₦airaland Forum

Someone with a budget of 3 - 3.5m is looking to buy a car for the first time. They don’t go out often but stay in an area with relatively bad roads.

What advice will you give them ?

Things to look out for while inspecting the car?

They have Camry > 08/09 in mind, and also Lexus es350 08.

Please advice.

Tokunbo 2006 Honda CRV

1. Congratulations on being able to afford a car in this economy.

2. The choice of cars (2008 Camry muscle and 2008 Lexus es 350) are terrible choices for your bad roads. But, if the road can be managed, and, if you think you can drive carefully, either of the cars are good choices. I'm assuming your other routes are not so bad, if not, get an SUV.

3. If fuel consumption is going to be an important factor, kindly stick to the 2008 Camry. The four cylinder version of the Camry sports a 1.8litre engine. The Lexus only comes with a 3.5litre V6.

4. As a first time car buyer, you can't know "the things to look for when inspecting". Kindly find an experienced and trustworthy technician to do the inspection. Trust is important because, there are technicians who collude with car dealers. They can recommend "lemon" to you and build duplex on your head o!!

5. The 3-3.5m budget cannot get you the tokunbo of either of those cars. You can get neatly Nigerian used tho. Do your findings.

6. Congratulations once again.

nurey:
Tokunbo 2006 Honda CRV

OP, follow this advice.

Fuadeiza:
Someone with a budget of 3 - 3.5m is looking to buy a car for the first time. They don’t go out often but stay in an area with relatively bad roads.

What advice will you give them ?

Things to look out for while inspecting the car?

They have Camry > 08/09 in mind, and also Lexus es350 08.

Please advice.

If I'm in your shoe I will go for either 2006 CRV or RAV 4 for ground clearance due to the relatively bad road as you said. They are both easy and less costly to maintain.
However, on things to look out for, car engine has to be running for you to check the following:
Check exhaust to be sure car is not smoking or having foul smell, Check cooling fans if it's not been directed, Listen to engine to be sure no pinging sound, Test drive to check that all gears are working well.
Other Checks: Check under body for rust, Check custom papers, Check interior for wear and tears. Check instrument cluster for "check engine light" (though may not matter if you don't have a scan tool).
Finally, you may copy the VIN for online comprehensive history and condition of vehicle.
Cheers!

Timagex:
1. Congratulations on being able to afford a car in this economy.

2. The choice of cars (2008 Camry muscle and 2008 Lexus es 350) are terrible choices for your bad roads. But, if the road can be managed, and, if you think you can drive carefully, either of the cars are good choices. I'm assuming your other routes are not so bad, if not, get an SUV.

3. If fuel consumption is going to be an important factor, kindly stick to the 2008 Camry. The four cylinder version of the Camry sports a 1.8litre engine. The Lexus only comes with a 3.5litre V6.

4. As a first time car buyer, you can't know "the things to look for when inspecting". Kindly find an experienced and trustworthy technician to do the inspection. Trust is important because, there are technicians who collude with car dealers. They can recommend "lemon" to you and build duplex on your head o!!

5. The 3-3.5m budget cannot get you the tokunbo of either of those cars. You can get neatly Nigerian used tho. Do your findings.

6. Congratulations once again.

1&6. Thank you very much.

2. The street road is bad, but not terribly bad that a slob car can’t move freely. I’d have preferred to get an SUV, but Its gonna cost more than I have. I’m looking to get a Nigerian used one.

3. Thanks, I have someone who would do the inspection. I just wanted to know, so I won’t just be standing while he’s doing so.

4. Yeaah, Nigerian used one.

kernniejay:
If I'm in your shoe I will go for either 2006 CRV or RAV 4 for ground clearance due to the relatively bad road as you said. They are both easy and less costly to maintain.
However, on things to look out for, car engine has to be running for you to check the following:
Check exhaust to be sure car is not smoking or having foul smell, Check cooling fans if it's not been directed, Listen to engine to be sure no pinging sound, Test drive to check that all gears are working well.
Other Checks: Check under body for rust, Check custom papers, Check interior for wear and tears. Check instrument cluster for "check engine light" (though may not matter if you don't have a scan tool).
Finally, you may copy the VIN for online comprehensive history and condition of vehicle.
Cheers!

Thanks, I’d have preferred the Rav 4 , but I’m not sure the amount I have would get a very good Nigerian used one.