An Easy Guide For Buying A Car In Kenya
Are you upgrading from your current car, buying your loved one the gift of a car, getting a car for your work (commercial use) or finally buying your first car thus leaving the "toe-yota and foot-subishi" struggles behind! Congratulations and feel at home here at msacarmarket.co.ke you are in safe hands. We're happy to help you acquire your car quickly, safely and pleasantly. First thing, lets go through our easy guide on how to buy a car at a local dealership in Kenya:
Stage One: Put your mind at ease that way you won't rush through or miss any of the stages, shortcuts could lead you down the road of regret as all the stages are very important. Being calm will enable you to cross check available car options, all paperwork and fully experience you car of choice during the test drive.
Stage Two: Decide the type of vehicle that's best for you based on the purpose of the car (intended use), fuel efficiency, reliability, performance, your budget, vehicle make and age, number of seats, driver (2WD or 4WD), condition of the car (used or new), aesthetics like colour, lights, interior among other features. Compare different offers on your vehicle preference, check online, visit a few yards and get unbiased reviews from current users. Note that most dealers sell used cars, both foreign and local. Its best to use a trusted dealer than buy from an individual especially if they are a stranger. Buying from a trusted and authorised dealer keeps you safe from being conned and will definitely make the paperwork less stressful as they will deal with it for you.
Stage Three: Once you're settled in your choice of vehicle, engage a trusted and authorised dealer like us. Click here to view our NTSA license and our office physical location. Aside that we offer friendly prices, good reviews, great pre sale and after sale services. Very important that you go to and see the dealer physically and at no point transact online without actually meeting the car dealer of your choice. At the point of viewing the car, ensure the dealer has authorisation to sell the vehicle, inspection certificate, history of the vehicle with legitimate mileage, Used Vehicle Technical Inspection Checklist, registration, previous owner details, auction sheet, certificate of clearance status, maintenance invoices and sales agreement. If still not satisfied, there's the option to take the vehicle serial number, contact the manufacturer’s HQ who might provide you with the true history of the vehicle. (See article on Necessary Vehicle Purchase Paperwork here)
Stage Four: While still at the dealer, be sure to do a test drive. This will give you a feel of the car, you listen to possible noises, test how the brakes catch, the cars handling, take it to your preferred mechanic who offers pre purchase inspection services. Again, this test drive stage is easier with an authorised dealer, individuals are usually concerned about theft or insurance limitations and so on. If an individual is reluctant better head to an authorised dealer instead of risking an untested vehicle purchase. During the test drive remember to check on possible exhaust fumes emited. Different smoke types will indicate various issues with the car (see article on Exhaust Fumes and their Remedies here) Check on wheel turn lag or noises, possible engine noises like knocking or whistling, visible dents and scratches. Be sure to check the entire vehicle top to bottom and be satisfied. Finally check your gut instincts or intuition on how you feel about the car you tested. Remember you'll most probably be driving it daily, multiple times a day so you need to feel at home in the car.
Stage Five: Signing the 'dotted line' on the sales agreement. Every authorised dealer will has a sales agreement that you will sign alongside a witness or lawyer. This will include details of the seller and buyer, terms of agreement, mode of payment (full or partial), this agreement should also state that the vehicle will be transferred to you upon full or agreed upon payment. Make sure you read the agreement and all paperwork carefully. Cross check them. Have your friend or lawyer cross check them too. Refer to stage one about keeping calm and stable minded through the process. At this point, which should be in the agreement too are details of how you will get the Logbook, Number plate and transfer of ownership. Know this details before paying.
Stage Six: Once you're comfortable with everything, including reading all paperwork and agreeing to it, ensuring your dealer is legitimate, trustworthy and NTSA authorised like us. (Click here to view our vehicle catalogue) Then it's time to pay via bank transaction so there is a paper trail - proof of payment. Do not pay cash. It's advisable to have proof of payment for peace of mind and incase you ever need the record in future… say in the event you need proof of purchase of the vehicle. Stage Seven: The vehicle is now 99% yours! The car ownership transfer is done and you accept it on your NTSA Tims account. A new Logbook with your details will be processed by NTSA in about two weeks alongside instructions on how to get it. At this point, ensure you have paid for a comprehensive insurance cover from a reputable insurance company. Once all this is done, you can rejoice and enjoy your new car. Treat it well. Do NOT drink and drive because your life is precious.
