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Land is a major medium of transportation in Nigeria. There are other mediums like air and water, but these other channels of transportation are not the most used or patronized. I couldn’t help taking notice of the number of cars that ply our roads daily, increasing by the hour. With the traffic laws that have placed a ban on motor bikes (A.K.A Okada) and the ripple effect it has on the masses, car sales have been on the increase; used cars to be precise. It’s very normal for humans to look at the next available means of survival; we are all wired to adapt to change, it’s just natural to cling to comfort. This question hits my mind, why used cars? Used cars are cheaper (purchasing price) compared to brand new cars. Insurance is also cheaper on used cars, and used cars are more dependable than ever before compared to the last decades. In addition, they offer bigger bargains (prices are not fixed so bargaining power can help one save money). In Nigeria today there are lots of car dealers across the 36 states. When purchasing a used car these are some basic tips you should know; the  year, make, model, mileage, transmission (whether it’s an automatic or manual) of the car. This can be done off and online, depending on the car dealer. You will also find the following tips below very vital.   Tips on how to buy used cars in Nigeria. 1. Research Research is essential, it gives one an idea of what is out there (in the car market). It’s important to have a thorough look at what’s out there before buying a used car. Check the retail price of the car you intend to buy online to get an idea of a model’s current market price. You can check local newspapers or visit various car dealer shops to confirm this in person. A lot of people don’t really do background checks before a purchase is made, this is where the following come into play- the brand (make), model and transmission (Manual or Automatic). Also what is the brand known for? Is it durability, efficiency, luxury or fuel economy? 2. Set a Budget Drafting a budget out is as important as any other tip mentioned. Budget includes the following; cost of the car, registration, insurance and general car maintenance cost. Your budget determines the kind of car and what purpose it stands for- is it going to be used for business or private? 3. Find your car choice This could be very demanding because it entails a lot of details, like car location. In Nigeria we have over 35 states, so location is essential when buying a used car because nearness to the source of market helps one to access the model, age and general state of the car including its present condition. Seeing what you are buying first hand creates a room for choice and other preference that follows. You can find cars by body type, make or price-it all depends on your taste, the one that suits you most. 4. Contact a dealer If you check the car segment on www.connectnigeria.com you will find number and addresses of car dealers depending on the car choice you must have selected. So why delay? Reach out, call, make lots of enquiries about the car of your choice, ask of the date of manufacture, state and general condition of the car. After this questions and answer session, book an appointment with his/her car shop. 5. Verify the V.I.N (Vehicle Identification Number) Ask for the V.I.N and do a little background check to know if the car has some illegalities, was stolen or has been impounded. The V.I.N helps one to see the history of the car, so ask your dealer for it. 6. General inspection and test drive This aspect is also key, general inspection makes you see the state of the car and whether it’s in a perfect condition (the bonnet, interior, the engine, tyres, underneath the car, bumper, fender etc). A test drive is important, if you can’t drive, take an expert along (a mechanic preferably), someone that has a wide knowledge of cars. A test drive is the real deal; it brings the car to life. Drive on as many different roads as possible, use all the gears if it’s a manual car, and check the gear change to see if the transmission is fluid. So from transition you can pass your judgment and conclude-to buy or not to buy? 7. The 3P’s (Price, Payment and Paperwork) One of the benefits I emphasised in buying a used car is bargains; the prices are not fixed, so bargaining skills come into play here- negotiate well- as long as it’s not fixed you can bargain to favour your budget. Payment is very sensitive, trust is very key when it comes to business. As for me cash won’t be advisable, electronic transfer in our modern day is always the best, because before payment verification of account name will be done which will reflect dealer’s business name and all that follows. Do not pay for a car if the points mentioned above have not been checked. Confirm originality of papers, because these days original documents can be easily forged. Make sure you confirm originals of documents before you make any payment. Make sure all papers are up to date, because ignorance or negligence will lead to extra overhead cost. Even though buying a new a car is always preferable, that state of the economic pushes one to settle for the closest option. Even then you can still make the best of it-  be prudent, apply these tips and you will definitely get a good deal.  

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This article was first published on 6th December 2012 and updated on December 11th, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Comments (12)

12 thoughts on “HOW TO: Buy A Used Car in Nigeria”


  • AUCTION!!! AUCTION!!! AUCTION!!!

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    Prices of some tokunbo Toyota cars
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    • Toyota Hilus Pickup-#800,000
    • Toyota Dyna Truck – #700,000
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    • Toyota Coaster Bus 32 seaters –1.1m
    Prices of some Peugeot Cars
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    prices of some Honda cars
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    Honda CR-V – #650,000
    Honda Odyssey – #650,000
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    Prices of some Nissan cars
    • Nissan Sunny sedan – #750,000
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    • Nissan Civilian 30 seater bus – #800,000
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    INFINITY FX35 N700,000 AUDI Q7
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  • NIGERIA CUSTOMS (NATIONAL AUTHORIZED CAR AUCTIONS/SALES) FOR 2013.TO BUY, CALL THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT OFFICE LINE 08143350605 WE HAVE SEIZED TOKUNBO CARS VERY CLEAN AND BRAND NEW CARS FOR SALE AT CHEAPER PRICES.

    CAR FEATURES BELOW

    Prices of some Toyota cars

    Toyota Land Cruiser-N650,000

    Toyota Prado N650,000

    Toyota Corolla –N400,000

    Toyota Camry –N400,000-N600,000

    Toyota Avensis – N400,000-N600,000

    Toyota Yaris – N500,000

    Toyota Avanza – N500,000

    Toyota RAV4 SUV –N650,000

    Toyota Hilus Pickup-N800,000

    Toyota Dyna Truck – N700,000

    Toyota Hiace Bus – N750,000

    Toyota Coaster Bus 32 seaters – N1,000,000

    Prices of some Peugeot Cars

    Peugeot c230 N500,000

    C300 N500,000

    prices of some Honda cars

    Honda Civic cars – N500,000

    Honda Accord – N600,000

    Honda CR-V – N650,000

    ETC

    CALL OUR MARKETING DEPARTMENT ON 08143350605


  • I NEED A CAR NIGERIA USED VERY OK AT #300,camry or C200 benz .call ds numbers if any 2348039534067


  • 2003 model OPEL WAGON,ALL POWER,MANUAL TRANNY, ICE
    COLD AIRCON,ALL STOCK VERY FRESH INTERIOR, GOOD
    RUNNING CONDITION COMPLETE PAPERS PHp190,000 neg
    CALL/TEXT:08109233624 yhep — in FOR SALE – OPEL WAGON
    2003.


  • Hello my name is abibola.please every body should join me thank God and the helper iseghohimen the custorm manager who deliver camry to by door step for just 300000 thousand. i was on google and i saw some people saying that iseghohimen the curtorm manager deliver car to them for afordable prices and i give a try now am a car owner, thanks iseghimen for making me a car owner am so happy, anybody who want to buy buy a car from curstorm should call iseghohimen on this number 08063329679….08063329679


  • Hello my name is abibola.please every body should join me thank God and the helper iseghohimen the custorm manager who deliver camry to by door step for just 300000 thousand. i was on google and i saw some people saying that iseghohimen the curtorm manager deliver car to them for afordable prices and i give a try now am a car owner, thanks iseghimen for making me a car owner am so happy, anybody who want to buy buy a car from curstorm should call iseghohimen on this number 08063329679….08063329679


  • I need Toyota dynamic (used)


    • Hello Alex, kindly check our car section and you will find a suitable choice. Please share this article with friends.


  • Ths site is fake, fraudalant, all ths message is fake, customs r nt selling any car through any officer. They sell only through official auction.check Nigeria custom official website for detail.


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  • Well you could always check out http://www.kwilist.com and check out great offers. The website gives you the opportunity to see a video of the car before calling the seller. Worth trying for both buyers and sellers

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