How Peach Cars' 600-Point Inspection Service Prevents Fraudulent Sales

Ever dated someone who seemed perfect, charming, clean-cut, said all the right things, living together, then boom, you find out they’ve been married 5 years with a spouse huko shagz?

Welcome to the world of used cars. In Kenya’s used car market, that kind of disappointment happens too often. Cars with “clean histories” often turn out to have accidents, flood damage, or undisclosed repairs.

That “one-owner, accident-free, lady-driven” ride might just be the automotive version of that ex — smooth on the outside, chaos underneath. 

The good news? It doesn't have to be this way, and that’s why you’re here today. Here are a few things you ought to know, and the solution Peach Cars brings to the table.

The Real Cost of Buying Blind

Every week, someone buys a car that looked perfect during a test drive. 

• The paint was shining. 
• The engine sounded smooth. 
• The seller had all the right words.

But two months later? 

• Dashboard lights start acting up like Christmas decorations. 
• Strange noises appear. 
• The fuel consumption is suddenly eating your entire salary.

Over 85% of vehicles on Kenyan roads are used imports. Many have undisclosed issues that only experts can spot. Some have been through jua kali repairs that hide deeper problems.

According to industry reports, roughly 1 in 5 used cars has undisclosed damage or tampering. That's not just money lost, it's safety compromised.

What Makes Fraudulent Sales So Common?

Here's the thing: most fraudsters rely on information gaps. They know buyers can't see everything. They count on it.

The Classic Tricks

Odometer Rollback

• Turning back mileage to inflate value
• Making a 200,000 km car look like it's barely driven
• Pure theft, basically

Hidden Accident Damage

• Fresh paint hiding frame damage underneath
• Airbags that deployed but never got replaced properly
• Structural issues that compromise safety

Flood Damage Cover-ups

• Deep cleaning to hide water damage signs
• Electrical issues that appear months later
• Rust that spreads like gossip

Engine Swaps and Mismatched Parts

• Different engine from what the logbook says
• Salvage parts from multiple vehicles
• Performance issues you discover too late

Tampered Documentation

• Fake service records
• Altered logbooks
• Outstanding loans you inherit

Kwa ground, these scams are everywhere. And they work because most buyers don't have the tools or expertise to catch them.

Enter: The 600-Point Inspection

So, how do you fight an enemy you can't see? You bring in a specialist. At Peach Cars, every single vehicle goes through a comprehensive 600-point inspection. Not 50 points. Not 100. A full 600.

This isn't just a quick look-see. It's a forensic examination. Our certified inspectors spend hours scrutinising every vehicle, from the engine block to the last bulb in the dashboard.

Why so many? Because fraudsters are creative. We have to be more thorough.

How We Expose the Lies

Our inspection is designed to beat scammers at their own game. We look for the tiny details that tell the real story of the car.

Body and Frame Integrity

A car's body is its skeleton. If it’s compromised, nothing else matters.

• Paint Depth Gauge: We use an electronic gauge to measure the thickness of the paint on every panel. A thicker reading on one door compared to another is a dead giveaway of a past repair.
• Panel Gap Analysis: Factory-fitted panels have perfectly even gaps. Uneven spacing between the bonnet, doors, or boot lid tells us the car has been hit and poorly reassembled.
• Frame Inspection: We get under the car to look for non-factory welds or signs of straightening on the chassis. This is how we catch dangerous "cut-and-shut" vehicles.

Engine and Mechanical Health

This is the heart of the car, and where the most expensive problems hide.

• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Scan: We plug our advanced diagnostic tool into the car’s computer. This pulls up any current or past error codes, even if the seller has cleared the check engine light.
• Engine Fluid Analysis: We check the engine oil for metal shavings, the coolant for oil contamination (a sign of a head gasket failure), and the transmission fluid for a burnt smell. These fluids are like a blood test for the car.
• Compression Test: This test measures the health of the engine's cylinders. Low compression in one cylinder could mean a five-figure repair bill is just around the corner for you.

Electrical and Interior Systems

Modern cars are rolling computers. A faulty electrical system can be a nightmare.

• Wiring Harness Check: We inspect the wiring for signs of corrosion or unprofessional splicing. This is often where evidence of flood damage is found.
• Functionality Test: We test every single button, switch, and light. From the window controls to the seat warmers and infotainment system, nothing is overlooked.
• Airbag System Integrity: We verify that the airbag warning light functions correctly and scan the system for error codes. A common scam is to simply remove the airbag bulb after a deployment instead of replacing the expensive unit.

Documentation and History Verification

A clean car with a dirty past is a huge problem. The paperwork has to be as clean as the engine bay.

• Logbook Verification: We meticulously cross-reference the chassis (VIN) and engine numbers on the car with the details on the logbook. A mismatch means you could be buying a stolen or illegally modified vehicle.
• NTSA Database Check: We use the NTSA TIMS portal to verify the car's registered ownership and check for any legal holds or encumbrances. We ensure you’re not inheriting someone else's loan or legal drama.

The Report: Your Bargaining Power

Once the inspection is done, you get a comprehensive digital report. It’s written in plain English, with photos and detailed notes on every single finding. We grade each of the 288 points so you can see exactly what’s good, what’s okay, and what’s a deal-breaker.

This report is your power. It transforms you from a hopeful buyer into an informed investor. You can walk away from a bad deal with confidence, or use our findings to negotiate a fairer price.

Ready to Buy Without the Drama?

Browse hundreds of inspected, verified vehicles at Peach Cars. Every car comes with a full inspection report. Every detail is documented. Every claim is verified.

Or if you're selling, let us handle everything. We inspect, photograph, list, and find serious buyers. You just show up to collect your payment.

Call 0709 726 900 or visit peachcars.co.ke to get started.

Because your next car shouldn't come with free stress and hidden problems. 

Looking for more car buying tips? Check out our guide on financing options or learn about keeping your car in good condition.