7 Types of People to Bring When Shopping for a Used Car

The first time my friend wanted to buy a car, a BMW 320i, he asked me to accompany him. Like the loyal friend I was, we went together.

The seller, a lawyer, was “offloading” the vehicle, and he was “relocating to the US”. He gave my guy a good deal, and I was a bit skeptical. The right rear door wasn’t opening, the window didn’t roll down, and the tyres were beat.

I advised my friend against buying it. Of course, he disregarded my advice and took the deal (which has cost him so far, a little over Ksh300,000 to fix things here and there).

If he was wise, he’d have listened. He did right by letting me accompany him, and it is what you should always do when shopping for a car. 

Over the years at Peach Cars, we’ve seen thousands of buyers roll in with their personal advisory boards. Some squads are legendary. Others…well, let’s just say they make for good stories.

Here are seven types of people who often tag along—and why they matter.

1. The Partner

Your partner is the voice of reason. They know your budget, your lifestyle, and they’ll remind you that school fees and fuel costs don’t disappear just because the car looks good.

They’ll often go:

• “Heh, hiyo ni pesa mingi sana. Hatuna.”
• “Will we still be able to pay rent after buying this”
• “Can we still afford that holiday in Diani?”
• “Viti si comfortable.”

Why they matter: Partners keep you grounded. They make sure your dream car doesn’t turn into a financial nightmare. And honestly, they’re great at spotting practical details you might overlook—like boot space for groceries or car seats.

2. The Trusted Friend

Your hype person. They’ll snap photos, say “Looks clean!” and cheer you on, even if they think CVT is a new TV brand. Others know cars, and they’ll figure out a thing or two that don’t work.

They’ll ask things like:

• “Is this colour easy to maintain?”
• “Does it have Bluetooth?”
• “Why does the tyre look… tired?”

Why they matter: Friends bring emotional support. Car yards can feel intimidating, and having someone who makes the process fun is priceless. Plus, two sets of eyes are better than one.

3. The Math Whiz

They’ve got a calculator app and zero chill, and a stone face like that finance person in your office. They’ll crunch depreciation, loan interest, and fuel cost faster than you can say “EPRA.”

Expect questions like:

• “What’s the real cost over three years?”
• “How much will tyres set you back?”
• “Is this hybrid worth the premium?”

Why they matter: They help you see beyond the sticker price. A car that looks cheap upfront can cost more in the long run. Their obsession with numbers might feel intense—but it’s useful.

4. The Skeptical Friend

They question everything. “Why is the mileage so low? Why is the paint so shiny? Why is the seller smiling?” Annoying? Maybe. Helpful? Absolutely.

They’ll want to know whether the car has been in an accident, if that engine noise is normal (during a test-drive), why the gearbox feels hesitant…

Why they matter: Their suspicion forces you to dig deeper. They’re the reason you won’t rush into a deal just because the car looks good. Every squad needs one.

5. The Family Mechanic

The OG. They know what breaks, what lasts, and what parts cost in Grogon. They’ll tap the engine, listen for knocks, and sniff the exhaust like a wine connoisseur.

They’ll ask:

• “Is this suspension solid?”
• “Any leaks under here?”
• “Hii gearbox iko sawa?”

Why they matter: Experience counts. Mechanics can spot issues most of us would miss. And their advice often saves you from buying a car that will bleed your wallet later.

6. The Car Enthusiast

Every squad has one. They’ll talk trims, torque, and tyre profiles like they’re hosting Top Gear. They’ll tell you why the Mazda Demio is “fun” and why the Subaru Forester is “life.”

They’ll ask:

• “Does it have paddle shifters?”
• “Is this the facelift model?”
• “What’s the horsepower?”

Why they matter: Enthusiasts make car shopping fun—and they’ll make sure you don’t end up with something boring (unless boring is what you want).

7. The Uncle Who Knows Everything

He’s been driving since Moi was only 10 years into power, and he swear by “Toyota or nothing.” He’ll tell you horror stories about German cars and insist hybrids are not cars.

He’ll ask:

• “Why buy a Mercedes? Parts are expensive!”
• “Is this Japanese? Good.”
• “Does it have a spare tyre?”

Why they matter: Uncles bring wisdom (and strong opinions). Listen politely, they’ve seen things. Just remember, car tech has changed since his first Corolla.

The Peach Cars Inspection

Here’s the beauty of this squad: every question they ask matters. And at Peach Cars, we make sure none of them go unanswered.

Our 288-point inspection report covers everything—accident history, engine health, gearbox performance, tyres, suspension, electronics. We don’t just hand you a document and wave goodbye. We sit down with you (and your advisory board), go through every line, and explain what it means in plain language.

So whether your mechanic slaps the bonnet and says “hii ni mabati,” your skeptical friend suspects a hidden accident, or your partner worries about fuel economy—we’ll show the proof. No sugar-coating, no surprises. Just clarity, so everyone leaves with peace of mind.

That Said…

Bringing your squad isn’t just tradition, it’s smart. They’ll help you see the car from every angle. And when their questions meet our inspection report, you get the confidence to buy without second-guessing.

Ready to shop smart? Come browse our wide selection of vehicles, take your squad on a ride, laugh at the banter, come back and ask those questions. Our inspection report will help the deal—clear, detailed, and honest.