Good evening Nairaland.

Nairaland is a great place. We look out for each other, I have never gotten anything less than a very-warm welcome when I call a nairaland vendor to purchase something, or ask information, even from total (nairaland)strangers.

I am looking to buy a Nigerian used 2011 Kia Rio. I was using a 2012 Skoda Fabia which was more or less gifted to me.
Skoda's are good cars to drive. They drive well and feel solid. They feel like tanks. But they are delicate and sensitive. One part has failed after another, and I have spent a lot on parts in exactly one year, I received it a Year ago.

Now, abandoning/returning the working car, I want something that could even be as crude as an ero(Yoruba for pepper grinding machine) but has four wheels and can take me from A to B, with just servicing, or tiny repairs(I have heard great testimonies from Toyota users about this)

Sadly my money can't get any toyota that looks okay. I am now stepping down to a Kia rio. I think it should be a good idea. I am very good with street knowledge, and I think that Nigerians after using the car then and dumping it; They then revisited it and realized that Kia did make Strong cars! ( I think this occured with the Peugeot 406 and 2007 Honda civic also).

But the Skoda left me scarred and traumatized, and so I don't want to move from Frying-pan to anything even remotely-hot

1. Is my assertion about the 2007 to 2011 Kia rio "strongness" true? (just so I am reconfirming)
2. Please! To God! Will this car let me not see a mechanic workshop more than 4 times in 2 years?
3. Since its a Nigerian used car that seems roughly used somehow, even though they said they changed to tokunbo engine; is there anyway I can scan with certainty that it can still serve me well, and give me (fair)peace of mind for 4years?

My budget for the Car is 1.7 million and the rio I saw seemed to make that budget inclusive of spraying and mechanical fixes to be done(surely there will be some fixes to be done).

Please nairalanders! help me! I dont want the trauma from car repairs again.

If nah dana specs (bought brandnew in Nigeria) please avoid. Those bought in as tokunbo is better

This is an interesting thread.

Just buy korope "shuttle" ~ daihatsu hijet and have rest of mind!
Speaking from experience.

My honest opinion.. find 2m.. look for 04 Camry buy.. you go get better peace of mind.

Kia/Hyundai too get wahala.. esp if the engine begin get issue, e no dey hear abeg.. plus the parts are super expensive.

I have used '13 Hyundai Accent.. so I know!!

nurey:
If nah dana specs (bought brandnew in Nigeria) please avoid. Those bought in as tokunbo is better

I think its the 'Dana' you mentioned Sir. I think it started its life in Nigeria.

Shellsploit:
Just buy korope "shuttle" ~ daihatsu hijet and have rest of mind!
Speaking from experience.

Honestly Sir, I wouldn't doubt you. With more experience in Nigeria, one will completely leave 'fine car' for the pure water, mostly available cheap maintenence car. I am learning now. But I would wish to have something that's a smaller car and not a bus.

Kelklein:
My honest opinion.. find 2m.. look for 04 Camry buy.. you go get better peace of mind.

Kia/Hyundai too get wahala.. esp if the engine begin get issue, e no dey hear abeg.. plus the parts are super expensive.

I have used '13 Hyundai Accent.. so I know!!

Thank you for this Sir.

sowunmisho:


I think its the 'Dana' you mentioned Sir. I think it started its life in Nigeria.

I have used the hyundai accent 2008 which is same as kia Rio of same year a colleague used the Kia Rio and both cars are 99% identical except that accent is tagged more luxurious than Rio because Rio sport a rack and pinion while accent uses EPS for steering.

The vehicle are reliable and strong, they wade in water and take potholes very well. Even with the punny engine they are very good in highway driving, cause I used my only for highway traveling.

Those bought new in Nigeria
1. The temp guage is not ur normal temp guage, b4 the guage will warn you of overheating, things are already out of hand.

2. Once they repair those engines, their life never remains the same again

3. I heard those engine cost 650k back in 2019 to 2020 which was X2 cost of corolla and honda civic engine then, I wonder how much it would be now.

The American variant engines are cheaper, has the conventional temp guage and way better build quality than those of naija brand

This said vehicle was butchered in my presence last time I visited a mechanic yard. Last month I think.
If it's not brand new, forget it

Yes if the engine has not been overhauled or cylinder head gasket replaced.

Don't be offended but I advise anyone just managing himself/herself right now but needs a car for movement to get a Corolla (above your budget) or Camry pencil/envelope light (1999-2002) . You'll get a clean Naija used and enough change to pîmp to your taste while having piece of mind for the nearest future as we look at what these politicians have for us.

If you're intent on getting the Rio, then contact gazzuzz if you're in Lagos to conduct a prepurchase inspection for you. The reason I recommend him is because he has a reputation to maintain and also, many mechanics have been known to liase with dealers to give a clean bill of health to very faulty cars so as to get extra commission