The vehicle purchase process
How to import a car without guesswork
A simple, transparent step-by-step process — from choosing the right car to watching it land in Nigeria. You only commit once you're satisfied with the risk and the total cost.
Before You Bid
Work through these 4 steps with your Tokunbo Select advisor
This is exactly how we guide clients before bidding — we help you understand the risks, stick to your budget, and know what to do next.
Step 1
Find your dream car
Start by exploring the cars you like — then hand the rest to your advisor.
- Send the lot, VIN or vehicle details with your budget.
- We confirm availability and identify alternatives within that budget.
Step 2
Start car assessment
We help you understand the real risk and expected total cost before bidding.
- We assess listings using auction images and vehicle-history reports.
- You get a clear recommendation: proceed, adjust, or avoid.
Step 3
Pay your refundable deposit
You secure the bidding slot with a 20% refundable deposit and we execute the bid plan.
- You approve the maximum bid and send the refundable deposit.
- We place bids live, keeping you updated on every move.
Step 4
Win the bid & complete payment
After a win, you settle the balance and we move the car to your preferred destination.
- You receive the full invoice breakdown and complete payment.
- We handle loading, shipping, and optional clearing/delivery support.
Costs and payments
Fees, deposits and payment stages
- Before you proceed
- We communicate the Tokunbo Select service fee and your payment schedule before you commit. Confirm the fee amount and what it covers in your quote.
- Before bidding or purchase
- A vehicle deposit is required before we bid or buy on your behalf, after you approve the vehicle and estimated cost. The amount is set out in your payment schedule.
- Shipping, clearing and delivery
- Further payments are tied to these stages. Follow the amounts and due dates in your agreed schedule; repairs require your approval.
- Refunds
- Before we bid or purchase, the vehicle deposit is refundable minus transfer charges. Once secured, it applies to your purchase. Service fees are separate and non-refundable unless specified otherwise.
Understand the full cost before you buy.
The projected total to buy the vehicle and clear it in Lagos, shown as a range in ₦ and $.
Vehicle estimates use the exchange rate recorded with each estimate. Delivery stories retain their original currency amounts. Final costs can change with the winning bid, customs, port charges and approved repairs.
Included
Not included
Import questions and answers
When do I make payment?
In stages as the vehicle moves: a deposit before we bid or purchase, then payments tied to shipping, clearing and delivery. The exact schedule is provided before you commit.
Is the initial deposit refundable?
If we have not yet bid or purchased on your behalf, the deposit is refundable minus any transfer charges. Once a vehicle is secured, it applies to your purchase. This is separate from Tokunbo Select service fees, which are non-refundable unless specified otherwise. Review your agreed payment schedule and the Fees and Payments terms before paying.
Read the fees and payments termsWhat types of damage do you avoid?
We generally steer clients away from flood and fire damage, major structural or frame damage, and airbag-deployed vehicles where repair cost or safety risk is hard to bound. Cosmetic and light collision damage is often where the value is.
Can I approve the vehicle before you bid?
Always. We never bid or purchase without your written approval of the specific vehicle and its estimated landed-cost range.
Are repairs done without my approval?
No. You receive a repair quote and photos first; work only starts after you approve it.
What happens if a vehicle does not pass your review?
We tell you exactly why, whether title, mileage, damage or cost, and suggest better options. You never pay for a car we cannot stand behind.
Do you only import salvage vehicles?
No. Our inventory includes salvage, clean-title and dealer vehicles. We select based on value, condition, risk and your budget, not on title type.
Can I import a clean-title vehicle?
Yes. We source clean-title cars from dealer stock and non-salvage auction lots. The review and cost-estimate process is the same.
How long does the process usually take?
Our documented average is 38 days from purchase to Nigerian handover. Most imports fall between six and ten weeks depending on the auction location, sailing schedule and customs.
What can cause the estimated landed cost to change?
The winning bid, the exchange rate, the customs assessment, port charges and any repairs you approve. That is why estimates are shown as a range and updated as facts firm up.
Can you deliver outside Lagos?
Yes, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other cities. Delivery beyond Lagos is quoted separately and included in your schedule before commitment.
Can I visit your Lagos office?
Yes, by appointment. Message us on WhatsApp and we will schedule a time.
Ready to assess a car before you bid?
Start a free pre-bid assessment
Share the lot, VIN, or make/model/year and we'll send a quick risk + cost review before you spend a kobo.