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Vehicle Buyer Protection — Lagos, Nigeria

Clean Does Not Always
Mean Good.

Before you transfer millions for a used car, let us investigate it properly — the way a dealer insider, not a roadside mechanic, would.

  • Most tokunbo problems are invisible to the untrained eye
  • Rolled-back mileage, flood damage and hidden accident repairs look clean
  • Our 40-step buyer protection inspection catches what sellers don't disclose
  • Structured. Systematic. Investigative. Not guesswork.
40
Step Inspection System
520+
Vehicles Inspected
7+
Years Dealer Experience
Lagos
Based & Available Now

The Market Is Not What Most Buyers Think It Is

The tokunbo car market is not a place where good cars wait patiently for honest buyers. It is a competitive, information-heavy environment where dealers and experienced traders consistently outmanoeuvre buyers who navigate on emotion and appearance alone.

"A well-detailed engine bay and a fresh interior smell are cheap. A structurally sound, mechanically honest car is rare. The two are not the same thing."

Mileage Rollback

45,000km on the display. 180,000km in reality. Looks identical on a test drive.

Hidden Accident Repairs

Crashed, repaired, polished. The paint looks perfect. The chassis doesn't.

Flood Damage

Dried, detailed and relisted. The ECU and electronics are still wet inside.

Fake Documents

Wrong names. Mismatched VINs. Forged service history. All look legitimate.

Seller Pressure Tactics

"Another buyer is coming tonight." Designed to stop you investigating properly.

Buying With Your Eyes

Clean interior. Quiet idle. Confident seller. That's not due diligence. That's a gamble.

₦2M+
Avg post-purchase repair bill for a problem car
40%
Estimated % of tokunbo cars with undisclosed issues
₦70K
Cost of inspection that could have prevented it

This Is Not a Mechanic Check.

A roadside mechanic checks what they can see.
We investigate what sellers don't show.

Roadside mechanicVisual check only
Test drive feelingEmotion-based
Seller's wordUnverified claim
Aladi Autos inspection40-step structured evidence
01
Dealer Insider PerspectiveWe've operated inside the dealer market. We know how cars are prepared for sale — and what sellers choose not to disclose.
02
Structured, Not ImpressionisticThe same 40-step framework on every vehicle — whether it's a ₦5M Corolla or a ₦50M SUV. No shortcuts.
03
We Compare, Not Just CheckWe tell you if there's a better car available at the same price. Not just pass/fail.
04
Advisory Outcome, Not Just a ReportBuy / Negotiate / Reject. Clear reasoning. Actionable outcome. Not a report you'll ignore.
05
Hybrid and EV CompetenceDedicated hybrid and EV diagnostics — battery health, charging systems, fault indicators. Most mechanics can't do this properly.
06
Independent by StructureWe earn from inspection fees, not vehicle sales. No incentive to approve a bad car. Ever.
Inspection Framework
40-Step Buyer Protection Inspection System

What We Investigate — And Why Each Step Matters

Most cars fail on the steps buyers never think to check. Every category below is drawn from direct experience with exactly how tokunbo cars misrepresent their condition.

Vehicle Identity
  • VIN verification and chassis plate cross-check
  • Engine number confirmation
  • Registration consistency check
  • Import documentation review (where applicable)
  • Ownership history indicators
Documentation Review
  • Proof of ownership verification
  • Service history consistency analysis
  • Document name and detail cross-check
  • Tax and levy documentation (where required)
Accident & Structural
  • Paint thickness analysis across all panels
  • Panel gap and alignment assessment
  • Chassis rail and sill inspection
  • Boot and bonnet alignment verification
  • Structural weld integrity check
  • Underbody accident repair indicators
Flood Investigation
  • Carpet and seat base moisture indicators
  • Seat rail corrosion assessment
  • Boot liner and spare wheel bay check
  • ECU housing and wiring harness analysis
  • Airbag module and fuse box condition
  • Headliner staining and moisture marks
Mileage Consistency
  • Odometer reading cross-reference
  • Pedal and steering wheel wear correlation
  • Seat bolster and headrest wear assessment
  • Service sticker mileage consistency
  • Tyre wear pattern and age analysis
Mechanical Inspection
  • Engine bay visual assessment
  • Oil condition and leak indicators
  • Coolant level and contamination check
  • Belt and hose condition assessment
  • Gearbox fluid analysis
  • Brake fluid and system condition
Diagnostic Scanning
  • OBD-II live data and fault code scan
  • ECU fault history review
  • Transmission module diagnostic
  • ABS and stability system check
  • Airbag system status verification
  • Cleared fault code indicators
Suspension & Underbody
  • Shock absorber and spring assessment
  • Bushes, ball joints and tie rod check
  • Subframe condition and alignment
  • Exhaust system integrity
  • Driveshaft and CV joint inspection
  • Underbody rust and corrosion mapping
Interior, Electronics & Safety
  • Dashboard warning light status
  • Air conditioning system performance
  • Window regulators and locks
  • Infotainment and connectivity systems
  • Seatbelt pre-tensioner assessment
  • Hybrid/EV battery indicators (package dependent)
Road Test & Recommendation
  • Cold start behaviour assessment
  • Transmission shift quality and response
  • Braking performance and pull test
  • Steering feel and tracking assessment
  • NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) evaluation
  • Final buy / negotiate / reject recommendation

Buyer Protection Packages — Choose Your Level

Three structured packages designed for different levels of buyer complexity. All packages apply within Lagos. Outside Lagos attracts additional travel fees.

Package A
Essential Buyer Protection
For buyers with shortlisted vehicles who need structured verification before payment.
70,000
What's Covered
  • Inspection of up to 2 vehicles
  • Accident and flood damage investigation
  • Diagnostic scan and fault code review
  • Mileage consistency analysis
  • Road test and mechanical assessment
  • Cosmetic condition review
  • Basic buyer recommendation
Most Comprehensive
Package B
Advanced Buyer Protection
For buyers who want deeper investigation, comparison support, and structured advisory.
120,000
Everything in Essential, Plus
  • Inspection of up to 3 vehicles
  • Full 40-step structured inspection process
  • ECU diagnostics and cleared-code analysis
  • Accident repair investigation and paint analysis
  • Flood contamination analysis
  • Documentation consistency check
  • Dealer risk observations and advisory notes
  • Buyer consultation and structured recommendation
  • Detailed inspection summary report
Package C
Hybrid & EV Intelligence
For buyers considering hybrid or electric vehicles who need technical depth before committing.
200,000
Full Hybrid/EV Coverage
  • Inspection of up to 5 vehicles
  • Hybrid / EV system diagnostics
  • Battery health analysis and state of charge
  • Charging system and port verification
  • Regenerative braking system assessment
  • Accident and flood investigation
  • Software and system warning checks
  • Advanced buyer consultation
  • Structured purchase recommendation report
Outside Lagos

Additional travel fees apply for inspections outside Lagos. Contact us before booking to discuss your location and confirm the fee.

Same-Day Inspection

Same-day bookings attract a ₦40,000 additional fee and are subject to availability. 48 hours' notice is recommended for all packages.

Additional Vehicles

Each vehicle beyond your package allowance costs ₦20,000 extra. Contact us before booking if you need more than the included number inspected.

Don't Know Where to Start? We Can Help You Find the Right Car First.

Skip the dealer noise. We filter the market, shortlist verified options, and recommend what actually fits your budget and needs — not just what's being marketed hardest right now.

"Not the most popular car right now — the right car for your budget, use case and risk tolerance."

1
Requirement GatheringBudget, use case, size, features, risk tolerance — defined before we look at a single listing.
2
Market FilteringFiltering out overpriced listings, known risk patterns, and obvious problems.
3
Option ComparisonShortlisted options with price, condition indicators and our preliminary fit assessment.
4
Seller CommunicationWe contact sellers, confirm availability and arrange inspection access for you.
5
Verification Before PaymentEvery shortlisted option goes through formal inspection before any recommendation is made.
6
Final RecommendationA clear recommendation on which car, at what price — based on verified findings.
Qualifying the Right Clients

Who We Work Best With — And Who We Don't

This Service Is Designed For

This Is For You

  • First-time car buyers who need expert guidance before committing
  • Buyers who have found a car online and want independent verification
  • Professionals and executives who are busy and cannot inspect personally
  • Diaspora buyers purchasing tokunbo cars in Nigeria
  • Parents buying a first car for a child who lacks market experience
  • Companies procuring staff vehicles who need documented due diligence
  • Buyers comparing multiple options who want structured comparison support
  • Anyone considering hybrid or electric vehicles and needing technical clarity
  • Buyers who have been burned before and want a reliable second opinion
This Service Is Not Right For

This Is Not For You

  • People whose only priority is the absolute cheapest car — regardless of condition or risk
  • Buyers who have emotionally committed to a specific car and only want confirmation, not honest assessment
  • People who want us to ignore red flags to avoid complicating a deal they've already mentally closed
  • Sellers attempting to use our inspection as a marketing or credibility tool without genuine buyer protection intent
  • Buyers who are not prepared to act on an honest recommendation — including rejection

Our best results come from buyers who are open to the truth — not just looking for permission to proceed.

Market Intelligence

Red Flags That Serious Buyers Watch For

These are the observable warning signs that indicate a car, a deal, or a seller requires more scrutiny. None is conclusive alone — but each warrants investigation before money moves.

Price Too Good to Be True
Significantly below comparable listings almost always means something is wrong that the seller knows and the buyer doesn't. The market prices risk.
"Nothing to Fix" Claims
No used car has nothing to address. A seller making this claim is either uninformed or deliberately suppressing findings — neither is reassuring.
Very Low Mileage on an Old Car
35,000km on a 2015 car is statistically improbable in Lagos urban conditions. Low mileage on an older vehicle warrants mileage consistency analysis.
Freshly Detailed Engine Bay
A recently pressure-washed engine bay can conceal oil leaks, coolant residue and deteriorated components. Engine bays should show appropriate age — not showroom cleanliness.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing receipts, service records with unexplained gaps, or ownership documents with different names are all legally and practically significant — not minor oversights.
Seller Rushing Payment
Urgency is a selling tactic, not a genuine constraint. A seller who needs payment today and cannot accommodate inspection tomorrow is telling you something important.
Refusal to Allow Inspection
This is the clearest possible signal. Sellers with nothing to hide do not refuse independent inspection before purchase. Full stop.
Paint Mismatch or Overspray
Subtle colour difference between panels, overspray on rubber seals or trim clips, or a door that sounds different when tapped — each indicates panel repair history.
Dashboard Lights Cleared Pre-Inspection
ECU fault codes can be cleared temporarily. A car presented with a clean diagnostic that shows signs of recent code clearing warrants deeper investigation.
Strange Interior Smells
Mildew, damp carpet smell beneath heavy air freshener, or unusual chemical odours in the interior can indicate flood damage that cleaning did not eliminate.
Hesitant or Weak Gear Selection
Transmission problems often present subtly — slight delay, rough engagement at certain speeds, or unusual behaviour under load — before becoming catastrophic and expensive.
No Service History
Absence of maintenance records removes the most important source of vehicle condition evidence. A car without service history is asking you to buy its past blind.

No single flag automatically disqualifies a car. Each one requires investigation. Two or three flags? Book inspection before payment. Five or more? Walk away and find a better car.

What You Receive After Inspection

Our output is a decision document — not a checklist you ignore. Every finding is rated. Every recommendation is explained. You know exactly what to do next.

Final Recommendation — Always One of Three
BUY — Proceed with confidenceNEGOTIATE — Conditions applyREJECT — Do not proceed
Inspection Findings SummaryAll 40 inspection points — categorised, severity-rated, plain language.
Photos and Video EvidencePhotos and video where findings need to be seen, not just described.
Diagnostic Scan ObservationsActive faults, cleared-code indicators, and system-specific concerns from the diagnostic scan.
Red Flag SummaryThe most significant concerns ranked — what they mean for the car and what they mean for your money.
Maintenance Concerns & Cost IndicatorsWhat will need attention soon, and what it will cost — so there are no surprises after purchase.
Final Advisory Note & Risk LevelRisk level (Low / Medium / High), negotiation leverage points, and our final call — with reasoning.

₦70,000 Inspection vs. ₦2,000,000+ Mistake.

The cost of inspection is fixed and known in advance. The cost of buying the wrong car is real, frequently underestimated, and often catastrophic. These are not theoretical numbers.

Without Inspection — What it costs you
With Inspection — What we catch
Transmission rebuild₦400K–₦1.2M
Transmission risk caught and car rejected before payment.
Flood ECU replacement₦200K–₦600K
Flood contamination found. Better alternative sourced.
Hidden crash — chassis repair₦300K–₦800K
Accident damage identified. Negotiation leverage secured.
Engine rebuild from ignored leak₦500K–₦2M
Oil system risk flagged. Buyer walks away safely.
Full electrical rewire₦400K–₦900K
Wiring harness concern documented before transfer.
Degraded hybrid battery₦800K–₦3M
Battery health verified. EV/hybrid package used.
Potential loss: ₦1.8M – ₦8M+
Inspection cost: ₦70K – ₦200K

Frequently Asked

Common questions about our inspection and sourcing service. For anything else, message us via WhatsApp.

Ask on WhatsApp

Book Your Vehicle Inspection

Select a package below, fill in your contact details, and proceed to secure payment via Paystack. We confirm within 24 hours.

Select a package above to begin your booking.

Before You Pay

Don't Pay First and Investigate Later.

Once money has transferred, your leverage disappears completely. The time to investigate is before payment — not after a problem surfaces.

Book before you pay. It is the most financially rational step you can take before any car purchase.

Lagos-based · 48-hour advance booking recommended · Same-day available (+₦40,000)