₦airaland Forum

vivalavida:
Why not buy an electric bike?

How does it work. What are the pro and cons of owing an electric bike in Nigeria. Thanks

Guy you still dey drive 406?
That is a vintage car!

Bizibi:
What I did was getting a Peugeot 406 I use everyday though my driver drives it,weekends is for the vehicles.

You wan ride bike for nigeria road!
Make motor nor jam you for road one day oh!

sweetkev:
Bro please tell me more about the kymco scooter 125. I'm just hearing about scooter for the first time. Does scooter also means the common ladies bike like TVS, Chencheng and so on. I have sold my car and want to get a bike with low consumption of fuel and durable. How much does neatly used cost in Lagos. I really need your advice please as this is my first time buying a bike and will learn how to drive after. Thank you

bewisemasses:
If ur workplace, church and kids sch is close to ur house why do u need a car.
Nigerians mentalist if showoff is why we go for cars not it's necessity

You need a car, it is not for show-off, owning a car, no matter how 'small' is not a luxury, it has become a basic necessity of life, just like your mobile phone.

Please let that sink.

Are you driving with a Lagos plate number?

Ijaya123:
Does plate numbers have expiry date?

DickenClarq:
The worst of all is when you are minding your own business, following all road user rules and regulations.

Renewing your driving licences and car paper to escape Road safety and VIO wahala.

Avoiding all the devils on wheels, Madmen and women on steer-ring, including your village people in collaboration with frustrated Nigerians using the road such as Keke , Okada, Rickety bus drivers, Civil servants, Marketers, company distributing trucks, dispatched riders etc .

All of a sudden, one child of the devil will come and either bash your car or break your side mirror and speed off.
When you take the car to the Panel-beater or Mechanic for repair they will charge you 50K (which might be the last card in your account.) for just one small scratch.


In Nigeria you get insulted, bullied for driving by the rules.


May God help us all.

I am mostly annoyed by bus drivers and keke drivers.

Sometimes I will wish govt will ban dem from being on the Nigerian roads...then I reckon they are trying to survive. But mehn, those people are a menace. They dont care. They way the merge into your lane will have you matching the break impulsively. They also wouldnt let you merce into theirs, if you are trying to do so. You see them following the next car bumper to bumper. They do all this rough and dare devil driving because, if your car collide with theirs, you will cry. They dont do body repairs. They drive scraps with all kinds of dents on their buses. Keke as a whole is a dangerous weapon.

If you paint your car or buy a new one...in a month time, you will see scratches out of no where. I try my best to drive carefully to avoid scratching my car, cos I like the body extra clean and smooth. Just last two weeks I was in a hold up..a korope drive scratched my back bumper as he wanted to swerve into the other lane as soon as he saw a space. He stafted apologizing. I just left him.

Just parking your car on the road sef will surprise you. Oneday, you will see big scratch inflicted on it by one stewpid driver.

What type of car consumes 10-30k/week? Na to drive from bedroom to parlor?

Yoighaman:
You need a car, it is not for show-off, owning a car, no matter how 'small' is not a luxury, it has become a basic necessity of life, just like your mobile phone.

Please let that sink.

U don't necessarily. U just need a mode of transportation and they r many.
Coupled with d fact that u need lots of daily walks for exercise, owning a car is not a necessity.
There r countries where they care little abt owning cars and their lives r more meaningful than ours

ridevendor:
Honestly…

I used to think people were exaggerating when they complained about maintaining a car in Nigeria.

Until I sat down one day and calculated everything properly.

And I won’t lie… I was shocked.

Let’s Break It Down

This is just an average car owner trying to maintain a decent vehicle.

Not even luxury.

Fuel

Depending on movement:
₦10,000 – ₦30,000+ weekly

And if you move around a lot?
Even worse.

Maintenance

This one humbles people fast.

* Oil servicing
* Brake pads
* Suspension
* Tyres
* Battery

One small issue can suddenly become:

> ₦80k
> ₦150k
> ₦300k

Just like that.

Nigerian Roads

This one deserves its own section honestly.

Bad roads damage:

* Tyres
* Shock absorbers
* Alignment
* Underbody

Sometimes it feels like the road is fighting the car personally 😅

Other Hidden Costs

People forget:

* Car wash
* Parking
* Insurance
* Documents
* Traffic stress
* Unexpected repairs

Everything adds up quickly.

WHAT SURPRISED ME MOST

I finally understood why many people now:

* Use Bolt more
* Rent cars occasionally instead
* Or delay buying another vehicle entirely

Because owning a car in Nigeria today is almost like managing another responsibility on its own.

THEN I UNDERSTOOD SOMETHING

A lot of people complain about:

* Car rental prices
* Transport prices
* Driver costs

But after seeing what car owners spend regularly…

I started understanding the business side better.

Especially for operators managing multiple vehicles.

MY HONEST OPINION

At this point, reliability matters more than “forming”.

I’d rather use:

* A well-maintained car
* With peace of mind

Than force luxury and end up stranded somewhere.

LET’S DISCUSS

Car owners here:

What shocked you most after buying your car?

* Fuel?
* Maintenance?
* Nigerian roads?
* Spare parts?

Or do you think people are still exaggerating?

FINAL THOUGHT

Owning a car in Nigeria is no longer just about buying the vehicle…

The real challenge starts AFTER purchase.


#thread

I have owned a car before and it was like a liability not an asset. It was draining so much money out of me that I stopped paying my tithe because the car was like a devourer devouring my funds. So it didn't pain me at all when my mum sold it off without my permission. Now I am carless and happy because I don't have to pay all these car-related payments that the OP has aptly outlined.

Except u are in the higher class,u need to understand owning a car in nigwria is no more a luxury.
Carry ur motor reach bus stop,carry ur passengers reach route to ur bus stop.when u dey come house,carry passenger reach ur bus stop.money for fuel don settle atleast for that day

Love800:
Guy you still dey drive 406?
That is a vintage car!

yes but it is for my driver.....many people drive it in the north especially the service men. The 406 ejector is fuel efficient.

Emaprince:
Anybidy dey buy fuel of 10k a week?

You are supposed to say 30k upwards

He only warm the car daily for the week, I'm not sure he will move the car out of the compound. 10k is less than 8 liters

The truth is you need to be earning well. Also, you financial responsibility must not be overwhelming high, if not you go sell the car for gbanjo

bewisemasses:
U don't necessarily. U just need a mode of transportation and they r many.
Coupled with d fact that u need lots of daily walks for exercise, owning a car is not a necessity.
There r countries where they care little abt owning cars and their lives r more meaningful than ours

Those countries, not our Naija.

You want to take your family out for lunch or dinner in a scorching sun or rain?

Hey!

ridevendor:
Honestly…

I used to think people were exaggerating when they complained about maintaining a car in Nigeria.

Until I sat down one day and calculated everything properly.

And I won’t lie… I was shocked.

Let’s Break It Down

This is just an average car owner trying to maintain a decent vehicle.

Not even luxury.

Fuel

Depending on movement:
₦10,000 – ₦30,000+ weekly

And if you move around a lot?
Even worse.

Maintenance

This one humbles people fast.

* Oil servicing
* Brake pads
* Suspension
* Tyres
* Battery

One small issue can suddenly become:

> ₦80k
> ₦150k
> ₦300k

Just like that.

Nigerian Roads

This one deserves its own section honestly.

Bad roads damage:

* Tyres
* Shock absorbers
* Alignment
* Underbody

Sometimes it feels like the road is fighting the car personally 😅

Other Hidden Costs

People forget:

* Car wash
* Parking
* Insurance
* Documents
* Traffic stress
* Unexpected repairs

Everything adds up quickly.

WHAT SURPRISED ME MOST

I finally understood why many people now:

* Use Bolt more
* Rent cars occasionally instead
* Or delay buying another vehicle entirely

Because owning a car in Nigeria today is almost like managing another responsibility on its own.

THEN I UNDERSTOOD SOMETHING

A lot of people complain about:

* Car rental prices
* Transport prices
* Driver costs

But after seeing what car owners spend regularly…

I started understanding the business side better.

Especially for operators managing multiple vehicles.

MY HONEST OPINION

At this point, reliability matters more than “forming”.

I’d rather use:

* A well-maintained car
* With peace of mind

Than force luxury and end up stranded somewhere.

LET’S DISCUSS

Car owners here:

What shocked you most after buying your car?

* Fuel?
* Maintenance?
* Nigerian roads?
* Spare parts?

Or do you think people are still exaggerating?

FINAL THOUGHT

Owning a car in Nigeria is no longer just about buying the vehicle…

The real challenge starts AFTER purchase.


#thread

It was cheaper until Buhari came in

See how poverty mentality have made you believe that car is not a necessity in a country with poor public transportation system.

bewisemasses:
If ur workplace, church and kids sch is close to ur house why do u need a car.
Nigerians mentality is showoff. Its why we go for cars when it's not a necessity

bewisemasses:
If ur workplace, church and kids sch is close to ur house why do u need a car.
Nigerians mentality is showoff. Its why we go for cars when it's not a necessity

It's not just a Nigerian thing. The entire world pretty much has been manipulated into valuing a car as more than transportation. This is a combination of corporations and social pressure. People often get the car because they actually think it makes a statement about their financial stability. Some people fear, actually fear, what people will say/think if they don't have one. In some cases, it's a poverty mentality where all sorts of different trauma responses make them feel as though they must have the car. But some people have a legitimate gripe because they spent years waking up very early to take multiple buses. They're tired and I don't blame them.

To me, having a car is pointless unless you have a business that relies on it. A truck is different because it's equipment, not just a car. Another exception is people in very rural areas who simply cannot afford to move and a car is the only way they can work.

One of the biggest lies ever told is that cars are fun. Nonsense. What's fun is when you can access just about anything in 15 minutes or less by train, and you can just chill and read or listen to music on the way.

Uchek:
See how poverty mentality have made you believe that car is not a necessity in a country with poor public transportation system.

There are people with access to good public transportation that think a car is a necessity.

Poverty mentality is people who are so emotional about money and appearance that they drive to a store that's a 10 minute walk away. It's people that can easily and comfortably get to work on a bus, but choose to have a car they can't afford.

Many Nigerian roads are for cattle movement and parties.

ridevendor:
Honestly…

I used to think people were exaggerating when they complained about maintaining a car in Nigeria.

Until I sat down one day and calculated everything properly.

And I won’t lie… I was shocked.

Let’s Break It Down

This is just an average car owner trying to maintain a decent vehicle.

Not even luxury.

Fuel

Depending on movement:
₦10,000 – ₦30,000+ weekly

And if you move around a lot?
Even worse.

Maintenance

This one humbles people fast.

* Oil servicing
* Brake pads
* Suspension
* Tyres
* Battery

One small issue can suddenly become:

> ₦80k
> ₦150k
> ₦300k

Just like that.

Nigerian Roads

This one deserves its own section honestly.

Bad roads damage:

* Tyres
* Shock absorbers
* Alignment
* Underbody

Sometimes it feels like the road is fighting the car personally 😅

Other Hidden Costs

People forget:

* Car wash
* Parking
* Insurance
* Documents
* Traffic stress
* Unexpected repairs

Everything adds up quickly.

WHAT SURPRISED ME MOST

I finally understood why many people now:

* Use Bolt more
* Rent cars occasionally instead
* Or delay buying another vehicle entirely

Because owning a car in Nigeria today is almost like managing another responsibility on its own.

THEN I UNDERSTOOD SOMETHING

A lot of people complain about:

* Car rental prices
* Transport prices
* Driver costs

But after seeing what car owners spend regularly…

I started understanding the business side better.

Especially for operators managing multiple vehicles.

MY HONEST OPINION

At this point, reliability matters more than “forming”.

I’d rather use:

* A well-maintained car
* With peace of mind

Than force luxury and end up stranded somewhere.

LET’S DISCUSS

Car owners here:

What shocked you most after buying your car?

* Fuel?
* Maintenance?
* Nigerian roads?
* Spare parts?

Or do you think people are still exaggerating?

FINAL THOUGHT

Owning a car in Nigeria is no longer just about buying the vehicle…

The real challenge starts AFTER purchase.


#thread

Johnson5258:
Lol! Make your car sha no breakdown for road or drive with expired plate number for Lagos ooooo.

Does plate number expire again?🤷🏿‍♂️❓

Cousin9999:
It's not just a Nigerian thing. The entire world pretty much has been manipulated into valuing a car as more than transportation. This is a combination of corporations and social pressure. People often get the car because they actually think it makes a statement about their financial stability. Some people fear, actually fear, what people will say/think if they don't have one. In some cases, it's a poverty mentality where all sorts of different trauma responses make them feel as though they must have the car. But some people have a legitimate gripe because they spent years waking up very early to take multiple buses. They're tired and I don't blame them.

To me, having a car is pointless unless you have a business that relies on it. A truck is different because it's equipment, not just a car. Another exception is people in very rural areas who simply cannot afford to move and a car is the only way they can work.

One of the biggest lies ever told is that cars are fun. Nonsense. What's fun is when you can access just about anything in 15 minutes or less by train, and you can just chill and read or listen to music on the way.

True

Uchek:
See how poverty mentality have made you believe that car is not a necessity in a country with poor public transportation system.

Pls learn to read and comprehend. There's a caveat, IF ur house is close....... That means if not, a car becomes a necessity.
Actually it's Africans poverty mentality to purchase a car not becos its necessary but becos of showoff.
Showoff is poverty mentality

Cum4me:
do d you bought it Tokunbo. Because MDX Acura is a nice car

I love the car actually. It's just petrol price that's killing

I appreciate.

Bizibi:
yes but it is for my driver.....many people drive it in the north especially the service men. The 406 ejector is fuel efficient.

Fuel
Bad roads
Fake fuel
Fake fluids like atf?power steering oils?engine oil
Naija scrap used auto parts disguised as direct toks
Expired tyres of 9 years ago disguised ad direct toks

Car vandals
Reckless drivers
Fake sickens
Over charged workmanship for a simple DIY I user had patience

Road safety problem
Customs
Npf
Touts
Beggars who are also vandals esp in lagos
Substandard and of cos dead batteries disguised as new


The list is endless.
Best na to get helicopter.

Johnson5258:
Lol! Make your car sha no breakdown for road or drive with expired plate number for Lagos ooooo.

Plate number dey expire?

bewisemasses:
If ur workplace, church and kids sch is close to ur house why do u need a car.
Nigerians mentality is showoff. Its why we go for cars when it's not a necessity

You are wrong. Having a car is a necessity. There are times when I'm so stranded I wished I had a car. They're times you need to move certain goods and loads and you know having a car would make it easier.
Even abroad where the transport systems work, people still buy cars