This article on 12 tips to consider when buying tokunbo cars in Nigeria has been one of the most researched topic online because no one wants to make mistakes. We saw this need and decided to compile this article for you. If you are looking to buy a new or tokunbo car from U.S.A here in Nigeria, then you have arrived at the right article. Below are things to give real attention while trying to buy a car from overseas here in Nigeria.
1. Have a Budget
The budget you set for the foreign used car you want to buy includes cost of the car, registration, insurance and general car maintenance cost. Is the car you are buying for business or private use? This is to avoid the mistake of buying a car that you cannot maintain.
Therefore, buy a car that you can fuel and maintain without going broke. Look for something affordable that you can maintain with ease.
2. Employ the Service of a Specialist
Getting a specialist to help you check the used car you want to purchase is worth considering, and not just any roadside mechanic. You can pay the specialist to do a thorough job for you. Let the specialist inspect the engine, the exhaust system, transmission, the cooling system, and more.
3. Make a Good Choice
Now that you have determined what type of car you want to buy and what you want to use it for, you can also choose by body type, make or price (As an advance search option). And make sure you consider the location of the vehicle to know whether you are capable of transporting it to your destination.
It is true that when you want to buy a car you would like to jump for the model you cherish most; but you should first consider the type of roads we have in Nigeria whether your car can freely move on them. You need to also consider the availability of spare parts and the cost of the car. You may like a particular type of car but that car may be too expensive for you, considering the country’s economic set back.
Some old model cars cannot give you what you want in a car, so look for a car that is up to date when you want to buy a car. Go for a cheap and nice car that will give you what you want; and never buy a car on distress sale unless you know that car very well and candidly believe that you can handle the car and enjoy every bit of it.
4. Contact the Dealership
You will have to contact the car seller for negotiation and inspection. Ensure you inspect the vehicle you are buying thoroughly before making payment.
5. Check the VIN
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, which you need to check to know whether the vehicle you are about to buy is a stolen one or it has some bad history. www.carfax.com will be of help.
6. Demand Original Custom Papers
Verify the custom papers of the vehicle by simply contacting any Nigerian Customs Service Command and ensure they are original and complete before making transactions. Get a purchase receipt too.
7. Seek Permission for Test Running
You need to seek the seller’s permission to test run the vehicle before making payment. This will help you to know the vehicle you are buying.
8. Find out the date the Car you want to buy was imported, and if there is Any Accident History.
The car dealer may not voluntarily tell you if the car you want to purchase has been involved in an accident before importation, but you need to ask those questions to know the accident history of your dream car.
9. What is the Resale Value of the Car You Want to Buy?
It is very essential to know the resale value of the car you wish to buy if you need something you will use for just a short period of time. Don’t go for a car that will easily decrease in value as the years go by, but go for something you can sell for a substantial amount of money in a few years to come. The secondhand value of your car matters a lot because you can sell it out any time you wish to.
10. Buy from a trusted dealership.
You can buy a foreign used car from a known or unknown car dealer, or even online. But remember that there are many fake ads and fraudulent sites that are set up for the purpose of duping you. Don’t buy from a relatively unknown dealer.
11. Pay for the Car
Make sure you negotiate well with the dealership before making payment. If possible, ask other dealers and compare prices to know who sells cheaper. Make sure that any foreign used car you buy is in perfect condition especially when it is cheaper than you can imagine. And as you are ready for purchase, it is wise to pay by cheque or use electronic means to transfer the money, instead of paying in cash.
12. Have one of your trusted friend/family witness the transaction.
Make your car transaction in public place with one or two witnesses present. This will help you in future to avoid any case that may burst.
Conclusively, buying cars involve a huge amount of money and as a result, buyers should take their time to ensure they buy a sound or good one.
Don’t buy a stolen vehicle — which can be possible when you do not run a thorough inspection before placing an order.
We know how daunting it might be while trying to avoid these mistakes. CARMAX MOTORS will provide the help you need to buy your dream car from the U.S. Reach out to us and we will get your car delivered to you in no time. Contact us now