Tokunbo cars and Brand new cars in Nigeria, which is better?

Living in Nigeria, it’s common to see Tokunbo cars everywhere, and chances are you know someone who owns one. Buying a Tokunbo car can be cheaper and quicker while getting a new car might be pricier and take longer. Many Nigerians find themselves torn between choosing a Tokunbo or a new car. One big reason is that Tokunbo cars have been reliable for decades, earning the trust of Nigerians over time.

This trust makes it challenging to decide whether to stick with what’s known and trusted or to opt for something new. Each option has its pros and cons, and ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which path to take. 

In this article, we’ll explore the difference between Tokunbo cars and brand-new cars to determine which is a better choice.

Tokunbo Cars

Tokunbo cars are foreign used cars imported from overseas, like America, Europe, or Asia, and brought into Nigeria. They’re cheaper because they’ve been used before. With Tokunbo cars, you have more options to choose from because your money can afford a wide range of them. Tokunbo cars don’t lose much value after a year. Sometimes, you might not lose any value at all, and in some cases, you might even make your money back. But new cars lose value almost as soon as you drive them off the lot.

The downside of Tokunbo cars is that you might not know much about their history, which could lead to unexpected problems and cost you money. Some people even tamper with the mileage to make the car seem better than it is. So, it’s important to check all the documents and make sure the car is what it’s advertised to be.

Brand New Cars

Brand-new cars are cars that have never been owned or driven by anyone before. They are fresh from the factory and have never been used by anyone else. Getting a new car can be super exciting. You get that fresh car smell and shiny paint, plus you’re the first one to drive it. Nowadays, dealerships have awesome deals that make buying new cars more affordable. When you buy a new car, you can customize it exactly how you like. Unlike used cars, where you get what you see, with new ones, you can pick everything from the wheels to the stitching on the seats.

New cars are usually more efficient and safer because manufacturers are always improving them. So, you’ll likely save money on fuel and maintenance in the long run. With a new car, you get a warranty for at least three years, sometimes even up to seven years. If anything goes wrong, you can take it back to the manufacturer to fix it. But new cars lose value fast, sometimes up to 25% in the first year. So, while it sounds great, you might end up losing a lot of money, especially when you factor in the interest on top of the original price.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Car: Tokunbo or Brand New

• Reliability

Before you buy a Tokunbo or new car, think about how reliable it is. Many Nigerians choose Tokunbo cars because they’re cheaper, but it’s important to make sure the car will actually work well for you. Some Tokunbo cars are known to be really tough and last a long time, based on what people who own them say. But some new cars are super reliable. So, it really depends on the specific car. So, when you’re looking at reliability in Tokunbo or new cars, pay attention to the car’s model. Some models are known to be tougher and more reliable than others. So, if you can get a new car from a strong model, it’s probably more reliable than a Tokunbo car.

• Cost 

Cost is a big deal when buying a car, especially in Nigeria, where the economy isn’t always stable. Tokunbo cars are usually cheaper than new ones, making them a more affordable option for many people. However, not all Tokunbo cars are super cheap, but they’re still generally more budget-friendly than new cars. The price also depends on the car’s model. You can’t expect a Tokunbo Lamborghini to cost the same as a new Toyota Camry. But in general, Tokunbo cars are more accessible in terms of affordability compared to new ones.

• Cost of Maintenance

Buying a car costs money, and maintaining it costs money too. People think about this when deciding between buying a new car or a “Tokunbo” (used) one. Many think it’s easier to find parts for used cars, but new cars might need parts from overseas. Also, some used cars use more fuel and oil than new ones. So, it’s important to check spare parts availability and fuel consumption before buying.

• Comfort 

People have different opinions about the comfort of new and used cars. Some think used cars (Tokunbo) are more comfortable, while others prefer new ones. However, comfort isn’t just about whether a car is new or used. It depends on the car’s quality, and many used cars are comfortable because they’re of good quality.

• Safety features

The level of safety features varies between used (Tokunbo) and new cars, depending on the car model. For newer models, both the Tokunbo and new versions have safety features. However, comparing the safety features of an older Tokunbo car like a 2006 Toyota Camry to a new model is different because newer cars have improved security systems.

Which is better? Tokunbo or Brand New 

Tokunbo cars are cheaper and offer more choices within your budget. They also keep their value better over time. But sometimes, their history can be unclear, leading to potential problems later on.

Brand new cars come straight from the factory, so they’re fresh and you can customize them. They have new technology and safety features and usually come with warranties for peace of mind. Even though they lose value quickly at first, they’re more efficient and safer in the long run.”

Conclusion 

When it comes to choosing between Tokunbo and brand-new cars, both options have their advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, priorities, and considerations such as reliability, cost, maintenance, comfort, and safety features. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully to make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.