Apart from the additional ₦180,000.00 that I spent, I would say that SaintJoel is a trustworthy agent, straightforward and committed to what he does.

aieromon:


Didn't both of you negotiate and agree on the custom duty for a 2011 model? Why shifting all the blame to him?

motemi111:
@bravolad, congratulations on your car. How much does it cost to get your car to nigeria i mean cost of purchase and clearing with customs both in cotonou and seme. Thanks

GAZZUZZ:
Mr bravolad I Remember you

Siena:


Oh my gosh!

GAZZUZZ:
Mr bravolad I Remember you

bravolad:
. At some point, I almost had to separate fight between him & one of the agents Daniel. The reason for this quarrel was because Daniel is well experienced & can easily spot a car that have been involved in an accident. There was a 2010 xle we saw, very clean but he said it's an accident car & that we should move ahead but SaintJoel insisted we run a vin check. Daniel didn't want me to waste the money. So a serious quarrel broke up. It turned out that Daniel was absolutely correct. A vin report confirmed it.

This is where the struggle for clearing started.

Stay tuned....

bravolad:
The following morning the search for my choice of car began. We moved from one park to another inspecting different ones albeit running vin report to ascertain the state of
I must point out that most of the cars brought into Cotonou are accident cars as well. The same scenario we have in Lagos where dealers sell accident & flood cars to unsuspecting buyers. Another major shocking discovery I made was that Cotonou car dealers also alter mileage (odometer rollback). We all know the reason for this practice. This is why vin report is vital to a car purchase.

However, there are a handful of dealers who deal on clean tittles also. So we started moving around parks again, especially those known to sell non-accident cars. At about 2.30 pm we saw a car of my choice with a clean vin report.

saintjoel:


THERE ARE ACTUAL DEALERS WITH CLEAN TITLED CARS WITH THE RIGHT ODOMETER BUT THEY TEND TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE ONES WITH ONE OR TWO ISSUES. THE REASON WHY DAN AND EMILLE WORK WITH IS JUST THAT DAN KNOWS HOW TO CHECK A CAR AND WITHIN RUNNING A VIN CHECK, HE KNOWS IF THE CAR HAS MAJOR/MINOR ISSUES WHILE EMILLE IS ALSO A QUALIFIED MECHANIC TOO.

WITH THE RISING COST OF EXCHANGE RATES AND CLEARING,CUSTOMERS SOMETIMES SEARCH FOR CARS WITH MINOR ISSUES COS IT'S CHEAPER THAN A CLEAN TITLED CAR, IT'S ONLY WHEN THEY CAN REALLY AFFORD,WHENEVER YOU TELL PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMERS THAT EVEN IN AMERICA, CLEAN TITLED CARS ARE ALWAYS EXPENSIVE,THEY THINK THAT YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND AT THE END OF THEIR TRIP INTO COTONOU, THEY TEND TOBSPEND MORE THAN THEY BARGAINED FOR.

I HAD THESE ARGUMENTS WITH A PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER AND AFTER ALL THE INSULTS, HE FELL INTI THE HANDS OF THE "CUSTOM AUCTION SCAMMERS" AND BELIEVE ME, IT'S ALWAYS A HUGE TASK TRYING TO GET BARGAINS FOR CLEAN TITLED CARS BUT WE'VE ALWAYS TRIED TO BE ABOVE BOARD..

bravolad:
Payment for the car was a different kettle of fish. We went back to Seme in order to ensure that payment was made the same day. At Seme, I realised I could not do an online transfer to the Bureau de change agent due to the amount of involved. Exchange rate was fluctuating. From ₦570 to 1000 CFA to ₦574 to 1000 CFA. The closes GT bank was located at Agbara which was about an hour drive from Seme. The only option was to go to the bank and effect the transfer. I took a cab with one of the Cotonou agents to Agbara. By the time the transfer was made, I called SaintJoel to collect the CFA equivalent. I never doubted his integrity about absconding with over three million Naira. At some point, you need to trust people with certain amount of people. SaintJoel is one of those you can trust with your money and go to sleep with your two eyes closed.

Before we came back from Agbara, SaintJoel had collected the money. As we arrived, he handed it over to the agent that went to the bank with me to proceed to making payment for the car. More so, he has a bike and it would be easier for him to get there before us. The guy (Emile) left with the money while SaintJoel & I took the usual route. By the time Emile got to Cotonou, the dealer has closed. So he held unto the money. We arrived and agreed that SaintJoel & Daniel should proceed to the dealer's office in town to make the payment. Eventually, payment was made the same night & a receipt issued to that effect.

To ensure that I leave the following day being Thursday, I told SaintJoel to pay for duty early with the NCS whilst the car was yet to be cleared with Benin customs. So very easy on Thursday morning, he left Cotonou to Seme so as to fast track the clearing process at Seme border. That same morning, SaintJoel erroneously paid duty for a 2010 Camry instead of 2011. To be fair to him, we all assumed it was 2010. But by evening of that same day when he called me to say that NCS sees it a false declaration, I asked if he did not look at the vin number prior to payment. As an experienced custom agent, he's supposed to look at the vin even if he doesn't have the vehicle papers. He acknowledged he error was his fault and accepted responsibility there on. Unfortunately, there was network failure at the Benin custom office and the car could not be cleared, prompting another delay. This also translated to additional hotel and logistics expenses for me. I was sad but had no better choice.

The short payment implies that NCS would need to raise a Debit Note (DN) for additional payments. Friday morning, I left Cotonou joined him at Seme to know the true state of things. He took me to some senior Custom Officers to determine how much the additional cost would be. But prior to this, he asked I he could get someone to drive the car with amount already paid as duty to Abuja for which I rejected it immediately. I told him that I cannot spend close to four million Naira only to risk the seizure of the car by NCS. Secondly, he suggested I obtain a Lagos registration & drive it to Abuja on that same amount paid. Again, I declined. When we met the NCS officials for further payment for a 2011 Camry, they (NCS) insisted the amount would be ₦180,000. 00. I tried to negotiated it down but met a brick wall. One of them told me that I could actually drive the car like that but whatever happens afterwards should not involve them. I had a little quarrel with SaintJoel over this but later, I agreed to pay the money.

I transferred the ₦180,000.00 to SaintJoel's account and went back to Cotonou to meet with Daniel who also doubles as a custom agent in Cotonou to make sure I leave that same day. By the time I left, SaintJoel and NCS officials raised a DN of ₦104,000.000. SaintJoel called to tell me about this and that I had some balance with him. So I told him I will use that balance for expenses. At this point, it was obvious to me that he had collaborated with NCS officials to ensure I pay more. I was highly exasperated.

At about 3.00 pm, the car was cleared at Benin Republic & we waited until 5.00pm as is the rule in Benin Republic. Tokunbo cars don't leave until 4.00pm and cannot cross the border until 5.00pm.

Siena:
I was a bit concerned at the way Bravolad started the thread. Because, I know quite a few people, who have used SaintJoel's services, and they've been satisfied. Joel's never failed to deliver, he's one of the good guys.

Just one thing, SaintJoel - could you please write in an acceptable manner, rather than all block capitals? Besides being a major irritant, it actually depicts shouting, and goes against Forum Rule #11.

This aside, keep up the good work.

bravolad:
At exactly 5.00pm we crossed the border to Seme. Upon arrival, SaintJoel had made arrangements for the car to leave the custom parking lot. I did not spend upto 10 minutes at the customs yard in Seme before we hit the road. To achieve this, SaintJoel said he paid for express so I could leave.

Apart from the additional ₦180,000.00 that I spent, I would say that SaintJoel is a trustworthy agent, straightforward and committed to what he does.

Will I recommend him to others? My answer is an emphatic yes.

Intending buyers should ensure that the appropriate fees are paid once. That additional payment shot the price of my car up. Indeed, going to Cotonou to purchase a car is the best option if you are not importing directly from the USA. The reason is that there is a conglomeration of brand of cars in each park in Cotonou. Again, ability to bargain is key to the transaction.

In my case, the car is very clean, engine is neat and the drive is elegant. Car still has its original bumpers (front & back). I do not think any dealer in Lagos will import this kind of car. If they do, it would be much more expensive. I spent over 3 weeks running vin reports on cars in Lagos & none had a clean tittle. I'm also aware that some Lagos dealers buy slightly dented (bumper and/or fender) cars and sell.

saintjoel:


Thanks sir and the jelad crew hails you. This is the first time that a client will spend days with us inside COTONOU and you were literally feeding us,at least twice in a day and even offered to pay my hotel bills. Seriously, I will really wish you come back to Cotonou like you promised and we will organise a great welcome for you sir.... My appreciation also goes to luomomike, he has also remained a great friend and customer..

Thanks and God bless you sir.

Siena:
I was a bit concerned at the way Bravolad started the thread. Because, I know quite a few people, who have used SaintJoel's services, and they've been satisfied. Joel's never failed to deliver, he's one of the good guys.

Just one thing, SaintJoel - could you please write in an acceptable manner, rather than all block capitals? Besides being a major irritant, it actually depicts shouting, and goes against Forum Rule #11.

This aside, keep up the good work.

FLAKARIBE:
Why must there also be a 'coma' during such deals. Why can't most peeps just be plain, simple and truthful. Trying to play funny every now and then. A good name anytime over coins.... CONGRATS, PLS COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE, TRACKER ETC. ETC ENJOY YOUR RIDE. DRIVE SAFELY.

auhanson:
Saintjoel, i must commend you because i'm always very proud of sincere Nigerians. Each time i traveled out, i usually tell foreigners that there are many sincere Nigerians, but it was quite unfortunate that they dealt with the wrong ones, and they usually believe this by my actions.

Please maintain this good attitude worthy of recommendations. God bless you.

saintjoel:


Thanks sir..

jordanice007:
@Saintjoel would like to get a Nissan Armada Jeep (LE or SE). 2005 upward. +2348176119029

bravolad:


@Siena, you have all my respect.

The thread was meant to create suspense first before the real gist. That also makes it interesting. As you rightly stated, SaintJoel is a credible agent & more so, he has a formidable team in Daniel & Emile.

I have also tried to relate all that happened during the transaction. I bear no grudge against him or anybody. If I want to buy another car tomorrow, SaintJoel remains my agent.

Ryder306:


Kindly help me out with Tokunbo (Cotonu) and Nigeria car dealer price of Toyota Camry (big daddy) 2006 and 2004. This will guide my budget. Thank you sirs n ma

Kindly drop ur contact so that i can call you.

bravolad:


@Siena, you have all my respect.

The thread was meant to create suspense first before the real gist. That also makes it interesting. As you rightly stated, SaintJoel is a credible agent & more so, he has a formidable team in Daniel & Emile.

I have also tried to relate all that happened during the transaction. I bear no grudge against him or anybody. If I want to buy another car tomorrow, SaintJoel remains my agent.