Why are imported fairly used-cars in Nigeria referred to as ‘tokunbo’ cars in the first place? I guess that’s a million dollar question which unfortunately this article isn’t going to answer. But nonetheless, several angles of the topic will be well analyzed to inform both intending car buyers and current car owners about the gains of going the ‘tokunbo’ way. There are a truck load of reasons why Nigeria is flooded with imported used cars and why most Nigerians are literally forced to make do with these cars; the main factors that have driven up the demand for tokunbo cars are the current deficient state of our local automotive industry, unbelievably high burrowing rates and lack of innovation to drive real growth on several levels of the Nigerian automotive industry at large.
So back to the topic at hand which can be summarized in one question; what are the hidden and glaring advantages of purchasing tokunbo cars? The many answers to this question are enumerated below.

Unlimited access to car-specific data: the data and information you need to weigh your purchasing options and to carry out all sorts of pre/post purchase analysis and decision-making is readily available. It’s re-assuring to know that if your car develops a problem, you can further research, study trends and make decisions that might even help you save a few Naira bundles. Also taking cognizance of the kind of mechanics we have around, you can’t go wrong empowering yourself with useful practical knowledge about your kind of car and banking less on just what car manufacturers say about their products; besides its their ‘beloved’ hitch-free car product.
But: An 8year old car might have tons of data generated over the years, but in most cases that gives you 8more reasons to be prudent and cautious before purchasing such a car. Besides, you can make predictions and deductions from the performance and reliability of exiting models when considering buying a brand new car.

Pocket friendly price tags: Simply put, tokunbo cars are cheaper! This undoubtedly is the main driver behind the proliferation of these cars.
But: These cars are relatively cheaper for a reason or tons of reasons. Also burrowing rates of up to 25% isn’t something a nation like ours should brag about and quite a number of Japanese tokunbo cars don’t depreciate in real life as they ought to based on paper analysis.

Availability of Spare-parts: owning a tokunbo car means you have options when it comes to the kind of spare-part you might desire; it all depends on the quality and durability you require whether it’s a brand new OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or an aftermarket car product.
But: Having to chose from a range of options as you clearly have it might be an unavoidable source of head-aches; having to make do with extracted-tokunbo spare parts too is a bigger head-ache.

Technical Mastery: [/b]After years of mechanics having to maintain and repair certain model ranges, them becoming better at it is only natural and well expected. An example is here in Lagos where there is hardly any mechanic that can’t fix a 1999 Toyota Camry popularly known as ‘tiny light’.
[b]But: on the flipside, in-experienced crooks always think the stand a chance even with advanced and sophisticated car systems before them. Regrettably also, the very good auto-technicians seem to forget or downplay the fact that newer cars with better and more sophisticated systems are rolled out on a daily basis.

Collectors and enthusiast best bet: The exact opposite of how classic cars are valued in more modern societies exists here in Nigeria where old cars are either in junk-yards or used as taxis (the kabu-kabu type). This in fact is an enthusiast’s delight because one can purchase a world acclaimed ‘classic’ at a ridiculously low price within our well-beloved territorial enclave-Nigeria.
But: Nigerians largely perceive being a classic car enthusiast as a lame excuse for being broke or financially incapable; or do you disagree?
kindly share your thoughts here and on http://www.autobaseafrica.com/the-beauty-of-tokunbo-cars/