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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Car Talk / Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True (20718 Views)
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Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by BizBooks(m): 7:36pm On Jul 22, 2013 |
In this Twitter age of 140 characters or less, most people (including myself) find it very difficult to read long posts such as this. So if you do not have the time to read this, here’s a summary: 1. Many Nigerian car dealers import cars with very high mileage since they are cheaper. 2. Some will not tell you that the car has very high mileage. Rather they will reduce it drastically. 3. Do not trust the mileage of any tokunbo car you intend to buy in Nigeria. Verify the mileage yourself via VIN check. Here in the US, the conventional wisdom is that Nigerians don’t care about high mileage. I have heard this from American car dealers numerous times. On one occasion, I was negotiating price with a car dealer in New York. When I complained that the car has a very high mileage, he asked where I was shipping it to. I replied “Nigeria” and he promptly said: “Don’t worry. Nigerians don’t care about high mileage”. I have had similar encounters with dealers in Chicago, Florida among others. Now, the question is: could it be true that Nigerians don’t care about high mileage? The answer is obviously no. Nigerians care about high mileage just as much as anybody else. But then, how did Americans get the impression that we do not care about high mileage? The answer lies in Nigerians that buy cars from the US for sale in Nigeria. They definitely do not care about high mileage. In fact they seek such cars because they are much cheaper. That’s where Americans got the impression that we do not care about high mileage. At auctions, whenever a car with very high mileage (say 200,000 and above) comes up, the Americans usually stand back. Nigerian dealers in attendance will then take over the bidding especially if it is a Toyota or Honda product. I have seen Nigerian dealers buy cars with 300,000 miles or more. Now here comes my main reason for starting this thread. Since it has been established that Nigerian car dealers regularly import cars with 200 or 300,000 miles, why is it that one never sees a car for sale with 200,000 miles here and elsewhere in Nigeria? The answer is simple. Once that car with 300,000 miles gets to Lagos, the mileage magically turns to 120,000 or less. That’s why you frequently see 1999 Toyota Camrys with 100,000 miles or thereabout for sale in Nigeria. The point I’m trying to make here is one I have made several times in the past. Do not trust the mileage of any tokunbo car you see in Nigeria especially if it is an older model car. You can only trust the mileage after you have independently done a VIN check and verified that the stated mileage is indeed correct. The practice of reducing the mileage on a car commonly known as odometer rollback is illegal in the US. Doing so can land one in prison. Before selling a car to somebody, you have to provide them with a form called Odometer Disclosure Form. On that form you will indicate the car’s mileage and sign and swear under penalty of perjury that it is correct. I assume that under the law, it is also illegal to roll back a car’s odometer in Nigeria. But since that law is not enforced, nobody pays much attention to it. As a result, odometer rollback is rampant in Nigeria. Unfortunately, apart from running a VIN check, there is no scientific way of knowing if a car’s odometer has been rolled back (as far as I know). A good rule of thumb is to multiply the car’s age by 15,000 (some experts like Siena say 12,000. But let’s use 15,000 since the US is very big in land mass). So for instance to roughly estimate the mileage of a 2000 model car, do the following: 13 (age of a 2000 model car) multiply by 15,000 = 195,000 miles (give or take a few thousand). Suffice it to say that this formula is not scientific. Use it as a general guide. If you discover that the car’s mileage is much lower than the result of this formula, be cautious. Disclosure: I also buy cars with very high mileage at auction. In fact, I have bought a car with 180,000 miles, another with 190,000 miles and yet another with 208,000 miles. However, I instructed my business partners back in Lagos never to reduce the mileage on my cars. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that they adhere to this instruction since I am not in Lagos. So treat every car’s mileage including mine with utmost suspicion. 30 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by earthrealm(m): 8:34pm On Jul 22, 2013 |
Nigerians don't care about mileage...many are ignorant..n only look at the body/interior....... 5 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by BizBooks(m): 12:00pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
earthrealm: Nigerians don't care about mileage...many are ignorant..n only look at the body/interior....... I agree that many Nigerians only look at a car's body and interior as indicators of quality but some also consider mileage. They are the ones that are deceived when an odometer is rolled back. Always multiply a tokunbo car's age by 15,000 to get an idea or the true mileage. |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by bellong: 2:39pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
The ones who care about mileage do not care to verify the low mileage their dealers give them. As a matter of rule, I always declare the true mileage of vehicles bought to customers. |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by redcliff: 4:47pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
[size=14pt]everything boils down to Nigerians living abroad who want to make money at all cost at the expense of another's. thats how wicked we are. its really sad[/size] |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 6:46pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
redcliff: [size=14pt]everything boils down to Nigerians living abroad who want to make money at all cost at the expense of another's. thats how wicked we are. its really sad[/size] Inasmuch as you have a point, but it is not really about the dealers it is more of the people that are asking for the rides at a price that is not feasible, but i blame the dealer that go along with such, lower the mileage instead of walk away from such deals if they are not able to lecture the buyers. I have seen people asking for a 1999 ride and yet they want the mileage not to be more than 100K miles, yea, it is possible but will cost them arms and the leg but they are not willing to pay such, while i will walk away from such deals, there are some dealers that would do it cos they wanna make money. So at the end of the day, i blame the buyers as well as the dealer that involves themselves in such act 8 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by bellong: 7:00pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
^^^^ That's the plain truth bro. Meanwhile, I have a question for you. I know you ship from Canada. There's this person that will not let me rest despite all my lectures and glaring examples I presented. He wants a Toyota Highlander 2007/2008 at 1.5M. He said someone offered to help him bring from Canada. Though, I have told him to get it from the person as I can't do such business. My question is, where in Canada can someone get a Toyota Highlander 2007/2008 for 1.5M including shipping and clearing 1 Like |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 7:02pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
bellong: ^^^^ That's the plain truth bro. Yes, it is very possible - Lemme know if you would like to know and i will explain to you |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by bellong: 7:21pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
Fhemmmy: I am interested ooo.. Hope its not a declared total loss |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 7:25pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
bellong: Ok, here is how we do it . . . You could sell the person the car with no engine, no doors and no tires for 1.5M Naira and when he has more money, he will buy the engine and in turn buy the doors and tires when he has more money again, so by the time he buy the ride, engine, doors and tires, he would have paid the real cost of the ride . . anyhow, in one words, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a 2007/2008 Highlander at such ridiculous price where Canadian $$ is around 162 Naira to 1CND$? Shipping is more expensive and when done via container, clearing is more expensive too . . . even a 2001 Highlander wont be 1.5M Naira 1 Like |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by bellong: 7:30pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
£^^^^ Lol.. Wish I could copy our discussion here. There was nothing I told him he listened to, he was so sure of the price. Told him even a 2002 is difficult for that price. Am concerned that he doesn't lose his hard earned money to junk. He is my friend. |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 7:39pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
bellong: £^^^^ Lol.. Wish I could copy our discussion here. There was nothing I told him he listened to, he was so sure of the price. why do you have to worry, you have done your own part already and it is up to him to be willing to listen. . . 1.5M Naira is less than 10,000$$ how much was he thinking he would by when shipping and all other charges alone is running already into almost 300K Naira . . . But we all need to continue to educate them |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by redcliff: 8:02pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
Fhemmmy: [size=14pt]Yea I agree with you. Its possible to see an old car with low mileage. I saw a 94 Golf3 syncro at 128k in Switzerland. I don't think the owner of that car drove it as such because when we went to check it out, it was parked for a while. It was totally clean and had everything intact. Well to my own belief i dont think he tampered the odometer because I feel its the Nigerians over there that do such. The only thing wrong with that car is that it doesnt have airbags. SO yea, its possible to see these types of cars but they are rare compared to same model of same year.[/size] |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by earthrealm(m): 8:02pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
just like Nigerians also don't care about cars with junk/salvage title...... the avg naija man wants to drive the latest cars with small money..imagine wanting to buy an 08 camry for 1.6m!!!.....its not just possible..but that's what a Nigerian wants..instead of cutting his coat according to his cloth.n settling for an 03/04 camry, instead he wants an 08 camry...he has ultra large dreams 5 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 8:09pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
redcliff: No one says it is not possible, but the price will be out of reach for the people that really wanna buy the old ride, cos no one wanna buy an old ride if not cos of the cost of buying it. Also, how many of that scenario is out there, so that made it scarce to get such. Anything is possible once you have your cash to buy it. |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Emperoh(m): 9:30pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
Fhemmy, thanks for cracking me up with your response to Bellong!!! Abeg, where the people wey no mind low mileage? I have been looking for them! I seem to be meeting the one who don't want a mileage more than 100k for a 1997 Camry! |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by BizBooks(m): 9:32pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
To add to what Baba Fhemmmy said, yes, you can get a 1994 car with 128K miles. But if it is well-maintained and in good shape, it will be super expensive. 1999 Toyota Camrys with less than 100,000 true miles are also available here in the US. But they go for $5000 or thereabout. So no Nigerian car dealer can afford to buy them for sale in Lagos. 1 Like |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 10:40pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
BizBooks: To add to what Baba Fhemmmy said, yes, you can get a 1994 car with 128K miles. But if it is Very well said |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 10:40pm On Jul 23, 2013 |
Emperoh: Fhemmy, thanks for cracking me up with your response to Bellong!!! The thing tire me oh |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by bellong: 8:14am On Jul 24, 2013 |
When I do try to explain to people that a low mileage vehicle with old age are very expensive, the next thing is to point to dealers who are selling same at a cheap price. I just laugh and tell them, you are probably dealing with a roll back odometer. To avoid story that touch, what I always do is I give them quotation according to mileage and then ask them to pick their choice. If anyone picks a high mileage according to his pocket, I have no case to answer to anyone. Nothing is free anywhere even in Freetown. lol |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Dereformer(m): 8:58am On Jul 24, 2013 |
redcliff: [size=14pt]everything boils down to Nigerians living abroad who want to make money at all cost at the expense of another's. thats how wicked we are. its really sad[/size] A man once asked me "what's the difference between a white man and a black man"? I said the body complexion, language,etc. He said no It is "Conscience" 3 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by cardoctor(m): 9:05am On Jul 24, 2013 |
earthrealm: Nigerians don't care about mileage...many are ignorant..n only look at the body/interior....... And the sound of the engine also. Duhhhh |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by redcliff: 10:34am On Jul 24, 2013 |
Dereformer: [size=14pt]I cant agree less. However, there are wicked white people but if we are to do the maths, the black man's numbers outweighs the white man's.[/size] 4 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 1:25pm On Jul 24, 2013 |
redcliff: You are so right, just like there would be some white people too that would agree to buy a roll back but might be a ratio of 1:10,000 people, while Black (Nigerians would be 1:3 people) cos they wanna drive the best but cant afford it, so they would result in buying lemons |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by cardoctor(m): 3:57pm On Jul 24, 2013 |
Fhemmmy: What has the colour of a man's skin got to do with the mileage of a car. You guys should get real pls. 3 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 3:59pm On Jul 24, 2013 |
car-doctor: Please check the respond that i was responding to, dont just copy out of context . . . thanks and you are appreciated |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by calculusx(m): 10:15pm On Jul 24, 2013 |
Fhemmmy: Well said. Majority of Nigerian buyers are ignorant of what they buy,they want quality ride for cheap price. I blame both dealers and buyers bt buyers take more of the blame looking for too good to be true offer. |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 11:27pm On Jul 24, 2013 |
calculusx: Nigerians dont blv in "if it is too good to be true, it is probably for you to run" |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by ukay2: 4:31am On Jul 26, 2013 |
Fhemmmy: how much can i get toyota corrola 2006 model, american spec, full duty, less than 100kmillege(real)....my bugdget is 1.5-1:7 |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Fhemmmy: 2:02pm On Jul 26, 2013 |
ukay2: We have to respect the thread and the section - No adverts at all, so i will advice you come to our thread where we would be able to give you a price . . . 2 Likes |
Re: Nigerians Dont Care About High Mileage? - Is It True by Nobody: 2:51pm On Jul 26, 2013 |
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