So you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with your car. Maybe you want an upgrade, maybe fuel is humbling you, or maybe you’re just tired of your mechanic knowing you by first name. Whatever the reason, selling your car is more than just handing over keys and shaking hands.

If you want the process to go smoothly, and avoid last-minute drama, there are a few key things you must never forget.

7 Things to Keep in Mind

Below are some important items you should keep in mind. Some of them are not deal breakers but definitely add to the resale value of your car.

1. The Logbook

This is the crown jewel of car ownership in Kenya. Without it, the sale is dead on arrival. The logbook proves you’re the legal owner and is what the new buyer will use to transfer the car to their name at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) portal.

• Double-check that the details match your ID (spelling errors happen).
• Keep it safe until the sale is final.
• Nobody will buy the “Ah, logbook iko tu hapa nyumbani” excuse. 

Remember, NTSA transfer through eCitizen requires your logbook details, and processing takes around 3 working days. Fees depend on engine capacity.

2. The Original Number Plates

Yes, those two rectangles of metal are a big deal. Buyers don’t want stories about lost plates, police replacements, or creative DIY versions. Make sure the original plates are intact and properly fixed before you hand over the car.

If you’ve replaced them before, carry proof from NTSA that they’re legitimate. It’s a small detail that builds trust.

3. Service Records

Many Kenyans skip this, but it’s one of the easiest ways to convince a buyer you’ve taken care of the car. It’s a big plus! 

• Keep receipts or a record of oil changes, tyre replacements, brake pads, and other maintenance.
• Even if you don’t have a complete history, showing a few recent service records is better than nothing. It says, “This car hasn’t been neglected.”

A thorough service history can increase your selling price and speed up your sale.

4. Spare Key

While not a deal breaker, some buyers actually love seeing a spare key (I know I would😊). It says the car has been well-kept and saves them future hassles.  That’s peace of mind right there. 

 It shows that you as the owner, has been responsible enough to keep track of essentials, which often reflects a well-maintained vehicle overall. 

Having a spare key means:

• The car has likely seen fewer hassles, like lockouts or costly emergency locksmith visits, indicating thoughtful upkeep.
• It suggests that you planned ahead, which correlates with staying on top of maintenance and avoiding careless behaviour.
• A missing spare key can hint at neglect or disorganisation, making buyers slightly wary about how else the car might have been treated.

5. Car Manual and Tools

That little book that came with your car? Keep it. It saves buyers the hassle of buying data and relying on Google to understand warning lights, fuse locations, and recommended service schedules.

6. Valid Insurance and Inspection Sticker

If your insurance or inspection sticker has expired, renew it before selling. Buyers don’t want to start off with penalties or police issues. 

• A car that’s already compliant feels like a smoother handover.
• And yes, even that faded reflective triangle at the back matters. 

Small things like this create a sense of transparency and responsibility.

7. Clean Car, Inside and Out

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people show buyers a dusty car full of receipts, bottles, and forgotten masks. A clean car looks newer and better cared for.

Spend time:

• Washing it
• Vacuuming the seats
• And maybe even doing a light polish

You don’t need a full detail job, but presentation matters. Buyers will judge your car within the first two minutes of seeing it.

Why All This Matters

Selling a car is already a big transaction. Forgetting small but important items can make buyers suspicious, delay payments, or even collapse the deal. The more organised you are, the faster and smoother the sale.

A Smarter Way

Of course, you could avoid all this back and forth by working with professionals. At Peach Cars, every car we list is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, documented, and verified. That means no drama over missing logbooks, questionable service records, or missing keys.

So whether you’re selling or buying, Peach Cars saves you time, stress, and endless trips to NTSA.

👉🏾 Call us today or browse our website to see how simple car sales can be when someone else handles the hard part.