Buying a Car 101: Essential Tips for First-Time Car Owners
Buying a car is an investment, and becoming a car owner is a huge life event. It’s often said that owning a car is the second biggest expense after a house. However, a lot of new car owners hardly realize what it takes to keep the car running until reality hits them in the face. The good news is that a little planning, education, and practice can help you transition from being a passenger princess to being the main star of the show.
Between the rules of the road, vehicle safety, and traffic etiquette, here are 4 pieces of advice (from the perspective of people who’ve made all the mistakes) you need to know as a first-time car owner:
1. The cost of buying a car extends beyond the money you pay to the seller
Owning a car gives you a lot of freedom. Freedom from Nairobi’s unreliable public transport. Freedom from rude matatu crews. Freedom from crowded matatus with windows that don’t open. But that freedom comes at a price.
Some of the costs you may need to budget for include:
- Car loan repayment (if you bought the car through financing). For example, the interest rates for most locally used car financiers in Kenya range from 2% to 5% per month.
- Insurance costs, usually between 3% and 7.5% for a comprehensive cover depending on the value of the car
- Fuel costs (these tips can help you save on fuel)
- Regular servicing and maintenance
- Parking fees, currently KES300 per day in Nairobi
2. Plan for regular repairs and maintenance plus emergency costs
At a minimum, it’s advisable to set aside 10-15% of the cost of your vehicle for annual maintenance to replace consumables, etc. Depending on the car, you might also spend between KES10,000 and KES20,000 a year on servicing.
Additionally, you should have a fund that will cover a range of emergencies. At the very least, you should set aside enough money to have the car towed to a garage when it breaks down.
3. Learn DIY maintenance
It’s ideal to have car care experts’ contacts on speed dial. It’s also good practice to know how to do simple things such as checking engine oil levels. This is one easy way to reduce your expenses. Some of the things you should learn how to do yourself are:
- Jumpstarting the car
- Checking your fluid levels
- Replacing headlight and taillight bulbs
- Changing a tire
- Changing your air filters
To be able to do these, you should know your vehicle’s details (year, make, and model), the types of fluids that work for it, and what the dashboard lights mean. Here’s what should be on your maintenance checklist.
4. Get your learner sticker
The red ‘L’ sticker on private cars is often seen as an invitation to get bullied on the road, hence most new drivers prefer to avoid them altogether. What many don’t know is that it’s a requirement for all motorists using a provisional license or learner permit. The Traffic Act CAP 403 demands that new drivers have the sticker on both the rear and front sides of the vehicle.
Besides being a law, the “L” sticker comes with a lot of privileges and legal protections for you and your car. According to Kenyans.co.ke, it helps to:
- Serve as a warning to other drivers to approach with caution and keep a distance
- Receive guidance and advice from traffic officers
- Receive a lenient penalty for traffic offenses
Become a Confident Car Owner with Peach Cars
Navigating the world of car ownership can be daunting for first-time buyers. From understanding the costs of owning a car to learning how to keep your car in good shape, there’s a lot to learn. But with a bit of preparation and knowledge, you can become a confident car owner and enjoy the freedom that comes with owning a car.
Buying your first car? We can make the car ownership journey simple and enjoyable for you, from finding the right car to helping you care for your car.
