Today, I would like to enlighten you on the risks of buying a tokunbo car from a local dealer and also how to check if the vehicle you are buying is actually what they say it is.

So, you have finally made up your mind that you need a car and you decided a "tokunbo" or imported vehicle is what you need. Now the challenge you have is how to verify if the tokunbo car of your choice is in good working condition before purchase as you cannot return a car to the seller once driven off the lot.

Once you have decided the Make, Model and Year of the vehicle of your choice, the next thing you would likely do is to physically check the local dealerships for the vehicle or to search online platforms like , Olx.com, Cheki.ng etc, to see if it's currently available.

Your first impulse after confirming if the car is available is to visit the car dealership and purchase. But wait a minute, you just omitted a vital step.

Did you know that there is a means to verify the history of the vehicle you intend to purchase? Did you know you can verify people who have used that particular car, read their reviews and discover the trims/specs of the car? You might want to arm yourself with this information before you physically visit the car dealership. In that way, you can tell if there is a discrepancy between what you know about that particular car and what the car dealer is telling you.


Online platforms such as Edmunds.com, Caranddriver.com, motortrend.com, "Kelley Blue Book" kkb.com including sites like Carcomplaints.com, nhtsa.gov, safecar.gov give reviews on the reported problems of cars based on reports received from owners thereby educating you more about the possible issues to expect from the car you want to buy.

To evaluate your car on these platforms, you'll require the vehicle identification number (VIN number for short). This is a specific number which only that car bears. It is the car’s identity.
With the VIN number, you can search online databases for the status of the car before it was imported (mostly for USA cars), sites like vehiclehistory.com can give the previous history of the vehicle, recorded accidents, NHTSA recalls etc., also you can check carfax.com for a detailed report including details like number of previous owners, mileage of the car etc. but at a price.

These reports can even inform you if the car was stolen or not. You will also get an insight into the type of damage the car may have experienced, whether it was a total loss, salvage, hail or flood damage, biohazard, fire burn, mechanical and so on (which car dealers may never tell you).

The VIN number is usually written on the dashboard at the driver’s corner where it meets the windshield. Another location is the driver’s side door just where it latches when closed. Or the booth area.

You can, and should further verify possible period of importation into Nigeria, Nigerian Customs clearance documents, any known accidents before import, you can even demand to see the vehicle condition report before import (if unavailable, don't sweat it).

Having this information about the vehicle means you are more likely to make a better buying decision and save huge cost.

Now, you are more educated about the car you want to buy and why you need a particular trim, including the features you should expect in the trim you are buying, making it easier to stick to one car with certainty.

Now you have been able to verify if the car is what you want, next is the physical inspection and possible test drive. On the day you plan to schedule an inspection, I strongly advise that you go with your trusted mechanic and an OBDII car scanner (you might wonder why).

The mechanic is there to conduct an eye and sound assessment of the vehicle, looking for things like oil stains, leaking seals, bad suspensions, arms etc. The OBDII scanner is to check for the unseen things like the electricals and the engine issues which have been registered in the onboard computer or the "brainbox" of the car.

You may say, well I checked the dashboard and the Check Engine/Maintenance Required light does not illuminate. This is very true, but did you know dealers now go as far as putting black tape on the inner side of the dashboard to cover up those lights that never go off?

I mentioned checking for the date the car was imported into Nigeria and the Customs clearance documents, this is simply to verify that the vehicle has not stayed for so much time on the lot and also to give yourself a little assurance that the car has not actually been registered locally, driven in Nigeria and now resold as a "tokunbo" vehicle to the unsuspecting buyer.

The Customs clearance documents are necessary to check at the Nigerian Customs office if the duty of the vehicle was paid correctly (even if it was at a compromised rate) and also to ensure that later in the future you are not harassed by Customs Officers when travelling out of State on grounds of unpaid/incomplete duty payment.

Once you have all the information at your fingertips, I am very sure at this point that you would be convinced that the car you are buying is worth the stress you went through before purchasing.

This now brings us to the point of purchasing your car at a cheaper rate and also saving yourself many hassles on the condition of the car. What if I said, you could save hundreds of thousands of naira if you were purchasing your "tokunbo" vehicle directly from the United States. How do I mean? What if it is possible for you to purchase your car the same way the local dealers purchase the vehicles they sell on their lot.

Using this method, there are many advantages such as you are sure the vehicle is from the US and not a local vehicle masked as imported, also you know the history of the vehicle if it was a clean or salvage title. You can know the actual mileage of the car before purchasing, the condition of the engine/transmission/chassis.

At this point, you would be thinking how do I benefit from this and where can I get such reputable company to handle the process of getting my car to my doorstep if I am to purchase from US while giving me updates on the status of my vehicle all through the process? Well, that's why we are here. The company you are looking for is no other than AUTO EXPORT LOGISTICS SERVICES Ltd (AELS).

AELS is a one-stop shop for all your auto-logistics needs. We help customers and end users with the process of getting their choice cars purchased from the US to Nigeria while working within their reasonable budget.

This process entails bidding/buying for cars selected from the auctions, trucking/transporting your car from purchase location to the port, booking of your vehicle on the shipping line, ensuring your vehicle is loaded on the vessel and updating you with the necessary documents as well as status of the vehicle all through the shipping process, and once the vehicle is confirmed to be offloaded at the local port, we custom clear your car at an affordable rate.

It doesn’t get any better than this.

For more information, insights and advice on purchasing your next vehicle, contact any of our team members below:

Sidney – 08090441924,

Oscar – 08065463104,

Patrick – 08062969797

Or via email at customercare@autonaija.com.

AELS, we revolutionize your shipping experience

When Mr Emeka reached us that he needed his car picked-up and booked for shipping asap, so as to beat the possibility of storage within the next 24hrs. Our team swung into action.

On our dispatcher dashboard we alerted truckers going our client's route, and within 45 minutes we had a Trucker ready for pick-up.

The estimated trip from Minnesota to Baltimore is more than half a day (20hrs). Mr. Emeka had his car delivered to the ports within 19h 30mins after a trucker indicated interest to our dispatch call.

How happy he was to have his vehicle booked, and on the quayside ready to be shipped to Lagos.

We understand that our clients want quick and efficient delivery of their units.

we understand that time is money.

That when we fail, we affect the businesses of our clients.

That's why we continuously seek new ways of improving our speed and quality of response and delivery.

So, you have no cause to fear.

Why not try us today.

Oscar 08065463104
Sidney 08090441924
Patrick 08062969797
Mother 08162049594

When Mr Emeka reached us that he needed his car picked-up and booked for shipping asap, so as to beat the possibility of storage within the next 24hrs. Our team swung into action.

On our dispatcher dashboard we alerted truckers going our client's route, and within 45 minutes we had a Trucker ready for pick-up.

The estimated trip from Minnesota to Baltimore is more than half a day (20hrs). Mr. Emeka had his car delivered to the ports within 19h 30mins after a trucker indicated interest to our dispatch call.

How happy he was to have his vehicle booked, and on the quayside ready to be shipped to Lagos.

We understand that our clients want quick and efficient delivery of their units.

we understand that time is money.

That when we fail, we affect the businesses of our clients.

That's why we continuously seek new ways of improving our speed and quality of response and delivery.

So, you have no cause to fear.

Why not try us today.

Oscar 08065463104
Sidney 08090441924
Patrick 08062969797
Mother 08162049594

Staying competitive means staying at the top of your game.

As an Auto dealer/Importer, we understand your need to be promptly informed throughout the shipment of your vehicle.

We not only help our customers, buy, truck, ship and clear, we also keep them informed throughout the entire process.

This is one good reason why you should choose us.�

For more inquiries on our services and rates, please contact the following numbers:

Oscar -08065463104
Sidney -08090441924
Patrick -08062969797
Mother -08162049594

Auto Export Logistics Services We revolutionize your shipping experience...

Classic

Sizzling Hawt!

You may have something like this, you may have driven in one before (or now)

But this is one of a kind

It's a gloss-wine red Toyota Camry SE 2005 fresh from the auctions. Bought with love.

Her safety features are intact; her inner features include super surround audio system, cruise control, chilling AC, spacious

Cost is 2.1million. Shikili money/Obele-ego

If you're interested say aye!

Oscar -08065463104
Sidney -08090441924
Patrick -08062969797

Hit a message to my mailbox patrick@autonaija.com or call the numbers

Get an awesome auto experience with us.

And these are what our satisfied customers have to say:

Uche O. (Toyota Sequoia: Galveston Texas to Lagos terminal)

“I had my Toyota Sequoia picked-up and shipped from Galveston ports to Lagos terminal on time. I was impressed that Pick-up was done just within 24hrs of my request. ”


Footies Global Ltd (2000 Mercedes Benz: Baltimore –Lagos terminal)

We are amazed at the speed of response. We received timely feedback on our order from the AELS management. The 2000 Mercedes Benz which we ordered for pickup and shipping was delivered at the nick of time.


Mc Jomez (Honda Pilot 2007: Jacksonville to Lagos terminal)

I’ve been skeptical about pickup and shipping agencies due to my past experience, but Auto Export Logistics Services allayed those fears as they kept me informed throughout the entire shipping process. Even when there were hitches, the management was able to reassure me and ensure my vehicle arrived on time.

You too can have these testimonies.

You should give us a try today

Contact any of the following numbers to make your booking or for inquiry

Oscar -08065463104
Sidney -08090441924
Patrick -08062969797
Mother -08162049594

Auto Export Logistics Services / Autonaija

We revolutionize your auto-shipping experience…

Buying Used Cars From The US Has Just Got Easier!

This is how:

-We bid or do direct-buy from our IAAI, Copart or Manheim account depending on your request

For Bidding:

-We work with your budget or advice you on current winning price

-Send us your Lot # of your chosen vehicle (s) or we help you search for your choice (make, year and level of accident, including mileage)

-A refundable deposit of $360 or 10% of the maximum bid (depending on which is higher) is made to enable us to proceed with bidding for the lot(s)

For Direct-Buy:

-Send us your Lot # or choice of car and we do the direct-buy. Note: A refundable deposit of 10% of the price of the car will be required to proceed with the purchase.

- We would respond back to you with a breakdown of landing cost of your desired vehicle to the point of Delivery in Lagos, Nigeria

- We can further quote you for customs-clearing if you would want us to handle the clearing hassles also.

- Once Lot is won and you receive your invoice from us, you (our client) will be required to remit payment for the won bid or direct-buy within 2days

- We quickly arrange pick-up and shipping in a consolidated container or RORO

- We ship to ports in Lagos, Nigeria; Cotonou and Benin Republic based on client's request

- Clearing takes 2-5 working days in Lagos.

- Cost due to the AUCTION and our commission is to be paid within 24hrs after winning a bid, and shipping cost is due in 2 weeks afterward.

- And clearing cost is due 3 days to the estimated time of Arrival of your vehicle in Lagos.


Our flexible plan for procuring your desired vehicle from the United States makes us your dependable choice.

We are in business to ease the burden of vehicle procuring and shipping your vehicle.

To allow you (our dear Nairalanders) own your desired vehicle we've reviewed our commission at $200!

For inquiries and bidding/purchase requests, feel free to call or chat (whatsapp) any of the following numbers:

Oscar -08065463104
Sidney -08090441924
Patrick -08062969797
Mother -08162049594

Or email us

info@autonaija.com, oscar@autonaija.com,

Auto Export Logistics Services / Autonaija, we revolutionize your auto-shipping experience...

If you want to see it that way, it's fine but don't fail to patronize this charity organization when you intend to purchase your next car from the US!

Hahaha

In this context, the middleman is the Autodealer that seeks to make a profit on selling cars he bought.

What we will be doing for you is to act in the capacity of an agency that will give you the same access as an Autodealer would have, to buy the car directly from the auctions using our auction account.

For example, if an Autodealer seeks to make 600,000 naira on a car after all the expenses of buying, shipping and clearing at a full cost of 1.5million naira. He will sell it in Nigeria at 2.1million (2million minimum).

Now if you were to buy directly just as he would, you would saved that 600,000naira

Sizzling Hot!

This clean American fairly used car is up for grab!

Fresh out of the auctions (IAA), and bound for Lagos Nigeria.

It's Lexus Rx 300. Full leather seat, keys present, cruise control, digital display screen (Audio/video player + GPS navigation)

Full cost (including clearing) 2.2million naira.

Interested?

Contact:

Oscar -08065463104
Sidney -08090441924
Patrick -08062969797
Mother -08162049594

PS: We have auction accounts with IAA and Copart. We can bid and buy your choice of car with our accounts. Try us today.

It's not faith in Shipping that gets your vehicle/goods to the Lagos terminal, it's faith in People.

That's why at Auto Export Logistics Services, we strive to put our customers first. Because our customers can only trust that their shipments are in safe hands.

We ensure that our customers are informed throughout the stages of their vehicle or containers.

We ensure that you get a good price for the shipments of your consignments.

We ensure that your vehicle gets duly cleared at the ports at the best rates.

Call Oscar -08065463104
Sidney -08090441924
Patrick -08062969797
Mother -08162049594
For your Bookings and inquiries.

Car Bidding/Purchase, trucking, shipping, and clearing... General Logistics.

Ever thought of how possible it is to cut through the middlemen and buy used cars directly from the auctions in the United State?

Do have a challenge towing and shipping car to Nigeria?

Or custom clearing is your issue?

We can handle the entire process for you, save you cost on buying from Nigeria market as we buy directly for you from the auctions in the United States.

Why not contact us today for a good deal.

Oscar -08065463104
Sidney -08090441924
Patrick -08062969797
Mother -08162049594