You finally find the car you’ve been searching for. It looks clean, the interior is well kept, the engine sounds good, and the seller is already telling you, “Oga, this one is clean. You won’t have any problem with it.”
The price is also tempting.
You’re already calculating how much you need to transfer.
But before you make that payment, take a step back.
A good-looking Tokunbo can still come with a history you know nothing about. Before your money leaves your account, here are five things worth checking.
1. Check the Vehicle History
This should be one of the first things you do—not the last. A vehicle may look perfect today, but what happened to it before it got into the Nigerian market?
A Vehicle History Report (VHR) can help you uncover available records about the vehicle’s past, including accident history, salvage records, title information, odometer records and other important events. The VIN gives you access to the vehicle’s story.
If you’re spending millions on a car, isn’t it worth spending a few minutes checking what you’re actually buying?
2. Check the VIN Carefully
Don’t just collect the VIN and immediately make payment. Check that the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on the documents and the report you’re reviewing. The VIN is a unique identifier for the vehicle, so getting the correct number is important. A wrong VIN means you could end up checking the history of a completely different vehicle.
Take your time. Check it carefully.
3. Look Beyond the Shiny Exterior
A freshly polished vehicle can be very convincing. New paint, clean seats and a spotless interior can make an older vehicle look almost brand new. But don’t let the appearance make the decision for you. Look for signs of previous repairs, unusual panel gaps, mismatched paint, damaged components or anything that doesn’t seem right.
And if you’re not confident inspecting the vehicle yourself, bring along a trusted mechanic.
4. Take the Test Drive Seriously
Don’t treat the test drive as a quick trip around the street. Pay attention to how the vehicle starts, accelerates, brakes and handles. Listen for unusual sounds and watch the dashboard for warning lights.
A test drive won’t reveal everything, but it can help you notice things that deserve further inspection.
5. Check Before You Transfer the Money
This is the one many buyers rush. The seller says another person is interested. You’re told the price may increase tomorrow. Suddenly, you’re under pressure to pay immediately. Don’t let urgency make the decision for you.
Before transferring your money, combine your physical inspection with a Vehicle History Report. Your mechanic can tell you about the vehicle’s current condition, while the VHR can help you understand its recorded history.
Together, they give you a much clearer picture.
That “Cheap Deal” Could Become Expensive
Nobody wants to buy a Tokunbo today and start looking for a mechanic tomorrow. You don’t have to know everything about cars to make a smarter purchase. You simply need to ask the right questions and take the right steps before paying. A few minutes spent checking the vehicle’s history could save you from unexpected repairs, disappointment and a very expensive mistake.
So before you say, “Oya, send account details,” pause.
Check the VIN. Check the vehicle. Check the history. Then decide.
Ready to check your Tokunbo? Get your Vehicle History Report from AutoVIN and know more about the vehicle before you pay.
