Buying a car in Nigeria has become increasingly expensive, with common models dominating the streets. While popular options like the Lexus ES350 and Mercedes-Benz E350 remain reliable choices, they lack the distinct appeal many discerning buyers seek. Rising import duties, fluctuating exchange rates, and demand for durable vehicles have driven up prices, making smart selection even more important.
This guide spotlights lesser-known models within the ₦15m–₦20m range that bring together strong value, refined style, and proven reliability. These vehicles offer a refreshing alternative to the predictable choices on Nigerian roads, delivering a balance of comfort, performance, and uniqueness that can make ownership more rewarding.
Why Choose Uncommon Cars
Most Nigerian car buyers focus on familiar models, but this leads to crowded markets and predictable resale options. Choosing less common vehicles can give you:
- Better resale value: Scarcity can drive demand.
- Lower purchase price: Comparable features to popular models at reduced cost.
- Unique presence: Stand out on the road.
Tokunbo (used import) cars provide an opportunity to own premium vehicles for less, especially when selecting models with lower local market saturation.
Top 10 Picks For Nigerians
Hyundai Sonata 2017 – ₦17 Million
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata benefits from the facelift introduced in 2016, giving it a sleeker, more refined exterior. The front fascia features a wide grille, swept-back headlights, and smooth body lines that elevate its presence. Inside, the Sonata delivers a premium feel with well-appointed leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a spacious cabin designed for comfort on long drives.
Performance comes from a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine, known for reliability and low maintenance requirements. It provides a balanced drive, offering enough power for both city commutes and highway cruising while maintaining good fuel economy.
Toyota Camry 2016 XSE – ₦19.5 Million
The 2016 Toyota Camry XSE stands apart from earlier models thanks to its sporty design elements and refined finish. The exterior showcases a bold grille, sculpted side panels, and alloy wheels that add to its dynamic look. Inside, the XSE trim offers red stitching on the seats, a driver-focused dashboard, and quality materials that elevate the cabin experience.
Performance is flexible, with options for a V6 engine that delivers strong acceleration or a four-cylinder for better fuel economy. The suspension is tuned for a sportier feel compared to other trims, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort.
Honda Accord 2016 Touring – ₦18.5 Million
The Honda Accord 2016 Touring trim offers an understated yet elegant exterior, with a reshaped front bumper, LED headlights, and chrome accents that convey sophistication. Inside, it provides an upscale environment with leather upholstery, dual-screen infotainment, and advanced driver-assist features.
The Touring’s V6 engine delivers confident acceleration, while the four-cylinder variant prioritises fuel efficiency. Its handling is composed and predictable, making it equally suited for urban traffic and long-distance journeys.
Toyota Corolla 2017 – ₦14.5 Million
The 2017 Toyota Corolla updates its timeless design with a bolder grille, sharper headlights, and a more athletic stance in trims like the SE and XSE. Inside, the cabin is practical yet inviting, with supportive seats, straightforward controls, and a layout focused on durability.
While not a performance leader, its four-cylinder engine provides dependable power for daily driving and exceptional fuel economy. The Corolla’s suspension favours comfort, making it a sensible choice for frequent commuting.
Mercedes-Benz W204 C350 2014 – ₦18 Million
The Mercedes-Benz W204 C350 exudes sportiness with its aggressive front styling, muscular body lines, and performance-oriented stance. The interior is equally impressive, blending luxury materials with intuitive controls and supportive leather seats.
Paddle shifters and a driver-focused cockpit hint at its dynamic capabilities. Under the bonnet, a 302-horsepower V6 engine offers exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling, making it a thrilling yet refined option for drivers who appreciate both performance and comfort.
Kia Optima 2017 – ₦18 Million
The 2017 Kia Optima projects an image of confidence and modernity with its sleek silhouette, chrome trim, and distinctive grille. Inside, the cabin is quiet and well-crafted, offering quality materials and an ergonomic layout that enhances driver and passenger comfort.
The 2.4-litre engine provides smooth, consistent power delivery, while its suspension balances ride comfort with capable handling. This makes it suitable for both professional and personal use, especially for buyers seeking a stylish yet practical sedan.
BMW 528i F10 2014 – ₦19 Million
The BMW 528i F10 boasts a refined exterior with clean lines, a wide stance, and the signature kidney grille that signals its premium status. The interior is spacious and luxurious, featuring leather upholstery, advanced infotainment, and a driver-centric design.
Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it delivers strong mid-range torque and an engaging driving experience. The suspension is tuned for both agility and comfort, ensuring the 528i feels equally composed on winding roads and long highway stretches.
Volkswagen Passat B8 2017 – ₦17 Million
The Volkswagen Passat B8 combines understated elegance with modern detailing, including LED headlights and a streamlined profile. Its interior offers a sophisticated feel, with soft-touch surfaces, ample passenger space, and intuitive controls.
Performance is provided by either a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, both delivering a balance of power and efficiency. The Passat’s ride quality is smooth, and it remains stable at high speeds, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort over aggressive performance.
Lexus GS 350 2014 – ₦17 Million
The 2014 Lexus GS 350 carries a bold and muscular design, with sharp lines, an assertive spindle grille, and sporty proportions. Inside, the cabin is a blend of luxury and driver engagement, with supportive seats, high-quality finishes, and intuitive technology integration.
A 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 302 horsepower, offering brisk acceleration and a refined ride. The F Sport version enhances handling with sport-tuned suspension and adds visual flair, making it a standout in its class.
Infiniti Q50 2015 – ₦19 Million
The Infiniti Q50 presents a distinctive and fluid exterior design, characterised by flowing body lines, an expressive grille, and LED lighting elements. Inside, the cabin is premium yet contemporary, featuring leather seating, a dual-touchscreen infotainment system, and thoughtful ergonomics.
Its V6 engine delivers robust performance, with smooth power delivery and confident handling. The Q50 blends style, comfort, and engaging driving dynamics, appealing to buyers who want something different from the mainstream luxury segment.
What it Means For Nigerians
When purchasing uncommon cars in Nigeria, due diligence is crucial. Always verify mileage to avoid vehicles with excessive wear. Opt for models with complete service records and have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection to check for issues with the engine, transmission, and suspension. Ensure spare parts are accessible locally or can be sourced quickly through import channels. Additionally, factor in ownership costs such as insurance, fuel, and routine maintenance.
Conclusion
Choosing an uncommon car in Nigeria is about more than standing out—it’s about securing value, performance, and long-term satisfaction. The models listed here combine style, reliability, and unique appeal in the ₦15m–₦20m range, offering alternatives to the more common vehicles on the market. With careful research and due diligence, these cars can deliver exceptional ownership experiences.
For personalised advice or assistance in choosing the best model for your lifestyle, reach out to our experts at cars@234drive.com. Your perfect ride might be closer than you think.
