Important Factors To Consider When Buying A Car In Kenya
So, you’ve decided to ditch the Super Metro ques and join the car ownership club. Buying a car is an exciting journey for sure, but one filled with potential pitfalls for regret. It’s not just about picking the prettiest paint job, the loudest throttle, or the best sound system for your road trips. It’s a big decision with more moving parts than a Rubik’s Cube. We’re talking budget, lifestyle, and the mechanicals.
But don’t be scared. This blog is your trusty map to finding your peach; guiding you through the difficult terrain of car features, budgets, and test drives. Let’s look at some of the most important factors to consider when buying a car:
1. Budget (and the hidden costs of car ownership)
Like every big purchase, you need to budget when buying a car. They are not tropikos you buy on a whim in a Nairobi traffic jam. Cars do not come cheap. Having a budget will also help you narrow down the kind of car (make, model, and year of make) you can buy.
When budgeting for a car, you should not only consider the initial costs but also the other costs involved. These include NTSA transfer fees, car insurance, the first service, and other miscellaneous expenses. It’s equally important to know how you’ll finance your budget- whether from your savings or car financing.
If you’re looking to buy a car on a deal and save some money, read this guide on the best time to buy a car in Kenya.
2. Your lifestyle and car needs
After your budget, the next big thing that should determine the kind of car to buy is your lifestyle and car needs. You should buy a car that serves your needs and complements your lifestyle.
For example, the Toyota Hilux is more suited for farmers and business people who need transportation. But if you’re looking for a daily commute car to drive to work, options such as the Honda Fit are ideal. These five cars make for great family cars in Kenya.
Some of the other things you might want to think about when considering your lifestyle and car needs include:
- Fuel efficiency
- Reliability
- Ride handling and comfort
- Features such as technology and safety features
3. Brand new vs. foreign-used vs. locally used
Unless you have an expansive budget, a brand-new zero-mileage car might be out of the question. So it boils down to a foreign vs. locally used car. There are arguments for and against both. But if you consider the importation costs plus delays at the port, it’s better to buy a locally used car.
When buying a locally used car, remember to inspect these five things before committing to the deal.
4. Spare parts availability and maintenance
What makes Toyota the most popular car brand in Kenya? The answer is pretty simple: the availability of affordable spare parts and technical expertise in garages and service centers. The more difficult it is to get spare parts and maintenance services for a vehicle, the higher its running costs are. You’ll need to service your car every three months or 3,000km (whichever comes first), so you need to factor these in your planning too.
Buying a Car in Nairobi? Find Your Peach Today
There are also other tips you should know, such as learning DIY maintenance, getting your Learner sticker, and how to save on fuel so you don’t blow your entire paycheck on the road.
Your car ownership journey should be simple, relaxed, and enjoyable. Need someone to hold your hand through the journey? We are here to help you, from finding the right car to helping you care for your car.
