₦airaland Forum

I have read many posts about the evils of converting a RHD car to LHD. I do not have the experience of doing this. I have almost done this a few times but have always pulled back. Used cars are so much cheaper in the UK just like your research shows. If you know the market well like I do then you have the satisfaction of hunting down a very good car with proven history and spec to your taste.

I did do a bit of research and combed Ladipo market in Lagos, interviewing prospective mechanics who could do the potential conversion. I settled on three who seemed to have a reasonable level of competency. I even settled on a system of importing a newish SUV from the US for myself and getting a smaller car/ SUV from the UK for conversion as a second car.

Now here's what I think.

There is a varying level of expertise for car conversion in Lagos (Ladipo) which is the only market I surveyed. The newer and more expensive the car for conversion (including complicated electrics, ECU and OBC) the more challenging/ expensive the conversion and the higher the likelihood of something going..puff in a cloud of smoke!

Conversely the simpler the car e.g Peugeot 406, Honda CRV, Landrover Freelander (a car with well documented problems) the easier the conversion. I even saw C and E Class conversions (2002/2003) that looked reasonably good. I stuck my head under the bonnets and interior to vet the quality of the conversions. I concede I did not drive them so do not know how they would HAVE felt on the road.
From my research European cars have the advantage of having the same bulkhead for LHD or RHD cars so there will be blanks in the engine bay for entry and exit of cables etc into the vehicle.

Audis are lovely cars and I can't blame you for selecting the S4, S6 S8. You have not specified if you want a saloon or estate though the fact that you are considering an S8 gives me the impression you are probably after a saloon.

I much prefer the looks of the Estate though each to his own. I would recommend an S6 as a good in between, with the S4 being small though very fast (they all are) and the S8 being a little rarer I think. Give me a good RS6 Avant (Estate) (though much newer) and I'm a happy man.

Going down the conversion route with such a car you really need to know what you are doing.
You appear to have some experience of conversion already so if you have a good garage with good equipment and know-how then take the plunge.
I will advice checking prices in Germany on mobile.de first as someone has suggested, check the difference even after conversion and factor in a little hassle for curing and managing little gremlins here and there. It is after all a labour of love.
With cars like this I am motivated by two factors, the cost of acquiring and running the car and the grin I get on my face after each drive.

Whatever you do, good luck and please share your experience here good or bad. I'll be watching as I may be doing the same.

Still interested in hearing news views and reviews if you( or someone you know ) runs a diesel car or truck.

Thanks

baconline: I use a deisel truck,sweet fuel economy,but not many mechs,one mech messed up d metals on d crackshaft and till now we can not find a crankshaft to replace it,engine is 380k.

What kinda diesel truck do you run and what economy figures do you get?

I am asking for views and opinions please on the text below . I know there is a lot of knowledge and expertise on this forum.
I also know that diesel cars are in the minority but want any users out there who have run diesel cars or SUVs.
What has been your experience? Good or bad?

Do you have/ know a good diesel mechanic? Diesel is more expensive but with a big engine it stays for longer with better mpg as you sit in traffic with your aircon on.

I want a car in Lagos initially for occasional use with subsequently increasing use with more frequent and longer term visits.

I have shortlisted just 2 vehicles purely on cost of purchase, running costs and that it must be a 4x4.

1. Range Rover 2.5 P38 Auto diesel 2000/1 Model
2. Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Auto(Challenger) 2.5 Diesel 2000/3 Model


I have chosen these 2 cars because I think they are fairly rugged and maintainable. This age and model of the Range Rover because with a spring conversion I wont worry about air suspension problems.

From the vast knowledge on this forum do you have any views on the reliability of these cars?

Will there be any adverse consequences for the diesel pump or the fuel injectors if I chose to run the car on used cooking oil mixed with diesel (bio-diesel). I will have a petrol vehicle as a second car.

Will appreciate your views.

Thanks very much.

Interesting thread.
Back to the Camry v the BMW.

There are so many variables between both cars. To start with they are not evenly matched. When it comes to handling they put down their power differently. The BMW is rear driven and the Camry is a front wheel drive..to much power for a V6 to put through the front wheels. You can still drive Front driven powerful cars quickly but a lot of skill is needed.

As to the Camry "fishtailing" the road conditions, the speed at which the driver entered the corner the condition of his tyres including the thread and of course the skill and experience of the driver all matter.
Its a lot easier to pile on the power on a straight road and hold your steering fairly straight but a different matter powering a powerful car at speed round a corner.

I think the guys racing on this thread are very brave. But I guess the temptation of having all that power under your right foot is difficult to resist...especially if someone in the next car is saying..my motor beta pass your own. You no fit pick race.
Peolple have mentioned the Audi RS6. Its a monster and has 4 wheel drive to handle all that power. My mechanic has one and the crazy guy tuned it to get even more power. madly fast.

You didn't say which car this is and the frequency of topping up.
How old is the car and was it retaining its water before this problem emerged?
You may have a blown head gasket.
Pull out the dip stick and check the bottom below the gauge markings. Does it have creamy deposits?
On the same dipstick does it have water droplets or creamy deposits? It should only show oil.
Check the oil filler cap. Do you have the same deposits on the cap.

This is not a 100% test but it is a fair indication that there are problems with the cooling system.

Also check that your radiator is not leaking or that you are losing water after driving the car.

Good luck

Car SOLD in January.

@Princenana1 the car is here already but unregistered as it is For Sale. Please call 08033000968 to take things forward on this car for your Dad. He will appreciate it.

Before I view I need to know what needs fixing. Please tell me exactly what needs repairs.
Any problems with the engine, auto transmission or suspension? Is the aircon fully functioning?

Yes still available.
Please call 08033000968.

Final Price Drop. RHD YES BUT VERY VERY CLEAN. NO ISSUES AT ALL. YOU NEED TO VIEW THIS TO BELIEVE....AND YES VERY CHEAP TO BUY!!!

Available for purchase this weekend. Need the space now so this unregistered Peugeot must go now!!!

Viewings welcome this weekend. Make your genuine offer. The car is ready to drive away.
Peace be unto you all and thanks for your interest.
Just ring 08033000968.

To all previous callers the car is genuinely N550k Oh! Just call the number on the screen. Yes it is 08033000968

No problem. What do you have in mind?

Quality Peugeot 406, consistently reliable with parts available everywhere. Don't delay..ring 08033000968.

Quality Peugeot 406, consistently reliable with parts available everywhere. Don't delay..ring 08033000968.

;DMhmm

The number to call is 08033000968

Still good still unregistered still solid still here for you.

Fabulous Peugeot

More calls this morning. Time for the Peugeot to go.

Do ring to view this weekend.

Still unregistered. Still Waiting to go to a new home. Offers being considered. Ring 08033000968 today.

Still a a available

Still available for viewing in Magodo or Ikeja. Offers please. Call 08033000968. Thanks for looking.

Still available

Ready to roll. Washed and polished, all fluids topped up and ready to roll. No faults, just ready for its new owner.

Available.

Looking for a safe strong car for business, long distance driving or comfortable family sedan/ saloon with factory A/C. Look no further. Still available.[b][/b]

Price slashed. Must go.[b][color=#006600][/color]
Now N650k. Still Good Still Clean Still Unregistered Still Looking for 1st lucky Naija owner.[/b]

Ready to go. Genuine offers.now