If you’re thinking about buying a car, you’ll have two options: purchase a brand-new vehicle, or opt for a used car (commonly called tokunbo). Whatever you go for, asking the right questions can save you from costly mistakes. This guide will help you understand what to check when buying a used car, the documents required when buying a second-hand car, and what to look for when buying a used car in Nigeria.
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Why am I Buying this Car?
The first question to ask yourself is the purpose of the car. Is it for daily commuting, family use, inter-state travel, or a ride-hailing business (e.g., Uber/Bolt)? Your answer will determine the right model, engine capacity, fuel efficiency, and maintenance costs.
Is this Car Within My Budget?
Looking past the purchase price, factor in other expenses like insurance, registration, servicing, spare parts, and fuel. A car might seem cheap at first, but high maintenance can make it more expensive in the long run.
What is the Car’s History?
If you’re buying a used car, ask about its accident history, mileage, and number of previous owners. For imported cars, platforms like Carfax (for U.S.-sourced cars) can provide detailed history reports. For Nigerian-used vehicles, ensure you test-drive and have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
What Should I Check When Buying a Used Car?
This is one of the most critical steps. Some key things you need to inspect include:
- Engine performance and noise
- Transmission (automatic/manual)
- Brake system
- Suspension and shocks
- Tyres and alignment
- Air conditioning
- Dashboard warning lights
A mechanic should verify these to avoid hidden faults.
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What Documents are Required When Buying a Second-Hand Car in Nigeria?
Buying a used car without the proper documents can lead to police issues or even loss of the car. To avoid those outcomes, ensure you collect these things:
- Original proof of ownership
- Sales agreement between buyer and seller
- Vehicle licence
- Roadworthiness certificate
- Insurance certificate
- Customs clearance papers (for imported cars)
- Updated vehicle registration documents
Are Spare Parts Available in Nigeria?
Apart from the physical and mechanical checks, you should confirm the availability of spare parts in Nigeria. Popular brands like Toyota, Honda, and Lexus have cheaper and widely available parts compared to less common brands.
Is the Car Fuel-Efficient?
As the price of petrol has risen in recent years, fuel consumption has become a major concern. You don’t want to purchase a fuel guzzler that’ll raise your transportation and maintenance costs. Ask about the car’s average fuel usage. Cars with smaller engines (1.4L–1.8L) are generally more economical than larger ones (3.0L+).
Has the Car Been Stolen or Cleared Legally?
If you’re buying an imported vehicle, you may want to confirm that its customs duty has been fully paid. But if it’s a Nigerian-used car, you can cross-check the chassis number with the Nigerian Police or FRSC database to ensure it’s not stolen.
What Is the Resale Value of the Car?
Some cars hold their value better than others. Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz generally have strong resale markets in Nigeria. When you buy a car with good resale value, you’ll protect your investment if you need to sell it later.
Can You Test-Drive the Car?
Here’s advice worth taking: do not buy a car without test-driving it. A test-drive will help you feel how the engine, brakes, steering, and transmission respond. A short drive can reveal hidden problems that a visual inspection won’t show.
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Final Words
When buying a car in Nigeria, patiently research your options and ask the right questions. Always confirm what to check when buying a used car. Ensure you get all the documents required when buying a second car, and carefully consider what to look for when buying a used car before making payment.
To make things easier, you should look for cars on sale on a trusted platform. One such platform is Connect Nigeria’s Cars site. On it, you’ll find cars from a wide variety of brands, available for purchase, along with images, the seller’s identity, and their contact details.
If you’d like to see the cars on offer at Connect Nigeria’s Cars site, click HERE.
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