Buying a used car in Lagos - tokunbo, Nigerian-used and the papers

Most cars sold in Lagos are used. They come in two kinds, and the papers matter as much as the engine.

Tokunbo or Nigerian-used

• Tokunbo — “foreign-used” — cars were imported used and have not been registered or driven in Nigeria before. They cost more and tend to be in better condition.
• Nigerian-used cars have already been registered and driven here. They are cheaper, and have met Lagos roads and fuel.

Importing a car

Inspect before you pay

• Take a mechanic you trust, not one the seller recommends
• Check the VIN on the car matches the papers, everywhere it appears
• Look for flood damage: rust under the seats, damp carpets, a smell of mould, water lines in the boot. Flooded cars are sold on cheaply
• Test drive in traffic and on a good road
• Run a diagnostic scan for stored faults

The papers

A car without proper papers can be seized, and you lose it.

• For a tokunbo car, the Customs duty papers showing duty was paid. Customs can verify them; ask the dealer to show you how.
• For a Nigerian-used car, the proof of ownership, the current vehicle licence and the seller’s ID matching the owner’s name.
• A receipt and a written sale agreement, signed by both of you, with the VIN, the price and the date.

Dealing with the police

Transferring it

Transfer the registration into your name at the Lagos motor licensing office promptly, get your own vehicle licence and insurance, and keep every document in the car and copies at home.

Paying

Pay into an account in the seller’s or the dealership’s name, after the papers check out. Do not pay cash in a car park to someone you met online.

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