Buying a used car? Key checks every buyer should make

Buying a car in Nigeria today comes with a lot of considerations, especially as the new car market is increasingly becoming out of reach for many Nigerians due to the huge gap between their earnings and high car prices, worsened by import duties and FX.

These issues and more have priced Nigeria’s middle class out of the new-car segment, pushing them into the used car (tokunbo) market, which is still considered a luxury for most buyers.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria imported N284 trillion used vehicles with diesel or semi-diesel engines, with cylinder capacities> 2,500, in the first quarter of 2026, recording the highest imports in over a decade.

The data also showed that Nigeria imported N552.3 million passenger motor cars in the same quarter, reflecting the rising demand for used cars.

Read also: Nigeria’s middle class wanted better cars. The naira had other plans

As the tokunbo market continues to expand, many buyers are at risk of purchasing cars with bad histories that are later refurbished and sold as foreign or locally used vehicles.

According to Vincent Okeke, co-founder of LegitCar Africa, about 98 percent of all car sales are used cars, and over 70 percent of them have accident histories, high mileage, or both, noting that in the past few decades, Nigeria has been the destination for vehicles with accident histories and high mileage.

Ayodeji Alao, founder of Rehoboth Auto Connect, told BusinessDay that rising car prices factor in the demand for used cars.

Alao said that the naira’s devaluation and Nigeria’s broader economic decline have severely reduced purchasing power, forcing many buyers to compromise on quality simply to afford transportation.

“People still need to move from point A to point B, and when a sound vehicle is out of reach, they turn to Nigerian-used cars or cheaper Chinese imports, each carrying their own significant risks.

“The real danger lies with vehicles that are not correctly restored. Unresolved structural damage is a silent killer; it compromises vehicle integrity and has directly contributed to accidents and fatalities on Nigerian roads,” he said, noting that a flood vehicle that is not properly remediated will eventually suffer catastrophic electrical failure.

These car dealers, however, noted that having an independent pre-purchase inspection before buying a used car is one of the best decisions any car buyer can make because it gives them an idea of the state of the vehicle and saves them a lot of hidden costs.

In no particular order, here are key checks every buyer should make before committing to a purchase.

Engine condition

Every buyer must make sure they check the condition of the car engine, which is also known as the heart of the car.

Start the car and listen carefully for any strange sounds or loud vibrations. Check the smoke. Black smoke, white smoke, and blue smoke indicate a fuel issue, engine problem, and oil burning (big red flag), according to BALUSCars.

VIN history

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code that acts as a car’s fingerprint.

Always request a VIN check when buying a car; it is your most powerful tool for verifying the vehicle’s true identity, checking its background, and avoiding fraud.

Gear performance

The automatic gear should shift smoothly with no jerking, while the manual clutch should not be too hard, and any delay when shifting is a warning sign.

Pay attention to shift timing. The engine should not rev excessively high before changing gears (which indicates slipping)

Body & accident history

Car buyers are advised to check for mismatched paint panels (a common indicator of accident repair), alignment of doors, boot, bonnet, and open the hood to check for welding signs.

Look out for water stains, rust beneath carpets, or a persistent musty odor (classic flood damage indicators)

Mechanic inspection and test drive

No matter how clean a car looks, involve a trusted mechanic and also drive it yourself. Test acceleration, braking, and listen closely.

The car brake should respond instantly without shaking or screeching sounds

Electrical components

Electrical faults are common and expensive to fix. Ensure the lights, AC, dashboard, and sensors are tested.

A hidden electrical problem, like a failing alternator or an unresolved short circuit, can drain your battery, cause the engine to misfire, or prevent the car from starting.

While the used-car market offers a more affordable path to vehicle ownership, experts say informed decision-making remains the best safeguard against fraud, hidden defects, and unexpected maintenance costs. They urge prospective buyers to prioritise due diligence over price alone when making a purchase.