Car Dealers Kenya

Buying a car in Kenya can be a daunting task for first-timers, especially those who do not know much about motor vehicles. Getting a new ride, especially for new buyers, is quite a thrilling experience. However, before you go ahead and get one, there are important considerations you must make to ensure you get a car that will serve you well and is sustainable.

Overview

Second-hand vehicles dominate 80% of the Kenyan motor vehicle market. These are mainly Japanese vehicles, with a few coming from the US, Europe, and China. However, some dealers like Toyota Kenya, Simba Corp, DT Dobie, Subaru Kenya, and  CMC Motors Group provide new automobile dealerships for those who prefer brand new vehicles. Whether buying a second-hand or a brand new car, there are certain factors you need to consider before buying a car in Kenya. Some of these factors you need to consider are;

1. Price of the Car

Prices of cars in Kenya vary; some are cheaper, whereas others are costly. Before buying a car, you should come up with a clear budget. This budget should include the purchase price and amount to cover costs arising during and after purchase. The after purchase costs consist of insurance cover, car accessories such as trackers, fuel costs, and maintenance costs. Buying a car in Kenya, especially the brand new ones is expensive compared to used vehicles. However, even with the different prices, there is something for everyone. Your main aim here should be to ensure you get the value for what you wish to spend. To buy a car in Kenya, you will need to understand the various factors that affect vehicle price, like the model and conditions of the vehicle.

2. Reliability

To avoid regular breakdowns and frequent visits to the garage, you should consider the reliability of a car before purchase. In Kenya, vehicles like the Subaru forester are highly reliable. If you wish to buy a car in Kenya, the easiest way to check car reliability is to seek online reviews. You can get reliability reviews on sites like this one or even on YouTube channels where experts will get back to you. Reputable dealers will also give you a recap of issues you might experience with the car before purchasing.

3. Fuel Efficiency

Fuel consumption is another major factor to consider, especially if you are on a budget. Each car has its fuel consumption and which is mainly in Km/l.If you consider buying a car in Kenya, you should look for a top fuel-efficient vehicle. One of the leading fuel-efficient cars in Kenya is the Toyota corolla. Most vehicle manufacturers have implemented modern technologies to increase fuel efficiency. One common practice is the use of CVT transmission systems that improve the fuel efficiency of cars, although it reduces the driving experience. Others have developed technologies that ensure a better fuel economy, like the Mazda SKYACTV technology or the Volkswagen Bluemotiontechnology. People buying cars in Kenya should consider hybrid vehicles since they are fuel-efficient. However, they have a short battery lifespan.

4. Performace

A car's performance should be a factor you consider when buying a car in Kenya. Engine power determines the performance of the vehicle. In most cases, big engines give more power. For example, a higher-capacity engine with V6 or V8 cylinders will provide a punch of power and torque. If you are looking for a high-performance engine, the best way is to look at the specifications given by the manufacturer. However, with the advancement of technology, even small engines provide high power and torque.

5. Driving Experience

Just like checking on car reliability, one should consider the vehicle's driving experience from its previous owners if it is a second-hand vehicle. Before buying a new car in Kenya, you can check the driving experience review from people who own your favorite choice. Some of the factors that affect the driving experience include; performance, handling, transmission type, brakes, and tech features. Note that these factors are interdependent, and you should make sure they will suit your driving experience. Before buying a car in Kenya, consider checking on its driving experience.

6. Comfort

Comfort is an important spec of any car. However, depending on the vehicle's intended use, you can forego the top-notch luxury. For example, a business or cargo ferrying car does not need much of comfort features. However, for a family car, you should consider comfort. Toyota Prado is an example of a family car that provides top-notch comfort. When buying a car in Kenya, you should consider the comfortability of the automobile. Examples of aspects that gauge how comfortable a car is are; Legroom space, air conditioning features, noise insulation, tech features, and seat designs.

7. Car Design

The Kenyan car market has different car designs. They include Stepwagons, Hatchback, SUVs, Crossover SUVs, and Sedans. The design of a car consists of interior and exterior features. Some cars come with alloy rims which are better than steel rims. Ground clearance should also be considered, especially for the bumps on Kenyan roads. When you want to buy a car in Kenya, your preference depends on your taste. Other incredible design features that cars come with include fog lights, daytime running lights, sunroof twin exhausts, curvy designs, sporty designs, and aggressive designs.

8. Resale value

Resale value is a factor you should consider when buying a car. Purchasing a vehicle with a higher resale value depends on its reliability. Having a higher resale value is highly economical when you want to sell the car and get another one since you will not need much money to top up for a new ride.

9. Practicality

The car's practicality will depend on what you intend to do with it. For instance, If you have a large family of seven people, then a practical car, in this case, would be a seven-seater. Getting a five-seater would not fulfill your needs. Similarly, if you are in business, you will need to look for a car that satisfies your intended use. In Kenya, buying a car, for example, the Honda Fit, can be practical for uber drivers. The boot space also determines the practicality of a vehicle in Kenya. Toyota Probox is an example of a car people buy in Kenya because of the boot space.

10. The year of Car Manufacture

Though most people want the latest cars in the country, they do not always concentrate much on the year of manufacture. If you are looking for a reliable vehicle, checking on the year of car manufacture is an important aspect. Not all cars are reliable because there might be some years when the manufacturers had recalled some cars for being faulty. To avoid buying a defective car in Kenya, you must check the year it was manufactured.

11. Accident History

You should consider the car's accident history to avoid running into mechanical issues.

Conclusion

There are various factors to consider when buying your car in Kenya. Making the right decisions will help you buy a vehicle that will meet your demand and taste. The above ten factors will help you make a solid decision when you want to buy a car in Kenya.