Are you looking for a reliable and affordable way to buy a used car in Nairobi or Mombasa? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will share with you some tips and tricks on how to find the best deals on used cars in these two cities.
Why buy a used car in Nairobi or Mombasa?
Buying a used car has many advantages over buying a new one. Some of them are:
- You can save money on the purchase price, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.
- You can find a wider variety of models and brands to suit your preferences and needs.
- You can avoid the depreciation that affects new cars as soon as they leave the showroom.
- You can benefit from the previous owner's care and upgrades.
However, buying a used car also comes with some risks and challenges. You need to be careful about the condition, history and legality of the car you are buying. You also need to negotiate with the seller and deal with the paperwork involved.
How to find used cars for sale in Nairobi or Mombasa?
There are two main sources of used cars for sale in Nairobi or Mombasa: Japanese dealers and local owners.
Japanese dealers are companies that import used cars from Japan and sell them in Kenya. They usually have a large inventory of cars that are well-maintained, low-mileage and right-hand drive. They also offer competitive prices, warranties and after-sales services.
Some of the popular Japanese dealers in Nairobi or Mombasa are:
– carsrus.co.ke: This is an online marketplace where you can find thousands of used cars from different dealers and private sellers. You can filter your search by location, price, brand, model, year, mileage, fuel type and more. You can also contact the sellers directly through phone or email and arrange for viewing and test driving.
Local owners are individuals who want to sell their own cars directly to buyers. They usually have lower prices than dealers but may not offer any guarantees or warranties. They may also have limited information about the car’s history and condition.
Some of the ways to find local owners who are selling their used cars are:
– Newspapers: You can check out the classified ads section of newspapers such as The Standard, The Nation or The Star. You can find listings of used cars for sale by owners with their contact details and asking prices.
– Social media: You can join groups or pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram that are dedicated to buying and selling used cars in Nairobi or Mombasa. You can post your inquiries or offers and interact with other members who may have what you are looking for.
– Word-of-mouth: You can ask your friends, relatives or colleagues if they know anyone who is selling their used car or if they have any recommendations. You may get some referrals or leads that can help you find a good deal.
What to look out for when buying a used car in Nairobi or Mombasa?
Before you buy a used car in Nairobi or Mombasa, you need to do some research and inspection to make sure you are getting a good value for your money. Here are some things to look out for:
– History: You should check the history of the car by asking for its logbook, service records, accident reports and ownership documents. You should also verify its registration number, chassis number and engine number with the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) website or app. This will help you avoid buying a stolen, damaged or illegal car.
– Condition: You should inspect the condition of the car by looking at its exterior, interior, engine, tires, brakes, lights, windows, doors and other parts. You should also test drive it on different roads and speeds to check its performance, handling, comfort and noise levels. You should look out for any signs of wear and tear, rust, leaks, dents, scratches or repairs.





