10 best-selling used cars in Nigeria
As prices of brand new cars continue to skyrocket in Nigeria, many families and corporate bodies have resorted to purchasing imported used vehicles, otherwise known as Tokunbo and locally-used vehicles to meet their day-to-day transportation needs.
A visit to some car showrooms across the country revealed that many of them are empty. This is unlike in the past when franchise holders and distributors used to display various models of new vehicles.
The few showrooms still in business have scanty brand new vehicles on display these days.
The amount used in purchasing 20 cars to fill a showroom 10 years ago can hardly buy two brand new vehicles today. Many also complain of poor sales.
Cheapest brand new car
Currently, the cheapest new car in the country costs over N25 million. And this could only be found among the Chinese brands.
Due to high cost of new automobiles, most buyers now settle for imported used cars which they find affordable under the current economic situation.
Only the super-rich in the country can afford the luxury of owing brand new cars.
Investigations also show that most reputable companies now patronise imported used cars to keep their businesses going.
To them, reliability, durability functionality, ease of maintenance, affordability are the main considerations in acquiring vehicles for their businesses and this is where prudent spending comes in.
The argument of these buyers is that some imported used cars can deliver even better than a number of brand new ones if they are properly maintained.
Another important consideration before buying a used car is the resale value after using them for several years.
It was learnt that some of the vehicles could attract even high prices after using them for years.
The best in used cars category
Vanguard investigation reveals that the best selling used cars in Nigeria are the Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes, Honda and Acura models.
Specifically, the models are
*Toyota Corolla
*Toyota Camry (Sedan)
*Toyota Highlander
*Toyota RAV4
*Lexus 330, 350 RX
*Honda Pilot
*Acura MDX
*Toyota Sienna
*Mercedes 350 ML
*Honda Accord.
Toyota Corolla produced from 2003 to 2013 was the number one imported used car in Nigeria for a long time.
Though it has been about three model changes within the period, each successive model has proved to be the best in its class in term of fuel efficiency, durability, easy to maintain with availability of spare parts.
They come in manual and automatic transmission but the automatic transmission models are the choice model for buyers in Nigeria.
They come in four cylinder engine of 1.6 and 1.8 litre versions.
Before the Corolla dominance of the market, the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic were the other contenders but could not cope with the Corolla’s qualities over time.
Camry
Following the Corolla on the list is the Toyota Camry produced between 2000 and 2013. They are bigger than the Corolla.
The Camry comes in four and six cylinder engines, thereby giving options to buyers to settle for a more powerful ride.
It is also available in manual and automatic models and the automatic is the preferred model.
The Camry is a very reliable Sedan and has dominated its segment over the years.
The Highlander is another Toyota model that is very visible on Nigerian roads, especially those produced from 2003 to 2013.
It comes in four and six cylinder engines, sharing some engine parts with the Camry V6 engine.
It is described as one of the easiest Sport Utility Vehicles to maintain and a workhorse too.
Though available in six cylinder engine, the Highlander is considered to be fuel efficient when compared with other cars of the same engine capacity.
Following the Highlander on the list is another Toyota model, the RAV4, which looks more compact with the option of four and six cylinder engines.
It looks sporty and has always been the preferred model for ladies and those preferring compact SUVs.
The models that are all over Nigerian roads are those produced from 2003 to 2013.
On the list of good used cars is the Toyota Sienna mini-bus. It is the toast of transport operators across the country.
The Sienna comes in six cylinder version and it has ruled its segment since the first model was produced in the early 2000.
It is very spacious and durable, making it the lone king in its segment.
Following the Sienna on the list of preferred used car models is the Lexus 300, 330 and 350 SUVs.
The three Lexus models are at home in Nigeria in the used vehicle segment even when Lexus has no official representative in Nigeria. They boast exceptional luxury with leather seat and beautiful interior.
All the Lexus models are available in six cylinder engine of 3.0, 3.3 and 3.5 litre engine since the year 2000 to 2013.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz 350 ML Sport Utility Vehicle is the only German model that has much visibility as the Japanese models and brands.
It sits comfortably in the seventh place as the best selling model in Nigeria, especially those produced from the year 2005 to 2013.
Its luxury features are topnotch as well as the drive quality and fuel consumption.
The only minus is that the electrical feature could give owners sleepless night when it starts malfunctioning. Ask owners of Mercedes-Benz ML 2005 to 2011 what is called Sam in the car, which has made most of them to run away from it despite the many good features.
The Honda family (2003-2013) are the next in line in terms of preferred choice in Nigeria.
The Honda Pilot in the last few years has won the hearts of most buyers of used cars in Nigeria. Its popularity has been on the rise.
It has some unique features as a family car, including space, pace and affordable spare parts which most people are not aware of.
It comes in six cylinder engine and automatic transmission. The interior of the Pilot is quite creative which is beginning to draw many new customers to the model.
Acura
The Acura MDX too is on the list of cars that Nigerians prefer in the used car segment. It shares a lot with the Pilot in terms of engine and transmission but has better interior features, being a luxury version of the Honda family.
The Acura as a luxury car comes with a more beautiful design.
The other car on the preferred used car list in Nigeria is the Honda Accord which is the version of the Toyota Camry.
It is available in four and six cylinder engine as well as manual and automatic transmission.
The Accord is fuel-efficient and each model boasts unique design with creative interior. Its visible minus is the legs that pull off when it is not given proper attention by the driver.
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