The Gidi Journal
Car buying guides, ownership advice and practical tips for buying a luxury or premium car in Lagos, from the team at Gidicars Ltd.
Car Payment Plans in Nigeria: Questions to Ask First
Four questions to ask before you agree to a car payment plan in Nigeria.
Read more
How to Trade In Your Car in Lagos and Upgrade
How to prepare your car for a trade-in in Lagos so you can put it towards your next one.
Read more
How to Choose an SUV in Lagos: Seats, Comfort and Running Costs
What to think about when choosing an SUV in Lagos, from comfort and seats to running costs, plus why you should test drive more than one.
Read more7 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Premium Car in Lagos
Seven questions every buyer should ask before paying for a premium car, and how we answer them at Gidicars.
Read moreForeign Used vs Nigerian Used Cars: What Is the Difference?
What foreign used and Nigerian used mean, and the questions to ask whichever you choose.
Read moreHow to Inspect a Used Luxury Car Before You Pay in Lagos
A simple checklist for inspecting a used luxury car in Lagos: papers, body, tyres, interior, the test drive, and why you should bring your own mechanic.
Read moreFree for buyers
12 checks before you pay for a car in Lagos
Tell us where to send it. It takes 20 seconds, and you will also see it on this page.
- Ask to see the car papers before any payment: customs duty, registration and proof of ownership.
- Match the chassis (VIN) number on the car, on the papers and on the door or windscreen plate.
- Test drive on a road you know. Cold start, braking, steering pull, gear changes and air conditioning.
- Bring your own trusted mechanic to check the engine, gearbox, suspension and underbody.
- Look for accident repairs: uneven panel gaps, paint that does not match, overspray and marked bolts.
- Check tyre age (the date code on the sidewall), brake wear and uneven tyre wear.
- Watch the dashboard for warning lights, and ask for a diagnostic scan.
- Ask for the service history and, for foreign used cars, the import history.
- Check for flood signs: damp smell, rust on seat rails, silt or a water line in the boot.
- Get the exact price in writing, and what it includes: documents, plates and any clearing costs.
- Pay only into a company account in the seller's registered name, and keep the receipt.
- Do not rush. Compare two or three cars, and walk away if you feel pressured.