Buying a car is a milestone for many Nigerians. For some, it is a business investment and a merely means of commuting for others. Wherever you sit at the table and whether you are buying your first car or adding to your fleet of cars, or gifting a family member, it is necessary that before you put your hard-earned money down, go for a car inspection. E get why!
It is advisable to thoroughly check the car you intend to buy as you are not privy to the entire history of the car. This is even more necessary when you are buying a Nigerian used or imported car (popularly called Tokunbo). Even a brand new car needs to be inspected, to ensure it suits your taste or specifications if not for entirely technical reasons.
If you are not an expert on cars, we recommend that you should go with a trusted expert. They are usually specialist mechanics or individuals and companies that provide car inspection services for the car type you are about to buy. If you’re unable to get an expert, this article is especially for you. It is a guide on the things to look out for when buying a car. Let’s get into it!
Technical Inspection
Car inspection for any used vehicle needs to be more detailed, one must be on the lookout for major and minor faults. Major problems are critical in nature and usually mar the performance of the car. It is a red flag and if spotted, please avoid such a car except it is not hard to fix and such fault won’t keep reoccurring. Minor faults can also be spotted during a car inspection. One may overlook such faults depending on their severity. Generally, a car should be evaluated against its performance as well as the condition of the following during its inspection:
- Dashboard
- Engine and exhaust
- Flood damage or previous accident
- Transmission, ignition, and battery
- Tires, Suspension, and brakes
- Fluids
- HVAC systems: heater and air conditioner
- Vehicle body, windshield, and lights
- Interiors: leg room, audio system, power window, mirrors, and locks
Test Driving
After checking the car for possible faults, the next step will be to take it for a test drive. This can help you detect other faults that were not noticed during the visual inspection. It is recommended that when you go for an inspection, be the first to start the car, this is called cold starting. Cold starting is a great way to detect a faulty engine or be sure of its condition. Lastly, don’t be in a hurry while test driving, problems are usually detected after about 20-30 minutes of driving. And look out for faults bordering on the engine, brakes, transmission, suspensions and wheel alignment, and so on
Documents
The type of documents or things will of course vary based on the type of vehicle being purchased – brand new, foreign, or Nigerian used, albeit, there are similarities in what to look out for. One of the most important documents for a used car will be to check its certificate of ownership to ensure you are buying from the rightful owner. And upon satisfaction after the car inspection, other important vehicle documents you need to look out for depending on the condition of the car; used or brand new include:
- Letter of attestation and delivery note from the company of purchase
- Custom papers
- Motor Vehicle Duty Certificate; and for used cars, other documents such as the below should be checked:
- Certificate of roadworthiness
- Vehicle insurance certificate – the minimum requirement by law is a 3rd party motor insurance policy, a comprehensive insurance policy remain the best option.
- Vehicle license
Driver’s license – for whoever will be driving the car from the point of purchase
In conclusion, it is important that you go for a car inspection before you make payment for it. It would help you foresee issues which can lead to incrimination or buying a vehicle that if faulty and would cause major financial setbacks. We hope this blog post helps in mitigating such risks, remember insurance is all about mitigating expected and unforeseen risks.
Focus Keyword: Car Inspection
If you have questions relating to your insurance policies and do not understand the technical jargons, we can assist you with a FREE POLICY REVIEW to ascertain the level of cover you have and how to achieve more with your insurance policy. We are just a chat away on WhatsApp.
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Acknowledgment
Team Insure Africa
[…] – the car type, the model and make, etc. Regardless of your choice of car, you need to go for a car inspection and it does not end there. Before placing the car on the road for everyday commuting, you need to […]