₦airaland Forum

@ Sultaan,

So u wanna campare a Galant that MIGHT make it to 200,000 miles to a Toyota/Honda that is GUARANTEED to clock 300,000 (of course all things being equal: routine maintenance) How many people do u meet on the street swearing till the cow come home how wonderful their Mits has been?

But u get that in Hondas/Toyota everyday of the week. There's a reason its "overpriced" yet people snatch them up like its the last one on earth.

If $$$ is an object, then i can understand, but if not. Theres no substitute for the best. WORD.

A quck test for u. i pressume u live in North America. How many 1985-1988 Mits u see when you drive. How many of the same year bracket u see of Toyota/Honda. Try it, when u're in a heavy traffic area or so. Do a small mental count. and theres your sign.

@ Jenita,

i got 3 words for you: Honda or Toyota. End of story.

Audis are very notorious for electrical problems. BMW are great but repairs can make your eyeball pop out sometimes

Kapish?

@ Trustboy,

What is the current rental rates if you know. Also, hows the issue of transporting the equipment especially the bulldozer handled? How much do renters get charged to get these things delivered to them?

Any other "tricks of the trade" will be appreciated.

Thanks

@ Topic,

Driving uphill wt the AC will always make the engine work a little harder and consumes more gasoline. If you can avoid using the AC (especially uphill) pls do. If not, guess u dont have a choice. i dont want u cooked when u get out of the car.

@ Seyijay,

All i can say is that i think if u want everything but the leather, u should be looking towards d XLS model. The ES is the bottom of the pack, like i said. As per reliability, i think they are somewhat reliable. The minor hassle i kinda have wt mitsubishi in general is that their "fit and finish" tends to be sub-par. I mean that u can have situations like simple annoying buttons/controls breking and stuff.

However, they seem to have one of the best (if not the best 4WD) system out there. The Mits Pajero has been winning the Dakar rally race for a LOOOOONNNNNNG time (the race is an unforgiven drive thru God forsaken mountain, sand dunes etc). They have definately brought their knowledge to the development of the drivatrain of the car.

Availability of the parts, i think they should be readily available out there. they are somewhat common cars. With all that said. Heres my verdict.

For my $$$$. I will at least look at 4runner. if u dont mind. They are reliable and good parts availability. Very well put together too. I will go in this order wit my $$

4 Runner,
Pathfinder
Montero

Im raring maily on long term maintenace and reliability basis. But at the end of the day it comes down to what "YOU" like. Mits has been making happy owners 4 years. But, will cost less to keep a 4runner/Path on the road than a Mits.

Kapish? (means Agboye)(u understand?)

@ Disguy,

Researched. A lot. And im doing it presently. Just finished the DPC of my "bungalow" Just didnt realise how big it was on the plan until it started. As of date the DPC alone has gulped 3300 blocks, 100bags cement, 80 loads of laterite will be needed to fill and lot and lots of $$ for labor.

im actually getting scared already . But its too late. No turning back

@ Seyijay,

Well Montero Sport/Nativa is pretty much the same thing. Its the power of marketing in play here. This is what is called "Rebadged Engineering" Manufacturer sells the same type of vehicle under diff names i.e Toyota/Lexus or Nissan/Infiniti.

The Nativa is also sold as "CHALLENGER" ,"SHOGUN SPORT" ,"PAJERO SPORT" depending on the Market. How do Mits. decide on the name or which market to sell it to? i have no idea.

In the states its called Montero Sport. The difference in the ones sold around the world is the type of engine choices and "trims" available.

In the states , i believe you can only get it in 3.0L engine (May be a 3.5L is available im not sure). But in other countries you can get a diesel. Diesel cars don't sell too well in the US

Also, in the states, you can get "trims" (deluxe, fully padded etc) up to "LIMITED". You have ES, LX, XLS and LIMITED. Mostly same engine but the interior will be more nicer than other. The "Limited" i believe is leather interior. Which might not be a very good idea in Naija.

Leather also crack as they get old and become ugly. But engine and evrything else are the same. Of course choices of either 2WD/4WD on all trims except  the ES model.

Hope i've answered your question. Let me know if you have any other.

@ Topic,

Car looks very clean. The only down side isthat its a 2-door. They ALWAYS fetch lesser than the 4-dr of the same car. Sobe prepared.

@ TOPIC,

Funny enough, it has happend 2 me b4. Of course i kept the $$$$. Lor behold, the found out and took it out of the next payroll. I was broke

This was several years ago (i thinh 1995). I believe in the lord now

@ Topic,

Even if you know all that, pls remember that i dont think that there will be an occassion where all equipments will be on AT THE SAME TIME!. You might be able to make do with a 20kv as long as u watch the "load" on it everytime you have to use the generator.

Good luck.

I am getting an A/C system (230v) from the U.S. I was wondering if anyone in the house have experience using an American Appliance(s) [230v] in Nigeria.

@ Sultan,

Is this 4cyl or 6cyl. Nice looking truck. But not to be a party pooper. How about the color? Red? Witchcraft? this is Naija thinking though.

The question you'll be getting is: Are related to Sat Guru Mahraji?

@ ikamefa,

People who sell building are doing it for profit. Profit sometimes tend to run about 2ce the cost of the building. Most of them dont use quality material. Hey they will be selling it. The "Nigerian factor" sets in.

Lastly, what if you dont find a befitting house whre you want? Whatta u gonna do?

@ Naijaking,

Sorry i cant help u there. Dont know much about Abuja. But like you said, if its 15-20mins to Aso Rock. Theres a good news and bad News. The good news is that there are LOTs of people working in abuja that cannot afford to live in the heart of abuja itself (Garki etc). So you place will be enticing.

The bad news it that it will not command the type of rent Abuja is known for. This in turn might stretch out your Return on Investment(ROI)

Also, pls make sure that it will not be a trouble piece of land down the road. Find out the rent and do your math. Like they say around here: "if it doesnt make dollar, it doesnt make $en$e "

You might actually find "safer" plots of land in "regular" areas of Lagos (Ogba, Surulere etc) that will make better ROI for you.

It your $$$$. My Ijebu side is working 24/7. Do the Math Take care.

the area u live might be a factor too. If its an area where many people are uninsured, it might increase ur premium. The insurers might look at it as a high rist. You might be driving a newer car. Is it full coverage? The type of car might be on the list of "Most stolen brands" etc

Drive a 1981 BMW 3201 like me and your problem will be solved

Building a house for rental is a dicey situation. You gotta look on your rate of return. If you put the house is a wrong part of time it might take 4ever to re-coup your $$$.

Lagos is about 12 years avg. Other areas might be as long as 20-25years depending on the rent. However, the good thing is that it is a steady source of $$$$. Unless you plan of leaving the earth before 25years the you can worry about the long Rate of return.

I am never a big fan of building 4 flat and living in one. its almost a recipe for disaster. Dont do it if you can afford to.

@ naijaking,

it always the same in naija. as soon as they know funds are coming from overseas the story is diff.

What u can do is that dont entrust all the project to one person. Roofing can ber for A, plumbing for B etc.

People always be on top of their game once they know that you have los of choices.

HOWEVER THOUGH, make sure you use professionals to handle your job, REGARDLESS of who's in charge of handling out the $$$.

Dont be discouraged, you can get it done. As my case, my Mom is on top of it. Shes more excited on the project than i am.
Guess im lucky

@ Topic,

Gaining an admission is not a big deal. Proving that u have the funds to pay for it is the problem. People pay lots of money in Nigeria for "agent" who will help u secure admission. Then what?
You gotta pay for it.
If you want to go to the US on education basis, i suggest that you don't chose a course that will take 4 years. Chose a short seminar. 2-4wks max.
Make sure you have a legit person in the US to accomodate u. It also have to be in the same vicinity/area of the seminar. i.e Dont chose a seminar is lets say Lagos and say your host lives in Kwara State! it wouldnt work.
You can chose short seminar on Petroleum, Communication, Computer Networking etc.

Dont chose a BSc for a 4-5year program. YOU WILL BE DENIED.

Good luck!

@ topic,

unfortunately i dont know anyone in your area. how big is the lot? Do you have d plan already?

@ gem,

try and get 2 or 3 estimated before you decide what to do. he might be trying to cheat you. i dont need iron rods cos its a bungalow.

@ gom,

The 2m price might not be too far to the truth to be realistic. As a matter of fact i just wired 1m home to my mom to start my house. its a 6bd, 2 living room, 2 kitchen bungalow. Already i am owning 50k now. My mom is doin her best to stretch the $$$ for me.

The breakdown.
3000 blocks=300k
100 cement=160k
10 load of sand=75k
10 loads of gravel=80k
Labor=350k (The guy is a well trusted man. He charged 300k initialy but changed it to 350k cos house is roughly 6,000 sq ft. ive known the guy since i was growing up. He helped my dad build his house)
Miscellaneous (Clearing, pegging, Water/Water tank etc etc) ??

This is only foundation. After that, about 50 loads of laterite will be reqd to fill the foundation. About 4-5k for each load. Then you will have to build the house to level. Dont forget fencing too.

I dont think they are ripping u off. Speaking from experience.

PLS WHATEVER U DO, DONT SELL THE LAND. IT WILL ALWAYS GO UP IN VALUE!!!

Are u in the state or UK?

@ topic,

what state are u building anyway? it SOMETIMES AFFECT costs also

@ topic,

I suggest that you dont look at the cost upfront. it might scare you. However, be realistic and be ready for the unseen stuff. For a 4 flat, to start moderate. Here's "some" expenses
You will need around 20-25k blocks to complete the house (around 5k for each flat, then foundation) . Block is N100 each. So u looking at 2.5mil
To fence 2 plts u will need about 5k blocks= 500k
Decking is around 1.5-2mill (Depending on when you do it. Dry season, cement is expensive, but u take risk in rain season of washout )
roofing should set u back another 800k-1.2million
Plumbing, Wiring, other fittings, kitchen, borehole, windows etc.

The beauty with naija is you can do it step by step. Be realistic wt yourself

Also, let me lie to you. If you live overseas expect to pay about 10-20% higher for services than people living in Niaja. No matter how prudent/careful u are.

Make sure you actually see the handwork of the bricklayer that will be handling your house! Put a trusted person like your parents in charge. Those ppl that really wanna see u make something for yourself in life.

I hope u are buliding this place to rent and not to let family live there. thats a bad set up. otherwise i suggest u save ur $$$ and build a bungalow. it saves u a loooottttt of troubles down d road. Giving a flat to little bro/sis/uncle etc doesnt always work out.

All in all, i will peg your expenses, moderately to around 10-14 mill depending on the type of standard u put into the house

i can almost guarantee u its the thermostat. change it. if you've changed it recently, i think it might be a fake one. go to the dealer or a reputable auto parts store and get a new one.

In alternative, to that, to go ghetto, remove the thermostat you have in there and DONT PUT ANYTHING for a while and see how it goes (Your A/C might not work as it should) but its better that risking ruining the engine by blowing the head gasket.

Lastly, ALWAYS fill with antifreeze. Dont be cheap. You can fill with water to make sure its not overheating. after you're satisfied with the performance, replace with antifreeze.

BMW SUV have proven to be a little bit more reliable than benz lately. However, if its for Naija sake, let me lie to you. Hint: 4Runner, sequoia or Pathfinder. Cheaper to buy/maintain and more reliable. Hey its your $$$$

hey,

i guess u are stuck homie. Vanc. seems to be on the same side as Calif (where i reside) same problem. No RORO. Your options are to find a way to get it to a RORO port (expen$ive) or consolidate in a container with others going your way.

Good luck

@ Sir Q,

I don't sell car in Nigeria. But 1 thing i will like to let you know is that you have to market that type of car to the right people. Hence u need the right guy in Nigeria to do that. Or the type of dealership that "big boys" visit. You don't take that type of car down to a small village and expect the right buyer to come along. (Not that there are no rich people in small village) but you need as much exposure as possible.

Very little exposure will increase you "turnover" time. And being that the car is in the "upper crust" of consumerism expect a longer turnover. its not like you are selling a toyota camry/accord/maxima.

Its a "specific car". i.e people leave their house to look for it. not just "i want to go buy a car" and came home in a hummer!. Just trying 2 be realistic. So if you will be selling it yourself be prepared to wait for about 6wks or get a good trustwothy person and be hopeful.

One thing about vehicles, its hard to say when the right buyer will show up. it might be right away or not.

Hope it helps.

@ jas,

u there?

hows d weather?

hows things. im here in calif. were are u?

be cordial ladies

cant we all get along?

@ babyosisi. wats up?

@ Wales,

Welcome to the club. How long you've been here? Hows the 'ye area?