Hi guys,
I'm about rounding up my studies in Hungary and would like to get a car from here to drive in Nigeria when I get back. I recently heard about the increase in customs clearance charges and this has really devastated me. I intend to buy a 2008 Ford Focus, as my first car, to use in Nigeria. The car is almost new costing about 1.2million Naira. Now, I'm told clearing such a car would cost up to 687 000 Naira. After factoring shipping into everything, I'm looking at spending up to about 2.2million Naira for the car. Do you think it's worth it all? Or with around 2million I would have better options in Cotonou when I come back to Nigeria?
I've lived in Hungary (and visited a handful of other European countries) for 5 years now and I have clearly seen how their cars are different than the ones in I see that ultimately make it to Nigeria.
I would really appreciate any expert or friendly advice.
I'm really confused now since the person who's going to sell it to me has already given me a week's deadline.
Thank you and God bless.

messiah: Hi guys,
I'm about rounding up my studies in Hungary and would like to get a car from here to drive in Nigeria when I get back. I recently heard about the increase in customs clearance charges and this has really devastated me. I intend to buy a 2008 Ford Focus, as my first car, to use in Nigeria. The car is almost new costing about 1.2million Naira. Now, I'm told clearing such a car would cost up to 687 000 Naira. After factoring shipping into everything, I'm looking at spending up to about 2.2million Naira for the car. Do you think it's worth it all? Or with around 2million I would have better options in Cotonou when I come back to Nigeria?
I've lived in Hungary (and visited a handful of other European countries) for 5 years now and I have clearly seen how their cars are different than the ones in I see that ultimately make it to Nigeria.
I would really appreciate any expert or friendly advice.
I'm really confused now since the person who's going to sell it to me has already given me a week's deadline.
Thank you and God bless.

Buy from where you are and ship home, you get that added benefit of doing full service, change your tyres and all parts that needs changing before you ship the car.

erico2k2:
Buy from where you are and ship home, you get that added benefit of doing full service, change your tyres and all parts that needs changing before you ship the car.

Thank you. That's encouraging enough. I will do all that you suggested. However, do you still think it's worth the 2.2mil?

messiah:

Thank you. That's encouraging enough. I will do all that you suggested. However, do you still think it's worth the 2.2mil?

Erm for that car I would have adviced you to buy something diffrent eg Audi A6 or Vw even BMW.ford focus is not a very strong car.I live where they are made

Ford focus is not the car for this question... There are cars older than that and cheaper that will be worth more to you in service on Nigerian roads.... If you have your reasons for the particular car and are prepared to service the car in Nigeria as needed, then it is ok and will last more than a few years as a 2008 model, then it will need work and ford parts are not expensive for that car....

I would not buy it for myself and would rather risk as old as a 2001 of Japanese models... I think the gas saved on the focus will lend well towards repairing the car in a few more years... Wish you well in your endeavor...