In Nigeria, whenever we want to get a car, we usually think of the Toyota Corolla, Camry, Lexus, and other obvious choices. But sometimes, these popular cars can cost more than we expect. What many people don’t realize is that there are plenty of other good cars out there that might not get as much attention but offer as much as these popular cars.
These underrated cars might not be as famous, but they still offer great features and performance. In this article, we’ll look at seven highly underrated cars that you can get for under 4 million naira in Nigeria. From stylish sedans to practical hatchbacks, these vehicles provide great value for money without compromising on quality. Let’s dive in and explore some of these cars.
- Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra has to be one of the most underrated cars in Nigeria. The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car that is stylish, well-equipped, and efficient. It comes in different models and different trims, including budget-friendly options and more upscale versions. The standard engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 horsepower, but there’s also a more powerful turbocharged 1.4-litre engine available in certain models.
In terms of performance, the Elantra offers a comfortable ride but lacks handling and trunk space compared to some competitors. But the interior is well-designed and easy to use. It also comes with modern infotainment features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Elantra also has really good safety features too. You can get some models of the Hyundai Elantra for about 3.5 million naira.
- Honda Civic
Next is the Honda Civic. This car is another good one that competes with the likes of the Toyota Corolla. The Honda Civic is a small car that’s easy to choose and drive. It comes in different versions, like DX, LX, and EX, each offering different features. There’s even a hybrid and Si model for special needs. The engines range from a 1.8-litre for regular driving to a more powerful 2.0-litre. It’s fuel-efficient too, with some models getting up to 49 mpg in the city. The exterior looks modern and sporty, while the interior is comfortable, though some parts might wear out over time. You can get a Tokunbo Honda Civic for a little above 3 million naira.
- Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a compact car available as a sedan or hatchback, offering unique features. It is that car combines durability with efficiency, having an estimated fuel economy ranging from around 10.6 km/L to 13.9 km/L. This makes it both powerful and cost-effective. With its blend of elegance, versatility, and affordability, the Mazda 3 is an attractive choice for drivers. Moreover, it has a low maintenance cost, making it even more appealing to budget-conscious drivers. You can get a very clean Mazda 3 for about 3 million naira. But yes, this is just another car that is very underrated in Nigeria.
- Kia Cerato
Next is the Kia Cerato. The Kia Cerato is a smart choice for families looking for a reliable and practical car. It has a lot of space in both the boot and cabin. In terms of interior comfort and convenience, the Cerato shines with its good design and thoughtful features. On the road, the Cerato delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. While it may not be a high-performance vehicle, it offers adequate power and responsive handling for everyday driving needs. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine provides enough power to navigate city streets and highways with ease. In addition to its impressive practicality and performance, the Cerato also excels in terms of technology and safety features. You can get a Kia Cerato for less than 3 million Naira.
- Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra may not be your best car, but it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers. Despite its modest price tag, it comes packed with driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking and rear-cross-traffic alert. While its powertrain may not be the quietest and its performance might not be the best, the Sentra’s front-wheel drive and 149-hp four-cylinder engine offer decent fuel economy. It may not offer all-wheel drive like some competitors, but it makes up for it with its handsome design, comfortable front seats, spacious trunk, and great interior overall. You can get a really good tokunbo Nissan Sentra for about 2.5 million naira.
- Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV with seating for seven, although the third row is best suited for kids. While it offers a smooth and quiet ride, its exterior design might not be very great. The base model comes with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers decent fuel economy but lacks power for highway driving. The top-tier GT trim offers a more powerful V-6 engine and standard all-wheel drive, providing better performance but still suffers from excessive body lean in corners. Despite its shortcomings, the Outlander is a value-packed option in its class, especially with its standard third-row seating and available safety features like a rearview camera. You can get a clean Outlander for about 2.7 million naira in Nigeria.
- Toyota Scion tC
The Scion tC is not the most popular car out there. It’s even safe to say the Scion tC is the least popular Toyota car in Nigeria. Toyota stopped making the Scion tC after the 2016 Scion tC model was produced. It features a 179-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, powering the front wheels. While its handling is confident and body motions are well-controlled, it falls behind its rivals in terms of performance. However, the TC offers a spacious cabin, excellent build quality, and a strong reliability record.
The major issue with this car is that the spare parts are very expensive. This is because the spare parts are difficult to get since the car is not very popular in Nigeria. You can get a Tokunbo Toyota Scion tC for about 3.2 million naira.
Conclusion
One of the major reasons why some cars are highly underrated is because of their expensive spare parts that are difficult to find. For instance, the Toyota Scion TC spare parts are hard to come by and cost around 3.2 million naira. Other cars that fall into this category include the Mitsubishi Outlander (2.8 million naira), Nissan Sentra (2.7 million naira), Kia Cerato (under 3 million naira), Mazda 3 (just above 3 million naira), Honda Civic (just above 3 million naira), and Hyundai Elantra (3.5 million naira).
