What buyers should verify
Tokunbo cars are foreign-used vehicles, and their value depends heavily on their overseas history. Two cars of the same model and mileage can be priced very differently once you know one was written off.
A simple five-step check
Follow this order every time, even when the seller is someone you trust.
- Get the 17-character VIN from the dashboard and door sticker and compare both
- Run a VIN decode to confirm make, model, year and engine
- Review history for salvage, rebuilt and flood brands
- Compare reported odometer readings with the dashboard
- Pay for an independent mechanic’s inspection
Signs of flood damage to look for
Check for damp carpets, a musty smell, silt under the seats or in the spare wheel well, and corrosion on electrical connectors. A flood brand in the history confirms what the car’s condition suggests.