Sequel to the post on “How to sell a used car”, I feel obliged to also be the buyer advocate in order to sensitize buyers of Nigerian used cars the things to look out for when making a purchase.

If you are buying a used car, you really need to understand that there are reasons of which the owner wants to sell it and you should really have and cross-check that information. If there is no way for you to verify the information, don’t believe it yet. Just take it with a grain of salt and proceed to check out the following:

State of maintenance: This should be on top of the list when buying used cars. You need to evaluate the general state of the car and how it has been maintained and taken care of. When you take a look at a car, you can tell if it has been well taken care of. Is there a dirt or trash all over the interior? How about the body? Is there dents everywhere that is too numerous to count? Cars are meant to take us from point A to B but some people are so rough and many others tend to take their problems and frustrations on their car. To buttress this point, we often hear car dealers selling used cars saying that a particular car was used by a woman and thus had no issues. This is because of the general belief that women are gentler and will probably not use their cars in a rough manner. However, this might be a bit misleading because many people who want to sell their used car will subject it to thorough washing and cleaning but with a little bit of experience and thorough observation, you can spot the difference.

Budget: So many people have made the mistake of driving a car that is beyond their means. For instance, you see a car that will normally cost between 2.5m to 3m but because one ‘yahoo boy’ has ran out of cash and needed to fling one of his cars to remain afloat, he sold it for about 800k or you bought a used SUV for quite less amount that it normally would have cost. This is really where the problem starts. A lot of times this luxury cars comes with luxury problems that your not-so luxury pocket can take care of. You might pay a token or less to purchase the car but the real cost of the car is in the operation, the maintenance, and the repair. Most luxury cars consume more fuel per mile and if any part fails and needs to be replaced, that could set you back financially. Overtime you’ll find out that you are not really driving that car. The car is “driving” you and is driving you so crazy that you wish that you never purchased it in the first place. So make sure you buy a used car within your means. A car that you can fuel and maintain without going broke. So budgeting is not just about what you can afford now. It’s also about operation of the car and being able to maintain the car at the long run. Any car that you cannot maintain is beyond your means. It doesn’t matter whether you purchased and paid for it the first time.

Get a specialist: Don’t just get any mechanic to check the used car you want to buy. Get a specialist in the type of car you are about to purchase to check it out. If possible, pay the specialist to do a thorough a job. He should pay attention to things like engine, transmission, the cooling system, the exhaust system among other things.

To recap, a car you wish to buy should do what’s it’s intended to do. Take you where you want to go, it’s reliable and most importantly doesn’t cost you much in repairs and maintenance. Do you love SUVs? This is not meant to discourage you but just a pointer to what you’ll likely experience. If you have driven other cars such as the Honda Civic or Nissan Altima, you’ll find out the huge difference with the SUVs when it comes to fuel consumption. SUVs are so thirsty no matter the season. The thing I do tell people is this – if you can look at the big SUV tires and go to a tire shop and buy a new one without fussing, maybe you can maintain an SUV otherwise leave it alone. Another recommendation, do not buy an SUV as your first car and let it not be your only car. It is advisable to have a second but smaller car and use the SUV sparingly and occasionally. So be practical about purchasing a used car. Do your homework.

Have you purchased a nigerian used car before? How long has it served you? Let us know your experience.

Source:http://carblognaija.com/how-to-buy-a-nigerian-used-car/

GAZZUZZ:
for vehicle Pre-inspection in lagos, check my signature.

GAZZUZZ:
for vehicle Pre-inspection in lagos, check my signature.

Macmilla:

U ar in Lagos and I want to come pick a naija used ride in lagos, how much will u charge to help me inspect it when I come?

GAZZUZZ:


depends on the location. Bring it to my office, I'll inspect for free (including a scan) if I have to leave my office to inspect, it will cost 10,000 naira.

GAZZUZZ:


depends on the location. Bring it to my office, I'll inspect for free (including a scan) if I have to leave my office to inspect, it will cost 10,000 naira.

talk2odim:


Does this apply to call members

GAZZUZZ:


you have to apply first,

Macmilla:

Then ur office it is. I guess the one in ur signature is valid, right?
Will contact u if my plan works out. Thanks in advance.

Lexusgs430:


Simply because it's a free service (visiting the office), does not mean a Thank you Brown envelope, would be rejected!!!

Macmilla:

Deal already flopped. I didn't need the tech guy to disqualify it for me cos it was bad enough for me to do myself.

Lexusgs430:


Lol. You went with your eyes, nose and other senses, wide open.
Good for you!!!

Macmilla:

The engine somehow seemed to be in good condition. Very meet too. It ran well without any check engine light. But outside the engine, every other thing is

Lexusgs430:


No check engine lights, does it mean a code has not already been cancelled.
Some unscrupulous sellers, would even disable the abs, check engine, vsa etc etc error lights

Macmilla:

I don't think so. It comes on when ignition is on and goes off when engine starts. That shows the system is intact. We took it for a drive and none appeared. Sound too was very smooth. The engine simply didn't match the deteriorated body and interior.

Macmilla:

I don't think so. It comes on when ignition is on and goes off when engine starts. That shows the system is intact. We took it for a drive and none appeared. Sound too was very smooth. The engine simply didn't match the deteriorated body and interior.

Lexusgs430:


Unfortunately some sellers don't understand the aspect of proper presentation.
Spending a few naira tidying the vehicle, might just seal the deal!!!

Macmilla:

The only presentation that will make me seal that deal would involve a thorough body work, overhaul of the interior and other minor but NUMEROUS touches. That may be able t fool me. But then, I think I know how to detect a filler padded body.

Macmilla:

The only presentation that will make me seal that deal would involve a thorough body work, overhaul of the interior and other minor but NUMEROUS touches. That may be able t fool me. But then, I think I know how to detect a filler padded body.

Lexusgs430:



If the seller is honest in their description, stating body work has been repaired and repainted.
The buyer, can decide either to buy or run!!!

Lexusgs430:


But most vehicles on our roads, usually have traffic tribal marks.

Macmilla:

Exactly! But they prefer to hide the bad parts, hoping they can bamboozle u when u come. Or maybe cos I have come from a very far distance, he hoped I will just close eye and buy it. I refuse to be bamboozled and I'd rather waste 20k and have rest of mind than buy trouble with my money.

Lexusgs430:


Did you read the thread about the guy requesting advise, before buying a Toyota Corolla?
He went against all advise, bought the corolla and in the process,wasted N700k

Macmilla:

Eyaa. I just wasted 30k and my heart is broken. But at least, it's not up to 700k.

Lexusgs430:


I am sure in comparison and retrospect, if he could turn back the hands of time.
He would have preferred losing 30k and not 700k. His lose did not end at 700k, he spent more trying to fix the long list of problems and was seeking advice on either continue spending or sell the car!!!

Macmilla:
That's sad