![How to Sell Your Car Online in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide [2026]](https://carlots.ng/oc-content/uploads/blog/blog/115.jpg)
Selling a car in Nigeria used to be an extreme sport. We all remember the old method. You would wash the car, park it by the roadside, and place a yellow keg or a "For Sale" sign on the roof with your phone number scrawled in marker. Then, you would wait. You would deal with endless phone calls from unserious buyers, mechanics who want to "test" the engine by revving it to the limit, and agents demanding outrageous commissions.
In 2026, the game has changed. With the economy shifting and the "Japa" wave still influencing the market, the need for liquidity is high, and no one has time for games. The digital space has taken over, but it brings its own set of questions. Is it safer? Is it faster? And most importantly, will you get a better price online than at the Ladipo or Berger car markets?
This guide explores exactly how to navigate the Nigerian auto market today, moving beyond the "yellow keg" strategy to selling your vehicle efficiently on specialised platforms like Carlots.ng.
The first question every seller asks is: Should I take it to a car stand or list it online?
Selling offline, typically to a dealership or a roadside stand, offers one major advantage: speed. If you drive your Toyota Corolla into a dealer lot in Ikeja today, you could walk out with cash in hand. However, this speed comes at a high cost. Dealers are resellers; they need to buy low to sell high. You will almost certainly sell below market value, sometimes losing up to 30% of your car's worth just for the convenience of a quick sale.
Selling online puts you in the driver’s seat. You are selling directly to the end-user or a serious collector.
Better Price: By cutting out the middleman, you keep the profit margin.
Wider Reach: Instead of just people walking past a specific street in Abuja or Lagos, your car is visible to buyers from Port Harcourt to Kano.
Convenience: You don't need to leave your car at a stand. You can keep driving it until the right buyer comes along.
The Verdict: If you are desperate for cash within 24 hours, offline dealers are your best bet. But if you want the best price and are willing to put in a little effort, selling online is superior.
For years, Nigerians listed cars on general classified sites, platforms where you see a Range Rover listed right next to a used blender and a pair of shoes.
The problem with these "everything goes" platforms is the quality of traffic. A buyer looking for a blender is not looking for a car. Furthermore, these platforms are often flooded with unserious inquiries and scammers.
This is where niche platforms like Carlots.ng shine. When a user visits a dedicated car platform, they are there for one reason: to buy a vehicle. They understand terms like "Tokunbo," "Nigerian Used," and "First Body." By listing on a dedicated platform, you filter out the noise and connect directly with a qualified audience.
You have decided to sell online. Good choice. But simply uploading a photo isn't enough. The Nigerian market is competitive. Here is how to make your listing stand out.
Do not snap a picture of a dirty car. Nigerians buy with their eyes.
Wash and Wax: A clean exterior suggests the engine has also been well-maintained.
Declutter: Remove your personal items—sunglasses, tissue boxes, and charging cables.
The Engine Bay: Wipe down the engine cover. You don't need to steam wash it (which can be risky), but it shouldn't look caked in oil and mud.
You don't need a professional camera; a good smartphone is enough.
Lighting: Take photos during the day, preferably early morning or late afternoon. Avoid harsh noon sun or dark garages.
The Angles: You need at least 6 key shots: Front, Back, Left Side, Right Side, The Dashboard (showing mileage), and The Engine.
The Flaws: If there is a scratch or a dent, take a picture of it. Transparency builds trust. A buyer who sees the scratch online won't be surprised when they come for inspection.
Avoid writing "Call for price" or just "Clean car." That frustrates buyers.
Be Specific: Mention the Make, Model, Year, and Trim (e.g., Toyota Camry 2018 XLE).
Condition: Use local terminology correctly. Is it "Tokunbo" (foreign used) or "Nigerian Used"? Is the AC chilling? Is the gear selecting smoothly?
History: "Lady driven" is a cliché. Instead, say "Serviced every 5,000km at [Reputable Workshop]."
Papers: Confirm that your custom papers and vehicle license are intact.
Overpricing is the number one reason cars sit online for months.
Research: Search Carlots.ng for your exact car model. See what others are asking.
Be Realistic: If your car needs shock absorbers or tyres, deduct that cost from the market average.
Psychological Pricing: A price of N8,800,000 often looks more attractive than N9,000,000.
Once your ad is live, the calls will start coming. Managing this phase correctly is crucial.
Filter the Buyers: You will get calls from people asking, "Last price?" before they have even seen the car. A polite response is, "The price is slightly negotiable, but please come and inspect the car first." This separates serious buyers from window shoppers.
Safety First:
Public Meetings: Never meet a buyer in a private residence or a secluded area. Use a fast-food eatery parking lot, a mall, or a filling station.
Test Drives: Never let the buyer drive alone. Sit in the passenger seat. If possible, have a friend or mechanic accompany you.
Payment: Accept Bank Transfers only. Do not accept cash (risk of fake notes or theft) and do not accept cheques. Do not hand over the car keys or documents until your bank app confirms the money is in your account. Do not rely on a screenshot that the buyer shows you.
Perhaps you have sold one car and enjoyed the process. Now you want to flip cars for a living. The online dealership model is lucrative in Nigeria, but it requires discipline.
Reputation is Currency: In the online world, one bad review can ruin you. If a car has a bad transmission, say it. If you sell a bad car as "buy and drive," the internet will drag you, and your brand will suffer.
Consistency: Keep your inventory updated. If a car is sold, mark it as sold immediately.
Specialisation: Don't try to sell everything. Become the "Lexus Guy" or the "Budget Corolla Specialist." Niche dealers often build a loyal following faster than generalists.
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The days of parking your car by the roadside and hoping for the best are behind us. The Nigerian automotive market has moved online, offering speed, convenience, and better pricing for those who know how to navigate it.
By using dedicated platforms like Carlots.ng, presenting your vehicle professionally, and prioritising safety, you can turn your used car into liquid cash faster than ever before. Whether you are selling your personal ride to upgrade or starting a digital dealership, the opportunity is on your screen.
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