₦airaland Forum

Bossforeva: ...opposite Omagba phase II Entrance...

Living in Onitsha is an added advantage for you since the famous "Mgbuka Obosi" Car Parts Market is about 10 mins by Car/Bus from Upper Iweka.
You have access to one of the largest used/new car part markets in Nigeria and you'd be able to find almost everything you need-from engine parts to body trim items and even complete car shells and engines.

My advice is that as you have time, don't let your mechanic take you for a ride-go to Mgbuka market yourself and locate the Mercedes section, ask for a reputable W201 Parts dealer and you're good to go.

It might seem a bit daunting, but I assure you, it can be done and it'll be worth your time, as well as save you some money in the long run if you do get to know the dealer for your W201 Parts/accessories yourself.
Luckily also, the Merc section (if I remember rightly) is even on the outskirts of the market, so not much walking about to do.

190: Wait what the heck is going on here

My 190 which is my 3rd and strongest car away from my yaris and camry looks so much better than this

would put a pic up at the appropriate time

Your point being...??

[quote author=Joel.]the engine is dead before i buy the car. i didn't buy it new. i was trick and convince to buy this car[/quote]Why would you buy a car with a "dead" engine, and then cry about "your experience with a Passat"?? and BTW who told you that the engine of your Passat is not available in Nigeria?
Your mechanics were probably too lazy or too incompetent to do the proper market research-thats if actually the engine was not salvageable.
Before you went on your Engine changing spree, did you ever bother to spend 5k or so to run an OBDII scan on your car?

I would advice against such a hasty desire to drive interstate.
Driving within town is totally different from driving on our mad highways.
The stretch between Port Harcourt and Uyo (I think that's the only route to Calabar) is very good, but there lies the danger... Its very easy for an inexperienced driver to get carried away.
Then the stretch between uyo and Calabar is messed up and narrow-not advisable for you at this stage.
It will also take you a minimum of 4 hours to get to Calabar from PH.-also not good for a start.
You have a lifetime of driving ahead of you, so no rush.
Have an experienced driver drive you guys, or better still, take a Bus.-there are air conditioned Bus services (ABC) between PH and Calabar.

Its also particularly annoying that there seem to be almost no updates on this situation by the involved parties-Nigerian Customs,NAHCO and SAHCOL.
Nothing on their websites, no press releases-its just terrible.
Online searches reveal nothing except the initial newspaper reports covering the closure of the warehouses.
Kai, this country sef...

SeunAero: The impasse is over. Operations have commenced today at the various cargo sheds.

Any source? Or do you work in the sector?

Unfortunately I do not have any good news for now.
Problem is that the Nigeria Customs shut down Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited ( SAHCOL) and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO Aviance).
Apparently these are the 2 Clearing houses through which all imported items have to pass through for clearing.
As it is, my items,as well as that of every other Nigerian who has imported items since the last 2 weeks or so, are all stuck with no end in sight.
No information/updates from Customs, NAHCO or SAHCOL-even on their websites.
Nothing in the news except reports about the initial closing of the clearing houses last week.
Nigeria can get really really trying at times....
Nothing left to do except to wait it out.

naijacutee: I've submitted it for Front page approval, as I know many people are affected and want to know what's going on. Patience.

Sorry... My Bad...
Was unaware of the processes involved to make front page.

Mods o...
Please lets have this in a place where people can contribute. With the rate at which threads are being updated in the business section, this thread will be relegated to the back pages in a few hours.
I believe some other NLanders might have some more info... only if they could see this
Front page Please nah...

kadbus: Good morning house.

kindly educate me on the effects of driving my lion without air filter installed and the implications.

Simply put; Just imagine dust and sand sucked up into your throttle body and further into the injectors-and trust me this will happen.
Why would you want to drive your car without an air filter which (if I remember rightly from my Pug Days) cost just about N1,500.
NA you dey find trouble o. Don't come and complain about how Pugs are problematic cars later.

@naijacutee
I agree with you.
Living in Nigeria can be very very trying at times.
But can we move this to the front page.
Maybe someone out there has some info.
Thanks

I think this should make the front-page. Am sure a lot of NLanders (myself included) have things at stake.
Unfortunately there's nothing about this in the newspapers (at least online) bar the initial reports of the closure by Customs.
Most freight forwarders themselves are not even helping matters-they either don't pick your calls or simply switch off entirely.

Siena, I can't begin to even say how much I appreciate all you've done. My Audi also sure feels the same way. She'd have been condemned to spend a long time on the used car stand, and then probably sold off for parts.

I remain eternally grateful.

As for car colors, I have tried to limit myself to 3 choices;

1. Cream white exterior with black roof and the whole back end debadged except for the audi rings (which would be blacked out with plastidip). Also the chrome window trims and front chrome grilles as well as the side mirrors would be blacked out.

2. Imola yellow exterior with black roof and other mods as above

3. Oxblood red (metallic) also with black roof etc.

But let me get her mechanical aspects sorted out first though.... .

@sleektangaralle

Expect some heat from the FRSC Boys though. They wont be too happy with fullsize 'double foglights'.
But in all, the quality of work is really really cool.

Really nice.. this is giving me ideas... ;-)
Where did you get this done?
Posts like this makes Cartalk fun...

[quote author=Somorin#1]No new serpentine belt pulleys?[/quote]Unfortunately no, I decided to go ahead with the combination of new and old pulleys.

I would have ordered them, but considering that I am now running against time (my car needs to leave the workshop asap), and since installation would require another complete front end disassembly, I had to pass.

If I had known for sure early enough that I'd be ordering the wheels and suspension items, I would have also added the pulleys and have them come in together before the engine was reassembled.

I had the old pulleys evaluated by the Engineer though and he's of the opinion its still in a good enough shape.

No new updates for now... I await (once more) the arrival of the ordered parts.
In the meantime I'm reading all I can about fuel injection systems-have this very lovely book that I got some years back when I faced a fuel injection issue in my then. '98 Accord US Specs.

Wonderful book- Haynes Techbook OBD II. I recommend this book to any DIYer (I'm no expert though, but the book is not too complicated even for beginners)

I must confess its not easy on the pockets to be importing even alloy rims. Good news is that I'm still within budget, but only just. I don't foresee any other issues with the car though, and admittedly most of the repairs and mods I'm doing would still have been done even if the car was a tokunboh.

As regards car color- so many options whirl through my mind. I realized that even if I do change the car color, it won't be much of an issue, even in the engine bay because the huge engine leaves almost no space for the original color to show through.

Maroon red or cream white both with a black gloss roof come to mind.

Meanwhile I'm following a brother, Shagati as he 'rescues' his Beemer.

I encourage those of us who want to (and have the mind to) to commence on restoration projects. Its not as expensive as one would think-even if you have to import Original parts. Most times you'd end up with a fully personalized and modded vehicle at under the cost of the tokunboh version of the same vehicle.

I admit that it aint easy though, especially with unforseen emergency repairs and bills (like my having to import alloy rims :-( )

Let's wait and see.

Meanwhile any more color suggestions??

Nice one... Any known issues with the car? Did you just get her?

Hi. Please can you help me run a VIN check on the following VIN?

WAULT68E02A254115


Thanks a mill

The car section is not for exaggeration-a lot of people will make their choice of cars to buy based on what they read on this section.

Why are you then looking to buy a car you are asking other people to avoid "as hell", do you think you are the only person who can "correct" the problem. That's Hypocrisy and selfishness combined.

You still haven't quoted your sources for the false information you are spreading

And before I forget, Thank you for lecturing me in "the use of English", but you should live by example- its 'disprove', not 'disproof' amidst other errors.

If you really like cars because they are 'cheap', then I can only say that there are much cheaper cars available for you to buy- Naija used VW Beetle perhaps (At least you get to drive a German car at below 25k cost price) -Just joking...,

It means you are not even heeding your own advice.

I will not comment on this topic again, and based on rule 8 of the NL rules, I propose the Mod closes this thread if the OP does not provide evidence/sources for his assertions.

chuqudy: Those asking what is wrong with excessive oil usage should imagine traveling with 40liters galon full of oil and toping oil like fuel in any little journey or else engine will knock. Most of these problems I listed dont develop immediately but they are the usual problems encountered as the mileage of the cars increase. The problems can be fixed but that is your extra money. These faults are also seen in other models but it is worse in the listed models.

Oga, with all due respect, you seem to be a bit confused-your title says "...to avoid as hell" and now you're talking about "...to know the usual problems associated with the models of cars they use in order to be alert and not to be surprised by a sudden change in their cars' behavior" Which one you dey nah?

You yourself looking to buy a 2003 Honda Accord not too long ago-that smacks of a little bit of hypocrisy, don't you think?

And please which of the cars in your list would require '40liters galon full of oil' for 'travelling'-Please state your source(s).

Stop spewing unverified or exaggerated facts on this forum please.

chuqudy: From my research into some models of different cars, I found out that the following models of cars are to be avoided at all costs. These findings are based on the experiences of users in the US especially.

2007 Camry is the worst model of camry known for excessive oil consumption.
2003 Honda EOD is the worst model of honda accord known for transmission failure
2009 Corolla is the worst model of Toyota corolla known for engine excessive oil usage
2011 Avalon is the worst model of Toyota Avalon known for air bag deploy failure
2003 Toyota highlander is the worst model of Highlander known for stripping of threads for engine bolts
2005 Nissan pathfinder is the worst pathfinder known for leaking of coolant into transmission
2002 Sequoia is the worst toyota Sequoia known for trnsmission failure
2005 Land Cruiser is the worst model of Toyota land cruiser known for blue smoke and excessive oil usage
2005 Murano is the worst Murano known for seat belt braking but 2003 is known for transmission failure
2004 peugeot 307 is the worst model of 307 known for rough transmission shifting
2007 Peugeot 407 is the worst model of 407 known for heater blowing cold air
2003 Honda Pilot is the worst model of Honda pilot known for transmission failure
2001 CRV is the worst honda crv know for unwanted acceleration when breaking
2002 Honda odyssy is the worst model of odyssey known for transmision failure
2007 Sienna is the worst toyota sienna known for loss of power after slowing down
2013 Toyota venza is the worst Venza known for moon roof/sun roof imploding
2003 Matrix is the worst toyota matrix known for engine failure
2004 Nissan quest is the worst model of Nissan Quest known for rattling noise coming from engine
2001 Acura MDX is the worst model of acura know for transmission failure
2005 Exterra is the worst model of Exterra known for transmission failure caused by radiator

I would like to know the case from users in Naija. Add yours.

It would be good for you to state your source(s).
Also there is no car that is issue free, it would be better for you to change your topic to something like 'common cars and their known issues' or something like that.
And please since when is 'rough transmission shifting' or 'excessive oil usage' a reason for 'avoiding a car as hell'??

igomen: Also interested, pls send contact details to ignatiuso@gmail.com. Thanks

email sent

roosebolton: I can not thank you guys enough for such a detailed and educative post. It will help me in making an informed decision about the car.

I just need to ask one last question. Anyone knows or can recommend a good Peugeot repair center or mechanic in abuja?

Ikenna would be the person to talk to..., He is based in Abuja and owns 2 Pugs.

uboma: I have sent the PM but if you do not see it, please send the contact's details to my email id on my signature.

Thank you and more grease to your elbow...

email sent

roosebolton: Hi guys.. I have always been a fan of Peugeot cars since the good old days of the 504.. now am about to get my first car and being a lover of hatchbacks the 307 is one of the cars am currently considering. However most people I spoke with said the car has lots of electrical and gear issues, also people have complained about the high cost of maintenance and spare parts, can anyone who has used the Peugeot 307 share with me their experience with the car with particular regards to..

Common issues,
Cost of Maintenance,
Cost of spare part.

simply put, is the Peugeot 307 a good car to own in Nigeria?

I own a Pug 307 Sports hatch and IMO it is a good car to own in Nigeria if you have a good maintenance culture. Electrical issues on Pugs are mostly as a result of unprofessional tinkering by our dear rewires. However some of the more recognized 'electrical issues' are- turn signal stalk acts up sometimes, electric mirror and sunroof can be quite moody-but nothing major. Rear brake light bulbs have a tendency to blow out often.

Mine is an EW10 (common 406 Engine)automatic transmission and while people say the AL4 transmission is problematic, I am yet to experience any problems. Of course I only use original parts for my car and had to source the original ATF from the UK at about 25k for 12L, but then 12L of ATF should cover at least 60,000 Miles or so (the box capacity is about 6L so I have enough fluid for 2 service intervals) .

One major thing to do if you're getting a Pug is to buy a PP2000 Scanner, Peugeots can throw up sensor codes relatively often, but the good news is that most of those issues can be rectified by simple using contact cleaner on the sensor 'sockets'/Plugs. Unfortunately the only way to find out which sensor seems to be faulty is by a diagnostic scan and it costs anything from 3-5k per scan. Scantool costs about 30k.

Aesthetics is lovely, Handling is superb and its a quite roomy car with a high roof line-almost like a MPV. Interior trim is nice.

If you're not the kind of person to be able to take on some DIY activities like getting a scantool and scanning by yourself, or ensuring that only the original ATF etc are used and only qualified/experienced auto technicians work on it, then I must warn you that Peugeots can be quite non-forgiving and can rack up quite an expensive repair bill.

I think bigx owns the manual tranny 307 and he might be able to throw more light on the manual tranny version.

uboma: Is your Double DIN Pioneer Sound system same as this

"Pioneer AVHX8500BHS Double-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver With Bluetooth And HD Radio"?

I'm also interested in purchasing one through your contact person...

Nope. Mine is the Pioneer FH-X700BT- Its just a regular double DIN system (No DVD) though it has bluetooth audio, Ipod control; a USB Port and Handsfree telephony-I am not a 'Film' person.
My contact can get the AVHX8500BHS for you though. He is into Electronics and gadgets preorders from the US. PM me for his details. I'm not sure he would want his contact details pasted on a public forum.

So it turns out my sense of aesthetics is not as good as I had always fancied...
Will get rid of the rims, and believe me I've gotten a sexy replacement set...
As regards car colour; I will retain the factory colour and also spray the black underneath (bumper and sides + sideskirts) in factory silver too.
Roof tentatively will be painted gloss black
And all the Audi chrome model badges/emblems (behind; and on the front grille) will be 'plastidipped' black.
Wicked set of wheels (+ second bag of garri and sugar) loading....

So here are some sneak preview pix. Interior still needs a bit of cleaning up and fixing that nasty sagging roof lining. Also it turns out I got the wrong set of used 18" alloy rims (Came from an Infiniti G35). It did kinda 'fit' but the tire bolts wouldn't go in straight-Different PCDs (5 x 112 for the Audi vs 5 x 114 for the new rims) (I didn't notice that though-had to do a lot of background research-combination of internet wheel forums, and my Expert friends, the Auto Engineer and Siena). End result was a quite wobbly ride.
Also the diameter of the hole (Centerbore) of the new rims were slightly bigger than mine-I measured about 66mm for the new rims while the original rims were 57mm.
Bottom line is that I am returning these wheels and getting another set of wheels from Lagos.
Ko easy...

Also had to order for the complete front arms kit (which includes Ball joints , stabilizer linkages etc) and also the outer CV joints (Both fronts)

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130815-00454_zps0eaaed21.jpg
Sad that I have to return these sexy wheels...

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130817-00461_zpsc629b7c2.jpg
LED Tails...yay

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130817-00460_zpsaaa5257d.jpg
Sideskirts have been fitted-not to clear though in the pix, but looks wicked...

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130817-00458_zps39ec6465.jpg


https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130817-00459_zpseab4c0a4.jpg

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130817-00462_zpsfe970461.jpg

Have almost gotten to the end of this project.
Once the front suspension parts and new Rims arrive, I'll have them fitted, and then she goes in for a respray...

Am yet to decide on the colour... any suggestions??

sultaan: pressure wash that condenser, its dirty and it will affect your radiator performance.

Condenser has already been pressure washed.

sultaan: And at no point should the ATF be that black almost like burnt engine oil.

ATF WAS black... probably had never been changed in the car's entire life so far...; Was changed today with the original VW transmission fluid and filter. Magnets were also cleaned.

sultaan: Will you please wipe the dipstick with the fresh oil on a white paper and post the pics.

Then do it again after 1000 miles, I was trying to show others how dirty the engine gets with the base 20w50 and how the new types of iols clean the engine.

No Probs. Will do so if I pass by the workshop tomorrow.

Found a used set of 18" Rims fitted with 255/35 x 18 Tires-at a Vulcanizer's here and was able to do a trade in with my set of Rims. The 'new' rims need a bit of a paint job though.
Unfortunately a normal paint job won't work with rims,ideal thing would be to powder coat them-which ofcourse can't be done here.
However there is a shop here that is offering Alloy rim restoration by using etch primers and a special paint-that should work too.

Anyways my ride is looking wicked on them rims-will keep the wraps on what they look like for now...

Aftermarket Stereo has also been fitted

In the meantime, I had the tranny fluid and filter changed- the ATF that came out of the transmission was jet black but luckily there were no metal particles. Had the magnets cleaned. Wasn't there though so I couldn't take detailed pix.

Also engine oil change @6.2L of Mobil 1 Synthetic Engine Oil... (My poor wallet...)

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130814-00452_zpsa4c82491.jpg
Old ATF

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130814-00449_zpsbd291e7e.jpg
Sneak preview 1- Angel eyes in situ

https://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r757/t-die/IMG-20130814-00450_zpsb9475e54.jpg
Sneak preview 2- LED tail-lights in situ

Paint job loading....

chuqudy: If I ask Obama and Jonathan who is better? Someone may say Obama while some may say Jonathan. Then, the next thing is why is Obama better than Jonathan or vice versa? They are all head of states of different countries and continents. But they are still comparable. No two things in this world are incomparable. Someone even replied me some time ago when I asked this same question and said there was no car called Toyota Matrix and called me a joker. I need an expert answer not from some one who knows little or noting about modern cars.

Instead of starting an unnecessary argument, why don't you just list the areas in which you want both cars compared. Even in trying to compare Obama to Jonathan, you have to state whether you are comparing them as males, mature men, presidents, husbands, fathers etc.
You could maybe ask on which of the both cars is better with regards to maintenance costs, durability, fuel efficiency etc.

And remember that you are asking for information, so no need to be rude about it.