Selling Your Car Privately? Here's Why It May Not Always Go As Expected

Marketing Peach

— 5 min read
Selling Your Car Privately? Here's Why It May Not Always Go As Expected

Have you ever tried to sell something relatively small online? How many people called but didn't buy it? How long did it take before you found a serious buyer? That's right. Car selling? Same thing. 

It's always an exciting thought. “I got this!” you say.  “I'll just post some nice pictures of the car, find a serious buyer in a few days, and get a fair price for my ride.” That’s the dream, and it’s totally possible to achieve.

However, the journey from "For Sale" to "Sold" can have a few unexpected twists and turns. The private car selling market in Kenya is a unique ecosystem with its own set of characters and challenges. It’s not doom and gloom at all, but it definitely helps to go in with your eyes wide open.

Here are some Peach Cars pointers to help you understand why it may not always go as expected. 

Kupost Ni Rahisi, Calls Ndo Ngori

There is always that expectation:

You sit back, expecting your phone to ring with calls from polite, serious buyers who are ready to talk business.

The Reality (and How to Handle It)

Simu yako italipuka, for sure. But the calls won't be from the angels you imagined. Instead, utadeal na a whole new cast of characters you never knew existed.

You’ll need to become a good filter to separate the serious inquiries from the noise. Here are the guys you will meet:

1. The Lowballers

You'll get calls from guys who act like it's a sport to offer you a fraction of your asking price. These are the guys that will start the conversation with: “Boss, gari iko fiti, but tunaeza ongea?” 

Before you even respond, they go, “Niko na 300 cash saa hii!” It can be frustrating, but it's just part of the game, and it often leaves you wondering whether wako na WhatsApp group ya kusaidiana kukunyima usingizi.

  • Pro Tip: Don't get offended. Know your car's market value and your lowest acceptable price. Sometimes you can compromise if the offer is reasonable. A serious buyer will respect that.

2. The Joyriders

Some callers sound incredibly serious on the phone, asking all the right questions about the engine and service history. 

In reality, some of them have no budget or intention to buy. They will test drive your car just for the free thrill and say, “Kuna deal nangoja iivane, kakiingia hivi, wallahi nakam through!” 

  • Pro Tip: Ask a few qualifying questions during the initial call. A simple "Is your budget in the range of my asking price?" can often help weed out those who are just window-shopping.

3. Watu wa Majuu

Yes. These ones will say wako majuu. They come with complex stories talking about:

  • I live abroad but I want a car for my mom
  • Nitatuma pes ana Western Union
  • My brother will come for the car

Then they take you on rounds hadi unachoka. While some will actually send someone who can engage with you, others will just test your patience.

The Viewing: When Your Car is Under the Microscope

You arrange to meet a potential buyer in a safe, public place. They arrive on time:

  • Politely inspect the car
  • Ask a few sensible questions
  • And you have a pleasant conversation. 

They love the car, and you proceed to the next step.

The Reality (and How to Handle It)

The viewing is where the real negotiation and scrutiny begins. It can feel like an interview, but if you’re prepared, you’ll handle it with ease.

2. The "Mech" Friend

Many buyers will bring along their "mechanic," who is often just a friend whose job is to find as many faults as possible to bring the price down. 

They'll point out every tiny scratch and declare, "Hii engine ina-sweat mafuta," over a minor oil smudge.

  • Pro Tip: Be confident in your car. Better yet, have a recent, professional inspection report from a trusted source. It’ll be hard for them to argue with a detailed, unbiased report from an expert.

3. The Time Wasters

Unfortunately, some people will agree to a time and place and then either show up very late or not at all. You might find yourself waiting in a car park, getting ghosted.

  • Pro Tip: Always confirm the meeting an hour or two beforehand with a quick text or call. This simple step can save you a lot of wasted time and fuel.

Closing the Deal: Securing the Payment

You and the buyer agree on a final price. It's a happy moment! They make a quick, clean bank transfer, you confirm the funds, and you hand over the keys with a smile and a handshake.

The Reality (and How to Handle It)

The final step—getting paid—is the most critical. This is where you must be the most vigilant, but a smooth transaction is entirely possible with the right precautions.

1. The Payment Promises

You might encounter buyers who want to pay with a personal cheque or ask you to release the car based on a "proof of transfer" screenshot. These are major red flags. Hio story ya "cheque itaclear in 3 days" is a classic trap.

  • Pro Tip: State your payment terms clearly from the beginning. Insist on a secure method like a direct bank transfer (verified by you in your account) or a banker's cheque that you can confirm with the issuing bank.

2. The Last-Minute Haggle

Just when you think everything is settled, some buyers will try to re-negotiate at the moment of payment. They’ll show up with slightly less cash and say, "Boss, hii ndio niko nayo tu, si utachukua?" hoping your fatigue will make you agree.

  • Pro Tip: Be prepared for this. A simple and firm, "We already agreed on the price, and it's very fair for the car's condition," is usually enough to end the discussion.

You Can Absolutely Peach It!

Selling your car on your own can be a genuinely rewarding experience. Navigating these car-selling challenges and successfully closing a deal is a real achievement. It takes patience and a bit of street smarts, but with these tips in mind, you are well-equipped for the journey.

But let's be honest, it can also sound like a full-time job you didn't sign up for.

Everyone values their time, and of course, you’d rather skip the drama of filtering calls, meeting strangers, and chasing payments, and go for a straightforward process. At Peach Cars, we handle the entire process for you. We give you a fair market valuation, deal with all the buyer interactions, and manage the secure transaction.

Ready to sell your car the smart and stress-free way? Call us today at tel:+254709726900 and find out for yourself how easy it can be to just Peach it!

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