Sunday, August 14, 2011
[size=14pt]Used cars to avoid in Nigeria[/size]

EMMANUEL ONYECHE


For Nigerians trying to ease their anxiety in buying used cars, internet surveys offer little help as EMMANUEL ONYECHE discovers. He talks to stakeholders who looked at the issue from the Nigerian perspective, giving insights into which cars look like trouble and why



Used Car

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201108140211510



An internet survey last July on five used cars (2008 models) to avoid and their alternatives carried out by CBS Money Watch listed the Volkswagen Beetle in its avoidance list in the small car category and recommended the Hyundai Elantra as an alternative.

In the midsize category, Volkwagen Passat was listed in the avoidance list while the Ford Fusion was recommended as an alternative

The survey which used J.D Power reliability rating said owners of the 2008 model of the Beetle told Consumer Reports that they had trouble with the climate control system and the power equipment, both of which could lead to expensive repairs. The Elantra was ranked above average and survey respondents were said to have reported no major problem.

The Passat got a below average rating as there were reports of its problem with the fuel, electrical and climate systems and the power equipment. The Ford Fusion was rated above average just as respondents reported no major problems.

Any Nigerian who uses any of the examples above to make a buying decision on a used car could be heading for the path of increasing his anxiety rather than reducing it.

Mr Kunle Sonaike, the Chief Executive Officer of Automedics, a modern auto mechanic workshop in Ikeja, says some of these surveys are not made for Nigeria. He advised Nigerians going for used cars (otherwise known as Tokunbos) to put the following at the top of their priority list: the state of our roads, the kind of fuel available in the country, the availability and affordability of spare parts as well as the technical know-how of the mechanics who would repair the cars.

He says, "These factors affect all 'Tokunbo' cars in Nigeria . When designing these vehicles, there was no consideration, for example, on how rough our roads are. The belief was that all the roads of the countries in the world are the same - fine and okay. But when the cars get here and start going through all the potholes, the flood, water etc - these have effects on the cars."

He adds that the engines of some of these vehicles are designed to run on well refined fuel. "In Western countries, there are three grades of fuel but in Nigeria , we do not even know which grade we have. I remember there was a time people were afraid to buy fuel into their cars because it could knock the engine," he says.

For the above reasons, the Beetle, the Passat (both Volkwagen products) and even their alternatives (Elantra and Ford Fusion) do not jell with Sonaike as the Tokunbo of choice for Nigerians.

He says, "The Passat is still a Volkswagen product and has its own peculiar problem which is electronics. Most of the time you have the climate control which controls the AC. A lot of people also have problem with the fuel system because of the type of fuel we get here which damages the fuel pump easily because we have so much dirt in it that would clog up the system. The alternative which is Ford Fusion is not really made for the Nigerian Market. Yes the car is good but can you get the parts in Nigeria ?"

It is also for these reasons that Sonaike cautions against cars that fall under the category of American Specs which are made for the American markets. Amongst them (also listed on the CBS survey) are the GMC Acadia, Ford Expedition, Chrysler Town Country etc.

What is wring with VW electrical?

Pls friends, what can you tell me about Nissan Quest 2004 model? I need adequate education plzzzzz!

Read the reviews online. User reviews and not professional reviews.

kartob:

Pls friends, what can you tell me about Nissan Quest 2004 model? I need adequate education plzzzzz!

I found one review. Do not put into perspective every comment there just take the average and what may pertain to your environment and make your judgment. Other human factors may affect the review.

http://autos.yahoo.com/nissan/quest/2004/reviews/