Camry fever infectious in Nigeria

What is the secret behind this brand? What profile does it add to its owners? Mr John Isangedighi, told us that “with regards to the 2012 model, it puts you up at the high or higher middle class income bracket. Your opinion matters by the time one looks at your 2012 model once you are […]

What is the secret behind this brand? What profile does it add to its owners?

Mr John Isangedighi, told us that “with regards to the 2012 model, it puts you up at the high or higher middle class income bracket. Your opinion matters by the time one looks at your 2012 model once you are here in the east. It’s not a ‘small boys’ car. Currently, at the retail end  the car is valued at N8.5 million. I think the interior decor is good to tackle it. There is adequate stability. Nevertheless I have a few reservations. For instance, the quality built of the exterior has almost no resistance to the slightest external pressure. Secondly, in my own opinion I think the car is over-priced. For a brand of this class, I think it should be valued at  between N6 million and N6.5 million.”

He added, “ I intend to keep this one and go for something in the premium range like a Mercedes E- Class or a 4×4.”

We caught up with Mr. Charles Ogbodo who has a 2000 model of the Camry to get His opinion?

He said, “It’s durable and cheap to maintain. The parts are cheaper than those of other cars. When people see me  in my Camry, they believe I am doing well though this model isn’t very expensive. It’s a moderate car. At this level, I find the car affordable and worth the price.  Although the down side has a low ground clearance, I  got bigger tyres to tackle it.”

Charles further told us that “if I had more money I would go for a 2004 model. It’s bigger and better and I like it so much.”

We asked why wouldn’t he go go for something different. For instance, a Honda Accord or a German car?

Charles replied “I believe Toyota is stronger. For example, a Honda user will likely be the first to visit a mechanic and even make more trips every now and then. Don’t get me wrong Honda Accord drives better on the road. German cars too, but living with it is actually on the high side. Moreover, German cars are expensive. For me, the German brand is high on fuel consumption when you go heavily on the pedal. The good thing about the German car, like Mercedes, is it can handle the tough roads in Nigeria.”

“However,” he added “it is note worthy  a German car is above all? Still like I said the Toyota is easier to live with, even if its not as durable as a German car.”

Adebayo Tunji, a banker in Lagos told our correspondent that he’s not regretting spending his fortunes to acquire the automobile.

“I have spent so much money to acquire this Camry and I’m happy I spent it to get quality.

He said he grew up to be a lover of Toyota Camry because of its shape and quality.

According to him, he didn’t dream of abandoning Toyota Camry for another brand.

“I have grown to like Toyota Camry because it is sleek and its design is very attractive.Its engine is perfect and comfortable”.

He said his Camry is a good image booster for him among his peers.

“This Toyota is a boost to my image among my peers and in social circles.Its great to ride in Toyota Camry”.

A civil servant, Tunji Fatai, who acquired a first grade second hand Toyota Camry, said he’s fulfilled to be an owner of the car,eventhough it is not new.

According to him, he is attracted to Toyota because of its strength and quality and did not hope to abandon the brand for another one.

He said the price he paid for the second hand was less than the the price for a new one but he he was proud to be counted among owners of Toyota Camry.

“Though, mine is a second hand one, I’m proud to be seen cruising in the brand. My family is also happy with me. It has boosted our image.

“The only thing that can make me abandon my Toyota Camry is if another brand to compete and beat it in terms of sleek, quality and comfort emerges. So said a personnel in a Lagos oil firm, Mr Tola Fadeyi.

He also said the price of Toyota Camry brand is worth it.

An official of Toyota Nigeria Limited confirmed that Toyota Camry was not doing badly in the market. In fact, from the looks of things we believe it is doing very well.