What should you look out for when buying a Tokunbo car in Nigeria, given the new price surge in 2025?

Buying a Tokunbo car in Nigeria has always been the best choice for most Nigerians looking to get their choice car at a more pocket-friendly price. However, with the new price surge in 2025, navigating the market has become even more challenging. As buyers, we must be vigilant and informed to ensure we get the best value for our money. So, what should you look out for when purchasing a Tokunbo car in Nigeria amidst this price surge? 

In this article, we will explore some key considerations to help you make a smart and informed decision. 

1. Assess vehicle condition

If you are buying a pre-owned car in Nigeria, it is important to assess its condition. First, inspect the vehicle’s body for paint problems, including damage, rust, dents, scratches, and uneven paintwork. Check the alignment and integrity of body panels for signs of movement or damage. Inspect your headlights (headlights, taillights, and turn signals) to ensure they are working correctly and that there are no cracks or moisture build-up. Assess the condition of your tyres, including tread depth, sidewall damage, and signs of uneven wear.

Check for rust or corrosion in critical areas such as the chassis, undercarriage, and wheel wells. Check your windshield and windows for cracks, chips, or scratches affecting visibility or safety. Furthermore, inspect interior seats, carpeting, and upholstery for wear, stains, tears, or odours. Ensure all internal parts and accessories (air conditioning, heating, radio, etc.) work properly. Check the instrument panel, gauges, and controls for damage or excessive wear. Check the steering wheel, shift lever, and pedals for wear and softness.

2. Mileage estimation

Estimating mileage is an important aspect of assessing the condition and value of your vehicle. This provides valuable information about the vehicle’s history, usage patterns, and potential wear and tear. To understand mileage, you must consider various factors affecting your vehicle’s overall condition and lifespan. Mileage is a vehicle’s total distance, usually measured in miles or kilometres. This is a basic indicator of your vehicle’s usage history and can significantly impact its resale value and reliability. Lower mileage often means less wear and tear, which means better overall condition and a longer lifespan. However, very low mileage means the car has been inactive. 

3. Service and Maintenance Records

Ask about the vehicle’s service history to see if it has received regular maintenance and repairs. A vehicle’s service and maintenance records are historical documents detailing the care and attention the vehicle received. Compared to human medical records, service records document the health and well-being of your vehicle and provide important information about past maintenance tasks and overall condition. The core of your service and maintenance records is a detailed log of all service visits, repairs and routine maintenance performed on your vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, oil changes, tyre rotations, brake checks, fluid flushes, and any other repairs or replacements to keep your vehicle in optimal operating condition.

4. Accident History Check

When purchasing a used car, checking the vehicle’s accident history is important. Checking the accident history provides valuable information about the vehicle’s past and helps buyers make informed decisions. Accidents can cause serious damage to your vehicle, affecting its safety, performance, and value. An accident history check can help buyers identify previous accidents, including minor fender benders or more serious crashes.

One of the most common ways to check your accident history is through a vehicle history report, which gathers information from various sources, including insurance companies, police reports, and car auctions. This report provides detailed information about the type and severity of the accident, the damage incurred, and whether the vehicle was declared a total loss or recovered.

5. Document Verification

Document verification is similar to checking an identity card to verify who the other person is. When purchasing a car, it is essential to check all documents to ensure everything is legal and legal. This includes registration, title, and other documents related to the vehicle. Just like you wouldn’t want to buy a car from someone with a fake ID, you wouldn’t want to buy a car with fake or missing paperwork. Ensuring that all documentation is correct will help protect you from fraud and legal issues in the future. So, always double-check your documents before buying a car to get a good deal and avoid hassle. Verify the authenticity and completeness of vehicle documents, including customs, import, and registration documents. Ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the documentation and there are no discrepancies. 

6. Price Analysis and Negotiation

Price analysis and negotiation are essential when buying a car. Price analysis means checking what similar cars cost to avoid overpaying. Negotiation is talking with the seller to agree on a fair price. Remember to stick to your budget and be willing to compromise a bit to find a price that works for both sides. Research market values for similar Tokunbo vehicles to assess whether the asking price is fair and competitive. 

7. Test Drive Evaluation

A test drive review is like driving a car before buying it. This is your chance to see how the car feels, handles and drives. Pay attention to how the car accelerates, brakes, and turns during your test drive. Listen for unusual sounds, such as rattling or squeaks, and feel for vibrations or shocks. Check comfort and convenience features, such as how easy it is to adjust the seats and mirrors and whether the air conditioning and radio work properly.

Overall, a test drive can help you see if the car is right for you and if there are any issues you need to know about before making a decision. So take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or request a longer test drive.

8. Professional Inspection

Have a qualified mechanic or auto mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchasing. A professional evaluation can reveal underlying mechanical, electrical, or safety issues that may not be apparent from a visual inspection. 

Conclusion

Buying a Tokunbo car in Nigeria during the 2025 price surge requires careful consideration, thorough research and keen attention to detail. As this article highlights, buyers should prioritise safety, reliability and value for money throughout the buying process.