DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL FOR THE SELECTION OF FAIRLY USED VEHICLES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Due to the Economic situation and finances of most Nigerians, used cars have adequately provided a way out for people who cannot afford new cars. Nigerians choose their car not considering different factors such as fuel consumption, maintenance cost, second hand value, colour, model and so on and want to pick the best option or brand of vehicle that satisfies these factors. Hence, the need for us to develop a model that will harmonize the factors thereby adequately help in selecting the best available used vehicle. Machine hour rate was used as a base for the formation of a Mathematical model and software named CAFUCASE was developed from the model that integrates all the stated factors. This model determines the cost of using the vehicle for one hour. The model was validated for some selected vehicles of 2005 and 2009 model. The results obtained from validating the model, shows that Nissan Primera and Toyota Carina have the least cost or are the best in terms of machine hour rate for both 2005 and 2009 model of vehicles, respectively. The rating of vehicles on individual factors was also done and it shows the least miscellaneous cost/hour for Mitsubuishi 2005 and Mazda 2009 model, Depreciation cost/ hour for Nissan Primera 2005 and Toyota Carina 2009 model, the least Maintenance cost/hour for 2005 and 2009 model Mitsuibuishi 2005, while Honda Accord 2005 and Toyota Carina 2009 have the least fuel consumption/hour.