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I do not know much about nissan and volkswagen but I know that for a flooded environment like yours,the honda pilot will be the perfect choice due to the fact that it has auxiliary gear and also drives well and have a good resell value.The toyota highlander is another good car but it not all make that has auxiliary.The best option for you is the honda pilot

In the descending order:
Highlander
Pilot
Rav-4
CR-V

lomomike: In the descending order:
Highlander
Pilot
Rav-4
CR-V

Subjectively.... for me, the Rav4 comes before the Highlander - very ugly and big.

edozie04: I do not know much about nissan and volkswagen but I know that for a flooded environment like yours,the honda pilot will be the perfect choice due to the fact that it has auxiliary gear and also drives well and have a good resell value.The toyota highlander is another good car but it not all make that has auxiliary.The best option for you is the honda pilot

It is the 4wd that they have. 4wd does not make any differency in floods, strictly speaking. If you have to drive through flooded smooth terrains, what do you need the 4wd for? Why would you always carry extra luggage and maintenance cost that you may never need? In my opinion, I think the OP just needs a car with high ground clearance. But, if your area is uneven and muddy, you will need the 4wd!

Guy you didn't mention the model year of the vechiles you highlighted and you didn't tell us your budget. It will be hard to get a reasonable help here.
But I will say 1 or 2 things about this vehicles according to the common ones ones on the road.
1. Highlander
2. Honda pilot
3. Honda crv
4. Nissan xtrail
5. Rav4
6. VW tuareg

Your best bet will be the highlander the 2002 to 2005 model year. If u can get the 3seats variant and i4 for fuel efficiency but the v6 will give u more power to overcome obstacles.

The honda pilot only comes with a v6 engine and a real off-roader the 2003 to 2006 model year is ok and also has a good resale value and doesn't have the leg pulling associated with honda cars

The next contestant is the crv very rugged i4 car, the 1st gen 1998 to 2002 is tough but the 2nd gen 2003 to 2007 too is ok and lovely too

The xtrail I prefer to some model year rav 4 cause the xtrail looks bigger and manly than the rav4 (1st and 2nd gen rav 4) but the 2003 upwards rav4 always have gear issues but the xtrail does, the xtrail 2nd gen is wonderful but the resale value may be a problem.

The tuareg comes with a v6 and v8 engine variant and very costly indeed among the other cars. It is a german machine so expect good craftsmanship and state of the art luxury but the major problem you will encounter is the absorber. I have really forgotten what that absorber is called but once it spoils be ready to pay tooth and blood for fixing it. Also mechanics must be professional to handle it. But it is the rearest suv to come by even g-wagon common pass am.

shevy45: MICRO-SPEEDS TECHNOLOGIES &POWER SOLUTION
INTRODUCTORY PROPOSAL ON MICROSPEED TECHNOLOGIES AND POWER SOLUTION TRACK FLEET MANAGEMENT & VEHICLE TRACKING SOLUTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION
2 ASSET MANAGEMENT SOLUTION OPTIONS OVERVIEW
3 TRACK SECURE AND GIS MAP
4 SUMMARY- FEATURES & BENEFITS
5 MOVEMENT REPORT
6 MAP
7 TRIP REPLAY OF YOUR VEHICLE
INTRODUCTION
Telematics is the blending of computers and wireless telecommunications technologies, ostensibly with the goal of efficiently conveying information over vast networks to improve a host of business functions or government-related public services. This is the principle upon which the vehicle tracking and fleet management operates
With our unique product installed on your vehicle or fleet, you have taken the first step in protecting your assets, should the unthinkable happen. Using only your cell phone or an internet connection you can now enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing the location and status of your vehicle(s).
KNOW YOUR CAR’S EVERY MOVE!!!
Our tracking device is a high-tech product through cooperation with mobile operators. It combines GPS Global Positioning System and GSM/GPRS communication system, which can clearly inform you the position & situation of your car.
GPS is the abbreviation for Global Positioning System, which based on 24 position location satellites around the earth orbit. Their locating precision can be kept within 10 to 15 meters.
GSM is the second digital mobile communication system (GPRS, second and fifth digital mobile communication system), and at present it is the mobile communication system that has the largest coverage and owns the most number of users. This product combines GPS and GSM/GPRS technologies together. It uses GPS system to locate your car, and sends the position/ situation report back to you via GSM/GPRS communication system.
GPS Position Tracking Function
With this function, the vehicle owner will be able to know the geographic location, coordinates, direction, and other related information of the car anytime in any place. The report methods can be via SMS short message service. You can also select a one time report or continuous report (tracking function).
The GSM/GPRS Tracker is also an investment in the security of your vehicles, whether it is a small fleet of utility vehicles or your own private family vehicles.
It has proven track and trace technology is available to you, tailored for your vehicle(s) security needs.
PRODUCT APPLICATIONS
Construction and Mining
Oil and Gas
Logistics
Car Dealers and Leasing Companies
Financial Institutions
Commercial Fleets
Government and Military
ADVANTAGES OF GPS VEHICLE TRACKING
GPS tracking systems have changed the dynamics of transportation. Thousands of commercial vehicles keep the engine of trade and commerce running in the country. Fleet management companies and other freight management companies and their customers benefit tremendously from GPS vehicle tracking.
Real-time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring of vehicles as they move from place to place, halt for re-fueling and other stops is among the biggest advantages of GPS vehicle tracking. Speed checks of vehicles, accurate location, refreshment breaks and other stops by drivers can be tracked as they occur therefore giving vehicle owners and managers peace of mind.
Anti-theft
A principal concern of new vehicle owners is that their car will be stolen. Using a GPS personal vehicle tracking software, your vehicle can be quickly located if it is stolen. Insurance companies look very favorably on owners that install GPS personal vehicle tracking software. The generous discounts they award on insurance premiums will help to pay for installing the system.
Keeping Customers Updated
Customers using fleet management company vehicles to transport goods, products and perishable items can be updated about scheduled movement of vehicles, approximate arrival times at final destinations and, delays, if any.
Addressing Crisis Scenarios
In case of natural calamities, accidents, theft of vehicles and other crisis scenarios, fleet management company headquarters can appraise situations, inform police cruisers and take related decisions or calls on movement or stalling of vehicles.
Fuel and Labor Cost Savings
Companies operating vehicles with GPS-deployed technologies can streamline labor and fuel costs through better management of fleet drivers, changeover schedules, workforce mobility and route management.
Planning
GPS vehicle tracking helps fleet management and freight management companies to better manage fleet vehicles, operations, monitor driver schedules and fueling halts between destinations. Better planning results in maintaining timed schedules and billing of customers accurately.
TRACKING SOLUTION OVERVIEW
GPS-Based
The products employ GPS technology for location information (longitude & latitude), date and time (universal time), and speed tracking. The unit range employs an 8 channel GPS receiver system that gives an average accuracy of 4 meters.
GSM-Based
Tracked location data is then communicated back through the GSM network using the SMS subsystem to a PC installed with the vector maps, fleet management software, and communication kit for the fleet operator’s tracking requirements, control and management.
Speed Monitoring
The system employs virtual speed tracking up to 100 knots via satellite providing effective and reliable speed monitoring even when ignition is off. This proves very useful for tracking in cases of theft and illegal transport by air. Additionally however, the system provides an input for tracking vehicle speed via onboard speedometer.
Emergency Button
The system supports a remote panic button that can be pressed when there is a breakdown in a dangerous place, during riots, robbery or any other times that can cause problem for the driver, the vehicle and the goods. This button, when pressed, sends a panic alarm status with the vehicles location information to the monitoring base station and switches the vehicle unit to high update mode. This mode configures the
device to violate operator configured recording and reporting intervals for a ten second position tracking and 2 minute reporting intervals continuously for 15 minutes.
Installation Footprint
FEATURES
BENEFITSl
GSM (SMS/Data) & Internet
Nationwide coverage
With our unit your vehicle’s location is accessible via a cell phone or the Internet, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week!
As a back one SMS is all it takes to be notified of your car’s whereabouts for active tracking.
Moving time report
(speed recording)
Real time location:
On your cell phone you can access the location, status, speed and time.
Also you can determine what speed you want your vehicle to go. If it is violated it would be recorded against the particular driver.
Active intelligent unit
Unit sensor
The unit fitted into your car does self- tests daily to ensure that it is working. If it is not a call is logged and the client is notified immediately.
This feature give you the benefit of recording whatever is been said in the vehicle. In event of hijacking or onboard conversation monitoring
Web Access(Internet)
Internet/Map
Keep track of your vehicles with detailed internet maps.
With an internet connection to a PC, you can see your vehicles and know its activities on a detailed map.
You can also print out detailed information as back up evidence for future review.
This helps for a better and a more transparent and productive management system.
Trip Report
Reports:
Replay your vehicle’s last 24 positions and get detailed trip-by-trip reports of activities and information such as maximum speed, as well as locations.
You can get other details from reports like incident report, historical report, usage report etc.
There is second by second report of what could have lead to an accident in such events which helps to reveal the faults of drivers.
These reports give detailed information on the activities and eventually eliminate billing errors, excessive over claims, reduce insurance claims.

Immobilization
Should in case your vehicle is been driven without your authority or hijacked you can shut down the engine by just the press of the button on your Phone

All GSM/GPRS Tracker contains:
GPS components
GPS Antenna
GSM Antenna
Internal GSM modem
Internal backup battery
Movement sensor
Activated SIM card
Tampering Alarm (GPS unlock & battery)
Microphone

This single box assembly and compact size design allows installations to be covert and non-intrusive. Wiring harness and antennas (both GPS and GSM) also leave virtually no visible footprint after installation, providing a truly secure and safe and yet powerful vehicle and asset tracking implementation.


NETWORK COVERAGE AREAS
The very intelligent on-board computer uses the GSM network to transfer data to the hub for onward processing for customers’ use. However, should there be any loss of network signal due to no network coverage; the device records all events for as much as six (6) months. All recorded events are transferred to the server upon entering a network coverage area or receiving network signal. With this there is no loss of data or vital information.

Our coverage area includes the Nigerian Land mass with MTN network coverage. Where the vehicle goes into other West African countries the roaming facility will have to be employed to ensure constant and real time tracking.

Warranty
The unit has a failure rate of less than one percent and is warranted by manufacturer for one year against factory defects and system failure with local support provided technical/customer support units.

GIS MAPS
Our range of GPS/GSM/GPRS telemetric solution offerings is supported by the industry and the country’s most comprehensive, extensive, and up-to-date digital maps yet. primarily provides a seamless map of the country and their headquarters. This map features color and line thickness differentiated road categories, street and road names, lengths, type code (closed or open), area names, Points of Interest (POI), over 40, 000 point settlements and more. The benefit of all these is unprecedented vehicle visibility, utmost position tracking, and seamless movement tracing across state and other administrative boundaries.

Beyond the Nigeria maps it provides a road atlas map of the entire African continent thus extending vehicle visibility beyond the Nigerian borders for the most secured, contingency-covered, and reliable vehicle and asset tracking services.



The map was developed from the most recent base maps gotten from satellite imagery taken at a resolution of 1m with meticulous on-the-field tracking for confirmation and the most trustworthy position coordinates.

BENEFITS AND SUMMARY OF FEATURES OF THE DEVICE


GSM/GPRS Tracker is a vehicle recovery (VR) system designed to add value to the private vehicle owner and to the SME (Small to medium Enterprise) owner / manager who runs a fleet of vehicles by allowing cell phone to vehicle location and status and by offering the convenience of internet access to vehicles location and movement information, all at an eminently affordable price.

PRODUCT BENEFITS
Value will be added by the system proactive warning;
Possible Unauthorized movement
Battery Tamper
Ability to immobilize (To shut down the engine)
Usage information
Listening to voice conversation
Mileage
Speed recording/and monitoring
Enhanced personal security
Enhanced vehicle security.
Voice recording
Geo fencing
Sms alert et

TRIP REPLAY OF YOUR VEHICLE
Product Typ
Feature
Device and Installation fee #60,000
GSM Tracking and Web
enable0d (online).
Annual service charge #20,000 after the first year of installation
This is suitable for•
Battery Low
fleet of cars
•
Geo-fencing
Ignition/ACC detection alarm
Power off alarm
GPS Satellite Tracking
Real Time Location
Vehicle Immobilization
Alarm report
Battery Disconnect
Panic Alarm
Sms alert etc
with software
monitor and
manage them
Online.

Thank you

Engr-Michael Maxwell
08028601846, 08104036736
Pin:21D1C3A6

Your advert is here is wrongly placed. You should have opened a new thread rather than derail some else's thread. I want to assume it's a mistake. I can assure you that you won't get any patronage except you remove it.

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Bant:

Thank you. Someone was telling me that similar vehicles from Nissan, Honda and Toyota are basically all in the same range; but branding and marketing is mostly what sets them apart. He was arguing for Nissan cars, that the price is usually right. Only thing he's not sure about is the resale value.

Well, almost true

Highander - murano - pilot
Cr-v - Rav-4 - Quashqui

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I love Nissan, but I'd rather avoid a 1st generation Nissan Murano (prefacelift and post facelift inclusive) due to the issue with their CVT tranny which are very delicate. If given a choice between a Murano, and a pilot, I'd choose the pilot. If given choice between pilot and a highlander, I'd choose a pilot (assuming cost of running a 3.5L V6, and a column shifter isn't an issue) due to its better ground clearance than a highlander, and its better 'offroadability' (ts still not a totally off road capable CUV), its 3rd row (large family) and cargo size are important to me.

However, I still chose a highlander as a 1st choice due to Nigerian maintenance culture, residual resale value, cheap running cost, great practicality its got a 2.4L and a 3.0L V6 step up to 2004 model it forgoes its 3.0L V6 to 3.3L V6. Which is either FWD or 4WD, impressive build quality.

This is an unbiased advice from a highlander owner.

I still prefer honda to toyota but I will not be biased with my judgement. I will advice you go for the highlander because of its presence in naija and its size isn't bulky as the honda pilot and not too miniature like the rav 4 and cr-v. Since you won't be climbing mountains and boulders you don't need a v6 engine variant you can get the i4 but what you gain in fuel efficiency you lose in power. Please avoid the hybrid version like a plague since you will be using it in naija.

The next contestant I will vouch for is the CR-V it is a compact cuv and durable than the rav 4 I guess because of its more common than the rav 4. The crv is a beautiful master piece but the 08 version is expensive considering ur budget.

If you are looking for something beautiful and not too common, you can try the TOYOTA FORTUNER, it has a 3rd row seat but kinda looks like a hilux but has a good ground clearance and various engine variant. It is not too expensive but resale value I can't tell I have only seen two in naija one in lagos and one in abeokuta.
Rub minds with lomomike he can vouch for a highlander since he uses one.

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Good luck with your choice, remember to invite us for the bash of ur new choice

Bant: Good Nairaland auto-mechanics and car users, I have been hunting for an SUV to buy and I have filtered down my options to these:
Honda:
- Honda Pilot
- Honda CRV
Toyota:
- Highlander
- Rav4
Nissan:
- Murano
- Xtrail
Volkswagen:
- Touareg
All of them have to be models with automatic transmission and have keyless entry.
If you've used these vehicles or if you know them well, can you please offer opinions to help me make a good decision?
My metrics of concern are:
- It has to drive well on bad Nigerian roads and I'm choosing SUVs because my area tends to be flooded.
- It must be easy on me as someone that's just learning how to drive.
- Ease of finding good mechanics in Lagos (I know little, almost nothing, about cars but I'm willing to learn on the job)
- Resale value. I intend to buy a Tokunbo (not more than 6 to 7 years old) but I will need to resell it in about one year due to a planned relocation at work. I need something that will resell without stress.
- I'll prefer something not overly expensive but i'm willing to pay for good value.
Please help. Thank you.

My best bet would be the highlander 2006/2007 model. My reason for this conclusion is that I currently use a Toyota Sienna 2004 model. They share the same platform, engine and build. Although the sienna is slightly longer and heavier, but they use the same 3MZ - FE 3.3l engine. If you use the recommended engine oil albert constatant oil change at specified intervals, you have nothing to worry about. Parts and mechanics are within reach. Mpg is not bad for its size.

I think the Honda pilot of those years is bulkier with 3.5l engine and that would also impact on mpg. The V6 version of the rav4 may also be another good option but the interior is bland and exterior looks feminine. Personal opinion though.

I bought a Nissan Murano 2005 model (still have it) in 2008 with low mileage (20k+); relatively enjoyed the vehicle until 2013 when different issues started cropping up - fuel pump, catalyst, then CVT tranny issues wrongly diagnosed by authorised dealer! (see my comment on Nissparts post).
Murano parts are also expensive in Naija, had to resort to importing my spare most times; then no second (or third) hand value.
I have seen Naija-used Murano 05,06 sold for 500k and even less while same Naija-used honda "baby-boy" and Toyota corolla 98,99 models sold for 700k!!!
As per driving, Murano steering not 'soft' as most cars.

My 2kobo: don't know about other cars but Murano of 6-7yrs old models can't be smooth driving.
The car is presently parked at the mechanic garage!!!

The Volkswagen touareg outperforms and outclasses them all... May be a lil more expensive to maintain too... definitely not for someone who just wants to commute to and fro work.