Share
Gabriel Nwabunwanne
1 month ago
Overview
Let’s talk about Converted Cars and few common ways to identify converted cars real quick.
If you’ve been checking cars lately, especially Tokunbo or auction rides, you’ve probably come across the word “converted.”
Here’s what it means.
Some cars are originally Left-Hand Drive (LHD) like the ones from America, Canada, or most parts of Europe but because we drive Left-Hand Drive (LHD) in Nigeria, people sometimes import Right-Hand Drive (RHD) cars from countries like the UK, Japan, Dubai, South Africa, and Australia and then convert them to left-hand to match our system.
Now, no matter how neat the conversion looks, there are always signs that can expose it.
Here’s how to spot a converted car:
1. VIN Plate Position (Door Jam) – Open the driver’s door and check the VIN plate. In a factory LHD car, it’s on the left side (driver’s door area). But if you find it on the right side instead, that car was most likely converted from a right-hand drive.
2. Fuse Box Position – Factory LHD cars usually have the fuse box under the left side of the dashboard, close to the steering area. If you notice the fuse box awkwardly repositioned or extended from the right side, it’s a sign of conversion.
3. Wiper Direction – This one always gives it away.
• Factory LHD cars sweep from left to right, clearing the driver’s side first.
• Converted ones often keep the RHD pattern, sweeping from right to left, which means the driver’s side doesn’t get fully cleared during rain.
4. Door and Window Control Buttons – In factory LHD cars, all the mirror, lock, and window buttons sit neatly on the left front door. But in a converted car, they sometimes look misplaced, slightly tilted, or you’ll notice patches where the old controls used to be.
Now let’s be fair.
Advantages of converting a car:
• You can buy clean Left-Hand Drive cars cheaper (especially from the U.S.) and still use them in countries where RHD is required.
• It makes imported cars usable locally without stressing about steering position.
• It makes it easier to find rare models that were never made as Left-Hand Drive.
Disadvantages:
• Most conversions are not factory-standard, wiring issues, airbag malfunction, misaligned steering column, and interior imbalance can happen.
• Resale value drops once buyers realize it’s converted.
• Some conversions affect driving comfort, especially the wiper and dashboard setup.
So next time someone is selling a “direct right-hand” ride, look closely. The car might have been born left and raised right. 😅
Would you still buy a converted car if it’s clean, cheaper, and the conversion looks perfect, or would you rather go for a factory Left-Hand Drive?
……………………………………………
Credit: Sharon KingAutos
