I am currently in Lagos, and I have had to reassess my view on the cars on Nigerian roads.

I have stated multiple times that most of the cars exported from US on Nigerian road are salvage. engine sound and suspension is feels different, and all cars have a CEL.

Is is difficult to really diagnose a vehicle from symptoms given by users because a lot of normals is so far away from normal.
Most users will never be able to understand this until they drive on a western roads.

The Camry is still considered the best car by most users , and I do have to agree with this opinion despite the fact that others model/ brands were not given the same level of exposure the Camry got.


By the way I am trying to do some Anthony Bourdain food experience in Lagos could you guys give me 8 spots that makes the best food tour of Lagos. Thanks

Your observations have great merit Sir, due to a combination of factors and practices, some of which are intentional and others political, a significant proportion of imported used "Tokunbo" vehicles are Salvage vehicles from the US and Canada with all forms of damage, minor and dangerous.

The Nigerian economic situation, the often inflated customs import duty, outdated/inadequate legal framework, general dishonest practices of dealers, general poor expertise, skill or standards of average automechanics, unrealistic expectations of buyers, poor or lack of information or awareness from buyers, are some of the reasons why we seem to be a dumping ground for all kinds of salvaged and damaged vehicles.



From the car dealer that imports the 2010 Toyota Camry above with severe water damage because it cost relatively little to buy, and goes on to sell it to a buyer with promises of zero accidents, zero flood, to the buyer who transfers the funds and buys the vehicle with no history report and independent physical inspection of the vehicle;

From the car owner who drops his car off without any interest in or knowledge about the specifics of the scheduled service/repair, to the service technician at the service station who uses Mobil 20W50 for Engine oil service for the 2010 Toyota Camry;

From the car owner who goes to a service station with visibly underinflated tyres and no idea that right next to him there's a sticker on the car door that clearly spells out the recommended tire pressure, to the vulcanizer who uses outdated and inaccurate equipment to inflate the tires to 40, 50, 52, 40 psi for this 2010 Toyota Camry;

These are all symptoms of the same problem.

A lot of these vehicles would not pass mandatory basic emission testing in the US or Canada, for example in the USA, vehicles severely damaged by flood/water or other types of damage, are often labelled as only for parts, for export and as unrebuildable or unrepairable, which means that according to the law, the car can never be used on the road anywhere in the USA, no matter the degree or extent of repairs carried out.

Until these factors change or are changed, Nigerians will have to do their best to make the most of the circumstances.

For the average Nigerian who sets out to the imported "Tokunbo" market for a vehicle, this starts from having the detailed history about the vehicles you're considering for purchase.

These cars come mostly from Canada and the USA, which have various degrees of history records using the V I N or Chassis Number of the car, which we at CarGuideNG provide for a minor fee for practically all such vehicles, detailing most of the reported history of dangerous damage, the real mileage, theft, and so much more.

It is an indispensable tool to screen out the vehicles in poor condition from the rest in fair condition.

This history report is an essential first step, but it's not all that's required, Nigerians need to get used to the idea of professional point of purchase inspections. We always recommend that clients get any vehicles inspected professionally and thoroughly after the history report is deemed to be favourable. We also recommend choosing the right professional for the right job, e.g. A VW specialist for inspection of a Passat after getting the history report.

These steps are just some of the more important to ensure a vehicle in fair condition is purchased, proper maintenance is key to ensure vehicles are in top condition. Proper maintenance is only possible when one knows what maintenance is required, when and how.

Real change and progress is often slow and painstaking.

We recommend good barbecue spots, in the words of the late great Mr Bourdain:

CarGuideNG:


Your observations have great merit Sir, due to a combination of factors and practices, some of which are intentional and others political, a significant proportion of imported used "Tokunbo" vehicles are Salvage vehicles from the US and Canada with all forms of damage, minor and dangerous.

The Nigerian economic situation, the often inflated customs import duty, outdated/inadequate legal framework, general dishonest practices of dealers, general poor expertise, skill or standards of average automechanics, unrealistic expectations of buyers, poor or lack of information or awareness from buyers, are some of the reasons why we seem to be a dumping ground for all kinds of salvaged and damaged vehicles.



From the car dealer that imports the 2010 Toyota Camry above with severe water damage because it cost relatively little to buy, and goes on to sell it to a buyer with promises of zero accidents, zero flood, to the buyer who transfers the funds and buys the vehicle with no history report and independent physical inspection of the vehicle;

From the car owner who drops his car off without any interest in or knowledge about the specifics of the scheduled service/repair, to the service technician at the service station who uses Mobil 20W50 for Engine oil service for the 2010 Toyota Camry;

From the car owner who goes to a service station with visibly underinflated tyres and no idea that right next to him there's a sticker on the car door that clearly spells out the recommended tire pressure, to the vulcanizer who uses outdated and inaccurate equipment to inflate the tires to 40, 50, 52, 40 psi for this 2010 Toyota Camry;

These are all symptoms of the same problem.

A lot of these vehicles would not pass mandatory basic emission testing in the US or Canada, for example in the USA, vehicles severely damaged by flood/water or other types of damage, are often labelled as only for parts, for export and as unrebuildable or unrepairable, which means that according to the law, the car can never be used on the road anywhere in the USA, no matter the degree or extent of repairs carried out.

Until these factors change or are changed, Nigerians will have to do their best to make the most of the circumstances.

For the average Nigerian who sets out to the imported "Tokunbo" market for a vehicle, this starts from having the detailed history about the vehicles you're considering for purchase.

These cars come mostly from Canada and the USA, which have various degrees of history records using the V I N or Chassis Number of the car, which we at CarGuideNG provide for a minor fee for practically all such vehicles, detailing most of the reported history of dangerous damage, the real mileage, theft, and so much more.

It is an indispensable tool to screen out the vehicles in poor condition from the rest in fair condition.

This history report is an essential first step, but it's not all that's required, Nigerians need to get used to the idea of professional point of purchase inspections. We always recommend that clients get any vehicles inspected professionally and thoroughly after the history report is deemed to be favourable. We also recommend choosing the right professional for the right job, e.g. A VW specialist for inspection of a Passat after getting the history report.

These steps are just some of the more important to ensure a vehicle in fair condition is purchased, proper maintenance is key to ensure vehicles are in top condition. Proper maintenance is only possible when one knows what maintenance is required, when and how.

Real change and progress is often slow and painstaking.

We recommend good barbecue spots, in the words of the late great Mr Bourdain:

This is very insightful, you have great writing skills, autojosh needs good writers and original content so apply to him

fp straight Lalasticlala Mynd44 Dominique Marpol

everyone deserves a good suya spot in lagos

sultaan:
I am currently in Lagos, and I have had to reassess my view on the cars on Nigerian roads.

I have stated multiple times that most of the cars exported from US on Nigerian road are salvage. engine sound and suspension is feels different, and all cars have a CEL.

Is is difficult to really diagnose a vehicle from symptoms given by users because a lot of normals is so far away from normal.
Most users will never be able to understand this until they drive on a western roads.

The Camry is still considered the best car by most users , and I do have to agree with this opinion despite the fact that others model/ brands were not given the same level of exposure the Camry got.


By the way I am trying to do some Anthony Bourdain food experience in Lagos could you guys give me 8 spots that makes the best food tour of Lagos. Thanks

Glover court suya spot for food, lekki conservation centre for a serene environment.

mynd44 lalasticlala

antagonist:


This is very insightful, you have great writing skills, autojosh needs good writers and original content so apply to him

fp straight Lalasticlala Mynd44 Dominique Marpol

everyone deserves a good suya spot in lagos

why shldnt autojosh apply to him since autojosh is the one in need ?

sultaan

in whatever you do,make sure you visit white house in yaba

diportivo:
sultaan

in whatever you do,make sure you visit white house in yaba

Someone mentioned that, I was at Javinik place ikeja yesterday, egunsi was on point so I am trying to hit a spot everyday for next 4 days, o have not had suya yet hitting the suya University soon and Ibadan tour on Saturday.

CarGuideNG:
Your observations have great merit Sir, due to a combination of factors and practices, some of which are intentional and others political, a significant proportion of imported used "Tokunbo" vehicles are Salvage vehicles from the US and Canada with all forms of damage, minor and dangerous.

The Nigerian economic situation, the often inflated customs import duty, outdated/inadequate legal framework, general dishonest practices of dealers, general poor expertise, skill or standards of average automechanics, unrealistic expectations of buyers, poor or lack of information or awareness from buyers, are some of the reasons why we seem to be a dumping ground for all kinds of salvaged and damaged vehicles.



From the car dealer that imports the 2010 Toyota Camry above with severe water damage because it cost relatively little to buy, and goes on to sell it to a buyer with promises of zero accidents, zero flood, to the buyer who transfers the funds and buys the vehicle with no history report and independent physical inspection of the vehicle;

From the car owner who drops his car off without any interest in or knowledge about the specifics of the scheduled service/repair, to the service technician at the service station who uses Mobil 20W50 for Engine oil service for the 2010 Toyota Camry;

From the car owner who goes to a service station with visibly underinflated tyres and no idea that right next to him there's a sticker on the car door that clearly spells out the recommended tire pressure, to the vulcanizer who uses outdated and inaccurate equipment to inflate the tires to 40, 50, 52, 40 psi for this 2010 Toyota Camry;

These are all symptoms of the same problem.

A lot of these vehicles would not pass mandatory basic emission testing in the US or Canada, for example in the USA, vehicles severely damaged by flood/water or other types of damage, are often labelled as only for parts, for export and as unrebuildable or unrepairable, which means that according to the law, the car can never be used on the road anywhere in the USA, no matter the degree or extent of repairs carried out.

Until these factors change or are changed, Nigerians will have to do their best to make the most of the circumstances.

For the average Nigerian who sets out to the imported "Tokunbo" market for a vehicle, this starts from having the detailed history about the vehicles you're considering for purchase.

These cars come mostly from Canada and the USA, which have various degrees of history records using the V I N or Chassis Number of the car, which we at CarGuideNG provide for a minor fee for practically all such vehicles, detailing most of the reported history of dangerous damage, the real mileage, theft, and so much more.

It is an indispensable tool to screen out the vehicles in poor condition from the rest in fair condition.

This history report is an essential first step, but it's not all that's required, Nigerians need to get used to the idea of professional point of purchase inspections. We always recommend that clients get any vehicles inspected professionally and thoroughly after the history report is deemed to be favourable. We also recommend choosing the right professional for the right job, e.g. A VW specialist for inspection of a Passat after getting the history report.

These steps are just some of the more important to ensure a vehicle in fair condition is purchased, proper maintenance is key to ensure vehicles are in top condition. Proper maintenance is only possible when one knows what maintenance is required, when and how.

Real change and progress is often slow and painstaking.

We recommend good barbecue spots, in the words of the late great Mr Bourdain:

Some of you guys don't get it do you.
Lots of flooded and salvaged vehicles are sold back into dealerships in the usa their titles are rebuilt..

Most of the vehicles You said are branded as for parts and cant be used in the U.S.A This same vehicles can't be exported because the Us customs don't always accept cars tagged as for parts, and some junk title in some states for export because of no title.
the most popular Title that will get close to export is Floridas certificate of destruction. and just at the name implies most of the time the cars are opposite and fairly average in damage.
There are thousands of flood damaged vehicles with rebuilt title in the states and lots of heavily accident 2017 vehicles that have been repaired in dealerships.
some of the flood low miles or salvage even sell higher than clean titles sometimes.
If you deal with these guys you'd get more enlightened .


Nigeria market is not really ready for clean title.
my reasons.
1. low income
2. High forex
3. importation duties.


Imagine pricing a tokunbo 07 camry for 2.2million naira. which is $6300 usd
in this money dealer will buy , pay auction fees, truck and ship, clear it and also do minor repairs if required.
a clean 07 camry is almost 5k Usd

but if slightly damaged ones are brought in like calculusx examples . this things are possible getting good cars at lower prices.








don't compare nigeria of yesterday with today. many people are aware salvage cars exist but they buy them because deep down they know their money can't buy a clean title. i know many people who knows their way to copart auction but they rather buy from dealer here because its cheaper for them. if an average person goes into importation he will be at a loss. outrageous shipping fées , or late pickup at auction yard with pilling up fees.
only real dealers can buy vehicles and make gain on 03-011 toyota cars.

Forget does millions you see as the price of this cars. Nigerians will price them down and pay almost half of the dealers price .

Note i do not support Severe damage vehicles or cars with deployed airbags. but for a buyer with good réputation. he can import fairly damaged vehicles and help average nigerians and also make profit for himself.

If the dollar exchange was still at 165. you'd have clean titled 2015 camry in the market for about 3m or slightly above. There was once a country indeed.

Readonee35L:

Some of you guys don't get it do you.
Lots of flooded and salvaged vehicles are sold back into dealerships in the usa their titles are rebuilt..

Most of the vehicles You said are branded as for parts and cant be used in the U.S.A This same vehicles can't be exported because the Us customs don't always accept cars tagged as for parts, and some junk title in some states because of no title.
the most popular Title that will get close to exporting us Floridas certificate of destruction. and just at the name implies most of the time the cars are opposite and fairly average in damage.
There are thousands of flood damaged vehicles with rebuilt title in the states and lots of heavily accident 2017 vehicles that have been repaired in dealerships.
some of the flood low miles or salvage even sell higher than clean titles sometimes.
If you deal with these guys you'd get more enlightened .

Nigeria market is not really ready for clean title.
my reasons.
1. low income
2. High forex
3. importation duties.

Imagine pricing a tokunbo 07 camry for 2.2million naira. which is $6300 usd
in this money dealer will buy , pay auction fees, truck and ship, clear it and also do minor repairs if required.
a clean 07 camry is almost 5k Usd

but if slightly damaged ones are brought in like calculusx examples . this things are possible getting good cars at lower prices.

don't compare nigeria of yesterday with today. many people are aware salvage cars exist but they buy them because deep down they know their money can't buy a clean title. i know many people who knows their way to copart auction but they rather buy from dealer here because its cheaper for them. if an average person goes into importation he will be at a loss. outrageous shipping fées , or late pickup at auction yard with pilling up fees.
only real dealers can buy vehicles and make gain on 03-011 toyota cars.

Forget does millions you see as the price of this cars. Nigerians will price them down and pay almost half of the dealers price .

Note i do not support Severe damage vehicles or cars with deployed airbags. but for a buyer with good réputation. he can import fairly damaged vehicles and help average nigerians and also make profit for himself.

If the dollar exchange was still at 165. you'd have clean titled 2015 camry in the market for about 3m or slightly above. There was once a country indeed.

CarGuideNG:

Your observations have great merit Sir, due to a combination of factors and practices, some of which are intentional and others political, a significant proportion of imported used "Tokunbo" vehicles are Salvage vehicles from the US and Canada with all forms of damage, minor and dangerous.

The Nigerian economic situation, the often inflated customs import duty, outdated/inadequate legal framework, general dishonest practices of dealers, general poor expertise, skill or standards of average automechanics, unrealistic expectations of buyers, poor or lack of information or awareness from buyers, are some of the reasons why we seem to be a dumping ground for all kinds of salvaged and damaged vehicles.



Until these factors change or are changed, Nigerians will have to do their best to make the most of the circumstances.

Hello Sir.

We fully grasp and are aware of the situation, we deal with dealers and importers a lot of the time, they make up some of our client base. Many of them are quite honest businesspeople, trying to make an honest living, contrary to how the society sees them sometimes.

Everything you highlighted ,we earlier described as some of the factors leading to the state of the Nigerian car market and industry.

Maybe you didn't understand the post Sir, we explained that low buyer awareness and unrealistic expectations are also contributing factors. We wrote about buyers wanting low mileage without understanding what mileage is all about on another post a while back.

To expatiate further, you mentioned that those same vehicles are rebuilt and sold by dealerships nationwide in the USA, which is quite true;

But you did not go on to explain that vehicles with unrebuildable tag cannot be given a rebuilt tag according to the laws, no matter what repair had been done, that was what we described in the first post.

Of course the economic status of a country will decide the purchasing power of its citizens, we also made that point.

Cars are salvaged for all kinds of reasons, not all are so badly damaged. The essence of the initial explanation was to make buyers understand the car market and know how to go about making a good purchase, which we believe we have done.

diportivo:



why shldnt autojosh apply to him since autojosh is the one in need ?

I the real sense of thing considering the way the roads are and how our people drive it all adds up.

sultaan:
I the real sense of thing considering the way the roads are and how our people drive it all adds up.

Just left Lagos few days ago.... I think the Xterra fits perfectly, not the best looking car and not naija mechanic friendly* but very practical;

White house is past glory.

White house is past glory