How to Buy a Tokunbo Car in Nigeria: A Simple Guide

Essential Steps to Take When You Want to Buy a Tokunbo Car in Nigeria

• Know Your Needs

  Before speaking with any dealer or checking listings online, take a moment to decide why exactly you want a tokunbo car. Ask honest questions like:

  • • What will I mostly use the car for? Is it work, school runs, or travel?
    • How often will I drive? Will it be daily or occasionally?
    • Do I want something simple and reliable, or do I prefer a car that stands out and looks classy?
    • Do I want to settle for a Nigerian-used or tokunbo car?

  Once you're able to identify your needs, it becomes easier to choose a car that fits your lifestyle and not just one for hype or looks.

• Research Car Brand and Model

  After knowing your needs, you'll have to look for a car brand and model that suits your lifestyle.

  If your main goal for getting a car is commuting, you'll need to go for reliable car like the Toyota. For family or long-distance travel, go for something spacious and durable like a Toyota Sienna or Highlander.

  Lastly, if you value comfort and class, you can go for a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz. Before making your final decision, it’s smart to consider how easy it’ll be to maintain the car in Nigeria.

  Some brands can be serviced easily here, while others may need specialists or imported parts.

  You can also ask your mechanic, family, or friends for suggestions; just to get an idea of the brand and model you can consider.

• Plan Your Budget

  

  Sometimes, you might be tempted to start saving for a tokunbo car without doing proper research or identifying your needs. Trust me, doing this can be risky because your budget might end up pushing you to settle for a car you don’t really like.

  To avoid ending up in such situations, it’s best to plan your budget after completing steps one and two. For accurate prices, you can use platforms like Tokunbo.io to find out the price of your preferred car brands and their models.

  The website makes the process easy by offering you a make-model-year filter. This that lets you input the specific car brand, model, and year. It then shows you the available listings and how much each one costs.

  If you already have a spending limit, there’s also a price band filter where you can select the car condition; whether foreign used or Nigerian used, and the exact budget range you have in mind.

  Once you’ve done that, the platform will display a list of cars that match your budget. Still, before making any final decision, it’s smart to ask a trusted mechanic or dealer if the car you’ve chosen is a good fit for your needs and if it’s worth the investment.

  Read More:
  
  Importance of Running a VIN Check
  
  How to Inspect a Used Car
  
  Ways to Properly Test Drive a Tokunbo Car in Nigeria

• Determine Mode of Purchase

  After setting your budget, the next step is to decide how you want to buy your Tokunbo car. Would you be buying through importation or local purchase. Depending on what method you choose, it's important to know that each has its benefits and risks.

  • A. Buying Through Importation

    If you’re importing, you can either handle the process yourself or work with a trusted car dealer and clearing agent.
    
    Importing gives you the advantage of:

    • Better Car Condition: Most cars abroad (especially from the U.S.) are well-maintained.
    • Access to More Options: You can choose specific models, colors, and trims not easily found in Nigeria.
    • Cost-effective: Importing your tokunbo car instead of buying locally can save you up to 5%.

    However, importation comes with additional costs such as shipping fees, customs duties, and clearing charges. All these fees should be part of your budget.

    Also, if you’re importing, always run a VIN check before making full payment. It will reveal important details like accident history, service records, and whether the car was stolen or flooded.
    
    For your VIN check, you can use Tokunbo.io’s vehicle inspector or WhatsApp: +234 913 168 3395.

  • B. Buying Locally (From a Car Lot or Private Seller)

    If you prefer to buy locally, it’s usually faster since you can see the car in person before paying. But that doesn’t mean you should rush. The most important thing is to buy from a trusted source.
    
    Here’s how to go about it:

    • Find a Trusted Dealer or Car Lot: Ask family, friends, or colleagues who’ve recently bought cars to recommend someone reliable. Referrals go a long way in Nigeria because people rarely recommend a dealer they don’t trust. You can also browse verified listings on platforms like Jiji, where cars are from vetted sellers.
    • Ask for the Car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Before you even go to inspect, request the VIN. This number allows you to run a check on the car’s history, including accident history, service record, or if it was ever flooded or stolen abroad.

• Inspect and Test Drive the Tokunbo Car

  

  If you're buying from a lot of visiting the dealer, once you're there and before you make any payment, take time to inspect the car in person and test-drive it. Photos can be deceiving, so seeing it yourself gives you a clearer idea of what you’re buying.

  Ensure to go with a trusted mechanic or someone who understands cars. They’ll help you spot signs of accident repair, repainting, or hidden mechanical issues that may not be obvious.

  Once you’re done with the physical checks, take the car for a test drive. Listen for strange noises, check how the brakes respond, and make sure it drives smoothly on the road.

• Make Payment and Take Your Car Home

  Once you’re satisfied with the car’s condition after inspection and test driving, it’s time to seal the deal. After payment, you should receive the following:

  • Custom Papers (if the car was imported): These are the documents that show the car was cleared at the port. Go through them carefully before you complete your purchase. When going through the papers:

    • Make sure the VIN on the car matches the one on the papers.
    • Confirm that the car was properly cleared at the port. If the car has stayed too long at customs before being sold, that’s a red flag; it might have been driven around without registration.
    • Then to verify the information on the paper, you can use the Nigeria Customs website.

    Seller’s Receipt or Payment Receipt: This is proof of purchase that shows you’re now the legal owner of the car. Ensure the receipt includes the seller’s name, your name, car details, amount paid, and the date of purchase.

Final Thoughts on How to Buy a Tokunbo Car in Nigeria

Now that you’re aware of the steps to take, remember that the key to a successful purchase is not just about the price but about avoiding hidden problems.

If you want extra peace of mind, Tokunbo.io can help you make a smart purchase, from checking prices to running a VIN check.

Run a VIN Check Today