If you are looking for cheap cars, the decision is a bit harder, considering that you have no idea whether it will be reliable. As an average Nigerian, buying cheap cars is synonymous with buying a used car, considering the inflation rate and the country’s economic state. But this could also be rewarding.
Driving a second-hand car gives you freedom of choice, which you can use to enjoy some luxury. When buying a cheap car, it’s important to recognize the signs of a good purchase.
If you lack this knowledge, you might end up buying a lemon and wasting money on something that is probably not even worth it. If you want to buy a new car but want to minimize your expenses, buying a cheap car is your go-to.
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10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Cheap Car
If you’re looking for a cheap car, here are ten things to consider;
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Check the car history
The first thing you need to do when buying a cheap car is checking its history. This will help protect you from any challenges associated with the car. Since the car is used, it must have passed from owner to owner. A vehicle history report (VHR) will identify if the vehicle was used for personal or commercial purposes.
You will also learn whether the car has been in an accident and whether it has any theft or stolen records. If it has, then it’s best to avoid that particular vehicle. Knowing a vehicle’s history can help you determine whether you’re paying a fair price for it.
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Know your needs
Do you need a car that can accommodate your family? Do you need one that can carry a lot of luggage? Do you need something that can go through a lot of traffic? The answer to all these questions will help you determine which type of car is right for you. Once you have determined your needs, find out how much money it will take to fulfil them.
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Make sure the car has been maintained well
The first thing most people look at when buying cheap cars is the engine and transmission. These are the parts that make up the most expensive part of any vehicle, and if they break down, it would be costly to repair them.
It’s important to ensure that both these components have been maintained well to avoid problems down the line. You want to buy a cheap car not a car that will suck all your money.
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Check for rusting
Rusting is one of the worst things that can happen in a used car, and if not taken care of on time, it will end up causing more trouble than what it would have cost to fix it had it been taken care of properly from day one. Rust is caused by moisture entering into the body through various points such as joints and other openings in the body itself or through.
Do not assume that because it’s cheap and old, everything is perfect with it – there could be problems like rusting or body damage, and these should be taken into consideration while buying a car.
Read Also: 10 Things to Check Before Buying Used Cars in Nigeria
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Check price
Always check whether the price matches what’s on the market, as some dealers may offer discounts on certain models or colours because they want you to buy them at less than what they are worth later on.
Since you’re buying a cheap car, you should choose the one that is within your budget. As an average Nigerian, you would want to go for the older models which cost betweeen N400,000 – 800,000. Car models you can get at that price range are; Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes Benz C200, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord. Don’t even think about buying a Lexus or Land Range Rover, those cars are expensive!
Read Also: Money Management Skills: How to Stop Impulse Buying
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Check the engine
If the car has been driven for a long time, the engine likely has some problems. If you are looking to buy a cheap car, it is very important to check and ensure that your car’s engine is in good condition. When purchasing cheap cars, you need to consider whether or not they have been used for many years.
If they have been used for a long time and their engine has started to die down, this can be an issue because they will be prone to breakdowns and other issues.
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Check the condition of body parts
Body parts like doors, hoods, bumpers and so on should be checked properly before buying a used car because they are some of the most important parts of any vehicle. If they’re not good, then chances are that your new car could get damaged easily after some time. It’s important to check these parts even though they might not look like they need it at first sight because you never know what kind of damage might have occurred on them over time without you knowing about it!
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Check the engine fuel tank
If you want to drive your new car for long distances or use it in harsh conditions like highways or deserts, then you should get a vehicle which has a larger engine fuel tank so that it can last longer without needing to refuel every time you stop.
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Ask for guarantee
When purchasing a cheap car, regardless of price, don’t be afraid to ask the seller what kind of service he provides for that specific model, and make sure you get a detailed list of all services before agreeing to the sale. Ensure you understand the type of warranty or guarantee he offers and thoroughly read the terms and conditions.
This will help ensure that you are getting the best value for your money and having a car that has been properly maintained and cared for. Also, ensure that the seller can provide after-sale service and support for the model, such as if there are any defects.
Read Also: How to Start a Car Dealership Business in Nigeria: A Beginner’s Guide
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Ask for recommendations
Ask for recommendations from friends and family members who have purchased the same type of car before you do so. This will help you make an informed decision about what kind of car would suit your needs best based on your experience before purchasing it from them, how reliable they think it will be in terms of maintenance costs, etc. Other things can also be checked before buying a used car, such as its gas/petrol mileage rollback, registration, warranty, and maintenance records.
Conclusion
When buying a cheap car, it is important to trust your gut feelings. If you don’t feel trustworthy about the vehicle and everything you see, listen to your instincts and leave the place. And if you’re not an expert in cars, ask someone around you or an expert mechanic. You will be glad that you did so when the time comes. Don’t buy something that you’re not sure about. You need to be sure that the car you’re considering is good.
Put your trust in a mechanic and ask him to advise you on the good and bad things about it. If possible, use the mechanic’s car for a trial run and check how it responds to your driving skills. I believe that a used and cheap car is worth it if you have the knowledge and experience to spot a good one. The advice I have given you here can help you do that and make an informed decision on your purchase. Start your search today, and don’t look back.
What do you think about cheap cars? Are they economical or a waste of money? You can leave a comment or talk about it on our Whatsapp Community today.You can also follow us on Instagram to know the hack of a Nigerian lifestyle.
About Author
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Samuel Usman is a writer and copywriter who has honed his craft to make you see what you want to see.
His passion is communicating ideas through words—creating content that is clear, concise, easy-to-understand, and persuasive—and he specializes in creating content that engages readers and drives results.
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