Land is a major medium of transportation in Nigeria. There are other mediums like air and water, but these other channels of transportation are not the most used or patronized. I couldn’t help taking notice of the number of cars that ply our roads daily, increasing by the hour.

With the traffic laws that have placed a ban on motor bikes (A.K.A Okada) and the ripple effect it has on the masses, car sales have been on the increase; used cars to be precise. It’s very normal for humans to look at the next available means of survival; we are all wired to adapt to change, it’s just natural to cling to comfort. This question hits my mind, why used cars?

Used cars are cheaper (purchasing price) compared to brand new cars. Insurance is also cheaper on used cars, and used cars are more dependable than ever before compared to the last decades. In addition, they offer bigger bargains (prices are not fixed so bargaining power can help one save money).

In Nigeria today there are lots of car dealers across the 36 states. When purchasing a used car these are some basic tips you should know; the  year, make, model, mileage, transmission (whether it’s an automatic or manual) of the car. This can be done off and online, depending on the car dealer.

You will also find the following tips below very vital.

Tips on how to buy used cars in Nigeria.

1. Research

Research is essential, it gives one an idea of what is out there (in the car market). It’s important to have a thorough look at what’s out there before buying a used car. Check the retail price of the car you intend to buy online to get an idea of a model’s current market price. You can check local newspapers or visit various car dealer shops to confirm this in person. A lot of people don’t really do background checks before a purchase is made, this is where the following come into play- the brand (make), model and transmission (Manual or Automatic). Also what is the brand known for? Is it durability, efficiency, luxury or fuel economy?

2. Set a Budget

Drafting a budget out is as important as any other tip mentioned. Budget includes the following; cost of the car, registration, insurance and general car maintenance cost. Your budget determines the kind of car and what purpose it stands for- is it going to be used for business or private?

3. Find your car choice

This could be very demanding because it entails a lot of details, like car location. In Nigeria we have over 35 states, so location is essential when buying a used car because nearness to the source of market helps one to access the model, age and general state of the car including its present condition. Seeing what you are buying first hand creates a room for choice and other preference that follows. You can find cars by body type, make or price-it all depends on your taste, the one that suits you most.

4. Contact a dealer

If you check the car segment on www.connectnigeria.com you will find number and addresses of car dealers depending on the car choice you must have selected. So why delay? Reach out, call, make lots of enquiries about the car of your choice, ask of the date of manufacture, state and general condition of the car. After this questions and answer session, book an appointment with his/her car shop.

5. Verify the V.I.N (Vehicle Identification Number)

Ask for the V.I.N and do a little background check to know if the car has some illegalities, was stolen or has been impounded. The V.I.N helps one to see the history of the car, so ask your dealer for it.

6. General inspection and test drive

This aspect is also key, general inspection makes you see the state of the car and whether it’s in a perfect condition (the bonnet, interior, the engine, tyres, underneath the car, bumper, fender etc). A test drive is important, if you can’t drive, take an expert along (a mechanic preferably), someone that has a wide knowledge of cars. A test drive is the real deal; it brings the car to life. Drive on as many different roads as possible, use all the gears if it’s a manual car, and check the gear change to see if the transmission is fluid. So from transition you can pass your judgment and conclude-to buy or not to buy?

7. The 3P’s (Price, Payment and Paperwork)

One of the benefits I emphasised in buying a used car is bargains; the prices are not fixed, so bargaining skills come into play here- negotiate well- as long as it’s not fixed you can bargain to favour your budget. Payment is very sensitive, trust is very key when it comes to business. As for me cash won’t be advisable, electronic transfer in our modern day is always the best, because before payment verification of account name will be done which will reflect dealer’s business name and all that follows. Do not pay for a car if the points mentioned above have not been checked. Confirm originality of papers, because these days original documents can be easily forged. Make sure you confirm originals of documents before you make any payment. Make sure all papers are up to date, because ignorance or negligence will lead to extra overhead cost.

Even though buying a new a car is always preferable, that state of the economic pushes one to settle for the closest option. Even then you can still make the best of it-  be prudent, apply these tips and you will definitely get a good deal.

South Korea’s fourth largest auto-maker, SsangYong has launched new models of Sport Utility Vehicles in Nigeria. The brands – Rexton, Actyon and Kyron Sports – will be available in the Nigerian, by Stallion Motors. Stallion Motors is an authorized dealer for auto-brands in Nigeria, and it has added SsangYong to that list.

Speaking at the ceremony that made this partnership known, the Marketing Director of SsangYong Nigeria, Mr. Jatin Nadkarni, said: “Stallion Motors is to this end offering fresh incentives that include free maintenance package of two years/60,000 kms, (whichever comes earlier) to all customers that purchase SsangYong vehicle from now till December 31, 2012”

The Nigerian Agency in charge of road safety, FRSC – Federal Road Safety Corp, has warned road users to be heedful of safe driving at this end of the year period. A senior official dismissed the ‘myth’ of more accidents at the end of the year, attributing it to reckless driving. A few weeks ago, the FRSC released statistics on road accidents at the first half of this year, stating that 1,936 persons lost their lives. It is a 12.7% reduction, from the 2,218 deaths that occurred at the same period in 2011.

Figures so far in 2012, is different from 2010 and 2011. In 2010 there were 5,330 deaths and 18,095 injuries from accidents; in 2011, there were 4,065 deaths and 17,464 injuries. In 2009, 4,120 persons lost their lives, while 20, 975 people were injured, in accidents involving 11,031 vehicles. In 2008, 6,661 deaths occurred, and 27,980 injuries which shows that the numbers have been going down as the years go by.

This year, the FRSC hopes that the number of accidents will be reduced if drivers heed to the rules of the ride and drive carefully.

Step 1: You will attend an accredited driving school for training. This, depending on their schedule, may take up to three weeks.

A list of accredited driving schools can be seen from the link: https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org/pages/drivingSchool

Step 2: The Driving school will then present you to Vehicle Inspection Officers – VIO – at the office for driving test

Step 3: After the driving test, if you pass, you will be issued a Certificate of Proficiency by VIO.

Step 4: Then, you go to the Driver License Center, DLC, to obtain a form and a bank teller. The form can also be obtained online www.nigeriadriverslicence.org you will print out the form, as you can also obtain the bank teller at the bank. Driver’s License Centers are found in FRSC offices in the states, a list can be obtained from the Unit Commands.

Step 5: Payment to obtain the license can be paid for online or at any of the designated banks; First Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, Skye Bank, Sterling Bank, etc.

Step 6: Present your form and evidence payment to the Board of internal Revenue Officer or VIO at the DLC for endorsement

Step 7: Meet the Federal Road Safety Corps Officer at the DLC for Biometric Data Capturing.

Step 8: Return the day after, for your temporary driver’s license, valid for 60 days, while the plastic license is developed, and you will be informed by SMS when it is ready for collection.

Credit: green.thefuntimesguide.com

“A hybrid car is a car which can run on two or more fuel sources.”

Basically are two different types of hybrids: the Gas powered money savers and the Electric cars. The gas version model is actually driven by a unique specialized gas engine while the electric hybrid includes a chargeable battery, just the way you remote control the toy cars you possessed as a child.

Hybrid cars are basically cars that use two or more sources of power for locomotion. While a car with internal combustion engine is powered by gasoline (fuel) and an electric car is powered by high-voltage batteries on board, a hybrid car uses both – gasoline (fuel) and batteries, for the same. Though most of the hybrid variants in production today use the combination of internal combustion engine (ICE) and a battery operated electric system for power generation, there are some hybrid vehicles which are powered by alternative sources such as liquid nitrogen, solar power, etc. Hybrid cars have become quite popular over the last few years, such that they are being pitched as the best replacements for conventional cars which are ill–famed for their effects on the environment

These facts about hybrid cars can help you make an informed decision whether to go for a hybrid car.

 Hybrid Cars Pros and Cons

The technology behind hybrid cars are environmental friendly that need not necessarily mean it will be ideal for you. The high cost incurred in production of hybrid vehicles happens to be a major drawback of this technology. If low emissions can make you opt for a hybrid car, the price factor can make you reconsider the same.

Hybrid Cars Pros

Environment Friendly 

By far, the biggest benefit of using hybrid cars is your contribution to the environment. Conventional cars are notorious for the environmental pollution they cause by releasing harmful greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, into the atmosphere. By using environment-friendly hybrid cars, which boast of low emissions, you actually keep a check on the damage caused to the environment. The plug-in hybrids are considered to be the best as they use electrical system as the primary source of power, while internal combustion engine is used as a backup for electrical system.

Efficient Use of Resources

The price of crude oil in the international market has increased manifolds owing to the ever-increasing demand and limited supply of the same. This, in turn, has resulted in Fuel, as well as other products obtained from crude oil, becoming a lot more expensive than what they were a decade ago. With fuel price increasing by the day, using alternative sources, such as electricity, has become a much more viable option. More importantly, modern hybrids are designed in such a manner that the energy which is otherwise wasted in braking is stored in the high-voltage batteries on board, and put to use car to power the car.

Efficient Performance

Internal combustion engine and electrical system both have their own drawbacks. Using a vehicle with internal combustion engine in a city, wherein you have to brake and idle the vehicle frequently, results is waste of fuel. In hybrid cars, you can switch between these two sources of power as per your requirement, i.e. use the electrical system when driving slow in the city and switch to internal combustion engine when cruising on the highway, and that gives them an edge on their fuel-powered counterparts.

Hybrid Cars Cons

As impressive as the mentioned benefits of hybrid vehicles may seem, even these vehicles have its draw backs. Given below are the details of various disadvantages of using a hybrid car.

Hybrids are Costly

Among the various cons of hybrid cars, the most prominent one is the fact that these cars are priced heavily. Their high price can be attributed to the fact that they come with costly high-voltage batteries and two engines on board.

Low Resale Value

Though these cars are quite costly, their resale value is quite low. If you plan to sell your hybrid after a few years, the same is less likely to fetch you a price that a conventional car would. The costly high-voltage batteries used in these cars have to be replaced after a regular interval, and that is a major hindrance when it comes to their resale value.

Use of Batteries is Risky

Critics of hybrid cars also highlight that the use of these high-voltage batteries in cars can turn out to be disastrous in case of accidents.

NOTE: While this problem doesn’t affect modern hybrids, wherein batteries are designed to go off in case of an accident, you need to take a note of the same if you are buying an old model.

These are some of the most prominent hybrid cars pros and cons that have to be taken into consideration when opting for a hybrid.

Credit: moneysmarts.cashnetusa.com

It is no surprise that this brand is the number one brand. Founded in 1937 by Japanese, Kiichiro Toyoda, the Toyota brand has grown to become the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. Owning subsidiaries like the luxury version of Toyota, Lexus and the hip brand, Scion, Toyota is the most famous and most loved brand in the country with models like the Camry, Corolla, Land Cruiser and so much more.  Easy to handle, good on fuel, no wonder everyone wants a Toyota.

HONDA

Credit: logos.wikia.com

Honda is number 2 on the list but it is loved by Nigerians nonetheless. Also founded in Japan, founders Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa did a good job creating a very cost effective brand. With a variety of models like the Accord, Civic, Pilot and many more, Honda has secured a lasting presence in the Nigerian auto market. With a luxury subsidiary called Acura, Honda will continue to increase revenue with every new or updated model of their cars.

KIA

Credit: play.auto.net

Founded in the heart of South Korea, KIA is one of the fastest rising brands in the car industry. In Nigeria it is one of the cars used the most for official vehicles because of its affordability and fuel conservation.  With the introduction of their tiny design named the “Picanto”, the Kia sales have rapidly increased in Nigeria. Kia is under the Hyundai Motor Group.

HYUNDAI

Credit: automobileplanet.com

Hyundai which means “modernity” is known for its swift change in its outside look and style of its automobile designs in recent times. Known as the second brand under the Hyundai Motor Group, It also just like its sister company Kia, is known for being a top car brand used officially in Nigeria.

MERCEDES BENZ

Credit: insideline.com

At one time in this country, possibly every family that could afford two cars, had a Mercedes Benz as the other car. The brand is known for its durability. Founded by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in 1886, The Mercedes Benz is still one of the highest selling brands in Nigeria. They have built a name of exclusivity in the country and it is still one of the brands every well to do household want to have in their garage.

NISSAN

Credit: automobile.wikia.com

Founded by Masujiro Hashimoto, Kenjiro Den, Rokuro Aoyama, Meitaro Tekeuchi and Yoshisuke Aikawa in the heart of Japan in the year 1933, Nissan is another fast growing Auto company in the country. With the models like Maxima, Altima, Murano just to name a few, Nigerians have taken a liking to the Japanese automobile brand and are showing it by purchasing the latest models on a yearly basis.

VOLKSWAGEN

Credit: todaylife.net

Since the time of the beetle, Volkswagen (VW) is a brand that has been saluted in many ways especially with its durability. The Volkswagen name meaning the “People’s car” is a brand really switched from just giving Nigerians the beetle model to giving the bug (which is the upgraded version of the beetle), passat, bora and many more. The Volkswagen group also has a lot of known brands under its belt which include the luxurious Porsche, Lamborghini, Skoda, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, Scania (truck manufacturer) and more.

BMW

Credit: logostage.com

Although the abbreviations were once referred to as “Be My Wife” the real full meaning is Bayerische Motoren Werke which means Bavarian Motor Works in English. This is another brand known for its durability in Nigeria. Although owning one is a pocket pincher especially when it needs a part replaced, the BMW is known to not disappoint in safety, speed and that’s just to name a few of its high standard perks. The sleek nature of the brand is one of the things that attracts Nigerians to this brand.

LAND ROVER

Credit: carlogo.org

They are the manufacturers that have invaded the country with the latest money on wheels, the Range Rover. Though the brand has been around since 1978, the model Range Rover spiked the brand to this list.  The Land Rover Company is owned by the Indian company Tata Motors which in turn forms the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) group. The Tata models are also a hit with Nigerians but it seems a lot of people lean towards the Range Rover models particularly to make a statement. Land rover is actually the second oldest SUV brand, right after JEEP.

ALL AMERICAN POWER

Credit: thecarconnection.org

Now when you see cars on the streets of Nigeria, the all American power shows their own influence. This is why they get their own category. The feature brands in this category are Ford and Chevrolet. These are the most popular American brands in the country. Ford is the fifth highest brand sold in the world and the second in the US. They used to head the JLR group mentioned above before selling it to Tata in 2008. Chevrolet which is called “Chevy” as well is big in the country too. It is a division of the General Motors’ Company and was founded in 1911. The Chevy Avalanche and Aveo are the popular models in the country.