- Should You Import Or Buy Locally
If your finances do not allow you to buy a brand new car, you can opt to purchase a foreign used car that is in good condition. The question that you are now faced with is whether to import the car or buy a locally used option.
Importing is the cheaper option even with the added taxes: if you import with a good company, the time taken to import and pass the car through the ports won’t be long. Buying a locally used option, the price will be much higher, and if you are not buying from a credible car dealer, you might be tricked into buying a stolen car or one that needs lots of repairs.
- Availability Of Spare Parts
The quality of Kenyan roads has dramatically increased over the last decade; unfortunately, there are still a number of city roads and rural roads which are filled with potholes or completely unpaved. It is with this in mind that you need to consider the possibility of your car getting damaged as you drive.
With this in mind, it is important for all first-time car buyers to look for cars that have spare parts that can be easily found at car garages. Car models like Toyota’s, Subaru’s, Nissan’s, Mazda’s, Honda’s, Range Rover’s, VW’s, and Mitsubishi’s are very popular in Kenya, and it is easy to find spare parts and mechanics who can easily fix damage to your car
- Consider the Type of Car You Need
There’s no shortage of different kinds of cars for sale, so the first thing to consider is how you’ll use your car. You might want to buy a dream car, but it might not fit your lifestyle. Evaluate your family’s needs, the demands of your commute and the vehicle’s central purpose before narrowing down your selection.
For example, if you have a family of six, you’re going to need a vehicle with more seating like a Noah, Stream or Alphard than a typical sedan like Axio. Or, if you have a long commute every day, you might need a car with better gas mileage.
- Shop Within Your Budget
Your shopping strategy must be based on deciding among the cars you can afford, not the cars you want. The most common mistake is buying a car that’s too expensive given the shopper’s budget. The best way to combat this is to work out a budget, figure out what cars or what kinds of cars are within your budget and start there.
- Don’t: Let Price Be the Only Factor
For most people, the price is a major determining factor when buying a car — but don’t let it be the only factor. Sacrificing quality for the price is likely to cost you more money in the long run.
The biggest mistake people make when purchasing a car is they buy for the price, not for quality, So Make sure the vehicle has gone through a rigorous quality inspection so you can feel confident it will last for the long haul.
- Compare Prices
If you drive around Nairobi for a day, you will find numerous car dealers lining the streets. It is tempting to spot the car you want and thereafter begin the purchase process; however, this is not the smartest idea.
What you should do instead is visit several car dealers and compare the prices you get. You can also use alternative methods like Sunday car bazaars. You will find that the price at which you buy your first car will be much lower than the original quotation you got. But the best deal is importing with a credible company.
- Buying Insurance
Before you buy your first-time car, it is vital that you check the costs of collisions and liability so that you are not left in debt if you are involved in an accident. There are several quality insurance companies in Kenya, such as UAP, Gemini a, AA, Heritage Insurance and Madison Insurance, to name a few.
You, therefore, need to compare the auto insurance policies offered by the Kenyan companies and select the one that fits within your budget and packs the most comprehensive features.
So remember to do due diligence before you make your final choice.
You can get a detailed checklist that you can print and use when buying the car by going to the link: https://www.eeducationgroup.com/product/how-to-buy-a-used-car-in-kenya-a-checklist-and-a-guide/
If you are a new driver, you will also get a learner’s guidebook that may be useful. Click the link above.
