Dreaming of owning a car in Nigeria? You’re not alone! A car isn’t just a luxury here; it’s necessary, making life smoother amidst the hustle and bustle. But let’s be honest: given the current state of the economy, purchasing a new car may seem like a dream that’s not within your reach. That’s why we’d most often opt for a pre-owned car.
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Affordable and accessible. Opting for a used car means getting behind the wheel of your dream ride without emptying your wallet. But is it the right move? This article will explore the good and bad sides of buying a used car in Nigeria.
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The pros of buying a pre-owned Car
- Cost-efficient
Buying a pre-owned car is far less expensive than buying a new one. A car’s price typically decreases by roughly 50% once used. You’d most likely obtain an automobile that typically costs 10 million naira when new for less than 6 million if purchased pre-owned. Pre-owned vehicles allow you to get your dream car without breaking the bank.
- Lower loan amount
Because getting a pre-owned car is more cost-efficient, 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 payment easy too.
- Low insurance premium
Getting insurance for your car, new or pre-owned, is always advisable. Getting insurance for a pre-owned vehicle is less expensive because the previous owner paid the high premiums when the vehicle was new. You can now quickly pay lower premiums because the car’s IDV (Insured Declared Value) is lower than before.
- Variety and availability
Nigeria’s pre-owned automobile market offers diverse models, brands, and features, giving customers plenty of options to meet their preferences and needs.
Cons of buying a used car
- Limited Warranty Coverage
Pre-owned vehicles usually have limited or no warranty coverage at all. This exposes the driver to any costly repairs or maintenance that arise soon after the purchase. This is the biggest issue with purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
- Higher Interest Rate
As previously stated, purchasing a pre-owned vehicle results in a lower loan amount. However, there is a catch: banks and loan providers typically charge a higher interest rate on used car loans than new ones. They need to earn more, so here’s the catch. You can save on the principal amount but not on the interest rate.
- Lack of choice
When getting a pre-owned car, to an extent, there’s a lack of choice: “I want a black Toyota Corolla”. Well, that’s something you can’t make 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing a pre-owned car in Nigeria offers significant cost savings, lower loan amounts, and reduced insurance premiums, making it a viable option for many. However, it’s essential to consider the limited warranty coverage, higher interest rates, and the lack of specific model choices when opting for a used vehicle. Despite these drawbacks, the variety and availability in Nigeria’s pre-owned automobile market provide ample opportunities for buyers to find a suitable vehicle that meets their needs and budget.
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