Buying a Used Car in Lagos！

سبتمبر 27, 2025
تم نشره بواسطة AnthonyWang

Buying a Used Car in Lagos, Nigeria

For most people in Lagos, buying a brand-new car is a dream. The reality, and the smart choice for many, is the used car market, known locally as "Tokunbo" cars.

YL Automobile will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a used car in Lagos.

We will look at the popular brands, price and how to choose a reliable vehicle.

Part 1: New Cars vs. Used Cars in Lagos

In Lagos, used cars completely dominate the market. It is estimated that for every 1 new car sold, 10 to 15 used cars are sold. This means used cars make up over 90% of all vehicle sales in the city.

Why is this the case? The reasons are simple:

Price: This is the biggest factor. A brand-new Toyota Corolla, for example, can cost millions of Naira. A reliable used model that is just a few years old can be bought for half that price, or even less. For a middle-class family or a small business owner, this price difference is everything.

A used car offers much better value for money. You can get a larger, more comfortable, or more feature-rich car for the same budget by opting for a used model.

Lagos has massive used car markets, with the most famous ones being Berger Auto Market and Ladipo Market. These places are like cities within the city, filled with thousands of cars waiting for new owners.

Part 2: Popular Used Car Brands and Their Price Ranges in Lagos

When you walk through a Lagos used car market, you will see certain brands again and again. The preferences of Lagos drivers are very clear: they want cars that are cheap and easy to be repaired.

The popular Brands:

Toyota: This is the undisputed king of Nigerian roads. They can handle the rough roads of Lagos. Popular models include:

Toyota Corolla: The perfect family sedan.

Toyota Camry: A bit more luxurious and comfortable.

Toyota Hilux: The tough pickup truck for business and bad roads.

Toyota RAV4 and Highlander: Popular SUVs for larger families.

Honda: Honda is a strong competitor to Toyota, especially famous for their smooth and powerful engines. like Honda Accord and Honda Civic.

Lexus: For those who want luxury without the extreme cost of a new European car, a used Lexus is the perfect choice. The Lexus RX 330 and RX 350 are incredibly popular SUVs in Lagos. They offer comfort, style, and the reliable Toyota engineering underneath.

Nissan: Nissan also has a strong presence. Models like the Nissan X-Trail (SUV) and Nissan Altima (sedan) are common and affordable options.

General Price Ranges (Prices can change based on the economy):

Budget Range (₦1.5 Million - ₦3 Million): Here, you will find 2006-2010 models of Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. These are basic, functional cars.

Mid-Range (₦3 Million - ₦6 Million): This is the most active segment. You can find well-maintained Toyota Camrys (2012-2015), Honda Accords (2013-2016), and smaller SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. This is the sweet spot for a balance of comfort, age, and reliability.

High-Range (₦6 Million - ₦10 Million): This range includes newer SUVs like the Lexus RX 350,year from 2010 to 2015. Toyota Highlander, and newer Toyota Hilux models. These cars are for successful business people and professionals.

Luxury Range (₦10 Million and above): This includes newer Lexus models, Mercedes-Benz, and BMWs. The market for these is smaller, but they are still available as used imports.

Part 3: Used Cars from China

Traditionally, most used cars in Nigeria came from Europe and the United States. However, in the last 5-10 years, China has become a major and fast-growing source for used cars. This is a significant shift in the market.

Why are cars from China becoming so popular?

Lower Purchase Price: The biggest advantage is cost. A used car from China can be 10% to 30% cheaper than the exact same model from Europe or America.

Good Condition and Low Mileage: Chinese owners tend to change their cars frequently. Many used cars from China are only 3-5 years old and have relatively low mileage. They are often in very good physical and mechanical condition.

Modern Features: Because the cars are relatively new, they often come with modern features systems, cameras.

Of course, there are challenges. Some people worry about the availability of specific spare parts, the parts is also can be found in Lagos.

Part 4: How to Choose a Good Used Car

Buying a used car can be risky, but if you are careful, you can get a great deal. Follow these steps to protect yourself.

Step 1: Set a Budget and Stick to It.

Decide how much you can afford to spend on the car itself. Remember to keep some extra money (at least 10% of the car's price) for immediate repairs, registration, and insurance.

Step 2: Do Your Research.

Once you have a budget, research which models fit into it. Read online reviews about the car's common problems. For example, if you want a 2014 Honda Accord, search for "common problems with 2014 Honda Accord." This knowledge is power.

Step 3: Find a Reputable Seller.

If you are not an expert, avoid going to the big markets alone. If possible:

Buy from a trusted friend or family member.

Use a reputable car dealer with good reviews.

If you go to Ladipo or Berger, take a trusted mechanic with you (see next step).

Step 4: Hire a Trusted Mechanic.

Do not buy a used car in Lagos without a mechanic.

This is the golden rule. A good mechanic will check things you would never think of. Pay him for his time to inspect the car thoroughly. He will check:

The Engine: For strange noises, leaks, or smoke.

The Transmission: How smoothly the gear changes happen.

The Body: He will look for signs of accident repairs, rust, and uneven paint that suggests the car was badly damaged.

The Suspension: By driving the car over bumps, he can test if the shocks and springs are still good.

The Odometer: To see if the mileage has been tampered with (turned back).

Step 5: Inspect the Car Yourself.

While the mechanic handles the technical parts, you should also check:

Interior Condition: Are the seats torn? Do all the buttons, air conditioning, and windows work?

Test Drive: Drive the car yourself. See how it feels. Does it pull to one side? Do the brakes feel strong?

Paperwork: This is critical! Check the Custom Papers (to confirm it was legally imported) and the Vehicle License. Make sure the chassis number (VIN) on the papers matches the number on the car.

Step 6: Negotiate the Price.

Based on your mechanic's report, you can negotiate the price. If the car needs new tires or brakes, use that to ask for a lower price. Be polite but firm.

Of course, there is a better way to choose used cars - importing from China.

YL Automobile will help you select a used car that meets your requirements based on your budget and preferred brand.

Before vehicles are exported from China, used cars undergo professional testing and come with standard inspection reports.

So please don't worry about the quality of used cars. YL Automobile will assist you in preparing the import and export procedures and provide you with one-stop service.

Conclusion

The used car market in Lagos is vibrant and full of opportunities. It allows millions of people to own a vehicle and improve their lives.

While Toyota and Honda remain the top choices for their reliability. A cheaper, good-quality used cars from China is giving buyers more options than ever before.

The key to a successful purchase is patience and caution.

Set a clear budget and research your preferred models, and hiring a trusted mechanic for an inspection.

Happy car hunting!