A drive or stroll through major roads in Nigeria would expose one various types of cars. Talk of the popular second hand cars commonly called “Tokunbo cars”, imported cars popularly called “tear nylon”, conventional cars, or worn out cars.
Everyone craves for the best car. However, our definition of best differ since factors like price, emotional appeal shapes the type of car we would purchase on the long run.
Extensive test, Consumer reports, Carcompliants, reliability, safety and previous owners’ satisfaction are the yardstick used to select the “Top 5 cars Nigerians should not buy” and the existence of accurate data to back to it up.
Not in chronological order, here is a list of top 5 cars in Nigeria you should not buy:
1. 2007 Toyota Camry
2007 Toyota Camry made the list of top five cars in Nigeria you should not buy. This might sound strange since Toyota brand is one of the most recognized car brands in Nigeria reputed for its second-hand value. However, according to Carcomplaints.com , ranking the worst Toyota cars and models since for over 10 years based on the number of complaints, the 2007 Toyota Camry had the highest critical complaints with a total of 649 complaints.
The most reported problem about the 2007 Toyota Camry is the engine problem. It leads the chart in terms of excessive fuel consumption and burning oil. Other major and broad problems linked with the 2007 Toyota Camry includes interior accessories problems, brake problems transmission problems, body and paint problems and finally, electrical problems.
On top of that, this model has been tagged as the most problematic Toyota Camry model since the 80s.
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2. Honda Accord 2008 Model
The Honda Accord is one of the most popular cars in Nigeria and also reputed to be one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. If you ask Honda lovers the reason for their choice, they will be quick to tell you the comfort; reliability and excellent engineering, among other are the reason for their love for their cars
In spite of this however, not every model of Honda Accord has lived up to the expectation According to CarComplaints.com assessment of the 5 most problematic Honda Accords models in the last 20 years, Honda Accord 2008 model takes the 1st spot as the most problematic model with over 2000 reported problems.
The most reported problems for this model are brake problems. This is not surprising considering the fact that the 2009 model also has this as its most common issue. Other problems associated with the Honda Accord 2008 Model include engine, body/paint, transmission, AC/heater interior accessories related and exterior accessories related problems.
3. Mercedes Benz R class
German Based global automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz joins the list of car you should not buy specifically the “Mercedes Benz R class”. Various complaints have been about the Mercedes Benz R class especially the 2006 Mercedes- Benz R350 with the most overall complaints for engine failure. Users of the Mercedes Benz R class revealed that the vehicle is prone to early signs of rust particularly on the bottom of the doors and boot.
On top of that, the front springs on the Mercedes Benz R class are prone to cracking. It also lacks power and poor acceleration while driving due to the mass air flow sensor failure.
Other reasons why you should not purchase include: turbo problems, transmission problem, regular oil changes, thumping noise in rear when going over bumps, back hatch and electrical problems
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4. Kia Sorento
Where did Kia get it wrong?
According to consumer reports and Carcompliants, a prominent issue known with Kia Sorento and other Kia automobiles is the crankshaft bolt. The coolant overflow bottle is also prone to cracking along the seams which can cause several different problems like car refusal to start, warning lights appearing on the dashboard, and a possible removal of the crankshaft on the longrun
Added to the above, the automatic gearbox of the Kia Sorento is known for jumping out of gear. This is often caused by the electric plugs underneath the box. Users of Kia Sorento also claim black smoke often comes out of the exhaust pipe and likely loss of power when accelerating
Of all Kia automobiles, the 2011 Kia Sorento has the most overall complaints and the most-reported problem; doors won’t open from outside. Other problems include suspension tuning is a bit too firm, engine failure and loud or knocking noises coming from the engine, engine oil leakages, coolant leaking issues and radiator problems, noted CarProblemZoo.com.
It is best to avoid all these plagues and opt for a better vehicle as you plan to purchase your car.
5. Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass manufactured by Jeep Chrysler made the list of top cars Nigerian should not buy due to its out dated and uncompetitive nature revealed, consumer reports. Users of the Jeep compass boldly lay claim to the fact the SUV is less satisfactory and the company should either do a recall for redesigning or stop its production completely. Of all the ratings of modern cars, owners rated Jeep Compass as the lowest satisfaction rating out of all modern cars in the keenly contested automotive market, with just 43 percent of owners admitting to a likely purchase sometime in the future.
One would begin to question if most automobile companies have started manufacturing cars that are below par or the driving test revealed following the manufacturing of these cars are mere deceit. Owners have laid claim to the uncomfortable nature of the car and its fuel consumption.
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Added to this is its lack of quality features, crappy cargo space and to wrap it up, the Jeep Compass has been tagged as one of the slowest small SUVs. It is advised after many reviews, that the Jeep compass is no go area for you when you intend purchasing your car. The reasons are not far-fetched! It is crystal clear.