We know you are here for Bolt cars you can buy right now. But first, no matter what, do not buy any car that is more than a 1.8L engine capacity. You need a lower engine car because of fuel, so you don’t spend all your money on that. Bigger engines are fun but the bigger the engine, the higher the fuel consumption, and it costs fuel to do Bolt.
So, the perfect cars that can be used for Bolt are those without a V6 engine (3.0L and above engine). Unless you want to drive for charity, a small liter engine will do the job. For example, Accord is a 2.0 /2.4L /3.0L engine—not good for Bolt.
Also, you will need your AC running for some rides. You know A/C can increase fuel consumption, so if you add that to a high liter engine, that’s not profitable. Another thing you really need in a Bolt vehicle is that it should have cheap and available parts you can find at any time.
Bolt Car Requirements in Nigeria
Before you see the available cars, let’s look at what kind of cars Bolt actually accepts.
- If your Bolt city is Uyo, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Owerri, or Calabar, you need at least a 2002 sedan or a 2001 SUV. Anything below these model years won’t be accepted. If you are in other cities, it must be at least 1998 model year
- The car must have 4 doors (2 doors not accepted) and up to 4 seats
- Radio
- A/C
- Generally in good condition and no cosmetic
Bolt doesn’t care about the engine type, as long as your model year is 1998 or 2002 (depending on your state). Now, we have a collection of cars you should buy for this business.
Cars That Can Be Used for Bolt
Below are good economy cars for Bolt.
Honda Civic 1.8L
Honda Civic 1.8L is a very good car for Bolt with ‘excellent’ fuel economy and strong engine. It has a working AC, and the parts are very cheap in Lagos but expensive in other states. Honda Civic 1.8L also has a good leg room for both the driver and passengers. Don’t buy the 2.0L.
Cons of Honda Civic 1.8L
- 1.8L engine is common in automatic transmission but rare in automatic gear
- Bad suspension
- You need a Honda specialist as your mechanic
One thing I should talk about is that the Honda Civic 1.8L has a sleek and modern design that turns heads on the road. Its fuel efficiency makes it a good choice for daily driving, and it’s reliable, so you’ll spend less time in the mechanic shop.
Toyota Yaris 1.5L
The reason you’re going to like Toyota Yaris 1.5L for Bolt is that even though the engine L is small, it is very strong. Secondly, and most importantly, excellent fuel economy! It also has reliable suspension. Just get one with working AC and you’re good. Any mechanic can fix this car. You might be lucky to find an older model Yaris like 2000 car below 300k or something above if it’s distress sale.
Cons
- Expensive car, even as tokunbo or Nigerian used
- expensive parts
- Parts unavailability
Hyundai Accent or Kia Rio (1.4L and 1.6L)
Both Hyundai Accent or Kia Rio are the same cars with 1.4L and 1.6L engines with excellent fuel economy. Good suspension and AC, and cheap as Nigerian used but expensive as tokunbo.
Cons
- Really expensive replacement parts
- They can be prone to rust if not properly maintained
- The interior space may be cramped for taller passengers
The Accent and Rio may not have as many advanced safety features as some other models. However, they are reliable and easy to maintain, making them a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Toyota Corolla 1.6L and 1.8L
The parts for this car are readily available, and it has good fuel economy. Both engine variants also have good suspension and AC system. You can rely on this engine for most Nigerian roads.
Other pros of Toyota Corolla 1.6L and 1.8L are spacious leg room for riders and most mechanics can fix it.
Cons
- Very expensive both as Nigerian used or tokunbo
- Parts are available but expensive
Kia Picanto 1.1L
Good fuel economy with working AC and reliable suspension. You can buy the Nigerian used affordably but the tokunbo is expensive.
Cons
- No space for luggage
- Expensive replacement parts
- The seating is too compact for passengers because it’s not spacious
The Picanto is also known for its compact size, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in crowded cities. Its small engine also means lower maintenance costs and fewer emissions. Overall, it’s good for city dwellers and those on a budget.
Honda City 1.5L
The fuel economy is excellent, good AC system, and reliable suspension. Some people like to say that this is the only Honda with good suspension. The engine power may be small but it is a strong engine.
Cons
- Cheap at Oyingbo in Lagos but expensive in other states
- Your mechanic should be a Honda specialist
I know this Honda for its spacious interior and versatile seating arrangements. It’s recommended for road trips or daily errands. Its compact size also makes it easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, it’s a reliable and practical vehicle.
Conclusion
So, these are the cars that can be used for Bolt with peace of mind. Each of these cars tick the box in terms of good fuel economy, engine size, engine power, body rust, AC, tyres, suspension, and most importantly the cost of purchase and repairs. With these cars, you can focus on growing your Bolt business without worrying about frequent breakdowns or expensive repairs. They are reliable, efficient, and affordable, making them the perfect choice for ride-hailing drivers.
Just one last piece of advice before you buy any of these cars, don’t pay for a car without scanning the engine and gear using a good scanner that can scan both—your mechanic should do this during the inspection to find problems.