Mahan urges Nigerians to consider total cost of vehicle ownership

The General Manager, Marketing, Carloha Nigeria, Felix Mahan, has urged Nigerian motorists to look beyond vehicle purchase prices and consider the overall cost of ownership when making automobile purchasing decisions.

Mahan said the financial implications of owning a vehicle extend beyond the initial showroom payment to include routine servicing, replacement parts, repairs, fuel, insurance and other operating expenses.

He noted that two vehicles with similar purchase prices could deliver significantly different ownership experiences depending on their maintenance requirements, availability of spare parts and after-sales support.

According to him, buyers should evaluate the long-term financial implications of owning a vehicle rather than making decisions solely on its acquisition cost.

For individuals and families, unexpected repairs can disrupt household budgets, while prolonged vehicle downtime may result in additional transportation expenses.

For businesses, unavailable vehicles can affect deliveries, productivity and operational efficiency.

Mahan identified five key considerations for prospective buyers: acquisition cost, routine maintenance, warranty coverage, availability and cost of replacement parts, and the financial implications of vehicle downtime.

He also emphasised the importance of understanding warranty conditions, servicing requirements and the scope of after-sales support before committing to a purchase.

Carloha’s CarlohaCare 6-6-7 programme illustrates this approach, offering a six-year warranty, six years of free servicing and a seven-day repair promise, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

The programme provides defined ownership commitments that customers can consider when comparing automotive offers.

Mahan stressed that automotive dealers and distributors must also promote transparency by clearly communicating warranty exclusions, maintenance obligations and service conditions before customers complete their purchases.

He maintained that the cheapest vehicle to acquire is not necessarily the cheapest to maintain, adding that informed purchasing decisions should consider the complete ownership experience.

He urged Nigerians to make after-sales support an important part of their vehicle purchasing decisions, noting that long-term value depends not only on the vehicle purchased but also on the quality of support available throughout its lifespan.