EuroMeko:

That Suzuki looks like it's in Texas.

Sicherheit:

Informative write up!
Thank you.

To All - Can we have more writes ups and presentations like these? There is nothing wrong with buying and selling but it will be good to also have informative discussions.
Please don't take offense.

inspired_m:

Emperoh

I Admire Constructive Nigerians Like Yourself

Keep the Flag Flying, Sky is the Limit.

eros:


Emperoh,

What year is the Honda Odyssey and how much will it go for? A client needs one and we might strike a deal with the right price.

Please send me more pics and details @ emee30384@yahoo.com

Will call you real soon.

EuroMeko:

I lived in a suburb of Dallas for 3 years so I recognized the architecture, and temp license plates.

I learned something else from you, that there's a 15 year rule.

How is the sports bike market?

bfire:

@Poster;

Many people don't understand that most of the cars that are salvaged are not totally useless and as such, they become obsessed with "detailed cars" thinking that they are clean cars.

My brother/oga had several times on this same NL pointed out why so "clean", clean titled cars inclusive, may not be that great - there are accidents which are not documented - majority of Nigerians buy into this. I also remembered when he pointed to a dealer on this forum who drew an over exaggerated pictures of a roll over car. There are millions of salvaged cars in North America and they are approved to be driven.

There was a time he bought a car that had a bullet pass through it and was titled irrepairable; just because the bullet chattered the glass; i mean a very expensive high-end car. Most of the cars i've sold here were shown with the auction pictures and some novice thinks they are not clean just because there were not detailed as yet when i attached the pictures.

The bottom line is that one owner or multiple owners clean carfax history are not cheap as most Nigerians wants; i like it when not expensive but have quality, too.

Simply put, test drive whatever you wanna buy on the local market. As the poster put it, there are good bodyman and there are butcher-bodyman in Nigeria. Same apply to America.

If you want to pre-order do so. If you can't risk your money, please buy "Nigeria cleared tokunbo".

sultaan:

I have seen that Nigerians do not care about the history of their cars, just interested in looks and the hearsay in trend.

A $1200 (N185k) shipping and N250k duty cost should always be added to market value of any desired car.I hate the idea that custom charges $1500 duty on each car which is more than a seller hopes to make as profit on a fairly used car.

[size=14pt]Everyone I have seen make profit off selling cars in Naija sold a salvage vehicle.[/size] The only time you might see a reflection of true price of a car is when its new, so a new V6 XLE Camry is really worth over N5m, but buyers want a 2008 model for less than N2m(not realistic).

To meet the desired range, a lot of the Mississippi flood cars will end up in Nigeria and the "lucky" buyers will start having transmission, ECM electrical problems after a few days of driving. Unfortunately Nigerians are having a crash course in modern automobiles unfortunately a lot of resource is being wasted because buyers are not getting value they paid for when compared to American buyers. A dealer will like to make more money than customs on a car sale, so quality has to take a back seat.

A rebuilt car from the US is good because of standard and liability issues. Ordering your car is the best way to go, you care choose color and specs without tying money on a car in a lot. A dealers will get buyers what they want, buyer just have to be realistic.

Emperoh:

I decided to set up this thread to provide more insight to some of our buyers on the indices to consider
before taking a purchase decision. It is also a fall out of my own mistakes in pricing and convincing buyers.
I have learnt quite a lot and taught myself how to let go and help buyers in the process.
That is why lately, i dwell on first of all advising a buyer than grabbing a deal.
Other dealers inputs are welcome.

I started this business by accident but particularly fueled by my love for cars. A cousin in Swiss started shipping in
some low end cars through Cotonou and my decision to help him sell some eventually pushed me to start my own USA pre-order runs. It has been fun and eye opening as well. While at the same time, enriched my pockets in a decent measure.

But how i got into this business is not my raison d'etre. I just wish to seek other dealers insight and also gauge consumer insight into various reasons why they take a decision to purchase a car from America or in Nigeria.
Various buyers have accused me of parading expensive cars whereas that, being the source of most cars, purchasing from USA should be way cheaper than what is in Nigeria. Truth be told, that used to be my pricing strategy until the exchange rate spiraled out of control. From N118 - $1 to presently, N158 -$1 and then the influx of salvage cars from America; this one hit me most, i have lost count how many deals if have lost because of this and i am yet to device a fool proof strategy to bargain with clients in the face of these stiff oppositions.

In truth, the amount of 'tokunbo' cars in Lagos is alarming. I even wonder how i manage to make the sales i do most times in the face of such availability. The auto market is a buyers market. But i do love to inform buyers of something. Cars, are not cheap and the cheap ones have a story or two behind it. Therefore, i do love to educate you on the three main categories of used "tokunbo" cars in the market, Or would i say purchase options.

Number one on the list is your "clean title one user carfax" vehicle. This is every buyers dream but really, how cheap are they? They are not cheap. I will give you an instance. A 2003 Honda Accord with average mileage, one user and no accident history will cost you at least N1.8m but i sure have seen some going for N1.5m or N1.6m. Why is it so? This type of vehicle is a hot cake. Americans even look out for them and as they say, good soup na money make am. It also gives u peace of mind. But their pricing will put you off. You can hardly find this sort of car in Nigeria. Hardly!! The business man in us will tell u the gospel truth. The successful strategy in car dealing is pricing hence you have cut your cost and maximize as much profit in the sale. There are other categories that fall in this bracket but may never be as clean or 'neat as this one. Two or three user Carfax but with no accidents, those with minor but fixed accidents and re-certified by Carfax etc. These ones can come in a little cheaper but not as cheap as the other two categories.

Number two is the accidented but fixed in America cars: this is my business line and i will give you guys pictorial illustrations. I also use myself as an example for this category as this is what i deal on. Assuming you don't have the money for number one above but want something with the quality of number one, this is your best bet. But bear in mind, the cost implications is not that cheap. Reason: Labour is very expensive in USA. It costs about $1000.00 to fix a body work and bake a car in US. But what comes out as end product can be termed brand new anywhere anytime. How does this work; i go to the salvage auction and bid. Notable ones include Copart, IAA etc. If i win the bid, i truck to my body shop and do the necessary repairs. The final product gives me joy but i can assure you it is not your best bet if you are conscious of price. But it is better than number one above in terms inf pricing. However everything has to be to standards and even get re-certified before coming to Nigeria. This is my best bet but not for a buyer who wants it cheapest.

Option three is the buyers choice. But do they really know the quality of cars they are sold? I know most of them don't know about cars but i can give them a clue. Go to Berger or container discharging terminal at Tincan Wharf or National filling station and see what i am saying. I was there last saturday and i couldn't believe what we bring, fix and give to Nigerians to buy

To be continued

Number one on the list is your "clean title one user carfax" vehicle. This is every buyers dream but really, how cheap are they? They are not cheap. I will give you an instance. A 2003 Honda Accord with average mileage, one user and no accident history will cost you at least N1.8m but i sure have seen some going for N1.5m or N1.6m. Why is it so? This type of vehicle is a hot cake. Americans even look out for them and as they say, good soup na money make am. It also gives u peace of mind. But their pricing will put you off. You can hardly find this sort of car in Nigeria. Hardly!! The business man in us will tell u the gospel truth. The successful strategy in car dealing is pricing hence you have cut your cost and maximize as much profit in the sale. There are other categories that fall in this bracket but may never be as clean or 'neat as this one. Two or three user Carfax but with no accidents, those with minor but fixed accidents and re-certified by Carfax etc. These ones can come in a little cheaper but not as cheap as the other two categories.

Number two is the accidented but fixed in America cars: this is my business line and i will give you guys pictorial illustrations. I also use myself as an example for this category as this is what i deal on. Assuming you don't have the money for number one above but want something with the quality of number one, this is your best bet. But bear in mind, the cost implications is not that cheap. Reason: Labour is very expensive in USA. It costs about $1000.00 to fix a body work and bake a car in US. But what comes out as end product can be termed brand new anywhere anytime. How does this work; i go to the salvage auction and bid. Notable ones include Copart, IAA etc. If i win the bid, i truck to my body shop and do the necessary repairs. The final product gives me joy but i can assure you it is not your best bet if you are conscious of price. But it is better than number one above in terms inf pricing. However everything has to be to standards and even get re-certified before coming to Nigeria. This is my best bet but not for a buyer who wants it cheapest.

Option three is the buyers choice. But do they really know the quality of cars they are sold? I know most of them don't know about cars but i can give them a clue. Go to Berger or container discharging terminal at Tincan Wharf or National filling station and see what i am saying. I was there last saturday and i couldn't believe what we bring, fix and give to Nigerians to buy

Emperoh:

I decided to set up this thread to provide more insight to some of our buyers on the indices to consider
before taking a purchase decision. It is also a fall out of my own mistakes in pricing and convincing buyers.
I have learnt quite a lot and taught myself how to let go and help buyers in the process.
That is why lately, i dwell on first of all advising a buyer than grabbing a deal.
Other dealers inputs are welcome.

I started this business by accident but particularly fueled by my love for cars. A cousin in Swiss started shipping in
some low end cars through Cotonou and my decision to help him sell some eventually pushed me to start my own USA pre-order runs. It has been fun and eye opening as well. While at the same time, enriched my pockets in a decent measure.

But how i got into this business is not my raison d'etre. I just wish to seek other dealers insight and also gauge consumer insight into various reasons why they take a decision to purchase a car from America or in Nigeria.
Various buyers have accused me of parading expensive cars whereas that, being the source of most cars, purchasing from USA should be way cheaper than what is in Nigeria. Truth be told, that used to be my pricing strategy until the exchange rate spiraled out of control. From N118 - $1 to presently, N158 -$1 and then the influx of salvage cars from America; this one hit me most, i have lost count how many deals if have lost because of this and i am yet to device a fool proof strategy to bargain with clients in the face of these stiff oppositions.

In truth, the amount of 'tokunbo' cars in Lagos is alarming. I even wonder how i manage to make the sales i do most times in the face of such availability. The auto market is a buyers market. But i do love to inform buyers of something. Cars, are not cheap and the cheap ones have a story or two behind it. Therefore, i do love to educate you on the three main categories of used "tokunbo" cars in the market, Or would i say purchase options.

Number one on the list is your "clean title one user carfax" vehicle. This is every buyers dream but really, how cheap are they? They are not cheap. I will give you an instance. A 2003 Honda Accord with average mileage, one user and no accident history will cost you at least N1.8m but i sure have seen some going for N1.5m or N1.6m. Why is it so? This type of vehicle is a hot cake. Americans even look out for them and as they say, good soup na money make am. It also gives u peace of mind. But their pricing will put you off. You can hardly find this sort of car in Nigeria. Hardly!! The business man in us will tell u the gospel truth. The successful strategy in car dealing is pricing hence you have cut your cost and maximize as much profit in the sale. There are other categories that fall in this bracket but may never be as clean or 'neat as this one. Two or three user Carfax but with no accidents, those with minor but fixed accidents and re-certified by Carfax etc. These ones can come in a little cheaper but not as cheap as the other two categories.

Number two is the accidented but fixed in America cars: this is my business line and i will give you guys pictorial illustrations. I also use myself as an example for this category as this is what i deal on. Assuming you don't have the money for number one above but want something with the quality of number one, this is your best bet. But bear in mind, the cost implications is not that cheap. Reason: Labour is very expensive in USA. It costs about $1000.00 to fix a body work and bake a car in US. But what comes out as end product can be termed brand new anywhere anytime. How does this work; i go to the salvage auction and bid. Notable ones include Copart, IAA etc. If i win the bid, i truck to my body shop and do the necessary repairs. The final product gives me joy but i can assure you it is not your best bet if you are conscious of price. But it is better than number one above in terms inf pricing. However everything has to be to standards and even get re-certified before coming to Nigeria. This is my best bet but not for a buyer who wants it cheapest.

Option three is the buyers choice. But do they really know the quality of cars they are sold? I know most of them don't know about cars but i can give them a clue. Go to Berger or container discharging terminal at Tincan Wharf or National filling station and see what i am saying. I was there last saturday and i couldn't believe what we bring, fix and give to Nigerians to buy

To be continued

Emperoh:

Thanks folks for all your replies.
Inspired, thanks for sticking it to the top of the page.

Also on the Front Page of Nairaland 

inspired_m:


Also on the Front Page of Nairaland 

teamman:

Please whats your opinion about American used Hyundai and Kia Cars. I need a 2007 Kia Optima or Hyundai Elantra 2008 from America. Awaiting your response

JerrCa:

I like u'r car postings! keep up the good work! It takes an honest person to do what u 're doing seriously,  Are u based in States?  I ship from states and canada but lives in Canada. take care

mastro:


Conclusion
There is nothing as good as seeing what you are buying and making an informed decision based on what is actually in front of you, there are enough imported cars that don't have any significant issues, that you can carfax check and that the prices are fair such that it is probably the easiest way to buy a car. However be aware that it's a minefield out there and while carfax is your friend, common sense will take you a lot further.

calculusx:

 Can't wait to have bizbooks contribution on this thread

BizBooks:

My brother, I think I have said enough. The only thing I will add is this:

Whenever surveys of the most dishonest people are done in the US, car salesmen frequently come out tops. No doubt, this is a dubious distinction. As we see everyday in the Auto Section, one do not need a survey to confirm that this is also true in Nigeria even more so. The big difference between the situation in Nigeria and the US is that honest car dealers in the US are continuously making efforts to set themselves apart from the rest of the pack.

Case in point: I recently bought a jeep for Carshopper from a reputable US auction house. Soon after, their technician called and told me that they discovered the jeep has serious structural problem. He gave me the option of going ahead with the transaction or getting my money back. After consulting with Carshopper, we decided not to go ahead with the transaction. The company thereafter refunded our money in full. You can bet that company is now my first company of choice. It is worthy to note that very few car dealers are this honest. Some will hide serious problems from you, knowing that once their vehicle gets into your hand, your money is gone for good.

Here in the Auto Section, the only solution we have seems to be “buyer beware” which can be interpreted as “buyer be scared”. A lot of buyers have taken heed of this warning and chosen not to do business here. Emperoh’s incisive article will help in educating some of them on the intricacies of the car buying process. But we still need a way to separate the honest dealers from the dis-honest ones. Only then will buyers’ confidence in the Auto Section be fully restored.

EuroMeko:

Emperoh, I enjoyed your initial article and would love to read more. You are answering some questions that I had.

I buy and sell classic cars in the USA but I only deal with private party purchases, I never buy from auctions, etc

One question I would ask you is this, is there a market for classic cars such as these in Nigeria: