₦airaland Forum

@Platinumnk
Now to help you understand (which is the essence of the forum and thread):

I don't see or know anyone who's name is Nissan and like I said; I wouldn't talk down to anyone BUT say why I can't drive any car I can't.

Relax, you can call me anything you want - its all up in your mind.

@Platinumnk
Well I see the forum as a good opportunity to get information and to give information (which basically is an empowerment) BUT from your posts I can't really figure a response and it forces a silence as an answer to you.

Anyway, I wouldn't naturally talk down to anyone BUT will tell why I can't drive a kind of vehicle I can't. At least I know what I like and don't.

Still appreciate your comments though BUT just can't figure the best response for them except silence

@Fhemmmy
The Range Rover. With the Stutmaster solution and very positive local reviews on it - I have all the confidence I need to go for it.

I'm taking the diesel option - engine is less complicated with minimal electronics and gas mileage is superb

@Damola1
I will have to go with the Diesel (Although the Dankitiki guy is saying 5.8M last). From my experience with diesel; the electricals/electronics in the engine is so small - and that is a blessing. Petrol engines are riddled with sensors and also the gas mileage with diesel is out of this world; I get 40MPG with my 530D (even with an e39 I6 engine) 7 litres to VI and back to Ikorodu - it sounds unbeleivable but its the real.

@Platinumnk
I'm sorry you see things the way you do BUT this is about a vehicle I'm bugging about its factory faults and have gotten a solution for and I'm making folks understand why I want that and only that. BUT of all the posts, all you can see is me? "Scooping" up? Girls? Online? With a thread? I don't know girls that cheap, do you? Anyway I'm responsibly and happily married with kids and its not my thread; its for anyone it means something to.

@Fhemmmy
I aint even mad at her.
Let me know what you think about my diesel preference. I will appreciate your input - I don't think parts will be an issue though - diesel engines have similar parts from what I see.

Hey PlatinumK, its not a fight - you only need to read well and ask questions before making your assumptions known so it doesn't make you look like what you are not.

For me; a Range Rover is an investment plus a business tool as well. Its not just a car to hop in and drive off. I have 2 SUVs and 3 cars (2.5 SUVs actually - including the infinit). The Range Rover has two things for me; gives me comfort so I don't all pissy at meetings after driving through hold up for business meetings, secondly - Nigeria is a country where IF you are applying for a contract or seeking some kind of license or permit, paople actually weigh you by what you drive - its happened to me soooo many times and you see idiots getting contracts in fields they don't know anything about and later sub-contracting it to the real professionals (who in most cases are so caught up in developing themselves and buying field equipments worth 100Ks of dollars)

If you understand this correctly, I would not think of dropping 6M on a ride ordinarily BUT I think what professional are realizing is that predsentation is not only about what you can tell them in the board room - its more about everything you look like, drive, wear and talk about.

In as much as I know I have to; I need to know that the one that cathes my eyes is as rugged as I can have it plus that I can actually use it whenever I want without thinking if I will get home. Its not the money, its the stress I don't need.

I have brands I like and those from what I see and experienced from earlier models appear as just a waste of my time.

Most Toyota vehicles are nice BUT you drive into a lot and your expensive ride blends as one of their official cars. Infiniti has a very fragile body and falls apart quickly (engine lasts very long though) and is prone to overheating.

Its just my personal thing. I can only drive these kind of vehicles IF I MUST

@PlatinumK
Thanks for your comment and advice. I really appreciate it.

But seriously, I hope you don't just place handles on your assumptions of one's financial status. It turns out your advice would actually be for your parents' friends.

Asking about a vehicle or considering it as an investment option and weighing it against regular options shows one has value for investments and business options - You might want to check that with your parents.

Anyways, based on the response I got from Strutmasters; its actually worth it buying the Range Rover and immediately converting the air shocks before wearing off the assembly manifold of the air shocks and before the height sensor is messed with. And according to them, they have not experienced the suspension alert affecting the overall stability system in any way.

Since this vehicle combines an anti-rust features, driver's comfort and long lasting build - I consider it a good choice with the air shocks solution from Strutmasters.

I'm however considering a Diesel 07 Range Rover Sport from Dantikiti of Nairaland, he also has a G Wagon 02 BUT Petrol. I'm loving my first diesel experience with my 530D - that's why I'll be considering the diesel.

@Jaybee
I just read some local reviews of the kit and saw the conversion video. Those air shocks are actually more fragile than I thought - like a rubber tube. On a typical Nigerian road, its a goner.

Thanks Jaybee
I did not know that switching it off manually disables its interaction with other sensors, I will look into that factor.

Thank you so much for this very sensible input

This is worth the try and as long as the suspension lights wont cause any balance problems - I think that was what I read about strutmasters. Thanks again.

@Jaybee

Thanks once again.
Basically for the maintenance and general running of that vehicle, I have no problems spending on it simply because of the joy and comfort I get from driving that ride. My concern for the shocks is that its not like a routine or regular thing - its something that can affect a yesterday's roll-out.

My anger is that most of these companies that make aftermarket stuffs for this brand have failed to make a conversion kit or a tune-up kit that can convert this shocks independent of Land Rover. The same thing angers me with AMG that cant seem to make the same alternative to the mercedes air shocks.

@jaybee
Thanks for the post. I appreciate it. I have also checked online and seen reviews BUT our road conditions and terrain contrasts their very seriously - hence the air shocks concerns.

Someone was talking about the shocks lasting for 3 to 4 years; that would have been nice - IF NOT that I know of a 2009 Vogue with ALL flat shocks - the guy came to Owode and got replacements from an accident and guess what happened - The shocks went kind of elevated and refused to come down. It was a 2009 he brought in from Austria himself.

I appreciate all y'all comments

@Freshmoney
I wasn't actually referring to that your school bus model of pathfinder BUT generally, they don't have good re-sale values. I dont like it because after a while like I said; the body looks too heavy for the small tyres - just like a big helmet on a child.

I have priced quite a few of them; which of course is what I can do IF I want then weigh their condition and price with what I need actually.

Remember that in as much as I appreciate y'all comments, I still want a CURRENT USER of the Range Rover to give us his/her views; NOT some Primera pushing folks P.L.E.A.S.E

I heard about the aftermarket shocks and read of their failures after months and Range Rover refused to support them.

I would not just buy because I have the cash (NO WAY) I would find out about what I'm buying and ASK about it; even from dealers (most have discouraged though) and nice folks like you for your views on it.

Its really nothing personal - BUT I bet you that some other people are learning from this post - but I know what I'm gaining right here too.

Once again freshmoney, its not about having the just having the cash - its about sitting with 6M and looking at planting a fenced 3 bedroom apartment for rent OR buying a that ride - I tell you, that ride better be worth it.

@Freshmoney
Hey, I appreciate your comments.

Some guy on nairaland.com put up your stuff for sale last year May at above 2M, he is still begging till date for the thing to be bought.

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-275879.0.html

I was in Ikeja where a guy brought a used 06 Range Rover sport to show a car dealer - while parked outside waiting for the dealer(It was actually around SCOA junction around Alausa/Agidingbi - Oluwalogbon side) three people met him and one left for the bank on 5.5M agreement. It happened last month. I was even to go check it out.

Its actually a matter of fact that those vehicles that cost MSRP $70k - $100k are not just expensive for nothing - there are lots of things built in there and that's what makes them expensive - the build material, engineering, options, etc. I'm not looking at something that will bore me after 2 months of use.

The Range catches my eyes and stays that way all these while - I'm just really concerned why even after all the complains from people, they still keep the damn air shocks. And it gets worse - there is no way to throw in the springs by default. Its not just them; the S Class has that air shocks problem too. I'm just trying to get a view of A Current User, a very candid view and review.

From my experience with electronics, cars, gadgets - I would rather buy a used or even faulty item that is very expensive IF brand new item than to buy a "clean" or new of a clone. I have my reasons; ranging from generators to cars.

@Freshmoney
Actually I wont sell a ride I drive - I can only trade in for a better one (better in the sense of what I can drive). The Infiniti/Nissan I have is for trade NOT for sale - That's what my auto-consultant is working at. Its actually better to trade-in than outright sales.

I see adverts online where people price Pathfinder for peanuts, and these days you see them almost on every corner they are selling cars/used vehicles at ridiculous prices.

I refuse to talk about Nissan in the context of what I can or will consider to drive. Its like me admitting defeat in life, that's the only thing Nissan hits me as. So please dont make that reference anymore.

The ML you mentioned is a very good option, which I would ordinarily consider BUT it is not roomy enough for my use as a business meeting/Family ride. Its too small. Thats where the Rangers come in.

Thanks for your advise though - AND I will appreciate if you don't mention that brand or any of its models on my thread, its making me feel very cheap and unfocused. I respect its your brand of choice but its making things very unclean here.

You must be an interesting person to have that brand as your "Dream" in life

@Kunle-A
Now for my response to your last post:

You dont want to talk to me about re-sale values of range rovers compared to most other brands; bear in mind that the Range Rover HSE/Vogue is way more expensive than the Sport.

I do not look at the values of vehicles in Nigeria to judge their current values (There are lots of arrangements). Go online on ebay and show me a 2007 Range Rover HSE or Vogue or Sport that cost ANYTHING close or less than 5Million. Please do that and let the house confirm. Range Rovers are expensive; used, new or even accident (Go to Owode Onirin and check - IF YOU SEE)

Now go to eBay and show me any of these crap Nissan 06/07 that costs over 5Million. I cant even believe I'm talking about Nissan here; I should be talking or arguing about RR, Mercedes, BMW or even the lame Lexus, not some imitation that is confused if it should be called Infiniti or Nissan.

@Kunle-A
I'm sorry I had the wrong name in my response to your earlier post before the last. I really appreciate your comments on this one.

Reliability is very key. As a brand, European vehicles are my picks, but some Japanese also have few rugged models.

If you look at some brands and models; they retain a particular shape and parts for 5 years upwards before major changes - Those are reliable models and brands, some keep changing shapes and parts from year to year - That's Cloning right there

@Kunle-A (I'm sorry I put the wrong name earlier)
Thanks for your input as always, I really appreciate your concern. The thing for me is that apart from the Range, G Wagon (that's about it), the closest to it is the Hummer H2 - which from what I found out (I actually approached someone who has one at Cool Cafe the other day - black lovely thing) is a guzzler. The fuel seems to be the only down-side of the hummer H2.

Except someone in the house has a different view - especially regarding the day-to-day use.

The guy I approached actually told me the Hummer H2 is simply a drive off vehicle BUT has a minus of fuel consumption. For me its a professional vehicle. He also said he rarely drives it due to the fuel thing BUT again, the Range/Sport/LR3 and the G Wagon are gradually looking like THE options.

@Freshmoney
Maxima?, pathfinder? - Im trying to place you Bre but its hard; why are you doing this to yourself? Im not trying to say Nissan is just for losers BUT I mean check it generally;

An 06 Maxima wears out within 6 months of use (It depreciates terribly) with those funny china looking torch light things at the rear - at Tokumbo, they look ok but 6 months into use they look like the bumpers are walking away from the lights.

They dont make good bodies for Nissan; how long have you used your Maxima?, state how much you bought it, AND check nairaland for how much its going for right now.

Not to brag BUT i have a 2000 Nissan/infiniti QX4 in my garage since December - Ive only driven it about twice to VI and that's it - I'm even desperate to trade if off for even a used CLK or something.

Nissan is very far from it - It deprecates terribly (see people selling off their 99 pathfinders for 750k - stuff was 1.5 like 6 months ago)

Well, you have to console yourself though - I respect that.

Did you know that the Range Rover is rust-free?

@Sultaan
Thanks for your input; its been a long time

From his description, there are no smoking problems - From my experience, that clears any fouling of plugs PLUS he didn't mention any misfires.

Also, trust me; that's where our mechanics will first check - that's about where they know.

I'm sure you are not thinking of buying that school bus.

Whoever sits in front of that thing is a driver (The driver is not a focus in its design - you might as well wear a uniform and a tiny red cap when driving it). The fact is the way its designed, its too big and the sitting space inside is pointless due to the demarcation between seats, it DRINKS fuel, plus its a rewire's delight (wiring problems)

Anyways check out these two, they are both suposed to have 3rd row seats for family/kids (though the other one is an 7/8 seater while your school bus will only sit 6 people, and you will need to build a garage fit for a coaster for the Q56, and tell me how you will park in Mega Plaza for instance.

@Freshmoney
Please look at the vehicles above and tell me that Nissan does not look like bug bus with small tyres.

I'll even look at the white Toyota Landcruiser (Bogus though)

Same budget price range

@Freshmoney
For your pathfinder, I'm talking about how it looks after a while. I know Nissan makes or uses very good engines and they are fair on gas too (Unlike some infiniti counterparts). After a while most Nissan products start looking very boring. Look at the Xterra - after a while you just want to run away from it.

For you, maybe Nissan does it, BUT for me its too boring; Its actually like a clone of the REAL thing - More like those Nokia N95 with two sim slots. After a while, the chassis cant simply hold the "BIG" body - really, it looks like a helmet after a while. In fact you don't want to use a spare tyre on a Nissan pathfinder - It simply looks like a 504 or something.

Anyway, Nissan is simply not in my book

One more thing;

There are some vehicles that you can get online and join users' clubs and do some DIYs - those are intelligent vehicles - Like BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, etc.

The other day, my mechanic spent close to 30 minutes looking for my 530D BMW's diesel filter; I went online asked a forum and got not just the filter's location but the air filter, main pump and booster pump locations (comprehensive drawings with tools required) - after doing the cleaning and changing the diesel filter, the fuel consumption jumped to about 40MPG. My mechanic was speechless.

The thing is that people that push those can have time to look into and relate with these vehicles, more like a companionship. I don't see that with a Nissan?, Toyota?

@Seal777
Thanks for your input as always.

Why I like them checking these things first is that - those mechanics are mostly lazy to troubleshoot, so they just tell you to buy this and buy that. BUT when you ask them to check, it wont cost you more than just to dash them like N500, and they will be happy to do it hoping you will buy through them IF it is faulty.

I think we users should learn to have them check things rather than having them send us to the bank all the time.

@Freshmoney
Thanks for your input right there. At least you are sober now

My question for you is this; when you wanted to buy the Pathfinder, you know your budget could have gotten you a Range Rover (Maybe slightly used/registered), LR3 (Maybe slightly used/registered), an 06/07 Rav4, a G Wagon (I even have a 4M quote from Ogunnaike), even a very solid 02/03 Landcruiser (very solid one) or a Lexus 470 - WHY DID YOU PREFER THE PATHFINDER? Do you care to share that with me and the house? Why that choice?

For me; I drove an earlier model like in 2003, for the new models like yours - the design is superb (very superb) BUT have you noticed that after a while of use, it appears as if the body is too heavy for the chassis or something, it starts looking like a helmet on a child. Its just my view, like I see it around.

It wont be a bad touch IF they can import Certified pre-owned Peugeot.

I don't know how it happens BUT most times I see Peugeot models in Europe that I don't see here at all; they are better looking anyways so I think it will be a welcome business strategy. One is better off loading cars for staff from them at a good price/deal.

There is a post Kunle-A sent; I can see it on my mobile but its not showing here.

The Lexus is a very nice option BUT lacks that thing - The driver is not as comfortable as would in a Range Rover. Ive driven the 470 and the Range Sport and believe me, the difference is clear. I think the suspension (Air shocks thing) and the general system of the vehicle is a factory failure (A shameful one at that). A current user might disagree though.

In some quarters, the Toyota (Lexus) has this official car dimension to it; and that flattens it out totally for me.

I see the Range Rover as a classy, entrepreneur kind of vehicle BUT the shocks brings it to its knees, the Navigator is more like a Molue bus, the G Wagon (even being a king in its own rights) can really look very boxy at times, the Infiniti FX 35/45 is no different from a QX4 when it comes to being able to withstand time looking and driving the same way (something about them has this depreciation all over).

I have not seen an LR3 with the shocks problem though.

@Kunle-A
Thanks for your input - I will watch out for the tips/info you will be posting tomorrow.

@Fhemmmy
Thanks for your input - I noticed you posted that:

"if you are driving into bumps without car, if you driving into potholes all cos you have air rides and wanna have fun."

The thing is this; we live in Nigeria - bumps and pot holes are part of our roads by default - there are some parts of V/I with roads that are worse than remote places in Ikorodu.

Its not like Im particular about pointing out faults BUT we are talking about a Range Rover here; My Dad bought the 78 model in 83, that thing still travels to the east - the gold color is still what it is (No body work, nothing) - Thats an SUV for Nigerian roads. Can we say the same for these new models? Would you classify these models to be as rugged as those early models? Is it just the air shocks? Is it too much computers in the damn thing? Are they making them flashier but fragile?

By the way freshmoney; Im trying to understand factors here that are very important for myself and any other interested in this brand.

Its not really about the money, its about a factory fragile installation that might affect both new and used of this brand.

You might want to shut the Bleep up and let people with real values say what they know about it.

Once again its your view.

Its a little limited though