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.

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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 

Toyota Camry LE (2007–2009): N8.5 million- N10 million

The Toyota Camry LE from the 2007–2009 years remains one of the most respected midsize sedans in the Tokunbo market in Nigeria.

It comes with a 2.4‑litre four‑cylinder engine that produces around 158 horsepower paired with a five‑speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers smooth acceleration and adequate power for city driving and highway cruising.

Some variants also include a 3.5‑litre V6 engine that boosts power significantly, but for buyers focused on this budget, the four‑cylinder version is more common and generally more fuel‑efficient, averaging roughly 21 mpg city and up to 31 mpg highway.

Parts availability and mechanic familiarity across Nigerian cities also help make maintenance relatively straightforward.

Honda Civic (2006–2007): N7 million – N9 million

The Honda Civic from the 2006–2007 model years is known for its efficiency, practicality and everyday usability.

This generation of Civic continues to appeal to first‑time owners and commuters who value low running costs.

It comes with a 1.8‑litre inline four‑cylinder engine producing around 140 horsepower, paired with either a five‑speed manual or five‑speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

It is particularly suited for city commuters, young professionals and small families who prioritise economy and simplicity over luxury features.

Honda Accord (2008–2009): N8 million – N9.5 million

The Honda Accord from the 2008–2009 model years is a mid‑size sedan and is a popular choice in Nigeria.

Accords in this generation come with a 2.4‑litre four‑cylinder engine that produces around 177 to 190 horsepower, paired with a five‑speed automatic or manual transmission on many trims.

There is also an available 3.5‑litre V6 option for buyers seeking stronger acceleration and smoother highway cruising.

The four‑cylinder variant is known for competitive fuel economy for a car of this size, with estimated figures around 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, making it efficient on both urban streets and longer drives. The V6, while slightly thirstier, still delivers a satisfying balance of power and refinement.

It is a reasonable Tokunbo pick under N10 million in 2026, offering a blend of efficiency, comfort and durability when chosen with care and properly inspected before purchase.

Toyota Sienna (2005‑2007): N9 million – N10 million

The Toyota Sienna from the 2005 to 2007 model years is one of the few minivans that combines spacious seating, robust engines and true family practicality with a three‑row seating for up to eight people.

The Sienna comes with a V6 engine paired with a 5‑speed automatic transmission. In the 2005‑2006 period, the van generally uses a 3.3‑litre V6 producing around 230 horsepower with smooth power delivery for loaded‑up driving and long trips. The 2007 models stepped up to a 3.5‑litre V6 generating about 266 horsepower, giving stronger acceleration and more confident highway performance.

This model also works best for transport businesses or buyers who regularly carry people and luggage. If you need a van that feels more spacious than sedans or compact SUVs, and can handle slightly higher running costs, it offers a roomy and reliable option.

Toyota RAV4 (2003-2004): N8 million – N9.5 million

The Toyota RAV4 from the 2003–2004 model years is a compact SUV. It’s an attractive choice for buyers who want something more than a sedan but still manageable within a N10 million budget.

They come with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The 2003 version uses Toyota’s reliable 1AZ-FE engine, while the 2004 update continued with a similar setup offering about 147–161 horsepower with a good mix of performance and fuel economy. The SUV can handle both city roads and longer highway journeys with relative ease.

It has a balanced fuel economy for an SUV of this age, averaging around 20–24 mpg (city and highway combined) in real-world driving.

Toyota Camry (2003-2005)- Big Daddy: N7 million – N8 million 

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.

Acura MDX (2004-2005): N8 million – N9.5 million

The MDX is a mid-size luxury SUV with a smooth V6 engine, a comfortable cabin and three-row seating in many variants.

The Acura MDX from the 2004–2005 era is a midsize luxury SUV that still attracts buyers in the Nigerian Tokunbo market with a comfortable cabin and three-row seating. It sits at the upper end of the N10 million budget but can be a worthy pick for buyers who want more than a basic sedan without stretching beyond N10 million.

Under the hood, the MDX typically comes with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup produces around 265 horsepower and delivers smooth power for both city and highway driving.

Fuel economy for these models is modest, averaging around 17 mpg in the city and up to 23 mpg on highways.

Honda Odyssey (2004-2005): N8.5 million to N10 million

The Honda Odyssey in the 2004–2005 model years stands as a very practical choice for families and buyers who need space without stretching beyond a N10 million budget.

The 2004 Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive power well suited to both city driving and long highway journeys. It generally delivers better acceleration than many older sedans in the same budget bracket.

While the Odyssey’s V6 engine delivers good low-end power for a minivan, its fuel consumption is higher than that of smaller cars. Buyers budgeting for running costs should expect this. Servicing and parts availability are generally straightforward because Honda has a well-established parts network.

Toyota Corolla (2003-2006): N8 million – N9.5 million

The Toyota Corolla from the 2003–2006 model years remains one of the most popular and practical choices in Nigeria’s Tokunbo market, prized for its reliability, fuel efficiency and low ownership costs.

Corollas in this era majorly come with 1.6-litre petrol engines paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. The 1.6-litre unit produces around 110–130 horsepower, adequate for urban driving and highway cruising without overwhelming fuel consumption.

Many of these engines are known to deliver strong fuel economy, with average real-world figures often cited around 28–32 miles per gallon combined, a major advantage in a market sensitive to petrol prices.

This model is particularly suited for first-time buyers, small families and anyone who wants a low-stress, economical car that is easy to run every day.

Lexus LS 460 (2007): N8 million–N10 million

The 2007 Lexus LS 460 is a luxury sedan that blends smooth performance and premium comfort. It is a good pick if you want something more refined than ordinary sedans but still within reach of this budget range.

It has a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing around 380 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers confident, smooth acceleration and strong highway performance. Fuel economy is reasonable for a V8, with official ratings around 17–19 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway when running on premium fuel.

Inside, the LS 460 feels luxurious and well-appointed even by modern standards. Standard equipment includes orthopedically designed power front seats with memory settings, a power moonroof and keyless start. Many imports also have leather upholstery and premium sound systems.

This model works well for buyers who want a luxury feel on a budget.

What dealers are saying 

In an interview with Nairametrics, Edu Bassey, CEO of Stock Motor Cars, explains that the economics of importing older foreign-used vehicles especially models from 2006 and below, no longer make sense for most dealers.

According to him, the minimum cost of clearing a car now sits between N3.2 million and N3.5 million, with these budget vehicles selling around $3,000 to $5,000 in the United States. Once shipping, duties and other charges are added, such cars often land in Nigeria well above N10 million, leaving little or no profit margin.

He explains that this is why many dealers have stopped bringing in cars from the 2004 to 2006 range, even though buyers still ask for them. They are, however becoming rare, as they are more available in Nigerian-used types.

One major reason, he said, is Nigeria Customs’ VIN valuation system, which groups older vehicles into the same duty category, meaning imports in years 2000–2013 pay the same duty irrespective of actual age, effectively raising costs for older cars.

“So there’s no incentive to bring in much older cars. If I’m paying the same to clear a 10-year-old car, why would I import something far older?” he explained.

Today, he explained, buyers are shifting their expectations upward. Entry-level options in the Tokunbo market now start much higher, with vehicles like Highlanders, RX models and similar SUVs from 2013 upwards, often selling from N25 million and above.

Another car dealer, Mr. Victor, the CEO of AutoViv Ltd, explained that prices began rising sharply about two years ago. According to him, a Corolla that sold for N2.5 million to N3 million in 2023 now costs several times more.

Clearing costs have also jumped significantly. He noted that clearing a 2003 Toyota Corolla, which previously cost N300,000 to N400,000, now costs around N2.3 million, pushing up final vehicle prices.