OwenG:

Hello Inspired,
I am in need of a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder for my Popsie on the pre-order scheme.
How much will it cost me in all (Buying, shipping and clearing)?
Also, what are your pre-order terms if available?
Thanks,
OwenG

princedm:

Greetings to fellow members of Nairaland and thanks for taking time out to read this post.
While I am new in this forum, I have noticed that one of the issues generating waves in the forum is the auto pre-order issue.
This informs my wanting to post this here.

Before going on that pre-order arrangement, I would ant buyers to note the following to avoid been scammed.

1. The location of the middleman: Since we are in the e-world, you might not need to know the location of the person arranging the pre-order BUT note that cash based transactions will not help you as anyone can run away with your money.
In that case, all transactions must go through the bank. You should be the one involved in transfering the money to wherever the seller is and if the middleman insists on doing that then you should pay using a closed check so the middleman has to pay the money into his account, in the case where there is a breach of contract or you suspect foul play, you will have a proof that money was paid. Also this can be used as a way to link up with whoever has your money.

2. Delivery Time: I will like to let you know that normal delivery time is about threee (3) months. It could be lesser depending on the location the car was shiped from and when if the car is put on a ship as soon as it is purchased. You should note that after purchase, the car has to be documented and then book a space on the ship. The ship is not a BRT service that you can jump in at any time. It will require at least 7 days for that. You should also note that ships have cut off dates and move from various locations. Shipping from the USA can take between 3 weeks to 5 weeks depending on the location of the port of loading. The RORO ship moves from one port to another just like a bus to load.
If anyone tells you that your car will arrive 3 weeks after you get your funds then you should smell a foul odour there.

3. The process: It starts with auction or negotiation depending on the source of your vehicle. After which the cost of the car is paid along with other charges such as charges to maybe the auction company. Bank charges are also part of the charges you should bear in mind. Aside that there will be cost of inland transportation for getting the car to the port of loading. Sometimes storage fees may come up if there is no space at the port of loading.
Note: Depending on the shipper and the kind of trust between both parties, some shippers do not ask for payment until the car is almost arriving at the port of delivery.
Also containerized shipments take longer than RORO shipments and most clearing agents prefer grimaldi shipping line as the clearing process is easier. However all of them are safe as your car will get to Nigeria safely.

4.After the car has been loaded, it is then time to expect the car, the estimated time of arrival will be on the bill of lading and it is advisable you start getting set for clearing the car before arrival.

Now you should note that there are three things to be paid for here, the car in question, the shipping and the clearing.

To my understanding, some dealers will ask for 30% upfront based on that it what it will cost to purchase the car in some cases and they may change it to 50% if the value of the car in question is going to consume about 50%.

Well since you are supposed to transfer the funds yourself, then you won't have any problem with any upfront fees so all you will be paying to the dealer/ middleman is the ADMIN fee agreed by both parties.

I hope this makes some of us understand what exactly it takes to go on a preorder now. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me, and if you have some tips to add, please kindly do so.

PREORDER just like any thing that exists has its ORIGINAL and FAKE and just like any other business. It could save you some good funds if you are lucky to deal with the right set of people and do things accordingly and in a transparent manner.

You should also note that while I may be available to help with pre-order of cars, I am not using this to spoil anybody's market or solicit for customers to my own end and this thread is open to commendations and critisicm from everyone.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post once again and God lead us all to the right path.