Rush for Nigerian-Used Cars Spurs 22% Spike in Vehicle Inspection Requests, Tokunbo Sales Decline

 

A new wave of consumer behavior is redefining Nigeria’s used car market, as rising inflation, currency volatility, and a drop in foreign-used vehicle imports reshape buyer priorities. According to a fresh report by Cars45, a leading auto-tech company specializing in vehicle inspection and valuation, the first quarter of 2025 witnessed a 22 percent jump in inspection requests—an indicator of growing caution among car buyers.

The weakened state of the Naira and unpredictable foreign exchange rates have made imported “Tokunbo” vehicles increasingly expensive and harder to come by. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics confirms a 65 percent year-on-year plunge in used car imports between January and March 2025. This steep decline has tightened supply, forcing prices upwards and shifting consumer interest toward Nigerian-used vehicles.

As the market adapts, a more vigilant and informed class of buyers is emerging. Rather than relying on traditional methods like visual checks or the once-trusted advice of local mechanics, more buyers now demand comprehensive inspections before parting with their cash. These include diagnostic scans, flood and accident history reviews, and thorough evaluations of body panels, transmissions, and engines—even for budget cars.

This change reflects a broader cultural shift. Vehicles are no longer seen as mere transportation assets but as significant financial investments. The risk of purchasing cars with hidden defects—like flood damage or odometer tampering—has made inspection services essential, especially in a market ripe for exploitation.

“Every car should be treated like a potential investment. You wouldn’t buy land without a survey. Why buy a car without an inspection?” said Damilola Ojurongbe, Head of Technical Services at Cars45. His remarks highlight the seriousness with which buyers now approach auto transactions.

The digital landscape is also playing a pivotal role in this transformation. As online platforms like Jiji and Cars45 expand their reach, so too does the threat of online scams and fraudulent listings. Verified inspection reports from trusted platforms offer a layer of protection, helping buyers sidestep deceitful sellers and poor investments.

Educational content from automotive platforms has further empowered consumers, arming them with knowledge about critical vehicle health indicators. This influx of information is shaping expectations and raising the bar for both buyers and sellers. In an economy where financial prudence is increasingly critical, knowledge has become a powerful currency.

Used vehicles currently make up approximately 85 percent of all car imports into Nigeria, according to Researchgate.net—a figure echoed by both dealerships and independent sellers. With this dominant share of the market under pressure from global economic forces, experts say the shift toward verified, locally-used cars is likely to deepen.

Cars45 analysts believe inspection-backed transactions may soon become standard practice, particularly as transparency becomes a key differentiator in the competitive landscape. Dealers offering verified reports and data-driven evaluations are already gaining ground among consumers who no longer see urgency but rather due diligence as the smarter route.

“There’s a visible shift from urgency to diligence. People want to know what they’re really paying for; and in today’s market, information is the most valuable asset,” Ojurongbe added.

As Nigeria’s economic reality drives a pivot from imported to local, the used car market is quietly undergoing a structural realignment. What was once a seller’s game is now increasingly shaped by an empowered, data-hungry buyer.