You need a new car. Whether it's your first car, or you're a seasoned buyer, it always pays to take some expert advice.
Here at NAIJACARFINDER we have developed a few helpful buying and selling guides. These guides offer useful tips for first time and frequent buyers. It addresses simple details to look for when making a purchase, for example: your legal standing, fuel types, insurance and general state of the car.
When buying a car you need to consider if the car will be suitable for the purchase purpose. Do you have a family? What type of places would you take the car to? Who are the passengers going to be and so on.
Write down a list of qualities you really need in a car and priotise them. Is it comfort or speed? Durability or appearance? There's no point buying a two-seater if you usually have more than one friend traveling with you at a time. Likewise why buy a mini cooper if you are of a bigger build than the average person.
To answer these questions, and make your buying experience as easy as possible - read on - we have compiled the guide that should provide the answers to all your questions.
Private Sellers
Private sellers are sellers who advertise their used cars on a one off basis, they are not professional car dealers, do not necessarily have a car show room and often offer cars cheaper than the professional dealers. It is useful to mention now that these types of dealers often offer full cash on delivery method of transaction. Price negotiation when dealing with these types of sellers is usually agreed between the seller and the buyer. There is no legal obligation to buy if you do not agree on a price or are not satisfied with the condition of the car even after a test drive. The private seller has no overheads, no legal obligation to prepare and clean the car up, and rarely offers a warranty. As such, the asking price for the car will be lower than a dealership.
Buying from a Dealer
This is a safer method of buying used cars as these cars on sale will usually come with a warranty and a safety check. (Please check this is applicable with the dealer of your choice) Most car dealers usually have a reputation or a name to protect. The average car dealer will rely on past customers to positively spread good word of mouth to potential buyers so they will mostly sell you cars that will enhance their reputation among car buyers.
Auctions (Where available in Nigeria)
Car auctions used to be the preserve of traders. Bulk selling of anything from nearly new stock, through rental fleets and unwanted trade-ins, can wield some serious bargains for private buyers who do their homework.
With little or no opportunity to test-drive the car, or contact previous owners, it's a risky route, and there's little legal protection. If you're new to auctions, it's always best to take along an experienced buyer or someone who knows about cars and do a dry run first.
