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Initially we were focussed on renting vehicles, and that was our first experience of fleet management (a steep and expensive learning curve). We found that understanding our customers was key: they fly in for a week (at great expense) with a huge to do list, and so they cannot afford for the car to let them down.
We were aiming to provide a quality service (a standard that could be expected hiring a car in London) and we could only succeed by taking the staff on the journey with us: It wasn’t just about the cars, but training and selecting the right people was vital.
Our front of house team (the drivers) had to understand the standard we set… This is the same approach we now bring to West Africa 4X4.
My name is
Chernor Bah
I am the CEO
and Founder of Purposeful – a Local NGO in Sierra Leone working to support
young women and girls reach their maximum potential. We set high standards for ourselves and look
for our suppliers to be of a similar standing.
We received
funding from DFID UK Aid (the British Government) to purchase two Toyota Land Cruisers. We looked at several potential suppliers but the
one that stood out was West Africa 4×4.
The price was very reasonable and we were aware that part of the price
would support a popular local children’s charity. But it
was their ethics and values along with prompt and clear responses to our
inquiries that really gave us confidence that they should be our chosen
supplier.
After one of
our team vetted them personally an order was placed. The process was very smooth and we were kept
informed as the vehicles were prepared and dispatched and they later arrived on
time and in perfect condition.
Our
experience with West Africa 4×4 was a very positive one and we are happy to
recommend them to others and we would certainly buy from them again.
Yours
sincerely
Chernor Bah
CEO PURPOSEFUL Sierra Leone
We have been working with West Africa 4X4 (previously Sierra Leone 4X4) since 2011; They have provided us with an outstanding service for both Car Hire and Car Sales in Sierra Leone.
One of the biggest challenges in West Africa is finding a reliable company that can provide a consistently reliable service regardless of the administrative and customer service challenges on the ground.
We vetted a number of companies, and some of the key areas that stood out with West Africa 4X4 were:
Further checks included visiting Philip at home in the UK and getting a great insight into his business model, with its admirable aim of supporting the great charity work that St George Foundation does on the ground.
In total 7 cars have been purchased and delivered to our door in Sierra Leone with the minimum effort on our side.
Finally, and by no means least, West Africa 4X4 provide an excellent after sales service which is simply not available elsewhere in Sierra Leone. Even with all that the terrain throws at us on the ground, we have always been assured and received a comparatively excellent after sales and service when needed.
I can highly recommend this company and Philip, and feel it uniquely brings together a business, charity support, and great service (both customer and repairs) in a way not available elsewhere in Sierra Leone.
Zair Al-Beyerty
CEO, GMDL
My name is Gaston Bityo, I am a Cameroonian and I live in Cameroon. I run a small non-profit organization called VOLUNTEERS SERVING DEVELOPMENT (VSD). We work to better the living conditions of local farmers through Agroforestry with Inga. Inga is a legume tree that fertilises the soil and protect it from erosion.
We had a chance to import a vehicle from West Africa 4X4 for our work in the field. . A very good and useful vehicle.
We have never imported a vehicle before. But during all the import/shipment process we were assisted by West Africa 4X4. They gave us all the necessary information we needed especially about the shipment and the customs. They told us to get the NIF number before we go to the port. And this information was very useful for us because without this NIF number we could not take the vehicle from the port.
We didn’t wait for too long before the vehicle arrives to us in good conditions because WestAfrica4X4 gave us the right information
There are many advantages to buy a vehicle from WestAfrica 4X4 and I will recommend any organization or individual who would like to purchase a vehicle to do it through them. They offer good prices for their vehicles and they give good advices to their customers/ clients and the very important thing is that they assist their customers during all the import process and even after.
I am still communicating with them up to now if I have an issue with my vehicle.
Go to WestAfrica 4X4 and you will not be deceived.
Greetings,
My name is Stephen Holt, I’m an American missionary living in Baomahun, Sierra Leone, West Africa. I have made Sierra Leone my home since 2009 and lived in Baomahun since 2010. In 2009 I purchased a 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser from a used car dealership in Freetown, I was the third owner of that vehicle and it is still in service today. I am convinced the Toyota Land Cruiser is the vehicle of choice for the roads of Sierra Leone. For example, I live 37 miles north of Bo, the trip typically takes between 3-31/2 hours, due not to traffic but the poor condition of the road, especially in the rainy season. Additionally, I travel an evangelism circuit throughout the interior reaching into all the provinces, most interior roads are not paved or maintained, my LC seldom enjoys pavement. Throughout the ten years of tough service my LC has performed faithfully but not without breakdowns. A major consideration when operating a vehicle in Sierra Leone is the availability of spare parts. Toyota is a very popular vehicle in Sierra Leone used by the military, police, and hospital ambulances, ensuring a supply of spare parts and mechanics familiar with maintaining them.
I recently purchased a 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser from West Africa 4×4, as I have driven it only briefly, I will speak to the process of making the purchase rather than the vehicle itself as I am certain it will be every bit as reliable as my previous Land Cruiser.
Initially, I was interested in learning about a four-wheel drive Russian made full-size van, I had seen the van used by a mining company in our area. I contacted West Africa 4×4 and met Philip Dean. I did not know the name of the van or maker; I described the van to Philip, he did the research, found the van, and promptly returned my email with my many questions answered. After exchanging a number of emails, and reading owners’ reviews, I decided against the van for the lack of spare parts in country.
I focused my attention back to the Land Cruiser, with the intention of buying another secondhand vehicle. I researched several used vehicles dealerships in Bo as well as in Freetown; I found the average prices to be between $20,000 – $33,000. Frustrated with what I was finding in country, I reconnected with West Africa 4×4. Again, speaking to Philip Dean, the West Africa sales go to contact. I found him to very knowledgeable and responsive to my many questions; I was, however, not settled on any of the vehicles posted on their website. Weeks later, Philip contacted me. West Africa 4×4 had recently purchased a few 2019 Land Cruisers, these were last year’s models but unused. It turns out that for a few thousand dollars more than what I would pay in country for a second-hand vehicle I could now purchase a new, unused vehicle, the exact model I’ve been driving for twelve years in country. As I said, I have not driven my new LC much since receiving it, due mainly to the pandemic related travel restrictions. I have no reason the think it will be any less reliable than my old LC. I am so thankful I learned of West Africa 4×4 and Philip Dean. I am thoroughly satisfied with the service and attention to detail I received from them and will gladly recommend them to my fellow missionaries along with anyone else looking for an honest business attentive to true customer service.
Appreciative
Available for comment
Stephen Holt
Mission Director – Gather The Fragments Bible Mission Baomahun, Sierra Leone
West Africa 4×4 gave us good value for money and were at all times supportive to us during the unfamiliar process of importing a vehicle. Our many questions about this process were answered quickly and accurately.
Patrick Miller,
Treasurer Rainforest Saver Foundation
I am Justina Zainab Conteh, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Saint George Foundation Sierra Leone.
Saint George Foundation Sierra Leone is a humanitarian non-government organisation that is dedicated to empowering Children, Women, and Communities through services that enhance their well-being, protection, and development. We also run a children’s home at Grafton Scout Camp for vulnerable children in Sierra Leone.
I have known Philip, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of West Africa 4 by 4 business for close to two decades now. He is also a Co-Founder of Saint George Foundation Sierra Leone. He is a trustworthy and reliable person, and his contributions to the cause of humanity have been great. More recently Mike Lamb has become involved and actively helping support the work we do.
So, on behalf of the staff and beneficiaries of Saint George Foundation Sierra Leone, I want to recommend this business and I have already done so to dozens of other local organisations in the past. I have seen them deliver many vehicles to satisfied customers. I want everyone, especially well-wishers of the Foundation, to patronize with them. A certain percentage of the proceeds from every sale goes to the beneficiaries of the Foundation. This is very crucial to the work we do as an organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Sierra Leone.
Many thanks, as you support the “ West Africa 4 by 4” business.
Yours Sincerely
Justina Zainab Conteh
Director, Saint George Foundation Sierra Leone.
I have worked with Philip Dean (CEO of West Africa 4×4) and St George Foundation since its early days. I was involved in building its facilities and have seen hundreds of children pass through with transformed lives. Supporting such a vital work in Sierra Leone is so important and the fact West Africa 4X4 give this priority is testimony to their integrity and motivation.
Nigel Hyde,
Chief Executive, Home Leone
Please be aware that we do not have teams on the ground in all the destinations we sell to, and the rental business has not been brought into West Africa 4X4 at this moment. We do plan in the long term evolution of West Africa 4X4 for a complete service including our own mechanics but as we start the 2020s our focus is on developing our own infrastructure to successfully manage the supply chain for the vehicles and parts.
The simplest way to buy vehicles fit for Africa but fit for the future with Carbon offset as standard.
In fact JMC manufacture the Ford Territory, the Transit van, the Torneo van, and the Everest SUV all under the Ford badge.
We have chosen to promote just one vehicle for now – their pick up – the JMC VEGUS.
Among all the vehicles we have seen – if you just need a value for money workhorse we think that this is a real contender.
It shares the Puma engine that has been in the Ford Transit for years, the London taxi and the Land Rover Defender to name a few, so the engine is well tested. The Vegus also shares a Ford Transmission system, Ford suspension so this is not an unknown vehicle really.
Comes with a healthy guarantee and we are having the vehicles made to order so we can request the fuel system can work with the local African fuel quality and you will enjoy a fuel system capable of handling the not so great fuels available in Africa.
Foton really stand out as the Chinese brand that seems to have had more than other Chinese brands and successfully trading in Australia, New Zealand, most of South America and Asia.
Surprisingly, they are not that Chinese actually…They use Cummins diesel engines, Getrag Ford make the transmissions, Borg Warner make the transfer case and Dana make the axles.
Owners find them good value for money and they will eventually become a worldwide and well-known brand supplying pick-ups, SUVs, mini buses, trucks, tractors and coaches.
Buy them new and they compare in price to many more well-known brands when second hand and come with a healthy guarantee.
At West Africa 4×4 we are delighted to be able to supply them and see them as a great option if you need a vehicle for a project and you don’t have a huge budget.
At the moment we are working on each order on a case by case system and very happy to provide a live quote for your particular location and need, so feel free to ask the questions you have.
A transparent off the shelf transaction, on a budget, we are combining maximum quality with the confidence and expectations associated with some of the most trustworthy names the industry.
It minimises exposure for your organisation, saves time and resources, and knowing that both car and dealership are excellent you can confidently expect the car to have a good working life ahead. The cars are in stock and West Africa 4X4 can deliver them to you at a more cost effective rate than arranging it yourself.
Before being presented by a main dealership, all the vehicles offered were carefully chosen to start with and have passed a thorough test and servicing procedure. Looking great and knowing they are mechanically sound, you really can just choose the one you want and place your order. We will then secure it for you, sort the paperwork, the shipping, and have them delivered to West Africa.
West Africa 4X4 is committed to working at the highest ethical and quality standards and the principal of having vehicles thoroughly examined means we don’t expect unwelcome surprises later on. When you ‘Browse all vehicles’ you will see others professionally vetted and scored – note that we only offer the ones that scored 5/5 mechanically, but for peace of mind and about $150 you are welcome to have a vehicle retested.
Regarding commercial vehicles the procedure is slightly different by providing a final vetting (to the same standards) as part of the purchase procedure.