The market for used cars in Nigeria is flourishing, especially as many citizens find brand-new vehicles to be prohibitively expensive.
To adapt to the tough economic climate, civil servants, traders, and professionals are increasingly relying on used cars, known locally as Tokunbo, for their everyday transportation.
At present, Nigeria's annual new car sales are estimated to be less than 30,000 units, while the used car market exceeds one million units.
This significant disparity highlights the rapid growth and prevalence of the pre-owned vehicle market.
The situation has been worsened by rising inflation, currency pressures, and the high costs associated with vehicles.
Currently, the most affordable new cars are priced at over N30 million, making them inaccessible for the majority of Nigerians.
Additionally, the high costs of auto financing remain largely unattainable.
However, potential buyers should be wary, as many of the appealing vehicles on display may not be as they seem.
Often, beneath their polished surfaces lie various manipulations intended to enhance their attractiveness and profitability for dealers.
Here are 10 common strategies that used car dealers employ to hide defects and maximize their profits:
1. Mileage manipulation:
Some dealers adjust odometers to show lower mileage. Cars that have traveled more than 200,000 kilometers may be reset to below 100,000 to appear less used and command higher prices.
2. Engine and gearbox repairs: Vehicles with faulty engines or gearboxes are quickly repaired—sometimes with subpar parts—before being sold, leading to costly repairs for buyers shortly after purchase.
3. Poor accident repairs: Accident-damaged vehicles are refurbished, but often without the proper tools or expertise, leading to safety risks due to poorly handled structural damage.
4. Flood-damaged vehicles:
Some imported cars have been severely affected by floods in their countries of origin. Although cleaned and polished, they often develop electrical and engine issues shortly after purchase.
5. Cosmetic repainting:
Cars are repainted to look new, but underneath may be rust, filler, and poorly repaired bodywork. Minor impacts can cause panels to fall apart.
6. Tyre substitution:
Dealers may replace quality tyres that come with imported vehicles with worn-out ones, selling the originals separately for profit.
7. Steering conversion risks: Right-hand drive vehicles are illegally converted to left-hand drive, often poorly executed, with signs like abnormal wiper configurations.
8. Removal of catalytic converters: The expensive catalytic converter is often removed and replaced with a plain pipe, which reduces engine efficiency and increases emissions.
9. Battery swaps:
Original batteries are swapped for weak or nearly dead ones, forcing buyers to replace them shortly after purchase.
10. Fault masking through battery disconnection:
Some dealers disconnect the battery to temporarily reset dashboard warning lights, such as the check engine or ABS indicators, which typically reappear after the vehicle has been driven away.
Prospective buyers are strongly advised to conduct thorough inspections, preferably with trusted mechanics, before purchasing any used vehicle.
A careful check today can prevent costly regrets tomorrow.
(Source: Vanguard Newspapers)
Post a Comment