“Why did the first-time car owner buy a locally used car? Because they wanted to make sure their car had some ‘local flavor’!” 

The only thing you’ll hear worse than that corny joke is people who say you shouldn’t buy a locally used car as your first car. 

We know the “brand new vs. foreign used vs. locally used” debate isn’t ending any time soon. It’s a choice car buyers have to make every day. Each has its own pros and cons, and we are here to make a case for why you shouldn’t shy away from a locally used car as a first-time car owner. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about why you should buy a used car as a first-time car owner and why the decision between a new car or a locally used one comes down to more than just saving money.

Why You Should Buy A Locally Used Car In Kenya

Many Kenyans associate locally used cars with bad quality (lemons) due to relatively high mileage, bad driving habits, lack of proper care for the car / regular servicing and maintenance, and poorly maintained roads in many areas across the country. This doesn’t mean you can’t find your peach (good quality used cars). 

As a first-time car buyer, there are instances where buying a locally used car makes sense. Here are a few reasons why you should consider buying a locally used car as your first car;

1. Affordability 

Locally used cars cost significantly less compared to brand-new cars or even foreign-used ones. For example, you can buy a locally used 2015 Mazda Atenza for Kshs. 1,650,000 while it would cost you at least two million to buy a foreign-used one.  It’s one of the biggest advantages of buying a locally used car, especially for a first-time car owner. The cost of car ownership in Kenya is quite high and you need to save money whenever you can. The initial buying price is one low-hanging fruit you can leverage to save on costs. 

Besides, importing a car is becoming more expensive due to inflation and the recent increase in import duty from 25% to 35%. There are also other charges incurred when importing a car, including freight charges (CIF), 2% import declaration fees, and a 1.5% railway development levy. Locally used cars are exempted from these charges. If you want a good but budget-friendly car, locally-used is the way.

2. Variety 

The used car market offers a wide variety of makes and models, giving you the opportunity to find a car that suits your preferences and needs within your budget. You might even be able to afford a more luxurious or feature-packed car than if you were buying a new one.

There are also a number of ways you can get a locally used car including auctions, dealerships, and the Jamhuri car bazaar. This provides you with options on where to get your car of choice. 

3. Faster way to own a car 

If you want to buy a car within a short period of time, the best option is to buy a locally used one. All you need to do is identify your car, organize an inspection and test drive, and then do an ownership transfer. If you buy a locally used car with Peach Cars, we will also help you with the ownership transfer process. 

Importing a vehicle and registering it for Kenyan plates can take time, sometimes even months. 

4. No age restrictions

While there are no age restrictions to the car you can drive in Kenya, it’s illegal to import a car over 8 years old from the date of manufacture. This limits your options to newer models which are quite expensive. If you are into classic cars, it also means you can’t buy your preferred car unless you go for locally-used. 

Start Your Car Ownership Journey with Peach Cars

As a first-time car buyer, you want to get a good car for a good price. Contrary to popular belief, you’re not making a bad financial decision by buying a used car for your first car. It may even turn out to be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. You’ll get more value for your money by buying a locally used car. 

We hope this guide helps you to make a decision about where to buy your first car. When you are ready, we will help you to find your peach 😊. 

Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly deals on locally used cars.

Or browse through our latest listings to add a car to your wishlist.