In recent years, more Nigerian buyers and car dealers in Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt have shifted from Dubai and the U.S. to sourcing cheap used Toyota cars from China. The reason is simple:
1, lower landing cost
2, better refurbished condition
3, faster logistics
4, easier sourcing
This article reveals the real export secrets behind China’s used Toyota market—and how Nigerians save millions of naira per year.
Massive Supply Creates Lower Prices
China has been the world’s largest car market since 2009, selling over 25 million vehicles annually.
This generates:
- millions of used cars every year
- high availability of Toyota Corolla, Camry, and Highlander
- faster turnover compared to Japan or Dubai
High supply + competitive wholesale market = cheap used Toyota cars from China.

Professional Refurbishment Industry
One major reason Nigerians prefer cars from China is the refurbishment quality.
China offers:
- lower labor cost
- abundant Toyota-compatible spare parts
- skilled bodywork and mechanical technicians
- interior reconditioning workshops
Typical refurbishments include:
1, new tires
2, fresh paint or polishing
3, serviced engine and transmission
4, cleaned or replaced interiors
Most Dubai-sourced cars are sold as-is, but Chinese exporters often deliver export-ready vehicles, helping Nigerians save on repairs after arrival.
Fast and Affordable Shipping to Lagos
China operates major Ro-Ro automotive export ports:
- Guangzhou Nansha
- Shanghai
- Tianjin
- Qingdao
Shipping time to Lagos (Tin Can / Apapa):
China → Lagos: 28–35 days
U.S. → Lagos: 45–60 days
Dubai → Lagos: 40+ days
Shorter shipping reduces:
- insurance cost
- storage fees
- total landing cost
This logistics advantage is another reason Nigerians choose cheap used Toyota cars from China.

Realistic Landing Cost Example in Nigeria
For a Toyota Corolla imported into Lagos:
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Shipping | ₦600,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Clearing | ₦650,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Port Charges | ₦120,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Transport in Lagos | ₦50,000 – ₦120,000 |
Total landing cost: ₦1.4–₦2.4 million
Many dealers report saving ₦1.5–₦3 million per vehicle compared to Dubai imports.
Multiple Sourcing Channels in China
China uses three major car sourcing methods that reduce cost:
- Domestic wholesale auctions
- Japanese auction cars refurbished and re-exported
- Dealer trade-ins and fleet vehicles
This competition keeps export prices low and maintains a constant supply of cheap used Toyota cars from China.
How Nigerians Save Millions
Nigerian importers benefit from:
bulk purchase pricing
low refurbishment cost
cheap shipping
competitive exporter market
access to Toyota spare parts
A dealer importing 10 cars per month can save:
👉 ₦15–₦30 million annually

Conclusion
China has developed the most efficient system for exporting Toyota vehicles, making it the best source of cheap used Toyota cars from China for Nigerian buyers.
If you want:
- lower landing cost
- better vehicle condition
- faster delivery to Lagos ports
China remains the smartest choice.







