₦airaland Forum

Are your LRs still available. You are not responding to BBM messages.

@cne010 thanks for your comparison and your views. I am a Benz fan too and will like the GL.
I am going for a V8 with my eyes wide open.
It will be a multi purpose vehicle which is why I am plumping for an SUV rather than a luxury saloon.

You appear to be saying that the Lexus will be easier on the pocket. All my considered options have air suspension though the GX has the air susp on the rear only.

The thermostat if working properly will usually regulate the cooling fan. This automatically switches on the cooling fan when the engine reaches a temperature pre-set by the vehicle manufacturer.

If the thermostat has been removed there may have been a previous overheating problem with the car. To get round this some mechanics will amend the electrics to ensure that the cooling fan is on all the time - a bad move. This is something common on some cars in Nigeria e.g Landrover Freelanders.

I always carry out a cooling fan test (among others) before I purchase a used car.

Does your car currently overheat or is the cooling fan on all the time?

Mercedes GL450

Greetings

I am considering buying a GL450 and will like guidance please from Mercedes experts or those who know more about this motor.

I have opened a thread where I am making comparisons:-


https://www.nairaland.com/2582604/mercedes-gl450-v-range-rover

Please make any comments on the above quoted thread.

Thanks.

Lexus GX470

Greetings

I am considering buying a GX470 and will like guidance please from Lexus experts or those who know more about this motor.

I have opened a thread where I am making comparisons:-


https://www.nairaland.com/2582604/mercedes-gl450-v-range-rover

Thanks.

@sultaan valid point.

This is also a wide forum with all kinds of drivers.
Nothing against those who love their Corollas and Camrys or indeed Highlanders. They are worthy motors.

I know there are peeps here with these SUVs.You are probably too busy counting coins and negotiating the next big deal.

Come out here and talk some car talk..

@lonelydora you haven't said why the Mercedes.
If I go for the RR which has its own character you are not suggesting that it is trying to be a Mercedes.

@kingrein you clearly have strong views on this comparison. Please let's hear your views on all these motors and what you have against the GX 470.

Compared to the others I think the Lexus LX 470 good as it is, is too large and unwieldy. The GX470 will handle better and will lean a lot less going into corners which is why I am considering it.

I am contemplating a purchase of one of these and I ask current owners to please let me see these SUVs through their eyes.

Mercedes GL 450 - 2007
Range Rover Vogue - 2005/6
Lexus GX 470 - 2005/6

Please tell me what's good about your car and what you love the most.
What are the maintenance issues and what has caused you problems?

Is there anything you have not been able to repair?

They are all good motors and I have done some research. I just want to see how owners feel about them.

If you are reading this which will you rather have or buy and why?

Thanks.

Well done Siena. Yep definitely a Lada. Tough cars. Nigeria was flooded with them in the 70s. My Mum had one.
You could have them in the 1200, slightly larger shape 1500 or the Lada Niva 4x4.

The exterior of this one in the picture surprising looks good apart from the welding and lack of colour.

The 2005 Kia Sportage is no Honda CRV or Toyota Rav4 but it is robust, well put together and a good SUV.

They are reliable and quite tough.
We had a 2002 model for about 5 years in Lagos. We bought it in America and never had any problems with it.

Check the car properly as they do not all have a 4x4 drivetrain. Some are only 2 wheel / front wheel drive. I don't know what the Kia dealer in Isolo is like now but 3 years ago he was more interested in selling me a new car than finding me parts for my Sportage. They may be more sensible now. He said since he did not supply the car to me he could not provide parts.....silly.

Anyway the parts are not that difficult to find. You will spend a lot less to buy the car than the equivalent Toyota or Honda SUV. You will still have a strong SUV.

Good luck with your search.

Hi Siena

My littlepiece is not meant to change any opinions here. We all love vehicles on this forum and individually we like what we like.
I strongly feel that you made the wiser choice though I was surprised that I liked the interior of the Dodge Ram more than I thought I would.
Thanks for the pics.
They are also very different vehicles the Audi and the Dodge. Again I'm not telling you anything new but I suspect that after the novelty of the Dodge and its brute power wears off you will miss the smooth delivery of a multi cylindered Audi.

I think the W12 Audi A8 is one heck of a car and a technical tour de force.
Just to take the "we like what we like" a bit further, my cousin and I are the car buffs in the family. We both like German Cars. I love Mercs and he likes Audis. The only advantage I see with Audis is the quattro specification. Oh we could go all day comparing the virtues of both cars I know.
I've owned an Audi A4 Avant Tdi and an Audi TT Cabrio in the past. Both very enjoyable for different reasons.

But I'm a Mercedes man at heart. I do like both older and modern Audis but I lurve classic 1950s to 1980s Mercs and most modern ones.
But they now have some silly shapes (can't stand the CLC CLA and GLA). The marketing men and the accountants are now winning but Audi do a couple of silly ones too.

The CLS is cool though and compares favourably with Audi's A7...except of course for the quattro.
Each to its own.
I know where I am with Mercedes and I like the fact that I can get factory like mods for them just to make them more individual. Oh I'm sure you can do the same for Audi.

Yep American built Mercedes models are rather dodgy. I test drove the first shape ML once and it developed a fault on the test drive. I knew it was iffy so I went for a Volvo SUV.

Some swear by Toyota Camrys and then there are Peugeot lovers. Well..we all like what we like.

Have great fun with the Audi A8 W12. Its quite a car. Doesn't it share an engine with the Bentley Continental GT?

The benefits of modern diesels and the advent of technology from 1999 and 2014 are not comparable. The advantages far outweigh any perceived disadvantages. The performance torque and clean improvements over the years do go far beyong just painting stripes on a donkey.

I appreciate petrol engines and I have lived with them since I started driving. I love them as all supercars come with petrol engines. But I also have modern diesels in my stable and am in a good position to review them.

My wife prefers SUVs so we always have one. I certainly will not now invest in a petrol SUV (not again)knowing what I know about diesel performance. Still looking for a good diesel SUV for Naija.

I am experiencing 32-35 mpg against 17-20 mpg with higher torque figures (better aceleration) and more money in my pocket, yet enjoying the full benefits of a powerful 200bhp SUV.

I invite you to read the back to back road test performed by Top Gear of a BMW 535d Diesel and a BMW 535i Petrol and check out the real world performance and economy figures...whilst keeping an open mind. Jeremy Clarkson (though I rarely have time for him) was very surprised at the results.

I am not out to convert anyone who does not like diesels but you do need to approach them with an open mind. If you only jump into one infrequently and drive the car with the strong belief in the age old stereotypes then you will hardly enjoy the drive and still park the vehicle thinking that they are noisy slow smelly etc etc.

As long as it has a good turbo charger attached to it and it is a well sorted modern diesel, I'm game.

Modern diesels have moved on. Perhaps you should too.

Honestly?

They all have 7 seater versions, they all have a drink problem(even the diesel versions) they all have swagger and they all can take you anywhere.

Well the question says which,not which one...so:-

1 for date night with my wife in the absence of a sports car.
2 for the golf club as there is no G Wagen on this list.
3 for the weekend at Obudu Cattle Ranch..just because it is a landrover.
4 for packing the kids and their friends and the cousings for a family outing after Church.

These are all lovely motors and the only thing they have in common is that they have high output engines (bhp and torque) and they sit at the luxury end of the market...thats it!

They all put down their power differently and have different handing characteristics. The Porsche will take corners differently from the BMW. The Porsche is the only SUV but it has 4x4 just like the Phaeton. The Lexus is very smooth and quiet but less powerful than the Mercedes.
Apart from the Porsche the rest are rear driven V8 powerhouse luxury limos.

It really depends on what you want out of your desired purchase. Yes you want it to be suitable for Nigerian roads. None of these cars will be cheap to maintain...but you know that already.
No car is suitable for Nigerian roads. There are no mechanics specializing in any of these models. But all cars are adaptable. A good garage can always be found if you ask around. A lot will depend on frequency and type of use and lots of other variable factors. I assume this will not be your only car, or it will not be a 6 days a week, 11 months in a year car.

If properly chosen from the outset with no issues and properly maintained any of these cars will survive in Nigeria.

You have started very well with a good shortlist. You can easily check out the pros and cons of each car yourself and reduce the shortlist to 2 models. You appear to be leaning towards the S500 which is a super saloon, ultra comfortable and swathes of power under your right foot.

The only real help Nairalanders can give you is to say..I have had or I currently run one of these models. I had this or that issue with it; or I have this good mechanic who really understood my car. This part usually fails and it cost me this much money.

The rest really is down to you. Goodluck and please share your ownership experience with us so we can also learn from you.

Happy ownership of your Luxury V8.

Your only option may be to give yourself some time, put feelers out and also keep your eyes peeled for a well loved example in the country and tempt the owner with an offer.

There are mint examples of the model years you are interested in outside the country but these will be too old to import into Nigeria.

If you must convert a car from RHD to LHD in Nigeria make it a fairly simple car that car "converters" have done repeatedly and have some experience of. Run about Japanese saloons, older European cars and Peugeot 406s come to mind. The older the car the better. Some claim a good success rate with newer cars (up to 8 years old) and I'm sure some of them are quite good.

However if you convert a car such as the BMW 645 coupe I suspect your days of truly enjoying that car are over.

Really you are not seriously considering this are you?

Please indicate the asking price before I make any telephone calls.

For those few who unbuckle their seatbelts whilst still driving take these 2 points:-
1. No matter how good a driver you think you are or how familiar you are with local roads once off the highway accidents never ever tell you before they happen.......thats why they are called accidents.

2. You may be driving at low speeds on local roads but right after an accident the vehicle is likely to come to an immediate halt, thus propelling your chest towards the steering wheel or your head into the front screen at the speed your car was travelling at immediately before the accident.....the exact action seatbelts are meant to prevent. Its a good idea to insist that everyone in your car belts up even at low speeds.
Most Nairalanders are too smart to unbuckle before arriving at their destination. For the few who do, still think its a good idea?

I drive for pleasure and usually plug in my Ipod on long drives. Like everyone here I have my favourites but my tunes complement the driving experience. Your good music shouldn't make you drive fast or faster.

Driving fast should be reserved for suitable roads and conditions or where possible dedicated tracks and certainly not for blood boiling music.

My music chills the driving environment puts me in a good mood makes me concentrate and arrive at my destination safe calm and collected.
.......and +1 for Coldplay.

I don't think this thread will convert the afficionados of motors any country of origin. You like what you like.
It is interesting to read what each group has to say to fight their corner though.
The Germans got there first in terms of quality and brand name with the Japs playing catch up for many years. The gap has been progressively closing over the years with 1990 being a watershed for the Japs with the introduction of the Lexus LS400 a lovely car for its class.

With all companies now spending billions of dollars collectively on R& costs many do turn out better smoother faster and more technologically advanced cars.
So who wins the Germans or the Japs? Neither. I win...yes you and I the consumer. I went through a phase in the 90s driving just fast jap sports cars. Then I went for German sports coupes each has different characteristics. I appreciate the difference and drive/tease each car within its tolerances. My wife (ah..the only brand I won't change) knows how excited I get when I take my hard earned and I go shopping for new wheels - sports car estate SUV fast saloons from both sides of the Atlantic I've done them all. I can't get enough from sticking to just one manufacturer or continent.

So go for whatever ticks the right boxes for you. Die hard Jap fans will not change easily and neither will German car lovers.

The last paragraph in my post above is a quote from the previous post which I was replying to.

Now now we must be careful here.
ABS is not allowed in Formula 1 racing cars and British Touring Competition Cars BTCC and probably some other genres of racing cars simply because they are electronic driving aids and historically gave some manufacturers an "unfair advantage" when racing.
Disabling the ABS module from your road car because you anticipate prolonged driving on uneven roads even in Nigeria is bad news and totally unnecessary.

Racing cars have the latest technology with well trained drivers who utilise years of experience and skill to control their cars at high speed. They do without ABS as they are driving in a controlled environment and they "learn at school" to stop their racing cars from high speed using well honed skills.
Your average or even luxury road cars are engineered for" normal" use i.e everyday use including good badly maintained straight curvy bumpy wet hilly uneven and in the relevant country icy conditions.
Driven sensibly most drivers will be fine. Poke around your car in different ways if you must but disabling your ABS is as ill advised as removing the thermostatic valve in your engine to avoid the car overheating. You will be prescribing medication where there is no illness.

the beauty of abs is onbvious in emergency stops where you have to brake/stop quickly.............the car with abs with stop quickly and suddenly and may even rock side to side or end to end........but the car without abs with use a longer braking distance ....all this of course is on a smooth tarred road...................if u are constantly going to be driving on dirt/bumpy roads.....my recommendation is to disable your abs .......................race cars don't hv abs........I think! [/quote]

A lot of explanations here on how ABS works. Some are correct but there are also some misconceptions on the effect of ABS brakes when driving.
I am with lolomike on this.
I have driven cars equipped with and without and after a scary experience 10 years ago vowed never to own another car without ABS.

Anti-lock/Anti-skid brakes (ABS) work to reduce the braking distance experienced by drivers in an emergency when immediate braking assistance is needed. It works best when you stamp on the brake pedal and keep your foot on it to bring your vehicle to a much quicker stop. The pedal pulsates and kicks back at your foot which shows that the ABS is working. This quick pulsating action fools or confuses some drivers into taking their foot off the pedal as they instinctively think something is wrong. That is the reaction that increases the braking distance as the brakes stop working when you take your foot off the brake pedal.
ABS was never designed to elongate the braking distance to allow you to steer out of trouble. This belief is wrong. ABS will only elongate the braking distance in poor or uneven road surfaces or in wet and also icy road conditions. ABS works best on dry straight roads.
ABS will still work within vehicle tolerances and road conditions but also road speed. It will never defeat nor ignore the law of physics.
That's why many badly informed drivers speed above the limits allowed by traffic conditions and certainly above their driving competence and expect ABS to save them from the cemetery like the Sequoia driver who crashed into the OP. He's lucky he got away with just begging the OP. Sadly he drove away non the wiser.

Don't forget that the airconditioner will always sap some energy from the engine. Some loss in performance is to be expected especially during hard revving or when immediate power is demanded from the engine or as you say when "performing race car moves."
Also remember that you are running a 25 year old 1.8 engine. Durable as your Toyota power plant is your performance will not be as it was when it was factory fresh.

@Lumideezle

I'm no expert but I know a little bit about Volvo XC90's as I had one for 7 years. They are lovely family vehicles so you are in for a treat.

Going through a process of elimination I figure your car is unlikely to be the 5 cylinder 2.4 diesel as there are not many in Nigeria. I also doubt it is as your poor car would probably be comatose by now after being fed the wrong juice.

That leaves the 2.5 in line 5 Cylinder engine, a 3.2 straight 6 and the juicy 4.4 V8. I remember there is also a fast 2.9 twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine (T6). Unfortunately Volvo XC90 is not one of those cars where you can identify the engine by checking the equipment levels or exhaust tail piles in the case of the diesel.

I think a V8 growl is unmistakable and keen drivers will probably know right away. For a 2 ton SUV it will probably also have power and acceleration like no other except maybe for the T6. Going by the law of averages you are quite likely to have one of the smaller engines.

I was going to ask you to get someone knowledgeable to lift the black plastic engine cover if it is still in place. If they know about engines they should tell you from the inlet manifold pipes by the side of the engine block if it is a 5 Cyl engine or a Vee formation.

Better still I'll offer you an easier option. Copy your VIN No. obtainable from the bottom of the car's front screen and enter it into one of the free VIN check sites on the internet. This should tell you the engine size, build date, colour, cylinders and some more information about your car's history which you will find useful. It may reveal something in its history which you may not be aware of but that's another matter.
Your primary request was to ascertain the engine size of your new pride and joy.

Wow tempers are flying.

@Ikenna I am familiar with one planet only and from there I do write and where I suspect you also inhabit and that's Earth.
I have nothing against Peugeot nor your good self.

As Elektra80 Siena and Originalsly observed I am more concerned about wider national policy issues which form the thrust of my write up.

In my youth I loved most things french including their wide range of automobiles. Back in the day my Dad imported a lovely wine Peugeot 504 from France which I was very proud of and I guess that started me off. This graduated into a locally sourced new 504 GR AC/TG which took me on several sweet dates and nice long drives across the South West of the Country. We had a 406 in the family until recently and don't worry I wouldn't dare suggest that they don't have cup holders.

I won't bore you with my love affair with other french cars such as the 504Ti (badged fuel injectie) Renault 19 16valve Cabriolet Citroen ZX Volcane TD (modded) and a wild pocket rocket Citroen AX Gti 16v. And those are just the french cars.
These then gave way to a wave of fast Japanese sports cars which may well not kindle your knowledge or interest.
Lately I am more a connoiseur of European automobiles. Ikenna you love drive and appreciate "Des Peugeots" and long may that love continue.

I appreciate most 4 legged autos and do not discriminate. I'm an out and out petrol head though I have also learned to appreciate good turbo diesels and currently keep 2 in my stable.

So this is me, my focus, my views my influences and you will hopefully appreciate my aim.
I am quite willing for your knowledge of Peugeots and PAN to be illustrated here and I am willing to be corrected if my quotes are less than accurate. I visit this forum to share and acquire knowledge and will not fall out with anyone. Life's too short and there are so many more cars to drive and enjoy.
You will note I did not suggest that second hand cars will be banned, only imported second hand cars (Tokunbos). So of course second hand cars including Peugeots can still be purchased locally.
My suggestion for Govt Officials to drive locally sourced cars refers to Senior Ministers et al being chaffeured in cars that support the local economy rather than their puffed up limos -S Class Mercs etc. Nothing against these cars but I would rather that they practiced what they preach.
Love or hate Gen. Obasanjo he rode in a Peugeot 504 as Head of State between 1976 and 1979. This car may well have been imported and armoured. Not sure -State secret? His predecessor rode in an S Class Mercedes.

Anyway coming back to the main topic my gentle encouragement to the Nigerian Government is to achieve a good balance between government policy societal needs and the development of a home grown motor industry.

Peace y'all.

I like all your proposed mods already..but mess about with air suspension by lowering the car??..oooohh brave man. Rather you than me but I guess it helps that you can do the work yourself.

A Nigerian governor in perhaps the Southern most apex of the country during a TV debate to seek a second term criticized his opponents not for their advanced age but the age of their ideas.
Nigeria deserves a vibrant motor industry comprising of manufacturers dealers (New and used) parts fabricators and retailers (Ladipo Owerri Kaduna or Port Harcourt) fuel retailers etc, and of course the end user, (you and I) those who drive for necessity and for pleasure.

The government has just announced the proposed banning of importing used vehicles into Nigeria. Details of implementation are still sketchy.
Nigeria has a right to develop policies to protect encourage and revive a home grown industry by Nigerians for Nigerians. But it should be done properly, in a measured manner and should certainly not be executed in a knee jerk fashion or in a hurry.

Anybody remember Peugeot Automobiles in Kaduna or VW in Ojo Lagos? Where are they today? Why have they been condemned to another page of Nigeria's economic history? Many of their products still ply our roads though.

Develop a proper industry first. Get them running and fit for purpose. Give them tax advantages and get competent managers to run them. Encourage graduates designers and inventors. There's more than enough talent in the country.
Develop a 3-5-10 year plan and beyond. Monitor its progress strengths and weaknesses.
Part of this plan will be the policy to gently increase the duty on Tokunbo cars and maybe a gradual phasing out.
Showcase the best Nigeria has by Govt officials driving made in Nigeria. (Can this happen? Probably if well managed).
Then...maybe...just maybe you can carry people along and possibly have a proper Nigerian motor industry.

The banning of imported goods is not new to Nigeria. The annals of history readily indicate the success or failure of such policies.

I encourage the Nigerian Government and Trade Minister Olusegun Aganga in their zeal to re-awaken the motor industry but any action must be commensurate with the needs of the populace and balanced with viable economic policies.

Until then we must avoid stumbling from one half baked economic policy unto another.
We will get there but we need to get it right. Slowly maybe but surely.

@Siena

Reasons for your choice of carriage understood.

I do use sunroofs so I have learnt that you can attach a tube to the drain holes and blow the cobwebs and sediments away to allow proper drainage.

I tend to seek a car with a blend of power and economy but it can be quite a struggle. I find it challenging to find all my needs in one car so I keep the Mercedes for power and fun and drive a good tdi for economy/reasonable power as I do about 700 miles a week and sometimes more. I feel like a matyr sometimes but it helps that I enjoy having pedals at my feet and a good engine up front.

I have had a good few Audis with my last being a well equipped A2 tdi. Pocket sized but good fun and economical.

I agree that the diesel A8 is heavier but don't you find that with quattro and anticipating corners you can actually enjoy those long windy roads in an A8 TDI. Less fun in London I know but cool on fast A roads and the Motorway?

I take nothing away from your choice though as you have a lovely car.

@Siena

Fabulous car and brilliant choice. I do like. I had a good chuckle when you wrote that you definitely will not be retrofitting a sunroof and finger print recognition. Personally I always go for both electric sunroof and climate control because sometimes I just wish to shut all windows and tilt the roof for fresh air.

I understand the power differences between both cars but I'm curious as to why you went for the petrol over the lovely 4.2 diesel with fairly
comparable acceleration figures, 479/480 lbs of torque and superior fuel economy.

The kit on your car is mouth watering though. I love that no 2 German cars of the same make and model are the same spec-wise and I also like my cars to be individual.

I love my music and will find it a little niggly that your Audi doesn't come with Bose or B&O. The audio on your car is modern enough to show the tracks on your ipod and I like the old 9ja tracks on your stereo. I struggled to get the same spec on my Mercedes R230 shape and had to "tweak" it a little to see my Ipod tracks and TV whilst keeping it looking like it came out of the factory.

Good car though so ..enjoy.

A real time review of diesel car ownership in NIG. We need more like this on this thread especially the challenges of running and maintaining the car daily.
@Eduu50 What are your real time comparisons with running a fairly similar petrol powered car?

Interesting choice of an Accord diesel. Any issues with the conversion from RHD being a Euro Accord? Any dash lights on?
Lots of suggestions about poor diesel quality. Has this been your experience?

Eduu50: If ever you own a diesel engine auto mobile, you would literallly laugh @ some of the coments here because they don't hold water and are chiefly based on here say. I drive an accord euro 2004 2.2 i-cdt 5 gear mannual transmission; very sweet ride. I must confess that I also had the same impression as most of the fellas here but all that has changed now. Got it converted from RHD to LHD and its been an awesome experience so far. If you are not told, there's not a chance that you will know its a diesel engine. I do believe that for most young ppl in Nigeria, in choosing to buy a car, you would want to get a good car and @ d same time not pay overly too much for both the purchase and maintenance, a diesel engine would fit that bill almost perfectly. For those of you that know lag well, I live in ajah, work in V.I. In a week, I spend 3k5h on diesel and just like Ikenna, my A.C is always on...now even @ 155/lit...dt completely outclasses a petrol engine anytime and anyday. Now that's with all the traffic on the road and stuff. You see I am a complete novice in technical car talk, mayb one day I will learn some of these things, but I don't need an aristotle to tell me that its very healthy for my pocket. It also makes a lot of sense to appreciate the fact that a diesel engine is more tolerant to variations in fuel quality when compared to gasoline. So even in Nigeria, where diesels is almost 50% more expensive than petrol, it still holds its own when it comes to economy. As for lack of reliable mechanics to handle the diesel engine, that's about the only argument that may hold some credibility but I do hear that there are some very good ones @ Ladipo. Ah! yes, I forgot to mention it earlier, the performance is top notch. 120km/hr @ 2rpm in the fifth gear, I mean...ds is d real deal! A Petrol engine cnt get that efficient.

@Sienna; @Ikenna....I don't know if its even remotely possible that you can maybe drop your email address, I need tips on some questions I wanna ask, please.