What to Do When Buying a Car from a Private Owner
Buying a car directly from a private owner is slightly different from buying one second-hand at a dealership. There are important quality features to check that’ll help you match up the car with what you’re paying (or should be paying). Determining the value involves looking at the history, inspecting the current condition, and trusting your instincts.
Then there’s the paperwork, which involves legal considerations and payment security. Online marketplaces like Jumia Nigeria, Konga, and even jiji Nigeria are regularly flooded with used car deals. While this is often a quicker and more lucrative way to sell a car, some do it for dubious reasons like hiding mechanical faults or attempting to get more money than the car is worth.
Cartrack Nigeria will walk you through the second-hand car purchasing process step by step so that you get the best deal when buying a car from a private owner.
What’s the first thing to check before buying a car from a private owner?
The first thing you need to establish before buying a car from a private owner is that they do actually own the car. The proof of ownership document is a MUST, and there are ways you can confirm it is real or fake, request the original Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) and the e-CMR Certificate (Police Central Motor Registry). Do not accept a sworn affidavit or a handwritten receipt as a substitute.
Once you get to the private owner to inspect the car then:
- Scan the QR code. Use your smartphone to scan the QR code printed on the certificates. It should instantly open a secure government webpage displaying the vehicle’s exact details and the registered owner’s name.
- Check the plate number online. Go to the FRSC National Vehicle Identification System website (
nvis.frsc.gov.ng). Type in the license plate number to confirm that the make, model, and color registered online match the physical car in front of you. - Verify the Custom duties via VREG. Dial
*7031#or visitvreg.gov.ngusing the vehicle’s chassis number to confirm the car was legally imported and all custom duties were paid. - Inspect the physical paper. Hold the certificates up to the light to look for the official Nigerian Coat of Arms or FRSC watermark and hologram. The text should be perfectly aligned, using a clean, standard font without strange bolding or custom typing.
- Match the 17-digit VIN (Chassis Number). Find the 17-digit Chassis Number stamped on the car (usually under the windshield or inside the driver’s door jamb). Ensure it matches the number printed on the Proof of Ownership Certificate, the windscreen registration disc, and the owner’s insurance papers.
- Confirm the owner’s ID. Ensure the full name on the vehicle papers matches the name on the seller’s government-issued ID (like their Driver’s License or NIN card).
What paperwork is needed for buying a car from a private owner?
Besides the POC document (most important), you’ll also need a signed Deed of Sale / Vehicle Purchase Agreement and a Change of Ownership Form (Form MVA 5). These will be filled out and signed by you and the previous owner.
Optional paperwork worth considering for due diligence:
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Proof of bank account (stamped): A stamped 3-month bank statement (required if you are applying for a vehicle loan or updating high-value asset registrations).
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Roadworthiness Certificate: A valid Roadworthiness Certificate along with its matching registration tag (preferably issued by LACVIS or your local state Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service center).
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A sales agreement with details of the sale: A signed Deed of Sale / Vehicle Purchase Agreement detailing the transaction, signed by both you and the previous owner.
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Receipts that pertain to the service history: Receipts and workshop invoices that detail the car’s maintenance and service history.
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A bank settlement letter: A formal Letter of Release or clearance document from the bank/finance company if the car was bought on finance and isn’t fully paid off yet.
How should you inspect a used car before buying from someone?
When inspecting a private owner’s used car before buying, use this checklist:
- Uneven tyre wear & tear
- Windscreen cracks (even tiny ones)
- Buttons in the car like locks, windows and dashboard switches
- Minor mismatches on paintwork
- Scratches or bumps on panels
- Oil stains where the car is parked
Seeing evidence of damage or a past accident might not cause you NOT to buy the car, but it’s relevant to bring up with the previous owner. They should be charging according to the car’s current condition and must declare if the car’s been in an accident.
What should you look out for while test driving a used car?
When test driving a used car (which is highly recommended before buying), make sure you do short-stop driving as well as long-distance driving. Short distances will give you a feel for the brakes & suspension, while long distances will allow you to listen out for rattling noises or car performance issues.
Suburban driving observations
Drive over a few speed bumps and note how the car’s suspension handles it. Also observe how the brakes handle stops at red lights and stop signs, and don’t forget to take note of how well the car pulls off from these points (clutch-related). You’ll also pick up if there’s engine hunting, which could indicate a damaged engine head or other less-serious problems.
Highway driving observations
Long drives let you check a few other important things, like whether the engine overheats or if the car makes rattling sounds. Pay close attention to the steering wheel when you do a highway drive, because vibrations could point to wheel alignment imbalances.
Post parking observations
If you can, park somewhere else after your test drive is over. Go back to where the car was parked initially and look for fresh oil stains. A car that leaks oil will have mechanical issues that need to be addressed with the previous owner.
Also check the handbrake by parking on an incline if possible (although you can also test this while driving around town). Test the indicators, lights, and hazards while you’re parked and safe, and feel free to get out of the car to see if they work externally.
SIDE NOTE: If you want to protect your newly-purchased car while it’s parked, check out Cartrack’s virtual car guard app!
What should you do if the previous car owner has a tracking device installed?
If the previous car owner has a tracking device installed, you can speak to them about either having it removed or having the tracking service transferred to your name. In the latter case, the device will simply remain installed, and you can contact the tracking service provider to change ownership.
If it’s a Cartrack device, we make this process simple. Just give us a call and we’ll do the heavy lifting on your behalf.
Safety considerations for your new, used car purchase
If you just landed yourself a good deal on a used car, consider protecting it with a GPS tracking device if it doesn’t already have one.
It’s also highly recommended by many local influencers that all cars install a dashcam, as this offers a myriad of safeguards for motorists like you.
If you have any Cartrack products in your old car, speak to us about transferring them to your newly-purchased one, and we’ll schedule a visit.
