Diasporans relocating back to Naija must be mobile: buying cars in Naija does & don’ts
Wanting to be independent means you must be mobile.
Most privileged diasporans have well-to-do relatives & friends who are happy to take them about in their spare cars, give them a car with a driver, or you can hire a car with a driver.
If you hire a car with a driver, make sure he is known & recommended.
It is very important to verify he has all the necessary documents to avoid embarrassment when law enforcement ask the dreaded question “Where are your particulars “, to collect egunje (bribe)
It’s a good idea to take a copy of his driving license & send it to trusted family/friends via WhatsApp. You can’t be too careful.
When travelling around, to unknown destinations, or staying away from your base, share your location with at least 2 trusted family members. If taking Uber or Bolt, you can also share your trip with family members too.
It’s also wise to have your location on at all times; in case of emergency, you can be tracked down. Most phones have tracking apps; you can also give access to trusted relatives; this will assist greatly should you ever be in danger. Better to be over cautious than sorry.
You can take local transport, which is often very exciting & very taxing. On long journeys, cars & buses are packed to the brim. Due to fuel hikes, they take 2 passengers in the front and four to a row in the back. For convenience, it’s wise to take the front seat alone so you can pay for an extra passenger. You may wait a while for the transport to be full if you are in a hurry; you can pay for another space in the back. The other passengers will appreciate you, & it’s also safer for all concerned.
I’ve taken trains to Ibadan, local buses, local cabs, Keke Maruwa Okada, & walked. Each mode of transport has its challenges.
Apart from Lagos BRT, there are few organised formal public bus systems. You will do well to know where the bus stop is and it’s destination, or when to step off at your destination.
If you take local buses, be sure to keep your wit’s about you, eyes & ears open, and start to learn the local pidgin or language. Familiarise yourself with the routes in advance, and be careful of pickpockets & touts.
You may choose to avoid the daily trauma ordinary Nigerians have to face in going to work by buying your own car.
You can buy a fairly used car with all it’s risks, provided you have had it thoroughly checked by a good recommended mechanic & confirmed the parameters, or opt for an imported car known as a Tokunbo. These can be found online or purchased at a recommended car dealer. You can also go to the ports to find a car.
I took a journey via Mile 2 to Apapa Wharf to see if I could buy a car. When I got there, I was amazed to see cars upon cars, upon cars just like at Car Warehouse in London but much bigger. There was practically no car you can’t find there in immaculate conditions New models & old.
Go with a trusted mechanic & avoid the usual touts & hangers on who will want to follow you everywhere to help you buy a car or sell you a tracker device. Be sure to deal directly with the car dealer or his agent & not touts who will require money for tagging along.
There was so much to choose from, so it’s better if you do some research and have an idea of what you want before you get there.
Cars are often sold by brand or car type. Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, Ford’s, Honda’s Mercedes, etc You will be lost for choice.
Since I am looking for a 2-cabin offroad 4×4 pickup, my choices were limited to Toyota Tacoma & Tundra. I’ve been advised to avoid Ford’s as parts are expensive & often difficult to come by, and other pickups like Nissan are considered less reliable.
You can find old, fairly used pickups in town from N6.6m to N12m; newer models from N15m upwards. Good Tokunbo at the ports ranges from N19m to as much as N40m & upwards, depending on your capacity. I wasn’t able to buy anything this time but will go back to the drawing board and get one very soon.
Do you have a good Toyota pickup for sale? If so, let me know.
What’s your view? Please share, thanks.
Femi Oke Betta9ja
