₦airaland Forum

Hi guy, just wondering what are the major things to check when buying a naija used car, preferably clean car. I will appreciate your insight

Well let me give U the tips I look out for.. Basically everything boils down to what U see wen U go for physical inspection. Afta verifying the authenticity of the ownership, the major things I look out for in no particular order are;

1. Body- If I'm buying a first body Nigerian used car, I want to b sure the body is actually first body and hasn't been panel beated and filled with fillers before repeating

2. Engine- I want to inspect the engine to b sure it has not been opened or worked on before. The nuts or bolts or keys sealing the engine would easily show if it has been opened before. Dats all the evidence U need to know if the engine's been worked on.

3. Interior- I check to see if the interior is beginning to fall apart or still looks in gud shape and only jus requires proper cleaning or little work. The condition of the interior and engine determines how the car has been used to me..

4. Movement- U need to take the car for a little drive. While driving observe how the engine revs, how the gears change and how smooth the engine sounds. Also b on the look out for any abnormal noises from the engine. Other issues are easily fixable issues but once it relates to the engine and gearbox, I no gree.

Nbotee:
Well let me give U the tips I look out for

Please do

Nbotee:
Well let me give U the tips I look out for.. Basically everything boils down to what U see wen U go for physical inspection. Afta verifying the authenticity of the ownership, the major things I look out for in no particular order are;

1. Body- If I'm buying a first body Nigerian used car, I want to b sure the body is actually first body and hasn't been panel beated and filled with fillers before repeating

2. Engine- I want to inspect the engine to b sure it has not been opened or worked on before. The nuts or bolts or keys sealing the engine would easily show if it has been opened before. Dats all the evidence U need to know if the engine's been worked on.

3. Interior- I check to see if the interior is beginning to fall apart or still looks in gud shape and only jus requires proper cleaning or little work. The condition of the interior and engine determines how the car has been used to me..

4. Movement- U need to take the car for a little drive. While driving observe how the engine revs, how the gears change and how smooth the engine sounds. Also b on the look out for any abnormal noises from the engine. Other issues are easily fixable issues but once it relates to the engine and gearbox, I no gree.

If you find a Nigerian used car that ticks all those parameters you mentioned above, then it's most likely stolen. What you are describing will cost close to a foreign used one.

oride:
If you find a Nigerian used car that ticks all those parameters you mentioned above, then it's most likely stolen. What you are describing will cost close to a foreign used one.

Dat U are getting a Nigerian used car doesnt mean U have to pay for jus about anything U com across. Nigerian used cars com in grades and ur budget will determine which of those criteria U are willing to manage. The essence of checking up those things are to b sure of what U are getting into before going ahead with the purchase. It doesnt need to tick all the boxes but if it cant tick most of it den it's a waste of money

Nbotee:
Dat U are getting a Nigerian used car doesnt mean U have to pay for jus about anything U com across. Nigerian used cars com in grades and ur budget will determine which of those criteria U are willing to manage. The essence of checking up those things are to b sure of what U are getting into before going ahead with the purchase. It doesnt need to tick all the boxes but if it cant tick most of it den it's a waste of money

I believe we are saying the exact same thing.

I addition to the points above, some observations I note

1. If the engine/gear has been worked on or is bad, if the engine is too spick and span, if screws show some wear. It's a deal-breaker and I'll have to confirm the cost of a new one plus labor and deduct from the asking price. Oh, check for the engine seats too, those things can be annoying but are cheap fixes anyway.

2. A common problem on Nigerian used cars is the shocks. They are always bad but when it is past the shocks to the ball joints and control arm. Red flag! It can cost you more than you assume. Besides, I hate squeaky cars.

3. Interior: A quick deal-breaker for me. You see, fixing a car interior perfectly is next to the last thing you can do perfectly. Forget all the refurbishing you see online, nothing compares to the factory fitted leather or upholstery. Cracked dashboard, split chair leather, torn floor carpet. Bye-bye

4. Rust: Quick turn around. When the rust has started poking holes in a car's bodywork, it's approaching irredeemable. Get ready for a car that pours whenever it rains

5. Electricals. I don't know but for me that one aspect of science that confuses me a lot. When I see cut and join or black tape everywhere, or a noisy radiator fan, I ask questions. If I don't get a satisfactory answer. Hmm. You know the rest.

6. Leaks: FInd out the spot where the car was parked and check for leakages. You also need to determine the kind of fluid seeping through. Transmission fluid, engine oil, radiator coolant etc

7. Chassis: Open up the floorboard in the trunk and check for 'wrinkles' in the body shell. Check the chassis in front of the radiator as well. a friend once used his car to tow another car and along the way, his car literally detached between the rear seats and the boot.

8. Tyres: They can be worn no problem, but check for thread wear, is it worn on one side, along the middle, both edges? They all mean different things. A car with a bad axle is bad news.

9. Of course do your research about the specific car you want to buy before an inspection

and most importantly, check vehicle papers. May we not buy stolen property

Sludge. One thing you can't discover in a Nigerian used car until you've paid for it. I saw this today at a total station. The vvt was having issues.
The next buyer won't know what 20w50 has done to this engine.

Look at the wonders of sludge in naija used cars

Nbotee:
Well let me give U the tips I look out for.. Basically everything boils down to what U see wen U go for physical inspection. Afta verifying the authenticity of the ownership, the major things I look out for in no particular order are;

1. Body- If I'm buying a first body Nigerian used car, I want to b sure the body is actually first body and hasn't been panel beated and filled with fillers before repeating

2. Engine- I want to inspect the engine to b sure it has not been opened or worked on before. The nuts or bolts or keys sealing the engine would easily show if it has been opened before. Dats all the evidence U need to know if the engine's been worked on.

3. Interior- I check to see if the interior is beginning to fall apart or still looks in gud shape and only jus requires proper cleaning or little work. The condition of the interior and engine determines how the car has been used to me..

4. Movement- U need to take the car for a little drive. While driving observe how the engine revs, how the gears change and how smooth the engine sounds. Also b on the look out for any abnormal noises from the engine. Other issues are easily fixable issues but once it relates to the engine and gearbox, I no gree.

Thanks for your contribution so far

But, can going with a mechanic for inspection help in getting some of this checked. Because I’m new to most of this

The first thing i check when buying naija used car is thermostat, because many cars in naija dont have thermostat.

Go with a scanner too.