How to Buy Your Next Car with Tokunbo.io: A Simple Guide

10 November 2025
SPSifon Philip
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You're ready to buy a tokunbo car, but where do you even start? How do you know if a dealer's price is fair or inflated? How can you tell if that clean-looking car was in an accident before? And who do you trust when everyone's trying to make a sale?

This is where Tokunbo.io helps you out; we give you the tools to research properly. So, keep reading to learn how to buy your next car with Tokunbo.io.

Step-by-Step on How You Can Buy Your Next Car With Tokunbo.io

Before you buy your next car with Tokunbo.io, let's break down exactly how the platform helps you make the smartest decision possible:

  • Step 1: Know Your Needs

    Before worrying about Tokunbo car prices, take a moment to think about what you actually need. Are you looking for a fuel-efficient sedan for daily commutes in Lagos traffic? A spacious SUV for family trips? Or maybe just reliable car that can hold their value better?

    If you aren’t so knowledgeable about cars, you can speak to a trusted dealer, mechanic, or a friend in order to know the options that fit your needs. Once you're able to have the Knowing what you need will help you look for a car that suits your lifestyle.

    • Step 2: Get Detailed Market Insight

      Pricing details comparison table showing Nigerian-used and foreign-used (tokunbo) car price ranges.

      This is where your buying process gets interesting. Instead of guessing what a car costs, you get real data from across Nigeria using Tokunbo.io.

      Let's say you want a 2019 Toyota Avalon or 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

      Here's what Tokunbo.io shows you:

      • A. Prices Based on Make, Model, and Year and by Price Band

        Once your enter your preferred car, you'll instantly see current market prices. If you already decided not to spend above 10 million on any tokunbo car, you can use the price band filter. With this filter, all you have to do is input your budget either ₦5–₦10 million and the car condition whether foreign-used or Nigerian-used.

        Then the prices of the cars that fit your budget will pop up. Some foreign-used cars you can get for ₦5–₦10 million include:

          • Kia RIO 2018
          • Mazda 5 2010
          • Kia PICANTO 2016
          • Toyota AVENSIS 2012
          • Hyundai AVANTE 2014
          • Volkswagen TIGUAN 2015
      • B. Useful Information of Each Car

        For some cars you search on Tokunbo.io some important details like the pros and cons of the car, regions the car is mostly sold. You'll also see information on whether it can be maintained in Nigeria or not and some basic maintenance tips.

        • Compare Tokunbo vs Nigerian-Used Prices

          Should you buy foreign-used (tokunbo) or Nigerian-used? Tokunbo.io shows you the price difference so you can decide if the extra cost for a tokunbo is worth it.

        • Know If You're Getting an Excellent, Fair, or Overpriced Deal

          This feature is gold. Tokunbo.io tells you if the price you're seeing is:

          • Excellent: This means the car price is below market average price.
          • Fair: This is the standard market price.
          • Overpriced: This means the price is above market value.
        • Browse Available Listings

          Once you know the market price, check out the available listings on Tokunbo.io. These are cars that have been inspected and verified, so you can compare real options without driving from dealer to dealer.

        • Compare with the Next Year Model

          Lets say you're wondering if it's worth spending a bit more for the 2016 model instead of the 2015? Tokunbo.io shows you the price difference between consecutive years.

          Sometimes the newer model costs only ₦500,000 more but offers better features and other times, the older model is the smarter buy.

          What Our Tools Help You Do:

          • Know the fair market price before dealers start their pricing games.
          • Negotiate confidently because you have real data to back you up.
          • Choose the right time to buy, especially if prices are falling.

        For example, if a dealer says a Lexus Rx-350 2015 is ₦33 million, but Tokunbo.io shows the average price across Nigeria is ₦31.5 million. You instantly know something’s off. You can either negotiate better or walk away.

        Read More:

        How to Buy a Foreign Used Car

        How to Inspect a Used Car

        Importance of Running a VIN Check

      • Step 3: Run a VIN Check to Avoid Accident Cars

        Damaged 2021 Lexus RX 350 tokunbo car shown in a vehicle history report, highlighting accident damage, VIN number, and detailed auction and ownership records.

        Before you pay for any car, make sure you know its real story. A car might look perfect on the outside, but what if it was once flooded, involved in an accident, or even stolen abroad?

        That’s where Tokunbo.io’s VIN check comes in.

        Simply enter the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), usually found on the dashboard or driver’s door, and our system will instantly pull the car’s full history, including:

          • Accident and repair records
          • Mileage and ownership details
          • Auction and title status (clean, salvage, or rebuilt)
          • Flood or theft records

        But here’s what truly sets Tokunbo.io apart; our AI Summary.

        Instead of scrolling through pages of technical data, the AI Summary instantly breaks down the vehicle’s history into clear, simple insights you can understand at a glance.

        It highlights key risks, red flags, and even gives a quick verdict on whether the car is a good buy or one to avoid.

        So, before you even speak to a dealer, you’ll already know if that car is worth your time or your money. To even make things faster, you can run your VIN check on WhatsApp (+234 913 168 3395.).

      • Step 4: Understand Car Terms Using the Vehicle History Dictionary

        Now, let’s talk about those confusing car terms you’ll often see in reports or hear from dealers, like “salvage title,” “flood damage,” or “rebuilt car.”

        If you’re not a car expert, that’s okay. Our Vehicle History Dictionary translates these technical terms into simple Nigerian English, so you’ll never be lost in dealer talk again.

        Here’s how it helps:

          • When your VIN report says “salvage title,” the dictionary tells you it means the car was once badly damaged and repaired.
          • If it says “flood damage,” you’ll know the car was submerged in water, and you should walk away.
          • If you see “clean title,” that’s your green light, it means no major history issues.

        Together, your VIN report + AI Summary + Vehicle History Dictionary make it easy to understand a car’s history.

      • Step 5: Pay Smart and Close the Deal Confidently

        At this point, you know the market price, checked the VIN, and understood the car’s history. Now it’s time to pay smart.

        Here’s how to wrap up your purchase safely:

          • Negotiate With Data: Use Tokunbo.io’s price insights to guide your negotiations. For example, if a dealer says ₦33 million for a Lexus RX 350 2015, but Tokunbo.io shows ₦31.5 million as the average, you already know where you stand.
          • Only Pay After Reviewing Your AI Summary: Your AI Summary tells you if the car has red flags like flood or salvage history. Don’t skip this, it’s your safety net against bad deals.
          • Confirm Import Papers: Confirm that the VIN on the car matches what's on the import papers. This is only important if you directly imported your car.

      Start Your Research Today — It Only Takes 15 Minutes

      Buying a car doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With Tokunbo.io, you can check prices, compare models, and run a VIN check, all in one place.

      In just 15 minutes, you’ll have the right data and AI insights to shop smarter. With confidence and clarity, you can buy your next car with Tokunbo.io and know you’re getting real value for your money.

      A little research today could save you millions tomorrow, and help you drive home happy.

      Run a VIN Check Today

      Frequently Asked Questions

      FAQ

      What Is Tokunbo.io, and How Does It Help Me Buy a Tokunbo Car?

      What’s a VIN Check, and Why Should I Do One?

      How Does the Vehicle History Dictionary on Tokunbo.io Work?

      Can I Use Tokunbo.io Even If I’m Not an Expert in Cars?