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5 Advantages and disadvantages of buying your car from Cotonou
The car market in Cotonou is arguably the largest automobile market in West Africa as it thrives on Nigeria’s mega population. Many Nigerians have resolved to buying their cars from this market due to several challenges inherent in getting a good bargain within our fatherland. I recommend that you consider the following advantages and disadvantages before buying your first or next car through the Cotonou route:
ADVANTAGES
- Level of honesty: This market welcomes you with a lovely aura and a serene environment which gives you the opportunity to explore without being exploited by those guys who always claim “nah my brother get the car”. The Cotonou dealers would calmly communicate the prices of their vehicles to you and they will not hassle or compel you to buy from their lot. Obviously, they are not over desperate to sell and this significantly reduces the extent to which they cheat their clients. However, this does not mean you should be gullible and fall for what they want you to believe as they also roll back mileages and refurbish several accidented cars, but they will hardly sell a registered car to you as tokunbo like our brothers at Berger would.
- Cleaner cars: The car dealers in Cotonou can afford to buy more cars that are not accidented because they do not bare any import duty cost as the import duty is paid to the Government by the buyer after the car is sold by the dealer. Hence, they have a reasonable amount of cars that are not accidented and the accidented ones are usually repaired by professional panel beaters and painters.
- Relatively low import duty for high-end cars: Several luxury and recent cars that are considered to be high-end are usually brought into Nigeria through the Seme land border due to reduced duty. A major reason for the reduced duty is the fact that Benin Republic‘s Government charges a fixed import duty (500,000 CFA = 320,000 Naira) on all cars irrespective of its year or trim. Furthermore, the import duty at Seme border is less than Apapa and Tincan port as charges that accrue to shipping companies are waived, basic import duties are usually lower and smuggling is easier. I remember counting over 100 Landcruiser and Prado jeeps that came into Nigeria the only night I slept at Ilaro town about 2 years ago.
- Varieties: If you want to get tired of seeing cars, Cotonou car market is the place to be. You will be overwhelmed by the unlimited number of cars spread over the vast expanse of land. Do not make the mistake of doing your search by foot as those that move around the market on motorbikes still complain of being exhausted.
- Market localization: This eliminates the stress of driving across a whole state or an entire city in search of a car as most of the cars are located within close proximity to one another.
DISADVANTAGES
- Difficulty to run a VIN check: This will not be an issue if you have internet data on your phone. However, it is a major issue for so many people who make payment for cars without having information about its flooded history or rolled back mileage. I inspected some cars in Cotonou 3 weeks ago and only realized that the one we liked the most had its mileage reduced from 258,000 miles to 125,000 miles. Thank God we went back to Seme border to get network to run the VIN checks.
- Relatively high import duty for cheaper cars: There is a myth that all cars from Cotonou are cheaper than cars which are cleared via Lagos ports. This is actually false especially in the case of cars that are relatively old. e.g a 2003 Toyota Camry is usually cheaper if imported through Apapa sea ports as against routing it through Cotonou because you would pay double duty to two separate Governments in the latter.
- Nigeria Customs’ palava: Customs’ issue is the king of all the challenges you can face when bringing your car into Nigeria from Cotonou. The issues ranges from vehicle seizure to exploitation. I do not hope for my enemy to experience this as those Custom guys are not smiling no matter who you are or who you know. They even seize vehicles that belong to their fellow custom officials as well as that of top military officials. The simplest way to save your car from being seized is by using a reliable and trustworthy agent and ensuring your car is taken into the Nigerian Customs’ compound at the border for proper duty assessment and payment.
- Restricted movement: Most Nigerians who successfully bring in cars with compromised import duty from Cotonou usually count their gains at the time of purchase. However, this excitement fades away quickly as they begin to watch over their shoulders especially when travelling interstate. Some even travel without their cars due to fear of custom officials.
- Possible damage when vehicle is in transit: A typical example of penny wise is when you save some bucks by bringing your car in from Cotonou but the cost of damage sustained to your car is commensurate to or higher than the anticipated savings. Some car crossing agents who smuggle cars without the owner’s consent still had a shootout with custom officials a few weeks back.
My verdict is for you to only bring in your car from Cotonou if you have a trusted hand who will not smuggle/fly your car and ensure full import duty is paid after proper assessment at the custom’s office.
What is your verdict on this pertinent issue?
Ayomikun
August 20, 2016 at 13:48
Visited your blog from NL. Very dope article, I must say. Especially when the co-owner of my blog and I talked about buying cars from Cotonou when we make dough from AdSense.
Keep up the good work boss. Thumbs up
AutoJosh
August 20, 2016 at 14:05
Thanks
beamzy
August 20, 2016 at 14:02
Nice one…been waiting for this. Well written article. Best Auto Blog. Very informative site.
AutoJosh
August 20, 2016 at 14:06
Thanks
AutoJosh
August 21, 2016 at 11:13
Thanks for the support. Expect more from AutoJosh.
Ak4christ
August 20, 2016 at 21:20
Bros you are very correct, I take watching dos cars coming in through Ilaro as movie, with drivers not considering the fact that someone hard earn money is wat dey are driving. Good talk keep it up.Tt9t9
AutoJosh
August 21, 2016 at 08:50
Movie is the right word. I was thrilled.
Princely
August 20, 2016 at 23:21
Excellent write up. I commend your originality of thought and unique style. I have been researching about going to Cotonou to buy a car. I even bought a e-book from one of these arm-chair infoprenuers regarding the steps involved in importing a car from Cotonou. Saw your article today on NL and headed to your site. I am convinced you are knowledgeable about the subject matter.
I am interested in 2007 Toyota Highlander. Cotonou is still my preferred destination regardless of the inherent hassles. I would like to engage your services in order not to be penny wise, pound foolish. What will it cost to get this car from Cotonou to Nigeria? No point asking you to compare Cotonou vs Nigeria price, it would definitely be much more expensive in Nigeria.
AutoJosh
August 21, 2016 at 11:11
Currently, the average landing cost is N3.2 million
David
August 21, 2016 at 21:17
Big up my brother for your wonderful investigative write up about Cotonou car market especially this your blog concerning fairly used cars info is a big relief for many Nigerians who have fallen victim to many unfaithful car dealers both here & Cotonou. Thanks a lot Autojosh.Ji si ike.More grease to your elbow.
David
August 21, 2016 at 21:31
Pls Autojosh am interested in Volkswagen Tuareg 2009/2010 Model I wanted to bid online through( Export car USA)website but its unfamiliar territory for me though I have done abit of research about it but i feel I need help from experience expert like you pls here is email ([email protected]) for further discussion though Cotonou is my second option. Waiting for your reply. Thanks.
AutoJosh
August 21, 2016 at 21:54
Sure. We can go through the process together.
SAMUEL
August 22, 2016 at 17:24
Thumbs up AutoJosh. I enjoyed the well detailed expose on the the issue of importing Cars through Cotonou.
Infact, I am more enlightened on the minimum of hassles to expect as against just running myself into a cul-de-sac in a dark Alley. Thank you Bros.
AutoJosh
August 22, 2016 at 17:34
Thank you Mr Samuel.
John
August 27, 2016 at 06:35
Nice article josh, very incisive but then again am of the opinion that moving in cars from Cotonou is of a better proposition if indeed one is sure of his grounds. kindly emall me your contact number, [email protected]. cheers
Abayomi
August 28, 2016 at 07:33
Nice write-up!
Bamigboye taiwo
September 7, 2016 at 07:27
Very lovely please want to ask how much will Toyota carmy xle2008/09cost now through Cotonou.
AutoJosh
September 7, 2016 at 08:29
Between 2.5 and 3m
segun
September 11, 2016 at 12:04
hello autojosh.i m so thrilled to know about your blog today.i will be glad if you can help me handle the purchase of my car from cotonou.i l like to know the landing cost of 2009 lexus rx350 grade A and 2010 lexus rx350 grade A including import and custom duties and all the neccessary genuine documents.i l be so glad if you can assist me through this.thanks
AutoJosh
September 15, 2016 at 09:43
About 4.5m and 5.5m respectively.
Ralph
September 14, 2016 at 21:42
Pls what’s the cost of VW Toureg 2009/2010 model from Cotonou to Nigeria.
AutoJosh
September 15, 2016 at 09:34
Between 5m and 5.5m
segun
September 19, 2016 at 09:12
thanks autojosh.i will beep u by next month when i am ready.please how can i contact you asides here? maybe through whatsapp or bbm.thanks
Aniekan
September 25, 2016 at 10:15
I just stumbled on this blog and article. Really cool stuff you doing here.
I am interested in getting my first car but via the Cotonou option. However, I am on a budget and would love to know what impact the current inflation has had on the cost of these cars.
What I need is a Toyota Camry (anything clean from 2008 – 2011). Please, do you know how much this will cost me? I need to plan but I also need it really quick.
Thank you!
AutoJosh
September 25, 2016 at 22:43
The price of cars from Cotonou has been on a constant rise due to the exchange rate. You’ll probably land the 2008 Camry with an average price of N2.7 million with complete duty.
Micheal
October 10, 2016 at 01:36
Hi josh , really interested in a 2008 Acura MDX SH AWD . What is the approx total Cost .
If you can spare some time , Can we chat via my email : [email protected]
AutoJosh
October 10, 2016 at 13:03
Sure we can
Micheal
October 10, 2016 at 21:37
Can you drop me your email contact
AutoJosh
October 11, 2016 at 00:12
[email protected]
Micheal
October 12, 2016 at 04:45
Hi auto josh, I didn’t get a reply email so
I thought I’d ask you straight on here
What’s the current landing cost of an Acura MDX 2008 from Cotonou ?
Regards
AutoJosh
October 12, 2016 at 08:32
Dear Mr Micheal, this is the response I sent to your email yesterday.
Hello Sir,
Your mail is well received. Average cost of N4 million should land it although it may be slightly less or more.
Please note that these prices vary frequently due to the unstable exchange rate.
Regards.
AutoJosh
October 12, 2016 at 08:49
I also sent you my contact so we can chat on whatsapp
Benson
November 6, 2016 at 16:34
Hi AJ,
What is total price of importing a Ford explorer 2008 4.6L 8V from Cotonou to Lagos.
Chris
November 13, 2016 at 01:26
Hello Josh, came across your blog and I must confess it has been incisive and educative. I hope to contact you when I am ready to purchase my ride. Keep up the good job.
AutoJosh
November 13, 2016 at 11:29
Thanks for the compliment. I am here to serve you anytime.
Engr Adebiyi Olumuyiwa
December 3, 2016 at 09:26
Can I have the idea of Toyota Land cruiser Prado 2016 brand new one from CONTONOU?
AutoJosh
December 3, 2016 at 13:17
Hello Sir, The average price is N43m.
Regards.
Engr Cosmas Nnamdi
January 17, 2017 at 10:03
Hi Josh, I’m interested in a 2010 to 2013 Toyota Venza, Very clean and full option. What’s the landing cost from Cotonou and what is the cost in Nigeria. Pls drop me your WhatsApp contact. I need it urgently.
AutoJosh
January 17, 2017 at 10:29
Dear Sir, I have sent my contact to you via mail.
Regards
Uduak
January 27, 2017 at 17:21
Hello Sir,
I am interested in a brand New Ford Edge latest model, titanium and full option from cotonou with full duty paid in Nigeria,
Akinola
January 28, 2017 at 06:26
Am thrilled and motivated by your excellent write up, it is an eye opener for the novice not to fall prey.
However, do you have an idea of Toyota Corolla 2004/2005 price from Cotonou and which of the route will be cheaper to take it through?
Thank you
AutoJosh
January 28, 2017 at 09:02
Thanks for the compliment. Cotonou has become a dead end in recent times… with the land border ban.
Shina
February 20, 2017 at 07:41
You post is excellent. But I’ve always believed the government has stopped the land border vehicle importation few months ago.
AutoJosh
February 20, 2017 at 11:44
Sure. They stopped it in January 2017
Andrew
June 22, 2017 at 10:03
Is the land border ban on vehicle importation still in force? regards.
AutoJosh
June 22, 2017 at 10:41
Yes Sir, It’s still in force.
Emmanuel
July 9, 2017 at 05:37
Hello Josh, you’re doing a wonderful work here, well done.
With land ban importation, does that mean I can’t legally buy a car from cotonu with duty paid or what? Little bit confused.
However, how much will Toyota Corolla 2004/2005 cost from Cotonou including duties paid.
[email protected]
Thank you
AutoJosh
July 9, 2017 at 13:40
Thanks for the compliment. Cotonou is a no go area for now. The ban has not been lifted so you can’t import legally from there. However, importing directly from USA would cost an average of N2.3m
Moyo Abdul
July 30, 2017 at 07:23
Hi josh,
Good job u doing? Please how much will it cost. To purchase Hyundai Elantra 2009 with all documents From the US with the breakdown of cost.
Thanks
AutoJosh
July 31, 2017 at 10:44
Thanks. You can buy it in USA for about $4,000 – $4,500 and land it in lagos for about N2.7m – N2.8m
Aliyu Alhassan
August 11, 2017 at 11:51
Hi there,
With the ban of importation of cars via land borders, is it still reliable to buy and import from Cotonou?
AutoJosh
August 11, 2017 at 11:57
It is not advisable. Better to buy the one that is already in Nigeria and confirm the import papers. or you import from USA yourself
Jeremy
August 27, 2017 at 04:12
This is August 25th, 2017. Is the ban still on and at this time will it better to buy Nijia?
AutoJosh
August 28, 2017 at 21:42
The ban is still on. It is better to buy in Naija or ship from USA
stallone
November 11, 2017 at 16:59
Hello AJ
Please email me your mobile number
I will like to buy 2012/2013 model of ML Mercedes Benz
stallone
November 11, 2017 at 17:00
Hello AJ
Please email me your mobile number
I will like to buy 2012/2013 model of ML Mercedes Benz to be delivered in Cameroon through Mamfe
AutoJosh
November 14, 2017 at 17:23
Sorry for the late response. We do not ship to Cameroon. We ship from USA to Nigeria. Regards
Feyi Sobi
December 9, 2017 at 11:41
Hi Josh,
Great article and good job replying all comments.
Please how much will it cost to purchase used Lexus gs 350 2013 with all documents from the US.
Thanks