Top 5 Used Saloon Cars Under Ksh1.2 million in Kenya

Marketing Peach

06 Apr 2025 — 6 min read

Buying a used saloon car in Kenya? Smart move! With up to Ksh1.2 million, you can drive away with a sleek, reliable, and fuel-efficient car that fits your needs and budget.

The trick, however, is knowing which models offer the best mix of affordability, comfort, and long-term value.

Peach Cars has done the legwork for you. Below are the top five saloon cars that stand out in reliability, performance, and overall value.

Top 5 Used Saloon Cars in Kenya

Saloons are some of the most common cars in Kenya, and for good reason. They offer comfort, style, practicality, and fuel efficiency—perfect for daily commutes and weekend getaways. The following are the top 5 saloon cars you can buy for less than 1.2 million shillings in Kenya.

But first, here’s a quick head-to-head comparison table.

Model	Approximate Price Range (Under Ksh 1.2M)	Engine Size	Transmission	Key Pros	Key Cons
Toyota Premio	From Ksh 680,000	1.8L	Four-speed torque converter automatic transmission.	Unmatched reliability, excellent fuel economy, affordable parts, comfortable ride, strong resale	Basic features, adequate but not exciting power, potential CVT issues with poor maintenance
Mercedes-Benz C-200	From Ksh 713,000	1.8L-2.0L inline, Turbocharged	Automatic (5 or 6-speed)	Prestigious brand, engaging RWD, refined interior, more powerful engine	Higher maintenance costs, expensive/harder-to-find parts, potential electronic issues, lower fuel efficiency
Subaru Impreza	Around Ksh1.1 - Ksh 1.35 million	1.5L/1.6L 4-Cylinder	Manual or Automatic (CVT)	Symmetrical AWD, good fuel economy for AWD, affordable parts, spacious cabin	Modest engine power, basic interior, some road noise
Nissan Teana	From Ksh 700,000	2.5L inline 4-Cylinder	Automatic (CVT)	Amazingly comfortable/spacious, smooth ride, good power, affordable service parts	Potential CVT reliability issues, lower fuel efficiency, less engaging drive
BMW 3 Series	Under Ksh 1 Million	2.0L	Manual or Automatic (6-speed)	Engaging RWD, prestigious brand, good handling, decent fuel efficiency	Higher maintenance costs, expensive parts, sensitivity to faults, firmer ride

Here are the five saloon cars in detail:

1. Toyota Premio: Best for Reliability

The Toyota Premio is synonymous with dependability on Kenyan roads. Its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs makes it a preferred choice for buyers looking for a saloon car that retains its value and continues performing.

Under the hood, it comes with the following features:

Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder petrol engine (1800cc) with 125–143 horsepower.
Fuel Efficiency: 14–18 km/l, ideal for city and highway driving.
Comfort: Smooth Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ensures a seamless driving experience.
Drive Type: Primarily a front-wheel drive.
Maintenance: Affordable spare parts and widespread mechanic expertise.

Why It Stands Out

The Premio offers unmatched reliability, making it perfect for Kenyan roads. Its durability ensures low running costs over time, while its resale value remains strong—a smart investment all around.

While the Premio excels in practicality, it may lack the flair of European models, or the power needed for high-speed acceleration. It is also worth noting that the CVT gearbox in the Premio can be sensitive to the quality of the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) used. It’s important, therefore, to adhere to a regular maintenance schedule to avoid potential damage and costly repairs.

Price Range

You can find a well-maintained Premio from as low as Ksh 680,000 – an excellent deal for a dependable used Toyota saloon car. Check out these options currently available at Peach Cars:

2. Mercedes-Benz C-200: The Luxury Option

One thing about German engineering? It goes hand in hand with luxury, at least for car enthusiasts or Mercedes-Benz lovers. The C-200 is exactly that. It gives you a sense of luxury in the most affordable way.

The C-200 features:

Engine: 1.8L/2.0L Inline-4 Turbocharged petrol engine.
Fuel Efficiency: 8.8–12.2 km/l.
Driving Dynamics: Rear-wheel drive offers engaging handling.
Interior: Premium materials and a sleek design elevate the driving experience.
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive.

Why It Stands OutIt’s hard not to like how the C-200 blends luxury with practicality by offering a more refined feel than many Japanese saloons in this price range. Its turbocharged engine provides better performance compared to rivals like the Toyota Premio.

Still, while this car provides an engaging driving experience, thanks to its rear-wheel drive, complemented by a refined interior, you can’t help but notice that it leans more on the luxury side than a sporty performance. It appeals more to those who appreciate a touch of luxury in their daily commutes.

The thing about Mercedes-Benz cars is that their maintenance costs can be higher than the Japanese alternatives due to expensive spare parts and potential electronic issues. Fuel efficiency is also less impressive compared to other saloons on this list.

Price Range

With 1.2 million shillings, and slightly below, you can get yourself the Mercedes-Benz C-200. Here are some options to help you get started:

3. Subaru Impreza: The AWD King

The 2014 Subaru Impreza 1.6L often flies under the radar in discussions about budget-friendly used saloons, but it presents a unique and compelling proposition with its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This feature makes it ideal for Kenya’s diverse terrains and unpredictable weather – Subaru boys know this all too well.

This Impreza comes with some of the following specifications:

Engine: 1.5L/1.6L 4-cylinder petrol engine (1500-1600 cc) with 114–115 horsepower.
Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 14 km/l.
Transmission: Manual (5-speed) or Automatic (CVT)
Drive Type: Symmetrical AWD ensuring stability on wet or uneven roads.
Handling: A lower centre of gravity enhances control.

Why It Stands Out

The AWD system provides remarkably sure-footed handling and stability. When you get behind the wheel, this Impreza gives you a superior grip and confidence on challenging roads—perfect for rainy seasons or trips off the beaten paths. Its sporty design adds flair to practicality.

Generally, it is a beautiful car, and although it offers great traction, it may not deliver the same driving engagement as rear-wheel-drive vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C-200. Maintenance costs are moderate but require attention to details like knock sensors.

Price Range

A used Subaru Impreza typically ranges from around Ksh 650,000 (at least for the options available at Peach Cars), which falls within the 1.2 million budget. Here’s what’s currently available:

4. Nissan Teana: Spacious Comfort

For those who prioritise comfort and space, the Nissan Teana is an excellent choice. It’s roomy, and the interior so invites you for a drive you know you’ll enjoy – whether you’re stuck in Nairobi traffic or speeding on the highway.

Specifications:

Engine: 2.5L inline 4-cylinder petrol engine (2500 cc) producing 167-182 HP. It features a reliable powertrain option with smooth performance.
Transmission: Automatic (CVT)
Fuel Consumption: Between 10.5-11.4 km/L
Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive
Interior Space: Generously sized cabin ideal for families or long trips.
Comfort: Plush seats and an advanced suspension system enhance ride quality.

Why We Like ItThe Teana combines elegance with practicality, offering features that rival higher-end models at a fraction of the cost. It’s perfect for buyers looking for comfort without compromising affordability. Some models feature a front passenger seat with a footrest, enhancing the comfort for those riding in the front. How cool is that?

Though spacious, it may lack sporty handling compared to competitors like the BMW 3 Series or Subaru Impreza. But that is a trade-off for someone who prioritizes comfort and subtle driving experiences.

Price RangeWell-maintained Nissan Teana models can be found from as low as Ksh 550,000 upwards. But as with any used car, the price is dependent on the car's condition, mileage, and whether it's locally used or imported. Here are some available options for you:

5. BMW 3 Series: The Sporty Performer

If you’re looking for excitement behind the wheel, the BMW 3 Series delivers with its dynamic driving experience and sleek design.

Key Features

Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol (1995 cc) – Powerful petrol engines with responsive acceleration and 148-170 HP
Transmission: Manual (6-speed) or Automatic (6-speed)
Fuel Consumption: Between 8.8-12.5 km/L
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive for sporty handling.
Interior: Premium materials and modern tech features enhance usability.

Why It Stands OutThe BMW 3 Series is all about performance and style—it’s perfect for drivers who want more than just a practical saloon. Its engaging handling sets it apart from others in this price range.

Maintenance costs can be steep due to specialized parts and servicing requirements. Fuel efficiency may also be lower than more economy-focused models like the Toyota Premio or Subaru Impreza.

Price RangeExpect prices between Ksh950,000 and Ksh1.2 million depending on the condition. Stay up to date on the available options at Peach Cars using this link.

Try Peach Cars for More Options

Each saloon on this list offers something unique—whether it’s Toyota Premio’s reliability, Mercedes-Benz C-200’s luxury appeal, Subaru Impreza’s AWD capability, Nissan Teana’s spacious comfort, or BMW 3 Series’ sporty performance. Your choice will depend on your priorities.

At Peach Cars, we believe every car buyer deserves confidence in their purchase—and these saloons deliver just that! With options tailored to fit your budget under Ksh1.2 million, you’re sure to find your perfect match without compromise. Explore these and more options on our website today!