Looking to get a Nigerian used car in 2024? Here are 7 smart choices you should consider

Nigerian used cars are those that were previously imported and have been used here in Nigeria for a while, or a small percentage, that were bought brand new and the owner has eventually decided to put them up for sale. When you want to buy a car, choosing from the many options available can be overwhelming, especially if you’re opting for a used one. It might be a problem deciding what car to get that will suit your budget and at the same time offer you reliability and practicality.

If you’re looking to get a Nigerian used car, this article serves as a guide to 7 great cars you can get as a Nigerian used car without worrying. Before getting to the cars, let’s explore the pros and cons of getting a Nigerian used car.

Pros of Getting a Nigerian Used Car

• Reduced Cost

Buying a Nigerian used car is far cheaper than buying a new one or a Tokunbo (foreign used). A car’s price typically decreases by roughly 50% once used. You’d most likely get a car that costs about 10 million naira when new for less than 6 million if purchased as a Nigerian used car. Getting a used car allows you to get your dream car without spending a fortune.

• A lower loan amount

If you plan on buying your car with a loan, Because getting a used car is less expensive, it’s easier for you to get a loan. Since you’d be getting a relatively cheap car, you’d also opt for a small loan. Getting a loan that’s not so big makes payments easy too.

• Variety and availability

The Nigerian used car market offers diverse models, brands, and features, giving customers plenty of options to meet their preferences and needs.

• Low cost of registration

When you want to change the license number of your vehicle in Nigeria, you’ll need to pay a small fee. But you can save that cost if you want to keep the existing number.

Cons of Getting a Nigerian Used Car

• Lack of choice

When getting a Nigerian used car, there’s a lack of choice: “I want a black Toyota Corolla.” Well, that’s something you can’t just say in the used car market. Instead, you’d be looking for a good car that fits your budget, regardless of the model. You have to explore a lot to find the perfect vehicle for you. Let’s say, for example, you find a car that has a good engine and suspension but lacks features because it’s a lower variant. On the other hand, you find a higher-variant model that has not been appropriately maintained. Therefore, searching for the perfect blend in the used car market is challenging. You mostly settle for what’s available.

• It could have a short lifespan

When you buy a Nigerian used car, there is a chance that it’s been owned by many people before you, maybe even a dozen or more. Take the 2007–2011 Camry, for example. By the time you get it, it could have had numerous owners in Nigeria and abroad. This means you’re taking a big risk, and the car might not last as long as you’d hoped.

• You could be deceived by how it looks

When you see a Nigerian used car with a clean exterior and interior, it might not be as good as it looks. There’s a high chance over 60% that it’s been fixed up and might need more serious repairs than you think. This is often true for European cars. However, Japanese cars, like Toyota, are usually reliable and can be trusted to last. So, it’s safer to go for those.

• It might be hard to know the real condition of the car

Right now, there’s no reliable database for the history of Nigerian used cars, like Car Reports. This makes it hard to know the real condition of a car before buying it. You have to rely on what the seller or middleman tells you. That’s why it’s crucial to bring a trusted mechanic with you when you’re buying a car, so they can check it out and give you the real scoop.

Seven smart choices of a Nigerian used car you should consider

• Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is really popular in Nigeria because it’s cheap to buy and has a relatively low cost of maintenance. It’s been around since 1966, and it was the best-selling car in the world in 1974. It’s been improved over the years and is still one of the most popular cars globally, especially if you’re looking for a Nigerian used car. Because the Corolla is everywhere, you can easily see the model you want; it leaves you with plenty of options to pick from. Plus, the Toyota Corolla has very good fuel efficiency. But when buying a Nigerian used one, make sure you check it well because sometimes it can have hidden problems. If you’re thinking about which model to get, the 2002 and 2008 are good choices because they’re more comfortable and spacious. People often use these models for services like Uber or Taxify. The prices for used Corollas in Nigeria vary a lot depending on the model, from about 800,000 naira to 5 million naira in 2024. Which is relatively cheap with the prices for cars currently. One thing to watch out for when getting a used Corolla is the shock absorber. But overall, it’s a great choice for a used car in Nigeria. 

• Toyota Camry

In Nigeria, almost every experienced car dealer has a Toyota Camry for sale because Nigerians love this car. Just like the Corolla, it’s really affordable and costs less to maintain compared to other similar cars. But before you buy one, it’s important to have a mechanic check the engine to make sure it’s in good shape. What’s great about both Camrys is that even models dating back to before 2005 are still running strong on Nigerian roads. That’s why they’re among the best cars to use in Nigeria—they’re sturdy and very reliable. It also has comfortable seats and safety features to keep you safe on the road. Plus, it is very fuel-efficient, so you don’t have to spend too much on fuel. You can get a Nigerian used Camry for about 1 million naira to 7 million naira, depending on the model you’re buying.

• Honda Accord

In Nigeria, the Honda Accord is seen as the main competitor to Toyota. One of its key advantages over Toyota is its detailed interior design, which gives a luxurious feel despite being affordable. The dashboard, in particular, stands out and has seen upgrades in recent models. However, a common issue with the Accord is problems with the ball joint and suspension, often due to poor maintenance habits. This is very common with getting a Nigerian-used Accord, so it is important to get a professional to check it before buying it. Regardless of this, it’s still the least expensive Honda model to maintain in Nigeria, making it popular on Nigerian roads. It’s recommended for its fuel efficiency, durability, low maintenance costs, and responsive handling. You can get a Nigerian-used Honda Accord for about $800,000 to $5 million, depending on the model you’re getting. 

• Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is one of the top picks for families in Nigeria because it’s spacious, safe, and handles our roads well. Even older models are trusted for their reliability. It is quite roomy in the back, and the flat floor makes loading stuff easy. Getting a Nigerian used Toyota Highlander is a smart choice if you’re looking to get a Nigerian used car, especially models from 2001 to 2005. The Highlander is perfect for our roads because it’s sturdy and has a good distance off the ground. It’s fuel-efficient too, so you won’t spend too much money on fuel. There are different versions, but the XLE and Limited trims are more popular. The Limited has extra features like a better sound system and leather seats, while the XLE looks sleeker with a moonroof and heated seats. The major problem with getting a Nigerian used Highlander is that they have issues like engine oil leakage, which means the oil can leak out from different parts of the engine. So get it inspected before buying. You can get a Nigerian used Highlander for as little as 2 million naira. The price increases depending on the model.

• Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is known as the go-to family van in Nigeria because it’s spacious, safe, durable, and affordable. Families love it for these reasons, and some even compare its interior space to a living room. It can fit up to eight people in three rows and is fuel-efficient, making it a great choice for a used car, especially if you have or plan to have a family. It’s one of the most popular cars in Nigeria because it’s efficient, easy to maintain, and doesn’t guzzle fuel. Plus, it’s comfortable and has plenty of room. You can easily find spare parts for it, too. In Nigeria, you can get a used Toyota Sienna for at least N1 million.

• Hyundai Elantra

Another car that is a great choice for a Nigerian used car is the Hyundai Elantra. It has a low maintenance cost. It gained popularity in Nigeria for its sleek design, efficient performance, and user-friendly features. It has a low cost of maintenance because its spare parts are available everywhere. The Elantra is good for Nigeria because it uses fuel efficiently, which is good. After all, the price of fuel is relatively high right now. It also has good safety features and modern technology. It’s a stylish and useful car for Nigerian drivers, and it’s not too expensive. You can get a Nigerian-used Elantra for as low as 1.2 million naira or more, depending on the model.

• Honda Civic

The Honda brand is just as good as the Toyota brand. Honda Civics are well-known for their excellent performance, long lifespan, and attractive appearance, which has made them a great option to get even as a Nigerian used car. You can get a Nigerian used Honda Civic for less than 1 million naira. The price might go up depending on the model you’re getting.