Category: Automobile

In Ghana, over 50% of the vehicles we use are imported from abroad. As easy as it may sound, buying a car from abroad is not an easy task at all.

Most people have either paid more than they were supposed to pay or have not been able to complete the process at all due to ignorance. In view of this, today we are going to discuss the process of shipping a used or new car from abroad to Ghana.

The most important factor in the entire shipping process is the selection of the online car selling platform. There are numerous selling platforms available on the internet but shopping from a renowned and trusted online vendor is the best option that you should make.

The reason being that these platforms are well established and has been proven to be trusted and authentic. Some of these sites include eBay, Copart, Auction expert and a host of others.

Before you select a certain platform, it’s advisable to check the reviews on the website especially, from people in Ghana who have used the platform before. Or, you can also ask people who have imported cars before to find out which platform they used.

Because there’re some platforms whose services vary from country to country and the fact that someone in Nigeria had his/her car delivered safely does not mean you will also get yours. That’s why it’s advisable to read from people in your local country.

Also, I would recommend that you use more than one platform. The reason is simple; it will help you to select from different types of vehicles and could, in the end, save you some money.

How to Buy and Import Used Cars From Abroad To Ghana

Now that you have read the reviews and have done your consultation (s), let’s now look at the steps involved in buying and importing used cars from abroad to Ghana.

1. Signup on the platform (s) you selected
2. Scan through the cars
3. Look out for the specific features of the car you want
4. Pay the required fees and process the shipping
5. Clear and collect the car from the port

The steps stated above might sound a little broad so I’m going to take each step and explain a little further for a clearer understanding.

Signup on the platform (s) you selected

Once you’ve selected the platform (s) you want to use, the next thing to do is to create an account or signup on the platform. In signing up the main requirements are going to be your name, location (country) and your email address.

On most of the platforms, only registered members are allowed to access certain features.  Even on some platforms, registered members receive a discount on the purchases they make on the platform.

Therefore, it’s at your own interest to register on the platform (s) you selected.

Scan through the cars

Upon successful registration, you will now be able to access all the features that are available to registered members on the platform. Now, the next step is to scan or look through the cars.

This could easily be done by just typing the name of the vehicle you want to buy or searching through the categories tab available on most platforms. The main requirement for this step is to know the make and the model of your preferred car.

The make of the car is simply the name of the manufacturer of the car, for example, Toyota or Hyundai. The model of the car, on the other hand, is the name of the specific car you are purchasing without the name of the manufacturer. For example, the model name of Mercedes Benz 4Matic is 4Matic.

Look out for the specific features of the car you want

This is one of the (if not the most important) steps in the entire buying process. In this step, you are required to read carefully about the specific features of the car you have selected.

The features should include the mileage, the series, the manufacture year, the condition (whether new or used), anybody damages, etc.

This step is also where you check to see whether the car you have chosen can be shipped to Ghana or not. Most of the people make this mistake by checking the shipping eligibility and then later pay extra charges.

Their documents you will need to provide include:

• Valid National ID
• Taxpayer’s Certificate
• Dealers’ License (if you are buying as a dealer)

Pay the required fees and process the shipping

Now that you have selected the particular car you want and have carefully checked the features of the car, it’s now time to start the bidding process and pay the required fees.

Most platforms allow you to directly contact the vendor of the vehicle to make bidding and bargain on the price. But, never be fooled to make transactions outside the platform; this is where most people are scammed.

If you make transactions outside the platform and you don’t receive the car, there’s nothing the platform can do for you.

Also, make sure to check whether the cost of shipping has been added to the fee before you make any payments. But more importantly, provide accurate shipping details.

Clear and collect the car from the port

Finally, wait for a confirmation from the platform with the shipping details and the estimated time of arrival in Ghana.

After that, go to the port, pay the required duty and then clear your car from the port.

Conclusion

The entire process of buying a car from abroad is quite difficult but in this article, we have discussed all the processes involved and how to go about it.

This article has been carefully written to guide you throughout the entire process and if you read carefully, you will be able to complete your purchase successfully.

But, in case you find any difficulty when going through your purchase, feel to ask for help in the comments section below.

The Innoson IVM G40 is the little version of the Luxurious Innoson IVM series, The IVM series includes the Innoson IVM G80, G60, and G40.

The Car looks a lot like a standard car but it a luxurious and has a more aggressive front and end with Innoson badges at the front and the rear with an IVM G40 badge, spare tire, and single exhaust pipes. This is just boring and ordinary stuff about this car.

This is no ordinary car, it might just be the best SUV car in the world produced by an African manufacturing Company. I’m going to explain systematically what makes this car good.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU NEED IN A LUXURY CAR?

Definitely, a good suspension because the Innoson IVM G40 comes with a Front suspension – Independent coil spring and a Rear suspension – Non-independent, coil spring.

Innoson IVM G40 Review

Specification

• Variant- 4×4 Length (mm)- 4350
• Width (mm)- 1843
• Height (mm)- 1837
• The number of seats- 5
• Engine Capacity – 4×4-2.4L
• Front Suspension – Independent coil spring.
• Rear suspension – Non-independent, coil spring.
• Ground clearance – 210
• Curb weight – kg 1830
• Calibration Power (Kw)- 105/4800
• Torque (N.m/rpm)- 217/4000
• Capacity (L)- 2.378
• Drivetrain – Front-engine, 4WD
• Max. speed (Km/h)- 150
• Fuel Type- Petrol
• Fuel Tank Capacity- 80L
• Color: Black.
• 4×4-2.8L / Automatic / 5 Seats

Design

The Innoson IVM G40 is equipped with dual airbags for safety, features power controlled seat-belts, and a sedan style interior design which is made to provide the highest degree of space and comfort.

It is equipped with ergonomic chairs that fit perfectly to the human body without stress. With a high-performance AC (air conditioner) system, the interior equipment is easy to use and can be adapted according to the passenger’s needs. It comes with the 4Gik69S4N (2.4L) gasoline engine which is mature and powerful with features such as low emission, high reliability, low fuel consumption and carries an electronic immobilizer system that enhances vehicle security.

The vehicle is a four-wheel drive, a standard wheelbase equipped with the latest ABS + EBD Technology. In dangerous conditions such as emergency braking, sharp turns, and slippery ice, the system provides ultimate control of the braking force of each wheel. The sophisticated engine torque protection system makes driving safer and more secure.

Performance

The Safety of cars has long been something each manufacturer has invested time and money and technology has come a long way into cars. One of the most basic safety features in this Innoson car is the ABS+EBD system.

ABS System

This system prevents wheel lock-up when you stomp on the brakes during an unforeseen situation. When Braking on wet surfaces, the ABS technology rescue the driver by Anti-locking brake system that prevents wheel lock-up on a wet sleepy surface or while Emergency braking, Sensors on each of your brakes check for wheel lock up and release then mash the brake disc’s in a matter of microseconds.

The ABS technology in this car also allows you to steer under hard braking while driving in monsoon, poor visibility condition and even bad weather could cause other motorists to brake suddenly in front, the ABS would allow you to change your lane safely against the vehicle in front.

Without an ABS in the Innoson, emergency brakes are slammed for too long and too hard, the chances of the wheels locking up are always a surety and when the wheels do lock, they will stop turning before the car can come to a halt and this, in turn, causes loss of the directional control of the car.

An Innoson ABS consists of four major components – speed sensors on each wheel, computer-controlled valves on each brake (on the hydraulic lines), a pump for restoring hydraulic braking pressure, and an electronic brain. When the electronic brain senses that any wheel is decelerating quicker than the others through the sensors, it adjusts the braking pressure of that wheel. This is done using the computer-controlled valves, which will be opened or closed, on the respective hydraulic line and prevents the lock-up. The pulsing sensation you feel when you brake hard with ABS is because of the opening and closing of the valves.

EBD System

EBD or Electronic Brake Distribution is the extension of the ABS. This is the system that checks the speed, acceleration, and deceleration of each wheel to estimate the amount of load on the wheels. The EBD adjusts the valves on the hydraulic lines of the brakes and distributes the braking force accordingly.

If a wheel is carrying more load, more force is distributed and if the load is less, so is the braking force. The objective of the ABS with EBD systems is to provide the driver with more steering control under hard braking situations and also to reduce stopping distances in some cases such as wet roads.

Suspension

The Innoson Front Independent coil spring suspension is an automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of the others. This makes the vehicle react swiftly to any bump on the road while it contrasts with the beam axle or de-Dion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side does not affect the wheel on the other side.

The “Independent” refers to the motion of movement of the wheels or suspension. It is common for the left and right sides of the suspension to be connected with anti-roll bars or other such mechanisms. The anti-roll bar ties the left and right suspension spring rates together but does not tie their motion together.

Conclusion

The Innoson IVM G40 is no ordinary car, it’s a luxurious car meant to meet your basic needs from a car. It’s doesn’t give you the high class needs you to see in a Bugatti or Ferrari but it’s a car worth buying for yourself or loved ones during the celebration season. The IVM G40 has been designed and configured to withstand any pressure or challenges during bad conditions. It’s a top-notch car completely safe for driving. The IVM G40 is priced at NGN 17 million.

Do you need help with choosing the best car to use for your Uber business? Continue reading this article to find the best Uber cars in Ghana.

The introduction of Uber, Uber X and Uber Select into the market has helped many Ghanaians (myself included). Compared to the traditional commercial vehicles where you had to wait for the bus to get full before finally setting off.

Alternatively, you could decide to pick a taxi if you need to go somewhere urgent. But with that one also the price was very expensive; mostly using the fact that they are picking only you instead of the normal four (4) as an excuse.

Uber has helped not only the passengers but the drivers and vehicle owners as well. Most investors have now bought more cars for the Uber business and are now earning from different sources each day, week, or month.

Nevertheless, the car you use for your Uber affects your income in diverse ways. Therefore, we are going to recommend to you some of the best Uber cars in Ghana.

Best Uber Cars in Ghana

There are numerous Uber cars in Ghana but our recommended cars are:

Hyundai Getz

The Hyundai Getz’s production began in South Korea in the early 2000’s and was produced from that time until 2011 when Hyundai ceased its production. The engine ranges between 1.1 and 1.6 litres petrol and 1.5 litre diesel, making it fuel-efficient.

It has both 5 – speed manual and 4 – speed automatic transmission with a manual gearbox. The available seats is 5 in total including the driver.

In terms of comfort, Hyundai Getz has more headroom and legroom making driving comfortable with a clear instrumentation.

This car is quite cheap and has a good balance of performance, making it worth using for an Uber.

Kia Picanto

This is one of the (if not the) most popular used Uber cars in Ghana. Now, the question you need to ask yourself is why it is used by many people?

Kia Picanto has engine specifications: 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 – litre petrol engines and; 1.1 – lt diesel and 1.0 petrol/gas engine.

Similar to the Hyundai Getz, the Picanto also has a 5 – speed manual and 4 – speed automatic transmission with a very neat interior to please your customers.

This car is also very cheap and performs well and is also worth using for Uber due to the recommendations by those using it.

Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10 is also another beautiful car to use for your Uber business in Ghana and has been produced since 2007. It has engine specifications: 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 – litre petrol engines and; 1.1 – lt diesel.

Similar to the Picanto, the Hyundai i10 also has a 5 – speed manual and 4 – speed automatic transmissions.

Due to the hatchback nature of the i10, you can drive it to everywhere, being it a small space or a big space. This gives you the advantage that most cars don’t have.

The price of the i10 is very low comparing it to how effective it functions.

Toyota Yaris (Vitz)

Commonly known in its country of origin, Japan as Toyota Vitz, the Toyota Yaris is one of the best cars to use for Uber in Ghana. The name Vitz is used mainly in Japan but is known in Ghana as Toyota Yaris.

With a slightly different engine specification from the above-listed cars, Yaris has its engine ranging from 1.1 to 1.8 – lt petrol, and 1.4 – lt diesel, the Yaris has a wide range of transmissions.

It has a 5 – speed manual, 4 – speed automatic, 6 – speed manual diesel, and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It is also fuel-efficient.

Toyota Corolla

Moving up the price spectrum, the Corolla is a little bit costly than some of the previous cars we have discussed. But, considering its features both interior and exterior, the Corolla will bring you more income.

It has a roomy interior and sufficient space to increase your comfortability. The sound of the engine is very quiet and less disturbing when driving.

Toyota Camry

The last car on our list is the popular Toyota Camry. This car just like the corolla cost a little bit more than all the other cars in this article. The Toyota Camry boasts of an excellent fuel economy which is probably of its unique features.

Comparing the price to its efficacy, the Toyota Camry is worth the price. It has a very neat interior with enough space to feel comfortable when driving for long or short distances.

Conclusion

The reason why we selected these cars are based on some of the following criteria: strength, affordability and comfortability. Most of the cars on this list are very popular in the Ghanaian market and goes for a cool price.

Almost all the cars on the list here are what the passenger’s lookout for whenever they pick up their phone to call for an Uber.

Finally, after making your decision on what car you will buy, you can decide to read on How to Buy Car from the USA to Ghana.

As always, feel free to drop your comments and suggestions in the comments section below and we will try our best to acknowledge them.

We all want to buy a car someday, whether new or used. But mostly, buying a used car is not just as easy as it sounds.

Regardless of whether you’re purchasing from a qualified vendor or a private vendor, there are different safety measures you should take when purchasing a used vehicle.

Not avoiding potential risk and doing the entirety of the necessary planning and checks could cost you a ton in repairs, time and exertion.

This article is going to serve as a beginner’s guide to buying a used car in Ghana and giving you a guarantee of recognizing what you’re getting and what value you ought to pay for the car.

What Should You Look Out For When Buying A Used Car?

The things you should look out for when buying a used car in Ghana is to do your research and follow the points raised below:

1. Perform a history check on the vehicle
2. Test the Seller’s Knowledge
3. Have a Look at the Registration Documents
4. Get a good view of the car
5. Check for the value of the car
6. Check the tyres
7. Check the car’s trunk (“boot”)
8. Have a test drive
9. Have a mechanic inspect it

Now let’s break the points down.

Perform a history check on the vehicle

Many people in Ghana and all other parts of the world do not find vehicle history check an important step to take when purchasing a used vehicle. After all, the most important thing is that you get the vehicle you want.

Meanwhile, a car history check is actually one of the most vital steps you take when buying a used car. This check is going to show you whether the car has recorded an accident or has been reported stolen.

You can also find out whether the car has an outstanding financial record in the form of collateral or Auto loan.

Most of the information you will get from the car history check will not be told by the person selling the car.

Test the Seller’s Knowledge

After doing a background vehicle check and finding out that the car has a clean record, you can then proceed to test the seller’s knowledge. This is where you find out whether the seller truly knows what he/she is selling to you.

You need to ensure that the seller knows the features of the vehicle exactly the way it is at the time of purchase. Should in case, the driver finds it hard to tell you the features of the car, then it could be a sign that the seller stole the car and has no idea about it.

If the information he/she (the seller) provides is not reason enough, you can decide to stop with the deal and try someone else’s.

Have a Look at the Registration Documents

As a buyer, you need to ask the seller for the registration documents of the car in order to verify whether the car was legally allowed to be on the road or not.

When you receive the registration documents, you need to check whether they have stamps and seals on them before you agree to it. All car registration documents should be issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

In a situation where you feel doubtful about the documents, you can visit any of the DVLA offices together with the seller to verify whether the documents are genuine or not.

Get a good view of the car

If possible, let the car be on a balanced surface and get a good view of it. During the viewing, you need to check the exterior and interior parts of the car.

The viewing should be at a public place and should be done during the daytime with a fine weather condition (I recommend sunshine and between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm).

Check the locks for any variations or any sign of forced entry. A variation in the locks could mean that the car has been broken into before or has been stolen.

The main reason for viewing at daytime is that it will give you a clear vision of the car as compared to the darkness of the night. Rain can also hide certain defects, scratches and dents.

Check for the value of the car

Knowing whether you are getting a good car for your money could be difficult sometimes, especially when you have little or no idea about the car’s market.

The value of a car simply means how much the car worth in terms of money; and how it’s sold by other sellers in the specific geographical area.

Most sellers try to play smart on buyers who have little or no market value idea of the car. In such cases, they try to mention prices which do not correspond to the average market value of the car.

Therefore knowing the value of that particular car puts you up on the game and helps to bargain on a price when buying your car.

Check the tyres

The condition of the tyres is one important thing you should check when buying a used car. You need to check for the tread depth and side-wall damage.

The tyre tread should be worn evenly, the uneven tread of a few tyres often means poor alignment which could, in turn, affect the brake.

A car with poor alignment is also likely to pull sideways (left or right) when driving.

Check the car’s trunk (“boot”)

When checking the trunk, you need to check whether it opens and closes easily without any struggle and check the inside for any damage or rust.

Serious damage like serious rust could affect the general performance of the car.

Have a test drive

When doing the test drive, you need to focus on the sound of the car; check for any squeaking or odd sound especially, in the brakes.

Also, check the dashboard whether the warning signs are off or on display. If possible, drive on different types of roads to see how it works. Some cars may perform differently on different roads. The test drive shouldn’t last less than an hour and also focus on the steering.

Have a mechanic inspect it

Bringing in a mechanic is very important because a mechanic may be able to detect some faults that you will not be able to detect yourself. Though the mechanic may charge you, it is better for an expert to inspect and give you his/her opinion on the car.

The mechanic will also check for leaks for you as well. After the inspection, you can now feel better knowing that the car is a good or bad one to buy.

Conclusion

Finally, you need to relax when buying the car. Take your time, research on the car before buying it and just not rush into it.

According to research over 20% of used car buyers waste more money on the used cars than what they would have spent if they bought a new car. This is because of the poor planning before purchasing the car.

I hope this article serves its purpose and please be aware that these are not the only measures there also other measures as well.