Azu explains why the new Otto Car part-exchange scheme was such a seamless experience and reveals which teams he will be supporting in the FIFA World Cup. 

When did you first become a PCO driver?

I’ve been a cab driver since 2010 but I only joined Uber about three and a half years ago.

And how long have you been with Otto Car?

Since 2019, so we’re talking over three years now. 

What car did you have prior to this one?

I had a petrol-hybrid Kia Niro, which I also got through Otto Car on Rent 2 Buy. It was a three-year deal and after that finished, I had the option to keep the car or sell it. 

▶️ Rent 2 Buy is a flexible PCO car ownership scheme that you could get the car on your own terms. Read more here

How did you hear about the new part-exchange scheme?

Well, I wanted to upgrade to the electric version of this car and I figured I’d have to sell privately. When I discovered Otto Car would give me an exchange deal, I found out more – and I ended up doing it.

Can you talk us through how that worked out for you?

It was a smooth process. I called one of the Otto hubs and told the guy all my details. He then invited me down to the Hackney office for a valuation. When I got there, everything was straightforward and professional. 

Were you pleased with how you were treated? 

Yes. After Kevin had looked at the car, we went into the office to reach a figure we were both happy with. The order for my new car was made right there and I waited about four weeks before I took delivery. It was very smooth.

Are you happy with the price you got for the old car?

All things considered, yes I am. I mean, I possibly could have got a bit more by selling it privately but the smoothness made it worthwhile. It really wasn’t a problem at all.

Sometimes you have to think about the value of your time.

Yes, that’s very true. Things just worked out beautifully for me and I had no problems whatsoever. No complaints.

Have you ever done anything like this before?

Yeah, many years ago. When you part-exchange your car, there’s traditionally a lot of paperwork but this was seamless because I was already in the Otto family and it was all done in-house by the same firm. 

And you didn’t have the aggravation of a private sale.

Absolutely. I mean, these days it will be difficult to know how to go about selling a car privately. Where do you even advertise it now? All that hassle was just taken away.

Was the goal to get an electric car or a newer model? 

A bit of both, but going electric was important to me because of all the benefits compared to a petrol hybrid. You don’t pay the congestion charge in London or road tax, which is a big advantage. It was a no-brainer, really. Much more economical.

Anything else that you liked about the scheme?

It’s good to deal with a business where the staff are really great. Whatever hub you go to, they’re brilliant guys, straightforward, upfront and that’s how I like to do things.

Did you get your £250 voucher for the downpayment on the new car?

Yes, I did. This was taken off the price of the vehicle. Every little helps – indeed it does. 

What’s been your experience of dealing with Otto generally?

When I found out about Otto Car, I couldn’t believe my luck that there was a firm where you can get a brand-new PCO car with no hard credit-checks and the car maintenance is taken care of too. It’s a fantastic all-in-one shop. The Otto team are polite, helpful, to the point – and they all know their stuff. It’s a great business.

Are you now on the Rent 2 Buy + package?

Yes. I was previously on the standard Rent 2 Buy deal but now I’m completely covered in terms of the breakdown, the servicing and PCO licensing. It’s trouble-free motoring. You don’t have to think too much – all you’ve got to do is get out there and earn money.

▶️ What is Rent 2 Buy +? What’s included in this PCO car ownership scheme? Read more here

Will you be watching the FIFA World Cup? 

Yes I will. In fact, I’m taking the afternoon off to watch it today. My parents are Nigerian, and if Nigeria had been in the World Cup, then I would support them as well as England. Unfortunately, Nigeria is not in the World Cup but because I’m an African, and it’s my heritage, I look out for all the African teams. Senegal, Ghana – I want them to do well, too. 

It’s about time an African team won the World Cup.

Yes, it is. I don’t know if it’s going to happen in my lifetime. I think there are just too many things that might get in the way, but let’s live in hope. Ultimately, being a Londoner, it’s England for me.

Have you always lived in London?

Yeah, I was born and bred on the Holloway Road in Islington. I now live in south London.

So you must be an Arsenal fan? 

Absolutely, yes. Arsenal since I was a little boy and proud of it, too. I’m just hoping that after the World Cup, the Arsenal boys come back fit and – fingers crossed – that title could be ours this year. You never know – and there’s the World Cup as well. Double whammy.

Are you keen to upgrade to a new PCO car? Come down to one of our hubs to get your car valued.

You can part-exchange any car that is roadworthy. Yes, that’s right – the model, age and condition of the car to be part-exchanged does not matter. For more details, click here.