intended. Car dealers are not to be blamed. The solution to the problem is simple. When you want to buy a car, tell the dealer you want a clean title vehicle. Those categories are always available but not at the regular market price.

In my experience, this is NOT true!

I have inspected more than 45 cars in the last 3 months.

The first thing I tell the dealer is that[b] I want a vehicle with a clean title. [/b]

All the dealers, without any exception, say they have clean titles, that they don't do accidented or flood stuff etc.

And boy, were they convincing till I ran the VINs - that is when you begin to hear shameless stories such as 'we removed the front bumper and mirrors from the vehicle in the US and declared it as accidented to reduce clearing costs' etc.

Nigerian car dealers are a shameless lot and will do everything in their power to scam the uninformed.

Then again, there's the issue of mileage roll back! Gosh, these folks will not make heaven!!

At a car stand on one of my car hunting trips, I met two women who could not tell an alternator from a condenser trying to buy a foreign used corolla.

I shook my head silently as they were led to the slaughter slab

I knew, instinctively that in less than 6 months, it will climax in tears for them!

Naija car dealers, I repeat, will not see the face of the Lord!!

Sellfish:
People do it for security reasons...

someone mischievious can have access to the FRSC Database and get their addresses, phone numbers and other personal information, because such information of owners of Registered Vehicles is usually captured and stored in that database...Imagine what a kidnapper or assasin can do with such information....

Agents selling Nigerian used cars do it so that someone cannot access the same FRSC Database and get the real owner'sphone number and contact him or her,thereby cutting them out of their commission

Some sellers of Nigerian used cars also do it for security reasons to avoid car thieves paying them a visit after getting their info from the FRSC Database..


Some people also do it because they don't want us to know the identity of the owner of the car they are doing borrow pose with .....Some of us can still remember how we got to know Daniella Okeke had something with Apostle Suleiman after they both denied having anything to do with each other...Daniella Okeke posted a picture of herself beside a car car, and one olofofo had the time to check out the vehicle's registration information on the FRSC Database which showed that the car is that of oga Apostle ....

I remember that Apostle Suleiman saga that time wella. Bros fall hand big time

The worst part is that he kept denying everything. I used to wonder if he thought we are all his church members

I used to also wonder what his wife thought of him

Sellfish:
Anything above 250k, dem cheat you




Now you can feel free to cry us a river


Sha reserve some tears for when the car begins to show you electrical shege...It almost always ends in tears for owners of this car



A certain lady in this forum was begging for even 200k for her very clean saloon of this same model...and people were still running away


U should have kuku just bought a Golf 3 wagon instead of this Satan's masterpiece

6by8long:
I have a budget of 3.5m for c300/c350 toks for my first car. (I love the W204 body)

I consider affordable maintenance over fuel efficiency. I read somewhere that 4matic should be avoided at all costs.

Which year Benz then is right for me @3.5m max for a single guy?


What should I look out for?

Please don't recommend another brand, it's either Benz or I trek.

Thanks

Should we tell him or allow him to enter express first?!

I am currently in the market for a foreign used Lexus and this salvage/lemon/rotten thing is driving me crazy!!

Immediately the VIN reveals the nature of the thing before me, I take off! No be me my village people go use shine

The title must be clean and I'm willing to pay waaay extra for this

Seriously, instead of govt. regulation limiting the age of cars that can be imported, they should have placed a total ban on lemons and all things scrap instead.

There is no joy in shelling out several millions and taking home some piece of scrap because of some super greedy car dealer who even desperately tries to hide the true condition of the car you want to buy!!

CoronaVirusPro:
Always change your windshield and wipers once every 3 months.

If you financially bouyant, also try to repaint the car once in six month and change your steering wheels too

MansoryMX:
I have a friend who drives that car and it has sent him to the village. Initially the car was like an airplane. It has so many futuristic features you hardly see in other cars but once the madness start! Everyday visit to mechanic until one day the car dies. It just went off and refuse to on no matter what was done. Ogbeni run for your life.

Your friend was Kazeemed

That Lexus is one of the most bulletproof sedans ever made.

Its luxury and durability combination is hard to match on the road. Add tech and sports handling inspired by a super toquey engine and standard RWD, you've got a beast that can survive even the apocalypse.

Your friend, sadly, was the victim of the ignorance of his road side mechanic as he was of his failure to understand the limits of the folk

MansoryMX:
U wan send that man to early grave before his time

Bros, GS350 na solid moto. However, of you get yarn for im mata, table am. My ears dey ground

dotuna3:
Thank you,Really appreciate. With the Lexus ES350 have seen the rise in number of people who are reselling theirs. I begin to wonder if there is anything making people to sell theirs fast. Maybe there is something usually wrong with the model

In my experience, the model is plaqued with a nasty and unreliable dash that melts at will

No one wants this; it should be something you should take time to also research properly if you're inclined to this model and will be parking outside of a garage for the most time.

Why don't you consider the GS350? RWD, better interior (in my estimation) and way more power

Conductor261:
Maintenance in what sense? Or repairs?

I'd vote for the LC 1999-2003.

You dey quote LC for OP wey im problem no be versatility or raw abilty only shoulder pad packaging?

You know the fuel wey that 100 series the take so?!

Kukuma kill OP

NaijadrivaCars:
I had a discussion with someone recently and something led to another and we argued about the cheapest SUV (what some call "JEEP" to maintain, also reliable and durable in Nigeria. I know that owing a car doesn't come cheap but some vehicles are cheaper to run. Why SUV and not a car? For some of us in the Abuja/Port Harcourt that are into contracts, you will agree with me that your dressing and car speaks volume. Imagine pursuing a contract of say 2million and you trekked to the office and your competitor came with a Lexus GX470, who do you think (if not God's Grace or 'long legs" will be given the jobs?


I recall that I went to see a Director one day for something, and though I dressed well, I trekked to the office (e be like say Personal Assistants to 'Ogas' get CCTV to monitor every person that enters their premises)., guess where he told me to sit....the LOBBY. The second day I came, well dressed and pulled up in my clean Honda Civic, guess where he told me to sit? IN HIS OFFICE (next to the Director's).

People tend to estimate your worth by the kind of car you drive and since one may not be too rich to own a Bentley Bentayga yet or a Mercedes Benz Brabus B63, we can also drive "jeep" to keep our image going since it helps in our line of trade.

Which SUV IS Cheapest To Maintain? Please state with facts (price of engine/gearbox, general maintenance cost, etc).

cc: nurey, heavenlybang, gazzuzz, autolog

There is nothing like a cheap SUV (fuel, parts or labour) unless you mean those pretenders with FWD or completely useless AWD systems

That being said, if your problem na 'packaging' inside 'jeep', no choice will beat the RX330.

revilomichaels:
Funny funny....

Don’t worry, I’m not selling and I wasn’t trying to advertise. I’m giving an example.

Last year my friend bought tiny light Camry for his wife. The AC is chilling and it’s serving for almost a year now and it’s serving. They bought it from a mechanic sef

So, there’s no particular law that always work.
You can buy from a mechanic 2mao and they will give you gbagam car. It all depends, just be careful and buy your car and maintain it. If you’re lucky, you will buy a well maintained car

revilomichaels:
You are right to an extend
We are human. No one can make rules on how every car can be bought.
E.g My in-law came in last year November and got his camry cleared 2.0. This is just 5 months, he wants to sell it because he wants a higher car and looking forward to sienna.
The car doesn’t have an issue so don’t use one or two bad experiences to make a law.
Buying cars comes with luck. Be as careful as you can. Manage the car as e be
As per lambas... e plenty but it doesn’t mean u cannot check cars out.

The one that vexes me more is Buy and Travel or AC chilling, just fill gas lol

This your inlaw's case must be a good, nice exception

Is he a banker or a lawyer?

nurey:
your own case is special. Ford explorer has always been reliable since the days of it's predecessor Ford bronco.

There is no maggic there same engine in the Ford as the Ranger, F150, E-series what's more the Explorer is one of the best selling SUVs in NA

Not special, Nurey; it is typical.

The Ford Explorer is one of the VERY worst vehicle (not just SUV) ever made!

The ones that marginally escape this reality are the lucky ones, the very few and super rare exceptions, not the general, broad picture

optimusprimer:
Hello,
Please I will appreciate if anyone can provide me with advice on what to do to my vboot engine. It's consuming fuel too fast. The injector was changed from auto to manual n now it's lie this. The fuel filter under and behind d car makes noise too, could this be d cause?
And while driving I feel hot air around d pedal section. Why is this?
I'm in Abuja, I've not found a Mercedes Benz mechanic, d ones I use just keep zapping money out of me n I'm tired. Vboot, shouldn't be this expensive to maintain Na.
Lastly, how come it's expensive to fix am AC in the car too? They keep saying about 70k to buy all the AC parts.
Thanks for d help n please I need a sure technician too.

I've alwaya had a W124 around. These cars are solid, super reliable and in my estimation, fuel efficient too.

1. I don't know what you mean by 'manual injector'. Did you mean a manual fuel pump? Clarify this and I'll get back with a more informed answer.

Personally though, I had a similar issue last year. Benin to Lagos took over 100 liters of fuel! At a point, I believed the tank or pump was leaking fuel

Fixed it by a simple service of the injector for about 1k. The folk who fixed it focuses only on injector repair and service. This is not usually a gig for regular merchanics

2. The noise you're hearing from under the right rear of the car is from the electric fuel pump, not the fuel filter.

To fix this, open the fuel relay port behind the battery seat and check if you have a fuel relay there.

Most of these W124s simple have a wire bridge, having suffered at the hands of negligent owners and ignorant kazeems. If you see any wire there, remove it and buy a proper fuel relay and fit on there.

It costs about N500 and it will stop the continuous noise. Keep in mind however that you'll still hear some initial noise just before a crank and a very low hum after. This is normal.

3. The heat is likely from the an air vent. Switch off the heater and see for a start. Do you feel this air when the car is not in motion?

4. The compressor of the w124 can be madly expensive. However, if your engine isn't in great shape and you are frequently in Abuja traffic, the smart thing to do is to leave the AC jeje the way it is - or it will end in tears

EgunMogaji2:
I haven’t checked this off of my bucket list. Yet, anyways.

There’s a certain A8 on Akala Express that’s a potential candidate.

This is the UL trim with variable air suspension. This is also suicide in Nigeria and on Nigerian roads

Covidhunger20:
I have owned a GS430 + SC430. Both orobo's that love to assume they are much slimmer.

Fast vehicles, without a shadow of a don't.

If i want a vehicle for racing, i would either buy the Mitsubishi Evolution or Subaru Impreza.

With age, comes wisdom

I also love this part. It is sad to see many men expect a car to be all even the engineers never envisaged.

HeavenlyBang:
We're not quite saying the same thing.

1. A V8 isn't really designed for smoothness. An i6 or V12 are, introducing a balance shaft into the equation negatively affects smoothness. There are a number of very smooth V8's, though, and the 3UZ was one of them. Not all V8s are that smooth.
2. You're implying that a V8 has to have a blower or turbo to have character. In your words "While the LS and SC may have failed in the adrenaline inducing moments quad turbo v8s induce". That's not true. There are plenty naturally aspirated V8s that do that. Ford's Coyote and Voodoo, GM's LS, Dodge's Hemis. Even BMW's S65. The 3UZ was just a gutless engine.

Comparing a 3UZ to a Coyote is like comparing a 3MZ to a VQ. Both V6's, but with way different driving dynamics and power delivery.

Or maybe I'm just reading your comment wrong. Always willing to discuss.

1. You don't need a balance shaft in either a v8 or 12. These engines naturally balance themselves and as a rule, are usually smooth and versatile - unless tuned for effect or purpose. This smoothness usually comes as ample, effortless torque at low RPMs - something a tuned v6 or a turbo or super charged i4 can only dream of

2. No The 3UZ is not tuned for racing or spirited driving - at least not in the LS430. A fish should be judged by its ability to navigate the waters and not climb trees. Calling the engine 'gutless' is thus not fair.

I hope I'm understood better now

Bigiway:
Can this be use for okada. Less cost and it still tokunbo. Please I need your thoughts on it

You'll be better off with a Bajaj.

This model:

1. Consumes more fuel,

2. Is designed in such a manner that even brand new ones emit fumes from the exhaust!

3. Is less comfortable for rider and passenger and importantly;

4. Needs engine oil topped almost daily to its engine via a port just beneath the side cover. This is not an expense you'll appreciate.

Covidhunger20:
Because they decided to call it Sport Coupe, it's very far from a sports car.

Is the soarer a car for the tracks?

On a straight line, you enjoy the push. With bends, that's another ball game.

I never bought any V8 vehicle for speed or ever attached a towbar.

It's a very heavy lump. Would you rather have a sexy leepa or orobo, to fulfil your sexual fantasies?

Choose your poison carefully

You sabi your onions wella; I like your analogy

HeavenlyBang:
Not really. The 3UZ is just shite for spirited driving. It's meant to be a smooth engine, and that came at the expense of character. Can't compare it to an LS of the same era.

You just agreed with me then confused me, yourself and everyone else!

Go, re-read my entry and then, clarify your response.

sultaan:
You are basically describing the prayer of someone about to die.

V8 is to haul heavy load or speed

If you buying a V8 for reliability in a Sprort Coupe;/Slow Coupe

By the way what does the SC mean before I go further.

Please because it is Toyota, do not think a failed model was meant for something else.

While I personally hate the SC (I'm not a coupe or convertible man), you're missing the very core and essence of a v8 to wit versatility and effortless power delivery.

While the LS and SC may have failed in the adrenaline inducing moments quad turbo v8s induce, they were super excellent in this regard and owners who knew these cars first hand never complained.

It is also worth noting that only a v8 could have ensured the bolded above: not a turbo charged 4 cylinder or a tuned v6

chiefbuchiV12:
Nigerians want 0.5 litre 2plug fuel economy with V12 bi-turbo performance.....
Op buy your LS and enjoy it jho. Money for fuel go show

Leave Nigerians mata for Mathias

Personally, me and filling stations around get personal rapport... the refills no de too bother me.

Plus, I drive only when necessary and live in a city where traffic isn't crazy.

Covidhunger20:
This 430 series never got built for joy racers, their engines are unbelievably too quiet.

They are meant to munch miles in luxury and class.

I agree. Completely.

I must also add that buying one without factoring this will end in tears

sultaan:
Those cars are good, but not exciting.
Most SC430 were purchased but retirees north of the speed limit in age(65ish), or stuck up housewife/ side chick

Despite the V8 they were not very exciting to drive a policeman has to be having a really bad day to give you a speeding ticket in a SC430,
The new L500 was slowest in the world's greatest dragraxe

These cars weren't and still ARE NOT sports cars. They are luxury cruisers for folks who value comfort (and reliability) above speed and the fun factor.

legalwealth:
[color=#0000FF]In an ideal situation however, it would be best to buy a Nigerian-used car/vehicle from a friend, or someone you pretty know especially about how he/she treats or handles the said car/vehicle. It is also preferable one buys from someone who is not a daily driver but has the said car/vehicleas an one just taking up space in the garage.

Unfortunately, we we don't live in an ideal world, and such circumstances are quite rare. After driving an old cars for years though, those are the only conditions I'll ever consider buying a Nigerian-used car/vehicle.

In addition to what I've said up there, I will like to highlight these two hints;

1. I'll rather see the car/vehicle being sold "as is", rather than "pimped up" so they can sell it for a
higher price, and conceal defects/wears.

2. If the owner is a female or it is labelled "lady driven", I'll advise you outrightly subtract 30% from its foreign-used market value. I'm not being s*xist, but in my experience, many lady drivers have poor maintenance routines. And a lot of lady drivers can be just be so reckless and careless against the believe of many people that females know how to maintain cars/vehicles.

That is all I have for now; feel feel to add your own tips.

Source:
https://autosandcartalk.com/threads/useful-tips-for-buying-nigerian-used-cars-vehicles.125[/color]

1. Avoid cars 'used by a woman'. In my experience, they are the very worst you can find anywhere today.

Most women don't even know what a dipstick is or even the compressor, it's that bad!

I repeated this for emphasis - and this is not sexism... na fact!

2. Avoid all cars tagged 'selling because owner is relocating'. Na lamba!

3. For obvious reasons, do not buy a Nigerian used car from a merchanic!

4. Avoid all cars that mention 'selling cause of too many cars in the compound' or 'used by a banker, doctor or lawyer'.Na scam!

5. Finally, avoid all those 3 months registered cars! Buying them always leads and ends in tears. Who sells off a car just after 3 months of use?!