(Updated)8 Used Cars We Found On Jiji Under ₦500,000

Note that most of these cars we found for less than ₦500k on the Jiji website are sold off by now. So, we're updating this article and removing the dead links to the specific ad pages.

Yes, what you just read from the title is not a typing error. We’re talking about used cars you can actually buy for less than ₦500,000 right now – not in 1999 or 1901. We mean right now. Well, at least that’s the amount the sellers advertised the cars for. We understand if you think this is too good to be true or some sort of marketing ploy to bait curious customers into coming for the cars only to learn the actual price is more than ₦500,000. 

You wouldn’t be so incredulous after seeing the condition of these cars. Some look like they're begging to be left alone after so many years of faithful service. We expect these cars to have over 500,000 miles on their odometers. Although each ad says the car is in good condition and 'ready to go,' we do not vouch for any. It ultimately depends on your expectations from your purchase. 

As always, we encourage our readers to approach every transaction with the utmost care and due diligence before paying or transacting with any seller or dealer mentioned in our articles. We do not receive commissions for the cars, sellers, or dealers mentioned in this article, and we do not vouch for the accuracy of the ads or vehicle conditions. Below, we discuss eight cars under ₦500,000 on Jiji, one of Africa's largest online marketplace, and what’s special about them.

Related: The Top-Ten Best Used Cars Under ₦1 Million And Where You Can Buy Them Now

1. 1995 Nissan Sunny N14 Hatchback – Price: ₦500,000

According to the Jiji ad, a weathered N14 Nissan Sunny got posted by seller Ogbureke Johnpeter, located at Obio-Akpor, Rivers State. Judging by the vehicle's cosmetic condition, we wouldn't be surprised if the seller allows wiggle room for further price negotiation. However, the ad features the tagline, "Nissan sunny in a good condition. Just buy and drive," suggesting that the car only looks worse than it actually feels. 

So, what’s so special about the N14 Nissan Sunny hatchback? Nissan produced the 7^th-gen N14 model between 1990 and 1995, powered by a humble 87-horsepower 1.4-liter petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Sunny nameplate traces its origin to the late ‘60s Datsun family range.   

2. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190E – Price: ₦500,000

A blue Mercedes 190E was posted by seller Prince Ikeodogwu in Awka, Anambra State. Like the Nissan Sunny above, this Benz 190E seems to be begging for retirement. However, judging by this model’s affinity for immortality, we’re inclined to believe the ad tagline which reads, “Buy and drive everything is working.” 

Actually, the ad says this car is a 2001 model, which is either a typing error or an intended error. Internally designated W201, the 190 series Mercedes sedans was only produced over a single generation between 1982 and 1993, with the 190E as the performance variant, introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983. As always, we strongly recommend due diligence before exchanging cash with any auto seller. 

So, what’s so special about the Mercedes-Benz 190E? They nicknamed it Baby Benz in the North American market because it fielded the same luxury features you’d expect in the bulkier luxury models the German marque was known for. The performance 190E received a revamped suspension system with more responsive dampers and bigger anti-roll bars. The advanced self-leveling suspension system at the rear ensured the 190E constantly maintained its rear height even when loaded down. 

3. 1992 Honda Civic – Price: ₦500,000

An ad for a silver Honda Civic got posted by Umairu IIyas from Jos, Plateau State. Compared to the Nissan Sunny and Mercedes 190E discussed above, this 1992 Honda Civic model appears to be in fairer condition. From the ad photos, the 2-door hatchback should look amazing with a paint job and little touches here and there in the interior, starting with a nice set of floor mats. We haven't looked in the undercarriage for rust, though. 

The ad tagline reads, “Extremely clean Honda Civic 1992 perfectly working buy and drive…,” which would be funny, considering the obvious cosmetic condition of this "extremely clean" Honda Civic, but we're not in the mood. Maybe the seller actually believes the car is "extremely clean." 

In any case, ₦500,000 is a bargain price for a second "little errand car" or commercial transportation or taxi purposes. So, what's so special about the 1992 Honda Civic? It's definitely the high-tech 1.5-liter multivalve engine featuring a tuned version of the company's VTEC system for improved fuel economy. 

4. 1996 Audi 80 – Price: ₦500,000

This one (not the exact car in the picture above) looked so cosmetically worn that you either dismiss it as a reject from Ojuelegba underbridge or something that belongs in a Mad Max movie. Speaking of which, buy and modify this car into a Mad Max Interceptor, and we are happy to do a feature on your work. 

For the fact that the seller (Mike Odion from Benin City, Edo State) says, “SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY ABEG,” we’re inclined to believe he is telling the ‘serious’ truth with the tagline, “Audi 80 first body without any fault, still in good and sound condition, buy and drive.” 

Related: The 10 Most Reliable And Capable Used Cars For Nigerian Roads

As for this car being a "first body," in the sense that it's never been repainted, we wholeheartedly agree. But whether the power- and drivetrain are actually a matter of ‘buy and drive’ is best left to rigorous scrutiny and testing. So, what’s special about the 1996 Audi 80? The 1996 model is the last of the bloodline of the Audi 80 compact executive car, produced by the Audi subdivision of the Volkswagen Group across four generations from 1966 to 1996. 

5. 1998 Honda Civic EX – Price: ₦450,000

Mbanefo Jerry from Ibeju, Lagos, posted a green 1998 Honda Civic EX for sale on Jiji for just ₦450,000. This one is visibly in much fairer cosmetic condition compared to the similar N14 Nissan Sunny we discussed earlier. Mbanefo seems more forthcoming than the other sellers so far. The ad read, “power steering issues, but every other thing is intact… ". We still recommend due diligence to ensure "every other thing is intact" as claimed. 

So, what’s special about the 1998 Honda Civic EX? Definitely the model’s superb reliability. In fact, 1998 is the best Honda Civic model year for this very reason. Although the 6^th-gen Civic enjoyed a reputation for reliability, the ’98 model earned impressively high-reliability ratings from expert reviews and owners. Additionally, these cars are low-maintenance and so sweetly cheap and easy to maintain. 

6. 1992 Mitsubishi Galant LX – Price: ₦450,000

Kola Sam from Alimosho, Lagos, advertised a 1992 Mitsubishi Galant LX model for just ₦450,000. According to the ad, the car comes with a CD player, armrests, AM/FM radio, cup holders, alloy wheels, and a spare tire. The ad reads, “Mitsubishi Galant car. Nig. used. Manual gear & calibrator engine. Engine & gear in sound condition. One hand starts engine. Good Tires. Spacious interior. 1991/92 model. Extra Tire. Lift boot.” 

From the ad pictures, we surmised that you could touch up the car, including treating the faded headlights, to improve its appearance, or just use it the way it is, assuming the seller’s claims are correct. So, what’s so special about the 1992 Mitsubishi Galant LX? A satisfied customer had this to say about the LS 4-door sedan model;

“I looked at this car for three years before I bought one in 1991. I had owned a Colt. I have had the transmission rebuilt at about 170,000 miles, and the vehicle will turn 290,000 miles next week. My only other costs have been routine. The radio and tape player still works. The air conditioner is still great with regular maintenance. I may drive to the dealership when I hit 300,000 just to treat the salesman." 

7. 2007 Kia Picanto – Price: ₦450,000

You could tell from a closer look at the ad pictures that the black 2007 Kia Picanto has been through the proverbial wilderness and still standing. The seller, Amos Samson, from Ikorodu, Lagos, described it as a "Clean black Nigerian used Kia Picanto car with sound engine." 

"Sound engine" sounds reassuring, and so does Amos's decision to 'declare' the ill-set bumpers, slightly chipped tail lights, and apparently dry-cleaned seat upholstery. The many close-up pictures accompanying this ad inspire confidence. 

So, what’s so special about the 2007 Kia Picanto? For the 2007 model year, the Picanto, known in Japan as Kia Morning, got a revised front grille, new front and rear bumpers, wings, and light units to give it a more family-car-like ambiance. However, these cosmetic revisions had little to no impact on how the car handled on the road relative to the previous models. 

8. 1999 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe – Price: ₦420,000

Obaloh from Ibadan, Oyo State, put up a 1999 Honda Civic DX for sale for just ₦450,000, a price that, according to the ad, is slightly negotiable. Not bad for a car described as having “no single issue" and comes with a "very sound engine, very sharp gear, kongi body (whatever that means), new tires, alloy rims, neat interior, low fuel consumption, and 4-liter engine.” 

He did say the car doesn't have a battery, which makes one wonder how they intend to deliver to Lagos customers as promised in the ad. 

So, what’s special about the 1999 Honda Civic DX? This was the year Honda finally gave in and stuck the 160-horsepower B16 engine in the Civic Si hot-rod variant, featuring the marque’s VTEC variable valve-timing system. The ’99 Civic also got new front and rear styling revisions as well as an improved instrument panel. The DX trim featured a new rear wiper and washer, a cargo cover, and a low-fuel warning light.