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Buying a used car can be a smart financial step, but purchasing a pulse may mean that it ends with a lemon. Whether you buy from a dealer or from an individual, integration with knowledge and resources helps to make the most of your decision making.

Here are seven things you have to do before buying a used car:-

1. Determine what you want and do the research.

Before you can do anything else, it takes time to describe what you want from a car: How many people should sit? Do you like being
small or big? Are there any features that you feel you can not live without?
It then examines which cars match the description and what their prices just when browsing the merchant can prevent them from finding the best deals because they can put pressure on a salesman through a highly qualified vendor. Before you ever make your foot, check out classic ads and print information about different brands of cars to get a better picture of what's available and what to pay for similar vehicles.


2. Set your budget.

Do not let the intrusive seller convince you to expand your budget just to get the vehicle you want. Setting up price categories can help narrow your search for yourself and negotiate a price that is really comfortable. When you talk to the seller, keep your budget firmly, but do not share the target price until the trader or the seller makes a bid - the number does not give more negotiating power. And remember, the budget of a used car should include not only funds for the car, but also check for money and cover the minor fixes that may be needed.

3. Consider any funding opportunities.

If you do not plan to buy the car with cash, consider financing options beyond trading. You may, for example, get a large amount of car finance through the credit union. Try getting some quotes in a few places and talk to all potential creditors about the type of car and the price category you work with.

4. Run a car fax report.
Car fax reports provide the car's story and let you know whether the car has been accidentally or possibly in the history of other potentially troubling events. Some dealerships will send reports to you, but you can report to other dealerships (or when buying a private seller).

5. Perform a test piece.

This is perhaps the most important part of purchasing a used car - seeing that the car actually drives. Try to test it in different situations such as the highway and the mountains up and down. If something seems to you - or even if the car finds itself uncomfortable - do not be afraid to stop.

6. Get the car.

The customer process involves the examination of a vehicle controlled by a reliable engineer. You can run a basic visual inspection of the engine and the frame yourself, but you still need a mechanic to take a look at the car and perform some basic tests. Even if the seller insists that there are no mechanical failures or major problems, you should check that the car is in good condition with comprehensive inspection - after all, the seller will be released for some reason from the car.

7. Prepare to go.

Do not engage in the sale with the intention of purchasing the car that day. If you are too eager to buy, you may be in a position to accept the offer, it is not very convenient or you are sorting out a solution that can cause more problems on the road. No matter how good your business is, you have to be ready around the purchase so you can not force a purchase of a vehicle that is not necessarily right for you.

Source:
http://www.eliancars.com/2018/12/7-things-you-need-to-do-before-buying.html#more

While some of these tips may not exactly apply to the Nigerian context and environment, the principles remain similar.

A CarFax or other more comprehensive vehicle history report, thorough and expert physical inspection, and verification of customs and import documents.

Good read and tips Sir.

nurey:
1. custom documents fully stamped and check whether all things correspond like name and model of car, VIN and all payments were made. Mostly like 6 or more papers could be photocopy if multiple cars were cleared by one dealer but make sure it is a clear crisp document not faded crap and don't take the nobody will ask you for customer paper crap, it could spell doom or stolen vehicle.

2. CMR (computerized motor registration) original copy

3. Current insurance (original copy)

4. Vehicle licence (original copy)

5. Road worthiness certificate (original copy)

6. Plate number allocation (original copy)

7. Original proof of ownership fully stamped

8. You will collect two printed and signed documents
a. Change of ownership document
b. Receipt of purchase from previous owner

There are some other documents you may need like
1. Tinted permit doc
2. police report/doc of change of ownership/plate number/engine number (which we call vin)

make sure you see the change of ownership letter given to the buyer duly signed when he first bought it as Nigerian used except the car was bought as tokunbo then you may not need this.

Once the car doesn't have custom doc except it's a beetle and the documents have expired years ago, I suggest you stay away from such ride.

seunlayi:
your most important document when you buy a 2nd hand car in Nigeria is your loads of neatly 20's, 50's,100, 200 Naira notes in a safe place in the car for easy handing over to our uniform men who will never let you go unless you bless them with one of those notes. If you want to prove me wrong, drive your car without any of those notes and watch them telling you that you've bought a stolen car.

Experience is the best teacher

Lol

Run a car fax report.
Car fax reports provide the car's story and let you know whether the car has been accidentally or possibly in the history of other potentially troubling events. Some dealerships will send reports to you, but you can report to other dealerships (or when buying a private seller).

Carfax is not the only type of report ,we have several types of report for American and European vehicles

Vehicle inspection by a certified auto inspector for total vehicle condition

Documents verification

computerglobal:











Lol





Carfax is not the only type of report ,we have several types of report for American and European vehicles

Vehicle inspection by a certified auto inspector for total vehicle condition

Documents verification

Lol

seunlayi:


Lol

Bros you are right.Those notes are necessary