Why December Could Just Be the Best Month to Buy a Used Car in Kenya

Marketing Peach

11 Dec 2025 — 5 min read

Not long ago, this proud friend of mine went on TikTok to rant about ‘fake friends.’ He said they were discouraging him from buying a car in December because kuna majukumu mob ( many competing needs). They told him the prices were high, and then he went ahead and bought an “expensive” car – a BMW. 😊

Why did he call them ‘fake friends?’ Because, to him, they lied. I agree. Hear me out.

In Kenya, December isn’t just about holidays and family time. For the smart car buyer, it’s the secret season for serious value. Let me explain.

See, the used car market here runs on a clock. And in December, that clock ticks in your favour. Sellers get anxious, prices get flexible, and the lots fill up with cars that need new homes before January. It’s the one time of year when the stars align for you to get more car for your money. But only if you know how to play the game.

Timing is Everything

Think about it. What happens in December? Targets, deadlines, and holiday budgets.

For car dealers and yards like Peach Cars, it's about refreshing our lot with new, inspected stock for the new year. This means we're highly motivated to find good homes for our current selection of verified cars, creating genuine value deals rather than pressured sales.
For private sellers, it’s sometimes about quick cash for various needs or upgrades (good idea for old jalopies) before the school fees bill hits in January.

This collective urgency creates what we call leverage, and it shifts directly to you, the buyer.

Remember, every car in a dealer’s yard ages by a full year on January 1st. That 2016 Toyota Noah, which is now 9 years old, will be considered a 10-year-old car in the books overnight. So, why not leverage the time now?

Why Sellers Suddenly Become Your Best Friends

Knowing the tide is turning is one thing. Knowing how to sail is another. This is where your mindset shifts from shopper to strategist. In December, a seller's "No" has a much shorter shelf life.

Haggling in April is a debate. Haggling in December is a collaboration. At least that is how it feels like, honestly.

The dealer needs to hit a target; the private seller sees your offer as a solution to a pressing need. The urgency changes the conversation. Your leverage isn't just in the timing, it's in their awareness of the clock.

So, walk in informed and ready.

Have your budget set and your research done.
When you say, "I can do this today," you're not just making an offer; you're offering a conclusion.

Their flexibility isn't a gift, it's a function of the calendar, and your job is to respectfully but confidently claim that advantage.

Negotiation tip: Don’t just ask for a discount. Anchor your offer. Say, “I’ve seen similar 2018 Vitz models going for Ksh 800k. Given the mileage and the need for new tyres, I can do Ksh 780k today.” The magic words? “Today.”

More Cars, Better Choices—No Kujichagua

Ever noticed how car yards seem fuller in November and December? There’s a reason. As dealers prepare for new year shipments, they need to clear existing stock. This means more cars on display, often with better specs.

That mid-range SUV you wanted might just be sitting there in a higher trim, leather seats, sunroof, the works, because it’s been waiting for a buyer like you.

The Kenyan used car market is maturing fast. Organised dealerships are growing, meaning more verified, inspected cars are available. And with online platforms making pricing transparent, you can compare in minutes, not days. In December, this variety peaks.

For the starter buyer: This is your chance to snag a fuel-sipping hatchback like a Toyota Vitz or Nissan Note at its lowest annual price. These cars hold value incredibly well, so buying at a dip means you lock in equity.
For the family: SUVs and MPVs like the Honda CR-V or Nissan X-Trail are in high demand. But in December, dealers are more willing to move higher-spec models with great discounts, and some with amazing financing options. You might negotiate a 2016 CR-V with all the safety features for the price of a base model.
For the status seeker: Luxury cars depreciate fastest in the first three years. Target an 8–10-year-old Mercedes or BMW in December, might be a bit pricey, but worth it. You’ll catch the seasonal discount and avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve. Utaingiza gari na pesa ya mafuta ibaki.

Spotting Real Deals vs. Festive Season Gimmicks

Here’s the truth: not every “December offer” is an offer. Some sellers inflate prices just to slap on a “discount” sticker. Your defence? Research.

Know the market value of the car you want. Use online platforms to benchmark. If a deal seems too good, it might be, unless it’s from a verified source.

A genuine deal has three signs:

The price is below the market average for that model and year.
The car comes with a recent inspection report (like ours at Peach Cars).
The seller is transparent about the car’s history and paperwork.

Avoid the trap of focusing only on the sticker price. Think total cost: price + insurance + transfer fees + any immediate repairs.

A Ksh 50,000 discount means nothing if the car needs Ksh 150,000 in hidden repairs next month. Always, always get a pre-purchase inspection.

Pro move: If the price won’t budge, negotiate for value-added perks. Ask for a free service, new tyres, or a six-month warranty extension. Bear in mind, however, that not all dealers will offer this option.

Why Verification Can’t Be an Afterthought

A cheap car that breaks down is the most expensive car you’ll ever own. In December, the rush to “close the deal” can make people skip the essentials. Don’t.

A pre-purchase inspection isn’t a luxury, it’s your financial shield. It reveals what’s underneath: frame damage, engine issues, transmission problems. At Peach Cars, this isn’t an add-on. It’s the foundation.

Then there’s paperwork.

Ensure the logbook matches the seller’s ID.
Confirm the VIN and engine numbers on the car match the logbook.
Transfer ownership through the NTSA’s eCitizen portal

Remember: The transfer fee depends on your engine size. Factor this into your budget.

Making December Work for You

No matter what kind of buyer you are — first-timer, family planner, or luxury hunter — the December market gives you room to negotiate, more cars to compare, and better odds of landing a well-spec’d unit. The trick is staying sharp: compare prices, verify the car, and move fast when you find a genuine deal.

Timing + Transparency = Your Maximum Value

December in Kenya is a unique window. Prices dip, choice expands, and sellers listen. But the real value isn’t just in the discount—it’s in the combination of good timing and a verified, transparent purchase. A cheap car that breaks down is no deal. A fairly priced car that lasts for years? That’s value.

At Peach Cars, we’ve built our process around this principle.

Every car we list passes a rigorous inspection. We provide the report upfront, so you negotiate with facts, not fears.
And we guide you through the transfer process smoothly. Because a great deal should leave you excited, not anxious.

So, as the year winds down, don’t just watch the festivities. Watch the car lots. Your best deal might be waiting right now, with a “For Sale” sign and a motivated seller. Do your research, insist on verification, and be ready to move. Your next car, and your best deal, might be a December surprise.

Ready to find your December deal? Explore our verified, inspected end-of-year stock at Peach Cars. We’ve done the checks, so you can focus on the choice.