There are many options for purchasing used cars in Kenya. Some popular places to buy used cars include car dealerships, online marketplaces, and classifieds websites. Additionally, there are many private sellers who may be selling their used cars.
When purchasing a used car in Kenya, it is important to thoroughly inspect the car and verify its condition and history before making a purchase. It is also a good idea to research the current market value of similar cars to ensure you are getting a fair price.
1. Documentation
The logbook of the card you want to buy must read the Seller’s name. Confirm this through @ntsa_kenya. While at this stage, check for importation documents and confirm if the duty was paid. This can be checked with KRA customs.
2. Body Work
The secret here is to view the target car during the day in the open. You want to see all angles of the car in daylight. Avoid dark garages at all costs. Refusal by the owner for you to inspect the body works is a red flag. You can tag along your mechanic for inspections especially for a paint job on adjacent panels, to determine if it’s been repainted following an accident.
3. Interior Condition
Focus on the wear on the steering wheel and pedals. It’s highly unlikely, for example, for a 40,000 km car to have a steering wheel rim showing definite wear. Also, check if the car has potentially undergone mileage tampering.
Pull back the carpets in the footwell. Check for moisture or signs of water damage. There are many flood-damaged cars on sale &while a flood-damaged car can be made to look beautiful &new on the outside, any water collected in the carpets & footwells will leave distinctive traces.
Operate every single interior gadget and electronic convenience that you can. This includes checking every power window, power seat, door mirror, infotainment and sound system. Check digital screens for dead pixels or other forms of malfunction such as lines.
4 Mechanical Check
This is the most important of all checks. Get a Qualified & Trusted mechanic or a knowledgeable friend to help you. While it is no substitute for a proper condition report, it can at least alert you to some faults, such as damaged hoses and wires in the engine area, low suspension, oil leaks, worn-out mounts, and potential engine issues that can be heard when the engine is started.
5. Do a Test Drive
The test drive is very important. If the seller refuses, it’s a major red flag. Do not be rushed into finishing a test drive early. Take your time and subject the car to many scenarios as possible. Also while at it, switch off the radio. At one point get off the driver’s seat and sit at the back. Watch out for old shocks. Feel & listen to any peculiar sounds coming from the front & rear suspension.
6. Diagnostic Scans
Use a car diagnostic scanner to check your car’s components and systems like the engine, transmission, oil tank, throttle etc. Please note that car diagnostic tests require specific devices and expertise to read correctly and are performed by mechanics.
7. Verify the Mileage
Most modern-day cars entering the Kenyan market are sourced from Japan, Singapore or the UK and are inspected by QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ).
To verify mileage, capture the vehicle chassis number and query it on this link https://qisjp.co.uk/verify-mileage.php…
Compare the current odometer reading with the mileage on the website at the time of inspection. Current mileage should not be lower than what is on the website.
8. Talk to car experts
The surest way of getting a good deal car is by talking to car experts. ALASIRI MOTORS is one of the best car dealers and consultants in the county. You can talk to them on 0705030596 in case of any further queries regarding this topic or any other car consultation.
