₦airaland Forum

Well, these are some of the issues I have with the way ppl bargain on Nl.

As much as I agree and respect your rights to negotiate the price of an offer.

but I think the initial offer from the seller is so low that the major reasonable worry for any prospective buyer is the condition of the car.

I have a feeling that (if for any reason) I place my car for sale on nairaland for 200 naira, some will still come back to ask if I can agree to N150.

For example my initial observation was the fact that despite uploading quite a number of pix, the OP never gave us a clear view of the front/bumper of the car ??

Am not insinuating anything but just saying that @ 370K, this will be a big coup for any buyer IF there are no major issues with the car as the seller claims

Is it just me, or does anybody else feel this chap was [b]under

the influence of drugs [/b]or some other substance during this interview.

His body movement, his gesticulations, his responses, all did not seem too coherent to me


@8:26 - "first of all that was not an interview, it was a request . . . "  



Seriously, this guy might just need help soon. I pray he doesn't go the way of Majek,

Thanks Ikenna,

I'll do that as soon as I can

Ikenna351:
No. It has noting to do with "coolant used in filling the radiator" only,like you said. The rust in the cooling system that affected the water pump shaft and broke the blade was as a result of water you were using. The owner's car manual instruct: USE COOLANT ONLY (instructions in most vehicle owners manual). Coolant is a 50:50 mixture of antifreeze & water. You can only find Coolant in Nigeria, not Antifreeze. So the coolant in Nigerian markets have already been mixed: water & antfreeze. So mixing coolant and water again is a waste of resources. You either use only coolant or you dont. Excess water in the system causes rust in the system & corrodes the engine walls, which would later someday blow up the engine Cylinder head gasket.

I would advice you to stop using the ABRO Coolant. So many fake in the Nigerian markets. TOTAL coolant is good. Thats what i use. It cost N350.00 a litre. Also, mind you, if you do not close the radiator cap well or if the seal on the cap has worn, the system/engine would overheat for various reasons.

Ikenna.

I have not had cause to fill my radiator since I bought the car two years back but recently the hose leaked and I fixed it but after fixing the hose it was filled back with just WATER.
Please have I done something wrong ?
and what are the effects of using just water ?
and how do I rectify the problem ? drain the radiator and refill with coolant, I guess ?
by the way, the car is a 2003 honda accord

Hey Ikenna,

Thanks for the timely response.

Your opinions are deep . Are you a mechanical or an automobile engr (Like Sienna) ? seems so really.



I have scanned the car and can't remember the error codes that came up cos it was a while back
( . . and fuel price was still not that steep yet). but The mech said all the codes that came up had
nothing to do with fuel consumption, though you never can really trust these guys anyway.
However, the check engine light is actually still on.

I will try and do another scan over the weekend and let you know the reported codes.


As regards other issues

Over sized tyres - Yeah, the problem actually started when service personnel ( at Pirelli service centre for that matter ) reccomended overized tyres for me and also did some wheel balancing and alignment.
Sienna on NL (God bless him) advised against it,
I have since changed back to the original reccomended size but still the crazy consumption continues.


Vaacuum leak
Faulty Sensor
Engine sensor
Oxygen Sensors
Catalytic Converters (sounds like chemistry to me)

Really I don't have much technical knowledge about these parts



but as regards The Coolant Temperature Sensor, I guess its the same as the Temperature guage.

Seems to be working fine to me, at the base when engine is cold and close to the middle when

engine is hot.

@Ikenna,

Please can you respond to my post on page 1 of this thread

Hi Ikenna,

How did you know the ECU was faulty ?

Does a Diagnostic tool bring that up ?

My car has been consuming fuel like crazy for a while and with this fuel price increase/scarcity its driving me nuts.

I did a scan while back though I cant remember the codes, the mech said nothing related to the fuel consumption came up.

I mean it presently does 224Km on 1/2 tank (33.5l) thats like 6.8km/l compared to your ride that did over 14km/l.


I just need an urgent solution else might consider selling


I use a honda accord '03 (EOD).

and where r u based bros ? (sounds as though you'r based in the north)

@ NA JOKE



GEJ, the man who won an election few months ago on his Claim of having no shoes as a boy, the son of a fisher man from Otuoke creek has bluntly refused to listen to voice of reason, and I wonder what is wrong with this man, have you forgotten the child of whom you are, what are you doing in the midst of Sanusi Lamido, Iweala and Allison Madueke, Ere ki ni Aja n ba ekun she, (what game would bring a dog and a tiger together) what good advise would you get from these spoilt brats), Sanusi, a grandson of the emir and son of a permanent secretary, a noble blood with a university degree in sharia from SUDAN, he was never as hungry as you were, You are even an infidel where he is concerned , Your association can only mean trouble, and then Iweala, the daughter of a Professor and king in ogwashi ukwu and, An IMF returnee, everybody in her family went to harvard, she had ice cream for breakfast while you were walking barefoot looking for fish in the sun of ogbia, common!what are you doing with her, And then diezani madueke , the daughter of chief Agama and wife of Admiral madueke, what are you doing around these people, please listen to people who are just like your father, fisher men,boat maker ,mechanic,tailor,okada man etc who would suffer greatly from your stubbornness. Listen to people like you who had no shoes, like femi falana,Chinua Achebe.etc ,



I saw this earlier post of yours on NL, which turned out to be one of my favorite ever.
However, I've posted same on my FB page (and its generating so much responses ) and attributed it to NL.
I kno I should have sought consent b4 sharing but am informing you now cos I guess it's
better late than never. And its all for the CAUSE

Interesting Offers

but why do I feel unconvinced ?

Is it just me ?

walcolm:
Just for general edification, the possible speed of a PC is determined solely by the PROCESSOR.

if you put a formula 1 engine into a trailer, it can never run like a formula 1 engine inside a formula 1 vehicle body type

all other components make it possible for the processor to attain it maximum potential

Spot on, bro

Theoretically, The speed of your system is determined by how fast your processor is.

but in practical terms, it is limited by the size of your RAM.


The processor does not 'speak' to the hard disk directly but rather works on data loaded in the RAM. So the bigger your RAM the bigger the amount of data your processor will be able to crunch per time.

Just trying to explain in lay man's terms.



However to your poser.

Go for item 2.
Reason: In this age of Vista, Windows 7, 8. Having 512Gb RAM will mess you up. In fact its complete rubbish (am serious)

Even 1gb RAM will be stretched by these operating systems.


Really, I wont advice you to go for anything less than 2GB RAM.
but if you are just left with a choice btw the two then go for the 2nd choice.


(In the alternative, why dont you buy option 1, then you can easily purchase a 1GB or 2GB RAM to add to it and enjoy max benefits from your sys.)

Well thanks for the clarification

but o'er in Nigeria nay africa it was launched earlier

I remember clearly an acquiantance bought (brand new, and still uses) a corrolla in 2007 and it was the tenth generation.
I think the delay is just in North America.

Sorry to bother you but just to clarify.

but I just discovered that The 'tenth generation' corrolla was delayed in north america until late 2008/early 2009

so the 2007/2008 you quoted for was it the ninth or tenth generation toyota corolla.



My understanding as at the time I initially posted was that the 2003/2004 looked more like the first pix below and 2007/2008 more like the second. Just want to be sure am correct

totally cool man, totally cool

am already getting excited.


I need prayers (to be able to make up the money for the 'S' come Jan).

Anyway, will holla you then

Wow Gee,

Thanks for the prompt response.

I'll definitely love the 07/08 'S' model but come January, I guess my money will decide.


but you didnt talk bout how long it will take to make delivery and I asked about down payments.

Or is that the price to take delivery of the car after it lands in lagos

Hi Inspired

Please am thinking of getting a new car in January.
and have settled on a Toyota Corrola.

Am hoping it can be shipped from the US like the current ride am using.

So my question is How much will it cost to buy

1. A toyota corrola 2003/2004 model (both the 's' version and the other regular model)
2. a toyota corrola 2007/2008 model (both the 's' version and the other regular model)

Please it should include the cost of purchase, shippng to and clearing in Nigeria.


Also, how long is it going to take for the car to be delivered and
what percent will I give as down payment.

Thanks and expecting your replies.

Hi Inspired

Please am thinking of getting a new car in January.
and have settled on a Toyota Corrola.

Am hoping it can be shipped from the US like the current ride am using.

So my question is How much will it cost to buy

1. A toyota corrola 2003/2004 model (both the 's' version and the other regular model)
2. a toyota corrola 2007/2008 model (both the 's' version and the other regular model)

Please it should include the cost of purchase, shippng to and clearing in Nigeria.


Also, how long is it going to take for the car to be delivered and
what percent will I give as down payment.

Thanks and expecting your replies.

Hi Femi

Please am thinking of getting a new car in January.
and have settled on a Toyota Corrola.

Am hoping it can be shipped from the US like the current ride am using.

So my question is How much will it cost to buy

1. A toyota corrola 2003/2004 model (both the 's' version and the other regular model)
2. a toyota corrola 2007/2008 model (both the 's' version and the other regular model)

Please it should include the cost of purchase, shippng to and clearing in Nigeria.


Also, how long is it going to take for the car to be delivered and
what percent will I give as down payment.

Thanks and expecting your reply.

WOW, gee that was deep.

I did the diag yesterday and the two results I got were nthing I presume can affect Fuel performance

1. Solenoid IVTEC valve
2. Circuit high Voltage.


The Diag guy then suggested I check the exhaust system.

but with this, i think I'll just change the tyres and then see out it goes.

I should be travelling tommorow, so I guess it will be another good opportunity to test.


Thanks once again Sienna, you the best.

Well, I dont consider myself to be an expert but then I use a Honda accord '03

as regards vibration at high speeds.

Take this to a good service centre.


The usual suspect is the alignment/wheel alignment thing.


but then (if that doesn't solve the prob) you can look at your low arms and other parts that generally go btw the wheels and tyres.



And to all Accord Auto Transmisssion Users (especially the US models).

Never, I repeat, Never change your transmission fluid with any other type except the ATF Z1.
Am talkin from experience

Siena:
I'm struggling to make sense out of your post here.

What exactly was wrong with the car? And what model of Audi is it? All you've said is it's an Audi sedan / saloon with a 2,8 V6 engine. The Volkswagen Passat uses the same engine as the Audi A4 / A6. Yet mechanics are so ignorant. I recently had an enquiry for a replacement 2,8 V6 30V motor, for a 2003 Volkswagen Passay. I responded to the enquiry, I have two Audi A6 2003 models. The guy contacted his "mechanic" then discouraged him from buying. Stating the engine must be a VW Passat 2,8 V6. So ignorant, he fails to realise the engines are EXACTLY the same!

This is one of the reasons things never improve in Nigeria. Everyone is all too keen to go the El Cheapo route, patronize roadside mechanics that don't know one end of a spanner from the other. And just so you know, spare parts are not manufactured locally in Nigeria. They are all imports. A 2010 Range Rover Sport will have parts imported, the same way a 1999 Toyota Camry would. It's just that in terms of used parts, the Toyota will have a wider market.

Not everyone in Nigeria, even those that are not too car savvy want to drive a bog standard Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Nigerians need to move with the times, things are evolving. The same feeling was the norm many years ago, when automatic transmission was new. No mechanic was prepared to touch them. Today, it's the preferred choice in Nigeria. Those that are prepared to run expensive, modern imports in Nigeria can definitely afford to purchase their parts and accessories from the country of their car's origin. It's common sense. Nigerians need to stop taking everything their "mechanics" tell them, and do some research on their cars themselves. Most Nigerian mechanics that advice you on what car to buy are only doing so, so as to retain you as a customer. If they're used to working on I4 2,2 Toyota Camry, the moment you purchase a 2009 Chrysler 300C 5,0 HEMI, they know they've lost you as a client.

Lastly, cars are not as unreliable as Nigerian mechanics make out. Even the most basic, economy model, like a TATA Nano will be reliable, and pretty much vice-free. The problems with cars invariably start once they land in Nigeria, go in for a routine oil change, a light bulb, then suddenly it needs injectors, transmission, fuel pump and sensors that "are not available in Nigeria.

Nice post, makes sense.

I find the last paragraph particularly hilarious


Once again, just wanted to thank you for the response on my other thread about excessive fuel consumption https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-802926.0.html

@Sienna

Thanks a million for your input. I really do appreciate it.
And sorry for the late response been out of town for a while.

Anyway, am heading to mechanic this morn and am going to insist on an OBD scan before he touches mine.

Am about to order a scanner myself (but should arrive december).



As for when I noticed it.

I decided to change my two front tires, the specs that initially came with the car are 205/60R/16

but at the Pirelli shop, they had only a 205/65R/16C. The service guys said the difference btw the two

was very minimal and not willing to buy the less reliable local ones, I purchased them (could that be the problem ?)

And also while carrying out the alignment and wheel balancing, I was adviced to change two of the low arms at the back wheel,

which I did.

Well, the next day, I took the car on a a journey and suddenly started noticing that the car was guzzling fuel at an extraordinary rate.




Thanks and I'll let you know how it goes.

. . . . still waiting for your advice.

Thanks

I have a car with a 3.0L engine. though the fuel consumption has always been on the high side,

however of recent, the fuel consumption has shot to the roof.


It now guzzles fuel like no man's business.

I've had to service the car, the mechanic requested that the spark plugs be changed, which I did.

But the situation hasn't improved considerably.

Now the mech is suggesting I change/service the fuel injector and the exhaust.


Please, I wish i can get expert advice on this cos am quite scared of this trial and error method from Nigerian Mechs.


What do you think caused this and what are the suggestion as regards resolving the problem.

By the way, the car is a Honda Accord EOD 2003 model




NOTES 2013
Alleluya ! My two year old thread finally made frontpage.
Though, I've gotten another car anyway (a second alleluya, pls)
and it seems oga Sienna is no longer following the thread.

For Posterity sake, the two problems I had was
1. Using bigger tyres than the recommended size, as stated below
2. My Mechs put water inside the radiator instead of coolant after servicing, leading to the engine operating at a higher temperature than normal.
Good thing is the car is still on the road, still ran around town with it today.

felifeli:
Good contest, wrong prize.  
Good for students and industrial trainees I think.
I don't know many self-respecting coders  who will even do a decent static site for that amount though,

Well, FeliFeli
If the the static site is not going to be complex, just a simple four or five page site, then why not , if not.

Two, I meet hungry computer science graduates regularly asking for one favour or the other, I mean does this challenge not look like an opportunity to make a quick buck for the competent or any body willing to learn and invest his/her time in productivity.

And finally, though I do not have empirical evidence, but I guess above 50% of the Nigerian workforce earn less than 100k per month.
This job can be completed in 3 days of intense work and which averages out to about 23k per day of work. Pls do me a favour and divide your current salary (or average monthly earning, if self employed) by 30 and see if it is greater than 23k.



The reality is , as a programmer, even the thrill of threading on uncharted territory is  enough to force you to embark on project before the financial considerations even come into play.


I remember sometimes back in 2002/2003,  I had just taken time to improve my C++, i didnt have a computer system and hence was not exposed to visual C.
Just for the thrill, i wrote an intelligent tic tac toe program.
Note that (1) I used command line C++ (no visual framework). Wrote the codes to generate the graphics from ground up
(2) I had little or no access to the internet, so i didnt get 'code snippets' from anywhere.
(3) I didn't have a computer system, so i ended up writing about 16 foolscap pages of codes. You might argue, how am I sure it was going to run ? well, I wasnt. but it was infinitely more difficult than developing with a compiler where you had the chance to test run your codes. I mean I was extending class, instantiating objects from page 3 on page 13 and so on. it was just crazy.
after all said and done, how much did I make from the program: Zilch.

But that single project served as the foundation of everything I am in programming right now. As every experienced and versed programmer will tell you. Once you master C++, you are already 50% into every other object oriented language


Really, I think this is an opportunity for young developers.

Well I support Omo to Dun.

The logic for the app is not going to be the most complex in the world and he has said not to bother bout aesthetic and presentation.
Just focus on solving the problem.

For those criticizing Seun, the operational word in his poser is 'discover'.

I hold a programming Job and this project wont do justice to my time but had it been 7/8 years ago as a student, this would have been a most exciting challenge for me.
And the prize money wont do much harm for a student.



Don t be surprised that at the end of the day, you might not get anyone who will complete the job. yet young people keep crying 'no job'

Thanks Femi, but is that the pix for the Toks or the nigerian used ?

As for the toks, its way above my budget. Ill be more interested in the Nig used if its in good condition
(without any need for repairs)

. . .still waiting for offers

Hi guys,
I'll be traveling to lagos at the end of the year for about two weeks.

I'll need a car to move around with during the period considering my folks stay at an extreme end of the city.


My budget for the car is below N300k (the cheaper the better actually)


Considering my budget, luxury is actually out of the question. my major requirement is RELIABILITY.
I need something that will serve me faithfully during the period without having to visit a mechanic once or break down.

I intend to leave the car with my family at the end of the day so I expect it to be an easy and cheap to maintain vehicle.
bottomline, this car should be in good condition enough for me to come to lagos and still use it without stress in the middle of next year.


As per model, I'll definitely prefer the usual suspects Toyota, Honda , Nissan , VW (I dont want beatle pls), Audi . . .


I intend to purchase the car at the early part of next month (October).


So over to you dealers

@All
Thanks everyone for your responses.

@Sultaan
I intended to have it scanned today but the wahala in Jos didnt allow me. but I pray its not engine problem O (In Jesus Name)

I'll recommend the issue of servicing the Injector and nozzle to my mech when I see him.


@middleman
How come its gonna take till wednesday to get the car ?
Is it not somethin that can be done within a day ?

Hello guys,
I use a 2003 model Honda Accord.
I just noticed some days back that while accelerating, my car suddenly jerks violently.
Let me explain better, If the car is at, say 40km/hr and I start accelerating,
when it gets to like 60 it stops increasing speed and starts jerking violently,
if I take my leg a bit away from the pedal and move at constant speed (60km/hr) for about 30 seconds
and then accelerate again it will respond to the acceleration until I get to like 80km/hr and it jerks again.
and the same cycle occurs at 100km/hr.

Please is there anybody with an idea of what can be going wrong with the car.
Responses will be appreciated.

P.S. - The first time I noticed, I did the wheel balancing and alignment but the probs still persist.