Hmmmmmm......buying my first car.

After working for about 18months, I was tired of waiting at the bus stop for my colleagues in the morning and at the close of work, just waiting because the person that will drop you off wasn’t ready to leave.

The car I really wanted to buy was a 2008 Camry Sport (Toks) which was going for about 1.8m then. All the money I had in my life was about 2m, I was like how will I use all my life savings to buy a car.

I knew I couldn’t buy any brand other than a Toyota. The next car within my budget was the 2004-2006 corolla, however, I disliked the car because it was so common. At this junction, I started considering naija used Kia Rio,cerato,Toyota Yaris because they were within my budget.

The hunt for naija used car begun. I’ll check Nairaland and Jiji day and night. Because of work I had only weekends to go and inspect cars only if the car was on the island and environs- I could sneak out from work to check it out.

Remember going far and wide to see some cars and would just be disappointed that what is this? Some other cars when I make appointment with the seller during the week to come for inspection on Saturday- the car would have been should by the appointment date.

I almost bought a used 2010 Kia Cerato for about 1.4m. The car was clean, owner was relocation abroad. (That reminds me lost of the sellers of the naija used cars would claim that the owner is abroad or relocation abroad and the car was hardly driven). Because of the poor resell value I let the Kia Rio pass. The seller was very disappointed with me.

Moving on next was a green 06 corolla I went to check out in Lekki phase 1. I knew a lot about cars and I don’t need more than 5mins to know a good car. This car was solid. The legs,engine,interior and exterior were on point. It was even tinted again with a tint permit. We negotiated price and everything. Told the seller I’ll be back the next day. When I got to the office, I don’t even know what happened I started thinking too much as this was my first time spending that kind of money about 1.2m. I was skeptical. I sha summoned courage to pay in like 2 days time. I called the seller he said the car has been sold. I almost died. I was like where will I see another clean car like this. My car search had taken me to all ends of Lagos. I was tired.

I sha went back to jiji and saw another corolla or a Yaris couldn’t remember. This one was close to my house sha. I proceeded there over the weekend. The car I initially came to see was not available. So he should be another. The car was clean, he said it was an official in Lagos state that owned the car and she bought it off the state government and wants to resell. I drove this car for 5 mins and knew that this was it.

I made up my mind to just pay for the corolla and it was cheap about 850k. The scary thing was the seller said he wanted cash. I was like cash ke. As I had decided that nothing will stop me from getting that car. We went to the bank in Unilag ( this was a safe environment and I was sure nobody will come and jack us) I withdraw the 800k cash and handed it over. Then took my car home.

My advice:
-Buy a car within your range and ensure you have extra money Incase.
-inspect the car very well, you can’t know all the issue but cover the basics.
- car sellers will say all sorts and but you under pressure. However, you will know a good deal when you see one.
- most importantly, deal with the direct owner of the car. You will get the best bargain.
- Toyotas have very good resell value- imagine selling a used car 200k more than you bought it years ago.

Wow you Sha went through alot
Thank God you finally got a good deal
Thanks for the tips to

tmeeto:
Hmmmmmm......buying my first car.

After working for about 18months, I was tired of waiting at the bus stop for my colleagues in the morning and at the close of work, just waiting because the person that will drop you off wasn’t ready to leave.

The car I really wanted to buy was a 2008 Camry Sport (Toks) which was going for about 1.8m then. All the money I had in my life was about 2m, I was like how will I use all my life savings to buy a car.

I knew I couldn’t buy any brand other than a Toyota. The next car within my budget was the 2004-2006 corolla, however, I disliked the car because it was so common. At this junction, I started considering naija used Kia Rio,cerato,Toyota Yaris because they were within my budget.

The hunt for naija used car begun. I’ll check Nairaland and Jiji day and night. Because of work I had only weekends to go and inspect cars only if the car was on the island and environs- I could sneak out from work to check it out.

Remember going far and wide to see some cars and would just be disappointed that what is this? Some other cars when I make appointment with the seller during the week to come for inspection on Saturday- the car would have been should by the appointment date.

I almost bought a used 2010 Kia Cerato for about 1.4m. The car was clean, owner was relocation abroad. (That reminds me lost of the sellers of the naija used cars would claim that the owner is abroad or relocation abroad and the car was hardly driven). Because of the poor resell value I let the Kia Rio pass. The seller was very disappointed with me.

Moving on next was a green 06 corolla I went to check out in Lekki phase 1. I knew a lot about cars and I don’t need more than 5mins to know a good car. This car was solid. The legs,engine,interior and exterior were on point. It was even tinted again with a tint permit. We negotiated price and everything. Told the seller I’ll be back the next day. When I got to the office, I don’t even know what happened I started thinking too much as this was my first time spending that kind of money about 1.2m. I was skeptical. I sha summoned courage to pay in like 2 days time. I called the seller he said the car has been sold. I almost died. I was like where will I see another clean car like this. My car search had taken me to all ends of Lagos. I was tired.

I sha went back to jiji and saw another corolla or a Yaris couldn’t remember. This one was close to my house sha. I proceeded there over the weekend. The car I initially came to see was not available. So he should be another. The car was clean, he said it was an official in Lagos state that owned the car and she bought it off the state government and wants to resell. I drove this car for 5 mins and knew that this was it.

I made up my mind to just pay for the corolla and it was cheap about 850k. The scary thing was the seller said he wanted cash. I was like cash ke. As I had decided that nothing will stop me from getting that car. We went to the bank in Unilag ( this was a safe environment and I was sure nobody will come and jack us) I withdraw the 800k cash and handed it over. Then took my car home.

My advice:
-Buy a car within your range and ensure you have extra money Incase.
-inspect the car very well, you can’t know all the issue but cover the basics.
- car sellers will say all sorts and but you under pressure. However, you will know a good deal when you see one.
- most importantly, deal with the direct owner of the car. You will get the best bargain.
- Toyotas have very good resell value- imagine selling a used car 200k more than you bought it years ago.

ericoleon:
lovely story. Please how cheap are vehicles in apapa compared to buying in car stands

Someone still spoke to me about getting a car in Apapa ( Tin can)... don't know how well can one get a cheap car in that area

Aaaaarghmed:
the three cars I bought on jiji were naija used.....baby boy....Honda crv 2006...Honda civic 2005.no issues whatsoever.no engine or gear wahala.just normal servicing.take note I bought from the direct owner and I got someone who inspected it for me

How do u indentify a direct owner... some here say with just a post want to ask if there is any other things you check out

thanks

Nice

abraolas1:


How do u indentify a direct owner... some here say with just a post want to ask if there is any other things you check out

thanks

most direct owners have the custom papers and the transaction is usually done in the house or around the house premisis

Keep the stories coming

I just passed a deal recently very sweet one Camry LE 2009 friend selling due to relocation all clean at N1.4m but guy has no Customs Papers so I passed

Out of the 3 Sites which do you rate highly

1. Jiji

2. Checkii

3. cars45

BLifecoach:
I just passed a deal recently very sweet one Camry LE 2009 friend selling due to relocation all clean at N1.4m but guy has no Customs Papers so I passed

boss nothing sweet about the deal...no custom papers and it's not even an xle edition.

BLifecoach:
Out of the 3 Sites which do you rate highly

1. Jiji

2. Checkii

3. cars45

jiji has not failed me

buying car this year with the help of God.

MedicH:
I searched on jiji, saw the guy from Benin selling the Lexus es 300. I went to Benin from owerri with my colleague that lived in Benin and knows the area around August.

We sat at that big eatery mall in Benin city and the car came in looking very sweet. I did my inspection bearing in mind all I've learnt from gazzuzz and nairaland auto section. I checked the fans, they dont turn on when u start engine, I smiled. I checked engine bay, no funny wires.

I already bought my car scanner before then so I plugged it in scanned for errors and saw knock sensor and oxygen sensor errors only. I browsed these errors and saw they're cheap to fix and nothing very serious.


I inspected the papers, car was just imported in February, the guy has a printed copy of the vin report, I glanced through it saw the frontal damage and everything else was cool.

We drove to the guy house, with ac om. Everything was smooth, RPM was steady in hold-up, no jerking or funny noise. We completed the transaction and payment and everything. I got a driver to take me home and I was wowed in the journey. That car was the most powerful car I've been into.

The driver said we should off the AC so we can save fuel consumption I told him never to worry. Everything from steering, brakes, AC, legs, engine, gear was, 100% and I was as happy as I ever been my whole life. Car was speeding on Benin asaba express like a demon and sometimes it will bounce on the highway like a leather ball I was so wowed.

We got to owerri I called my friends to come and drive it they were wowed.

I took it home and started to learn how to drive. Car is as powerful and as excellent today as at then and I have only changed the oil and plugs.
because I used it to learn driving, it's due for shock absorber repairs. Everything is as intact and excellent as ever.

I love that car and my seller was as truthful as anything. Even uptil now I've never had reasons to change the tires I wonder if maybe they will never leak. Tires are yet to expire brand new. When we completed the deal, this good ma gave me 10k to use and buy spare tire on my way home because the car has no spare tire. Everything was blessed.

If u want to buy a car, stay away from dealers, normally na lie they will sell to u. Buy from end users, they have numerous accounts on jiji. How u know is end users always put up one car to sell in the entire account unlike a dealer that has dozens.

Also use the custom duty to check level of abuse. If possible, go for cars with less than 6 months use in Nigeria from date of importation.

Lastly, say a prayer for yourself.

Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed reading this.

Aaaaarghmed:
boss nothing sweet about the deal...no custom papers and it's not even an xle edition.

what's the implication of not having custom papers. Does it mean he stole the car?

ericoleon:
what's the implication of not having custom papers. Does it mean he stole the car?

it's not as if he stole the car,maybe he misplaced it.Customs might disturb alot because their eye dey Camry muscle.esp if you stay in places like lag.

Which is the best way to make payment, bank deposit, transfer by mobile app or cash

Ofemmanu1:
After many years of suffering, rejection, pain and shame my turn finally came.

I got a six figures job late 2017, by late 2019, I made my first million, level changed, I went back home for Christmas and it was hard moving from Shoprite Ikeja to Eleko beach and night clubs, on Dec, 29, 2019 I bought a Honda Accord 2007 from jiji to ease movements.

I bought it Used from a Meds @ 700k, fixed interior, exterior, AC and some minor things, since then it's been nothing but JOY..

I'm still driving it till today.

In 2021, i hope to upgrade to Honda Accord 2010/Honda Crosstour 2011 or the greatest Accord 2020.

Truly, Truly inspiring story.
I fear Honda Accord a lot because of the tie rod issue.

Personally, i've seen many that broke leg on several occasions, even on Third mainland bridge, and which is very saddening.

Please how have you been able to maintain yours so well, and are you willing to sell it off soon... I'm interested.

och12:


Truly, Truly inspiring story.
I fear Honda Accord a lot because of the tie rod issue.

Personally, i've seen many that broke leg on several occasions, even on Third mainland bridge, and which is very saddening.

Please how have you been able to maintain yours so well, and are you willing to sell it off soon... I'm interested.

It's all about maintenance, Honda Accord is a good car.
I do ask my mechanic to check the tie rod/ball joints when changing oils usually 3-4 months.
Last time I did that was last December, so by next month he will have to check everything from Upper and lower arms, bushings, exhaust system, air valves, air filter, lubricants, shocks, radiator, etc all over again for any signs of fault or under performance.

With that in place, my Honda will never ever disgrace me on the mad Nigeria roads.

ericoleon:
Hi everyone im about to buy my first car toyota corolla (which i want to us for BOLT)this new year however my savings isnt up to ten percent of the cost of a corolla. For some reason i just have this faith that i will buy it before the end of march.
At this juncture i would like everyone to share with us how they bought their fist car. The story behind the car im hoping others will be encouraged. Thanks ericoleon

The heading of your post is misleading ..there is no other way of buying car ...than approaching a reputable car dealer to pick your choice with your money . It would 've been better if your post is all about soliciting for help to make up your fund to enable you buy a car ....

abraolas1:


Someone still spoke to me about getting a car in Apapa ( Tin can)... don't know how well can one get a cheap car in that area

It's still the same thing. The money you will spend in a car stand, you might even spend more in apapa

Thanks for your contribution however I'm not really soliciting help although I'm open to anyone who wants to help.
The reason I opened the thread was
1 to share my story ( real-time) of how I bought my FIRST car which I have already conceived in my mind though It hasn't come physically ( faith).
2. I believe they are lots of people who started like I'm starting ( a desire, savings and favour) and I would like their stories to inspire me and many others to pursue their goals.
3. I believe theirs a lot we can learn to avoid making certain mistakes others made. Which truly speaking I have learnt a lot From contributors to this thread. ( Thanks for your stories people

greggng:


The heading of your post is misleading ..there is no other way of buying car ...than approaching a reputable car dealer to pick your choice with your money . It would 've been better if your post is all about soliciting for help to make up your fund to enable you buy a car ....

Don't really know'bout cars though,
I'm considering getting a Honda Civic 06-09 or a Hyundai Elantra 06-09.
which would be a better buy?

I finally bought my first car a Toyota Camry 011 Model, everything with the car is perfect, the only issue I have with the car now is the headlight problem. The headlight is not so bright at night, it makes driving at night so stressful and other incoming cars with be intimidating you with their full light ON.

FrankLampard:
I finally bought my first car a Toyota Camry 011 Model, everything with the car is perfect, the only issue I have with the car now is the headlight problem. The headlight is not so bright at night, it makes driving at night so stressful and other incoming cars with be intimidating you with their full light ON.

Congratulations

The headlight shouldn’t be a big issue, the electrician can handle that and you can change it to fluorescent led light

BTW, is the car toks or naija used?

Lawnray:


Congratulations

The headlight shouldn’t be a big issue, the electrician can handle that and you can change it to fluorescent led light

BTW, is the car toks or naija used?

Toks

kebliss:
Don't really know'bout cars though,
I'm considering getting a Honda Civic 06-09 or a Hyundai Elantra 06-09.
which would be a better buy?

Please someone should give him an answer

ericoleon:


Please someone should give him an answer

I'll advise you go for the CIvic. It has good fuel economy and is easy to maintain.

Bought my first car in April 2012. My wife saw d car at a mechanic workshop and informed me. When I came back from work, I went with her to inspect the car and found out it's a Hoda Civic 1993 model coupe toks. She told me she love car that I should buy it I called a known mechanic in my area to help me out with thorough inspection, d mech guy came nd after inspection he told it's a good buy.i paid 300k for the car and I used it for good 8yrs without issue. Sold it off to a mechanic last year around June for 100k then bought a naija use 2009 corolla manual for 900k in July with no issue except AC that is not working.still enjoying my corolla..

Yomexy11:
Bought my first car in April 2012. My wife saw d car at a mechanic workshop and informed me. When I came back from work, I went with her to inspect the car and found out it's a Hoda Civic 1993 model coupe toks. She told me she love car that I should buy it I called a known mechanic in my area to help me out with thorough inspection, d mech guy came nd after inspection he told it's a good buy.i paid 300k for the car and I used it for good 8yrs without issue. Sold it off to a mechanic last year around June for 100k then bought a naija use 2009 corolla manual for 900k in July with no issue except AC that is not working.still enjoying my corolla..

Mehn, a whole tokunbo car for 300k... import duty and naira devaluation don spoil everything. Keep enjoying your corrolla

BLifecoach:
Out of the 3 Sites which do you rate highly

1. Jiji

2. Checkii

3. cars45

I can only recommend Jiji as you can relate directly with the seller/owner of the car. The other two options are there to make money off the purchase. I have never dealt with Checkii before but my experience with Cars45 was very terrible. Just check comments and review online and you will have a good idea of their credibility.

Hi carlanders ����

MedicH:
I searched on jiji, saw the guy from Benin selling the Lexus es 300. I went to Benin from owerri with my colleague that lived in Benin and knows the area around August.

We sat at that big eatery mall in Benin city and the car came in looking very sweet. I did my inspection bearing in mind all I've learnt from gazzuzz and nairaland auto section. I checked the fans, they dont turn on when u start engine, I smiled. I checked engine bay, no funny wires.

I already bought my car scanner before then so I plugged it in scanned for errors and saw knock sensor and oxygen sensor errors only. I browsed these errors and saw they're cheap to fix and nothing very serious.


I inspected the papers, car was just imported in February, the guy has a printed copy of the vin report, I glanced through it saw the frontal damage and everything else was cool.

We drove to the guy house, with ac om. Everything was smooth, RPM was steady in hold-up, no jerking or funny noise. We completed the transaction and payment and everything. I got a driver to take me home and I was wowed in the journey. That car was the most powerful car I've been into.

The driver said we should off the AC so we can save fuel consumption I told him never to worry. Everything from steering, brakes, AC, legs, engine, gear was, 100% and I was as happy as I ever been my whole life. Car was speeding on Benin asaba express like a demon and sometimes it will bounce on the highway like a leather ball I was so wowed.

We got to owerri I called my friends to come and drive it they were wowed.

I took it home and started to learn how to drive. Car is as powerful and as excellent today as at then and I have only changed the oil and plugs.
because I used it to learn driving, it's due for shock absorber repairs. Everything is as intact and excellent as ever.

I love that car and my seller was as truthful as anything. Even uptil now I've never had reasons to change the tires I wonder if maybe they will never leak. Tires are yet to expire brand new. When we completed the deal, this good ma gave me 10k to use and buy spare tire on my way home because the car has no spare tire. Everything was blessed.

If u want to buy a car, stay away from dealers, normally na lie they will sell to u. Buy from end users, they have numerous accounts on jiji. How u know is end users always put up one car to sell in the entire account unlike a dealer that has dozens.

Also use the custom duty to check level of abuse. If possible, go for cars with less than 6 months use in Nigeria from date of importation.

Lastly, say a prayer for yourself.

Just to provide a clarification, I do not consider myself a dealer but I have more than one car on my account. That you post one car simply means you don't have any paid jiji subscription.

That said people should do everything you've mentioned when it comes to car inspection but more importantly when a seller gives you the price of his own car don't start beating down the price to meet the price of that other one that has multiple issues. People want good cars yet they want it cheap....