Before You Buy That ‘Foreign Used’ in Lagos, Read This or Cry Later

“Belgium Standard” or Nigeria-Used With 5 Owners?

You’ve seen them. Loud shirts. Sunglasses inside showroom. Voice like they own 5 car lots in Dubai.
They greet you with:

“Oga this one na direct Tokunbo o, just landed yesterday from Germany… e still dey smell abroad!”

But by the time you start engine, the stereo plays Fuji FM and LASTMA stickers are hiding under “new” seat covers.

Welcome to the wild, wild world of Lagos car dealers—where the only thing faster than the cars is the lies. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

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💡 Why You MUST Read This Before Buying That ‘Foreign Used’

Because in Lagos:

• “Foreign used” could mean it was imported by flood water.

• “Accident-free” means “accident didn’t kill the car—just wounded it.”

• That “agent” could vanish before your car gets to Apapa.

Let’s break down their top tricks, where these deals go down, and how you can avoid becoming the next sob story on TikTok.

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🕵️‍♂️ 1. The Berger Lie-By-Paint Job Formula

📍 Berger Auto Market is a known hotspot—tons of legit dealers, yes—but also professional repainters of accident history.

Dealer Trick:
“See the body now! Factory paint!”
❗Truth: That body has been sprayed more times than a Lagos danfo with perfume.

They’ll also tell you: “Just small repainting for aesthetics.”
Reality? The chassis is holding prayer meetings.

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🤦‍♀️ 2. Mile 2: Where ‘Direct Belgium’ Is Really ‘Dusted from Cotonou’

In Mile 2 and along Badagry expressway, some agents sell cars smuggled through Seme border, calling them “American spec.”
Guess what? Those cars have no history—just mystery.

“This car was used by a pastor in Canada.”
— Meanwhile, the underbody has red mud from Ogun state.

How to spot the trick:

• No proper VIN check.

• Seller can’t explain customs papers.

• You pay full money before seeing the car move.

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🚨 3. Festac ‘Home Delivery’ Agents

They use Facebook & Instagram to post “clean cars” they never owned. You contact them, they say:

“Car is in our warehouse. Send part payment and we bring it to you.”

But after your money drops?
You’ll be blocked faster than MTN network during thunderstorm.

🎭 Red Flag:
If their “lot” is someone else’s parking space, it’s a wrap. Most real dealers in Festac have registered addresses and NIN-verified delivery options.

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😩 4. Ladipo: Engine Swap Capital of Nigeria

Yes, Ladipo is heaven for parts—but hell for unsuspecting car buyers. Some smart-talking agents sell cars with:

• Rewired dashboards

• Diesel engines switched to petrol

• Airbags that only work as decoration

“Sir, this car is sharp.”
It better be—because the brakes may not work.

Pro tip: Go with a trusted mechanic. And if they don’t let you test-drive beyond 100 meters, run.

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🙏🏽 5. Ojodu/Ogba Dealers That Pray Before Lying

They start with:

“Let’s thank God for your life before we begin…”

Then end with:

“The car is just ₦4.5M. I swear on my children.”
(Meanwhile, that exact model is ₦3.2M with verified documents online.)

Religion is not warranty, abeg. Ask for CAC, verify VIN, and compare prices on Cheki.ng, Jiji, Autohub.ng before committing.

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🚦 Common Dealer Red Flags (Eyes of Lagos Tested & Verified!)