As Nigerians write their plans and set goals for the new year, owning a car sits on the list of many.
For people who dream of ditching long, exhausting rides in Danfos, a budget of N10 million is a key to that next chapter.
Foreign used cars, popularly known as tokunbo, remain the backbone of private mobility in Nigeria.
New cars are priced far beyond the reach of the average Nigerian, while locally used vehicles often come with hidden histories. That leaves fairly used imports as the middle ground many people are forced to navigate.
A few years ago, a more stable naira and lower clearing costs meant that N10 million provided more and better options. Today, the landscape has shifted in profound ways.
What buyers are seeing today is not just higher price tags, but fewer good deals. This budget still buys a car, but not the kind of flexibility it once offered.
Nairametrics reported that Nigeria’s passenger car imports slowed in 2024, with the total value dropping by 14.3% to about N1.26 trillion, down from N1.47 trillion in 2023. The decline reflected weaker demand, driven largely by exchange rate volatility and economic pressures.
Importers and dealers are also grappling with sharply rising costs of clearing foreign used vehicles following recent policy changes introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service.
With this, the challenge for some Nigerians looking to spend N10 million or less is more than just picking a model off a list. It is about finding something in good condition that will last, without stretching the budget too far.
Here are the tokunbo cars Nigerians can get under N10 million in 2026
The Toyota Camry (2003-2005), often called “Big Daddy” in the marketplace, remains one of the most recognised and widely preferred Tokunbo sedans in Nigeria’s used car segment.
It is sold within the N8 million – N10 million budget for 2026 and continues to be a reliable choice for daily commuting, family use, and long distances.
Most Camrys from this period come with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers around 157–158 horsepower, paired with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Some trims also offer a 3.0-litre V6 option, which produces slightly more power for smoother acceleration and better highway performance. Both engine types are known for durability when maintained well.
The car offers reasonable fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for both urban and intercity travel. Fuel consumption varies depending on the engine size and driving conditions, but it is generally acceptable for everyday use.
They are popular in Nigeria, partly because parts are widely available and relatively affordable compared with luxury brands. Mechanics across major cities are familiar with their engines, which helps keep running costs in check when routine maintenance is needed.
