₦airaland Forum

This Ivvie needs to be locked up!! . He does a disservice to people by causing undue panic largely due to his own fragmented and cloudy understanding. I am glad there are people here standing up against such mastery of misinformation, someone who often sounds like an overbearing child - there are a lot of realities he doesn't understand and you can just tell he has no practical experience except what he has read on the internet and textbooks. Bad-mouthing every effort within sight yet never having succeeded in lifting a finger to accomplish anything himself!!

Acuras are plastic and reinforced slabs

  I weep for such obstinate and unrepentant ignorance! It is said to be dangerous when a man gets drunk with half baked knowledge!!

I believe it is important to let people/buyers know when a car is salvaged or accidented but that doesn't neccesarily make such cars a death trap or unfit for use ever again!. The premise for an insurance company to write off a car is simple economics - does it cost more to fix the car or simply pay off the note on the car??. Some cars are badly damaged and the answer is obvious, some are not so badly damaged and the prohibitive cost of certain components or labor may cause the insurance company to write off a car. The possibility of litigation for sub-standard repair or the probability of losing money based on the amount of time required to repair certain damages are also contributing factors. Insurance companies are multi-billion dollar companies and they have a lot more to worry about other than the cost of a car - Health costs, litigations, loss of income, death recompense and a host of other factors are things that really cost them. Writing off a car is cheap and is something decided by an insurance collision estimator in less than 15 minutes. Such decisions are based on laid down company guidelines and policies - and this is all based on Cost vs Alternative cost comparisons!. Some cars that are not even damaged but was stolen and recovered sometimes ends up with a salvage title!! (if the insurance has already paid off the owner) Does that now mean such a car is not good for use again?? Becos the car has been stolen before, does that make it a death trap?? Even in the USA there are millions of cars on the road that have had prior collision or salvage title before being repaired. This is why even the US government made provisions and a legal pathway to re-registering a repaired salvage car.

Being an alarmist and frightening people with poorly understood and misinterpreted information doesn't help their cause, you simply cause more confusion and undue panic!. I often see the statements you make all over Nairaland and I just ponder!

There is a great quote that says:

The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance!

.

dewaledeyi,

The Mitsubishi Outlander is an excellent buy. It is comparable to and represents excellent value for money over Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV. The Outlander should probably save you no less than N360,000.00 ($3000) less than the aforementioned and better known rivals, however it's User Reviews and Ratings are actually very, very impressive - a 9.1 out of a possible 10!!. I have sold and driven Outlanders and can tell you that they are cute, nimble, good on gas, very reliable and durable. Outlander uses a proven drivetrain - a 2.4L SOHC MIVEC 4cyl engine (same as the Galant) which is mated to a 4 speed Automatic transmission. You should get somewhere around 20MPG (9.2km/litre) in city and 25MPG(10.2km/litre)for highway driving. If you can get it in excellent shape under N2.0million, take it and run!! A comparable Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4 will easily set you back N2.4M - N2.8M!!. These are very good vehicles in their own right but not nearly as good as taking your extra N500K and putting it in the money market while driving a shining Outlander!!. When your dividends return, you will still have a shiny Outlander plus enough money to keep it looking sweet and shiny (talk about having your cake and eating it  ). The best part of it is that you won't be driving around in something driven by every Tom, Dick and Aremu!! ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Just my opinion!

See sample image below:

Here is a picture of two 94 Honda Civic engine bays. The first one is an American Spec with LHD and the second one is a JDM (japanese domestic spec) with RHD. If you notice, the main differences in the layout of the bay are the location of components on the firewall such as Battery, Brake Master Cylinder, master fuse box etc. You may also notice the different positioning of the wipers.

Obua,

I know that in Naija there are ways around some of this things but I am only interested in doing a professional and excellent job!

Reset  mileage ? How different people use their cars are different, if all your life depends on 1 car, then is  it expected to be excessively driven on the other hand if you have 4 to 5 cars at your disposal then i guess that answers it

I don't roll back or roll over  Odometer reading ( mileage )

17600km is merely over 11000miles!!!,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Yeah right!!!
looks much more used to me. The car no get VIN??

Maxima price is reduced, Diamante is sold!!.

I am in the US and my interest in this topic is largely out of curiosity and engineering interest. I have done a lot of introspection and pondering about it and I have figured out a great deal of information. However there is nothing like hands on experience and since I have never actually converted any car, I wonder if Sienna (because I know he has done it before) or anyone with some experience could enlighten me about details I might be missing. So far, to do an excellent and professional job, I know the following:

1) The Dashboard will be removed and replaced with LHD dashboard
2) The Steering Rack assembly will have to be replaced with LHD one
3) The Wiring Harness behind the Dashboard could be saved and simply inverted (turned around), is that correct Sienna??
4) The Brake Master Cylinder will have to be repositioned and re-lined
5) The Pedal assembly will be removed and repositioned
6) Door panels and door mounted Electric Controls (depends on car) will be replaced with LHD door panels and controls (cars with electric control in the center console won't have this problem)
7) Wiper motor and mechanism must be repositioned or replaced (I suppose this depends on particular design)
8 ) Engine and transmission have to be removed to allow access to firewall and accessories. Firewall is the wall between the passenger compartment and the engine bay, right under the windshield
9) All secondary accessories located on the firewall such as Blower motor, Heater core,  AC duct, wires and cables will have to be re-positioned.
10 ) If car is automatic, then gear selector may have to be replaced with one facing the right direction or entire floor console may have to be replaced to allow emergency brakes and Gear selector indicators to be properly positioned (but this varies with each car’s design peculiarities)

I noticed that the firewall in European made cars were made asymmetrical and the fitting holes for all accessories were pre-stamped and could simply be punched out when moving steering to the other side. This suggests to me that European car's firewalls are made in a generic manner anticipating either LHD use or RHD use. However in Japanese cars, the firewalls are specifically designed and dedicated to only one type – either RHD or LHD. This reality makes Japanese cars much more difficult to convert since the only way to do a professional job is to remove the entire RHD firewall and replace it with a LHD firewall. I may be wrong and maybe there is someone out there that has done it differently. It is possible and even likely that there are other things I have missed or gotten wrong, I will like someone with experience to feel free throwing some insight into this subject.

Automaster,
Nobody is saying there are no fraudulent cases and criminal people!. You came to my thread and made insinuations based on your nasty experiences with absolutely no regards for how it impacts my thread or my reputation. You may be in pain but it does not excuse your obtuse and mindless insensitivity!. Secondly, you went on to call me a thief and make derogatory statements and now, you have the temerity to accuse me of insulting you?? - Naijas are amazing people!!. I admonish you to feel free to publish your friends name so that others can avoid the same situation. period!!

LagosShyn,
One thing you could do is let him know that you are going to go to both FBI and IRS offices in Washington DC (just 1 hour drive from baltimore) and you are going to report the incident including the fact that he defrauded you. If IRS takes a look at his bank account record, he will have a lot of explaining to do. They may not be able to get him legally for defrauding you but I am certain there are 10,000 skeletons in his cupboard - including tax evasion!!. The threat of being investigated is enough - he will find you your money!! Trust me, nobody wants to be investigated by IRS or FBI, not even high-powered government officials!!. Let me know what ever I can do to help - I am in maryland.

LagosShyn,

Does this "dealer" guy have a name??
Slam his name and every information on Nairaland and let it be his death (kill his reputation!)
I don't know why you feel the need to protect and hide the shame of such unsavoury characters anyway!!
Splash his name online and you will be surprised at how many people know him or his family!
His name and reputation will spread like wild fire!
Actual exposure and not just a threat, is the elixir to such criminal behaviour!
Let us stop treating fraud and criminal behaviour with kids glove, it does nothing for the nation!

Turion,

You barely waited 24Hrs after your first post and then you started spewing out hate!.
I fail to understand how anyone can be that impatient and self-conceited - one would imagine that you were paying for the service!!
The problem you mentioned was both geographic and model specific - didn't you think it would take time for the right person with the right knowledge to respond to your enquiries?? (Perhaps we should all live in P/H for your sake!!)
Oh boy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,na wah Ooo!!

Lekywhite,
Is it a 230.4 (2.3L 4Cyl) or a 230.6 (2.3L I-6)??
My dad used to own a 1973 230.6 and the Military also gave him a 230.4 as an official car.
I loved those cars then, especially the 230.6! - use to take out just about anything on the road. Car wasn't sold until the mid-90's when everyone of us had left home!. Even in the early 90's I remember that I use to hit 140km/h in the third gear!!. Those cars go forever!!.
I will like to buy and painstakingly restore one someday!!

Still available

Still available

Sultaan,

Honda offers the CRV in both 2WD and 4WD drivetrain for the US Market.
Honda CRV uses the Real-time Honda 4WD technology (I am sure you have seen "Real-time 4WD" written on CRVs)

Chiazorf,

Email me your request at midas02@yahoo.com.
Thanks.

Car is a 4 cylinder japanese engine and is very good on gas. Also Mitsubishi parts are generally cheaper than Toyota and Honda parts.
Although I doubt if you will be needing any parts for a long time (since car is almost new), unless 'Mufun' your driver decides to pull a fast one with a lagos 'danfo' driver!

More pictures for your perusal:

Hello,

If you are looking for a car that gives you style, economy and is yet uncommon, then this 2007 Mitsubishi Galant ES with very low miles should be your choice!. Car is available for custom orders only!. The Galant is nicely proportioned and compares nicely with Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Galant uses an economical 2.4L 4cyl engine and a 4 speed Automatic transmission for smooth performance.  Car is currently in the US and will be shipped to Lagos on demand. Interested parties should get in touch with me at midas02@yahoo.com. Thanks.

MILEAGE: 24,164
VIN: 4A3AB36F07E078655
EQUIPMENTS INCLUDE:

2.4L 4Cyl MIVEC
4 Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Wheel Drive
Air Conditioning
Alloy Wheels
AM/FM/CD Stereo
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Cruise Control
Dual Air Bags
Intermittent Wipers
Power Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Door Mirror(s) 
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defroster
Remote Trunk Lid
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
Side Airbags
4 Wheel Disc Brakes




PRICE: $16,000.00
SHIPPING: $1,500.00 (Ro-Ro)

TOTAL (C&F): $17,500.00   
TOTAL LANDED COST IN NIGERIA (C.O.D): N2,500,000.00 ONLY

C.O.D = Cost on Delivery (Includes Clearing)
C&F = Cost and Freight

Felixweah,

Email me at  midas02@yahoo.com and lets see what we can do together. No need to get angry.
Sultaan is not a bad fellow, I think you guys may actually find out that you have more in common than you realize!. We all need to chill and open our minds.
Trust is so hard to come by in our society today. What a shame! - it is unfortunate!!. 
I personally believe no one can be defrauded unless you are wittlessly willing  to be a victim! I may just be wrong, however, I believe there is a logical flow to every business transaction. If it smells like a fish then it is a fish and just as long as one is willing to be realistic and stop dreaming, the likelihood of being scammed is pretty slim. Let us discuss and I will tell you what I can do and what I cannot do. Who knows??

interior details:

bigger pictures:

Hello,

This is the new shape 2005 VW Jetta GLS and it is available for custom orders only!. The Jetta is no longer the small car of yester-years, the new VW Jetta is much larger and uses a new 2.5L 4cyl engine that is on par with Toyota Camry and Honda Accord's 2.4L 4cyl engines. This car also uses a marvelous 6 speed Automatic transmission for amazing fuel economy!! Car is currently in the US and will be shipped to Lagos on demand. Interested parties should get in touch with me at midas02@yahoo.com. Thanks.

MILEAGE: 34,544
VIN: 3VWPF71KX5M619812

EQUIPMENTS INCLUDE:

2.5L 4Cyl EFI
6 Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Wheel Drive
Traction Control
Air Conditioning
Alloy Wheels
AM/FM/CD Stereo
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Cruise Control
Dual Air Bags
Intermittent Wipers
Power Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Door Mirror(s) 
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defroster
Remote Trunk Lid
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
Side Airbags




PRICE: $15,500.00
SHIPPING: $1,500.00 (Ro-Ro)

TOTAL (C&F): $17,000.00   
TOTAL LANDED COST IN NIGERIA (C.O.D): N2,300,000.00 ONLY

C.O.D = Cost on Delivery (Includes Clearing)
C&F = Cost and Freight

dcorious,

email me at midas02@yahoo.com.

Lucabrasi,
me I dey fear ooo!!!!.
I hope I won't be "sleeping with the fishes" if the deal no gree happen .
Small time now, una go bring 'Tessio' and 'Clemenza' come. Becos me I no get any 'Godfather' here ooo!

04 PORSCHE CAYENNE (48k miles)------------------------------------------$36,000.00
01 BMW X5 3.0i (90K miles)--------------------------------------------------$19,500.00
04 BMW X5 4.4i (53K miles)--------------------------------------------------$28,000.00

This are basically prices of random examples.
I will need Year, particular model and mileage expectations to find what you need.
Mail me and give me details of what you want at midas02@yahoo.com.
Thanks.

More pictures:

Hello,

This is another mid-sized SUV and it is available for custom orders only!. SUV is currently in the US and will be shipped to Lagos on demand. This car is less than a year old and had been corporately owned. It is an off-lease fleet vehicle and is in excellent condition. Interested parties should get in touch with me at midas02@yahoo.com. Thanks.

MILEAGE: 29,881
VIN: JHLRE38397C004374

EQUIPMENTS INCLUDE:

2.4L 4Cyl i-VTEC
5 Speed Automatic Transmission
4 Wheel Drive
Air Conditioning
Alloy Wheels
AM/FM/CD Stereo
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Cruise Control
Dual Air Bags
Intermittent Wipers
Power Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Door Mirror(s) 
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defroster
Remote Trunk Lid
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
Side Airbags




PRICE: $22,000.00
SHIPPING: $1,500.00 (Ro-Ro)

TOTAL (C&F): $23,500.00   
TOTAL LANDED COST IN NIGERIA (C.O.D): N3,340,000.00 ONLY

C.O.D = Cost on Delivery (Includes Clearing)
C&F = Cost and Freight

Interior Pictures:

Hello,

This mid-sized SUV is available for custom orders only!. SUV is currently in the US and will be shipped to Lagos on demand. This car is less than a year old and had been corporately owned. It is an off-lease fleet vehicle and is in excellent condition. Interested parties should get in touch with me at midas02@yahoo.com. Thanks.

MILEAGE: 29,342
VIN: JTMBD31V075070491

EQUIPMENTS INCLUDE:

2.4L 4Cyl EFI VVTi
5 Speed Automatic Transmission
4 Wheel Drive
Air Conditioning
Alloy Wheels
AM/FM/CD Stereo
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Cruise Control
Dual Air Bags
Intermittent Wipers
Power Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Door Mirror(s) 
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Driver's Seat
Rear Defroster
Remote Trunk Lid
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
Luggage Rack
Fog Lamps



PRICE: $22500.00
SHIPPING: $1500.00 (Ro-Ro)

TOTAL (C&F): $24,000.00   
TOTAL LANDED COST IN NIGERIA (C.O.D): N3,400,000.00 ONLY

C.O.D = Cost on Delivery (Includes Clearing)
C&F = Cost and Freight

Tundysho,
You can be rest assured that using your AC will always result in lower gas mileage (using more gas). It is simply a fact that using your AC imposes some extra load on your engine and the engine responds by consuming more gas. Do not be dismayed however, lots of things can equally make a car use more gas! - Low tire pressure, poor maintenance, poor aerodynamics, driving up hilly terrain, aggressive driving and even carrying more passengers!. The purpose of buying a car is to enjoy the conveniences and comfort that the car gives you so I definitely would expect AC to be used, extra passengers will ride and hilly terrains will be encountered - that is life!! The most practical mitigations I can suggest is to avoid unnecessary aggressive & racy driving (high revving acceleration), check and maintain your tire pressures at about 40psi all around and make sure you do your oil change and tune ups when due.

Kuntash,
I watched the same episode of Mythbusters and I believe you got the gist wrong. (Season 2 Episode 22)
The objective was to see IF a car with the AC turned on and the glass rolled up, WOULD consume more gas OR less gas than the same car would if the AC were turned off and the windows rolled down. They actually used a Ford Expedition for the experiment and took steps to ensure that all conditions were consistent on a closed circuit track.
Anyhow, the scientific logic was to see if the aerodynamic improvements gained by rolling up windows could neutralize the higher gas consumption imposed by using AC on one hand. And on the other hand, would the better economy achieved by not using AC be negated by the increased drag (reduced aerodynamics) due to rolling windows down.
The conclusion was that despite the aerodynamic edge, the car with the AC on still used more gasoline at certain speed - 45mph and below!. At higher speeds - 55mph and above, it is more efficient to use AC and roll up glass.  So for guys who want to know, it is far more efficient to use your AC at highway speeds - (55mph or 90km/h and above)

, this is so funny!
Guys, open your minds. The rich do not spend their time looking for how much it is sold in the US.
They simply buy because the money isn't a big deal. How much is N6.0Million??, they don't care!! They simply want to be the first guy or girlfriend/wife to use it. The high cost is the price of novelty for them! A girlfriend probably stole N3.0Million from his hotel closet last weekend anyway!!
People spend stupendous money on hopeless real estate in Lagos. Some of the real estate prices in Lagos makes Manhattan look cheap!. Yet you are surprised at them spending $60,000 on a toy? - try N650million ($5million +) for undeveloped land in Ikoyi/VI or $25,000 on a wrist watch!
Although everything in Nigeria is grossly inflated due to our convoluted and unintelligent government policies, the real culprit is our culture of hype, oppression and a brazen desire to display ill-gotten and ostentatious wealth (gotten at the expense of the masses!). This trend can be seen in almost every Nigerian - they want the best of everything (even if they can't afford it) and no thought is given to simple and productive lifestyles - We are simply consumers!!
Anyhow, nobody cares! - because the people that suffer most from it are the same people who are most impressed by it!!. I am first of all a business man and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to sell one to the so-called Noveau-Rich if I have gone through the stress of bringing one in.

Automaster is obviously a fustrated man. I do not know him and have never had any communications with him (private or otherwise!). In any line of business, one runs into all sorts - the good, the crude and the ugly!. I will refrain from joining issues with 'Automaster' since any further exchange will only elevate his status and serves me no purpose.