21 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car In Nigeria

1. Why are they selling the car?

The seller’s answer could give you some insight into potential issues with the car—or it could simply be that they want a new ride.

2. How old is the car?

You’ll typically find this information in the advertisement for the vehicle. Older cars are more likely to need more frequent repairs and maintenance.

3. What’s the mileage of the car?

The more a car has been on the road, the more wear and tear it has been subjected to. You’ll usually get this information from the advertisement, but you may ask the seller how much they drove on the highway versus in the city. Highway driving tends to put less stress on a car’s brakes and suspension.

4. How long have they owned the car?

If they bought it new, you can get the full history of the vehicle from the seller. If not, there may be some unknowns.

5. How many previous owners?

If a car has changed hands frequently, it can be difficult to get a full history of its maintenance, repairs, accidents and other pertinent details.

6. Are they selling the car as is, or is it under warranty?

If you’re buying a used car from a dealer, a warranty can give you some extra peace of mind. That said, you’ll want to read the terms of the warranty to see how likely it is that you can use it if something happens.

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7. What problems are there, and what repairs need to be made?

Some problems aren’t deal-breakers, but it’s still a good idea to know what repairs you’ll need to make before you start driving regularly. You may even ask the seller if they’re willing to cover those repairs before the sale is complete.

8. How are the tires, brakes, oil, fluids and filters?

Getting a full rundown of the vehicle’s condition can help you understand what you need to do to take care of it. You may involve a third-party mechanic to help you with this part of the process.

9. Is there any damage to the car’s exterior?

Depending on your preferences, it may or may not matter if the car has minor scrapes and dings. However, major damage may be too much to ignore and could be a sign of structural damage, which could cause problems down the road.

10. What does the interior of the car look like?

Again, preferences can vary when it comes to a vehicle’s condition, but you’ll want to know about major problems like burns, stains, smells, rips and other things that could impact your driving experience.

11. Are there any mechanical problems?

The last thing you want is a money pit. If a car has significant or persistent mechanical problems, you could end up paying more in the long run than you would with a newer car.

12. Has the car been in any accidents?

It doesn’t always matter if a car has been in accidents, but if there’s been damage to the frame or something else that impacts the vehicle’s functionality or the status of its title, it could be a deal-breaker. In addition to asking the seller about this, it’s also a good idea to get the vehicle’s history report.

13. Has the car been exposed to flooding?

If the car has experienced flooding, it could cause issues with the vehicle’s electrical system and also generate mold and rust, which could be hazardous.

14. Where are the maintenance records?

Without maintenance records from a private seller, check with an authorized dealer for the vehicle’s make. Irregular maintenance could lead to higher long-term costs.

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15. What has been replaced, repaired or updated?

You’ll want to know if there have been repairs or replacements of important parts of the vehicle and how that might impact you. Also, ask about any after-market upgrades the seller may have made.

16. May I take the car for a test drive?

A test drive will give you information about how the car handles and could highlight any issues the seller may have left out or overlooked. If a seller refuses a test drive, that’s a sign that you should walk away.

17. Can I take the car to my mechanic for an independent inspection?

As previously mentioned, it’s a good idea to have someone who’s knowledgeable about cars do an inspection for you.

18. Does the seller have a clear title in hand?

A clear title is free of any disputes or doubts about the ownership of the vehicle. If the seller has it, you can rest assured that someone else won’t try to take back the vehicle after you’ve purchased it. If they don’t have the title, you’ll need to take extra precautions before putting your money on the line.

19. How did the seller arrive at this price?

While you can find a range for the car’s fair market value, the seller must still justify their asking price. Get as much information as you can to help you determine whether it’s a fair price or if you should negotiate.

20. Is financing available?

Dealerships offer financing, but you may need to contact lenders independently for car purchase funding. Take your time to shop around and compare interest rates and other terms on a used car loan.

21.  What other items are included in the sale?

Some private sellers may include accessories with the sale of the vehicle, if they choose. And if you’re purchasing from a dealer, they may include things like fabric protection, pinstriping and other add-ons. That said, check to see how much extra some of these items and services cost before you agree.

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