Upgraded cars are quickly becoming popular in Nigeria. While most Nigerian car owners upgrade their cars to match the looks of the newer models, some car dealers upgrade cars they’re selling that are getting older, and not getting a lot of attention.
It gets even more interesting to realise that some car dealers that upgrade their cars often resell them as new. This begs the question: “Do upgraded cars still meet the criteria of new cars?” The truth is that once a vehicle has been altered (slightly or holistically) from its original shape or features, that vehicle ceases to be characterized as a brand-new car.
In that case, an upgraded car cannot be considered as brand new. That’s why reliable car dealers inform their potential buyers of the condition of the vehicle before they go ahead to purchase them. This way, car buyers are aware of what they are getting involved with.
While some reliable car dealers inform buyers, there is still a category of dealers that prefer to hide information like this from buyers. In a case like this, how can a buyer identify an upgraded vehicle when in the market for a new car?
Things To Check Before Buying a Used Car to Avoid Buying an Upgraded Car
Below are some of the trusted ways to inspect a vehicle to know if it’s been upgraded before purchasing.
- Carry Out a Holistic Interior & Exterior Features Review & Research
When a vehicle has been upgraded, chances are that some features of the car have been removed and replaced with another newer model version. To know if the car you’re buying has been upgraded, you’ll have to conduct a thorough inspection. How?
For instance, you’re buying a 2015 Lexus ES. Before making any payment, research the vehicle, inspect all its features and ensure it matches exactly with what’s obtainable in a 2015 Lexus ES. This way, you can guarantee that you’re not been sold a 2009 car as a 2015 model.
- Carry out Thorough Vehicle Engine Inspection
Most car upgrades are done in the cabin and exteriors of the vehicle without tampering with the engine. If you’re in doubt about the vehicle you’re purchasing, check the engine. If it’s an upgraded vehicle, you’ll easily spot it from the vehicle’s engine.
To check the car engine, inspect the engine marque, and the specifications, and ensure it matches with the model the dealer is selling to you before making payments. If you cannot do it yourself, be sure to enlist the help and services of a professional mechanic.
- Check and Confirm the Vehicle Identification Number [VIN]
This is one of the vital things to be on the lookout for when buying a used or tokunbo car in Nigeria or any part of the world. The VIN will give you a thorough breakdown of the vehicle. If it’s a 2009 Lexus ES 350 upgraded to a 2015 Lexus ES 350, the VIN will show the vehicle is a 2009 model.
In fact, checking the VIN is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get accurate information on the vehicle you’re buying before making a payment.
Conclusion
There are car dealers that resell upgraded cars as new ones. But, you won’t have to worry about that if you’re purchasing from a reliable dealer. A reliable dealer will give you a proper breakdown of a vehicle before you make any payment. As such, always look out for reliable car dealers when buying a car.
