10 Things to Inspect Before Buying a Used Car in Kenya

 

A First-Timer's Checklist

Buying your first used car in Kenya is an exciting milestone! But it can also be nerve-wracking. How do you know you're getting a reliable vehicle and not just inheriting someone else's problems? To help you buy with confidence, we've created the ultimate pre-purchase inspection checklist. Don't even think about paying a deposit until you've gone through these 10 crucial steps.

I remember the first time i experienced this "ritual" of passage. I went to Mombasa with my parents. We visited many showrooms and yards. Finally, we chose a 2017 Honda Fit. Through this interaction, I built a connection that helped me get my first job. I worked as a car salesman in Nairobi. I sold used cars for people who wanted to upgrade or needed money. For some, owning a car was causing their financial problems.

Here is my checklist from the buyer's point of view. This is a sensitive topic. You should verify the car's source before agreeing to pay for it.

1. Check the Paperwork (Logbook & Import Documents)

Before you even touch the car, ask to see the original logbook (NTSA). Ensure the name, chassis number, and engine number on the logbook match the vehicle exactly. For newly imported cars, ask for the import documents to verify its age and origin. Any hesitation from the seller here is a major red flag.

confirm the details in the log book matches the seller's details, the car has no loans and or disputes, the service history records are available, the NTSA records confirms legitimate ownership and registration of the vehicle and finally that the insurance status of the vehicle is valid.

2. Exterior Bodywork and Paint

Walk around the car in broad daylight. Look for:

• Mismatched paint: This is a dead giveaway for accident repair. Your car's paint color code is usually on a sticker or plate inside the driver's door. If you can't find it there, check the glove box, trunk, under the hood, or in the owner's manual. You can also compare the code to your car's current color using your phone or any device you have. The exact location can vary depending on the vehicle's make, model and year of manufacture. The paint code typically consists of a short sequence of letters and/or numbers, and may be labeled as "EXT Pt", "C", "Paint", or "Color" on the information tag.

common locations to check are 

(i)Driver's or passenger's door jamb/sill: This is the most common location. The sticker is usually affixed to the door edge or the B-pillar when the door is open.

(ii)Glove box

(iii)under the bonnet(hood), check the firewall, the radiator support, or near the suspension mounts in engine bay

(iv)in the boot(trunk): Look under the boot lid, inside the rear compartment under the mat or in the spare wheel well.

(v)Owner's manual or service history book: The code might also be printed in the vehicle's documentation

    

If you can't find the code

contact a dealership: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to your local dealership's parts department, and they can look up the exact code in their database. The VIN can typically be found in your registration documents, insurance papers, or a plate visible through the lower part of the windscreen.

Use online tools: Many automotive paint retailers offer online tools where you can enter your vehicle's registration number or year, make, and model to find the correct paint code.

        

• Uneven gaps between body panels (e.g., between the door and the fender).

• Rust: Check the wheel arches, under the doors, and the boot.

• Dents and major scratches.

3. Tyres and Wheels

Tyres are expensive to replace. Check if they have adequate tread and are from a reputable brand. Uneven tyre wear (e.g., more wear on the inside or outside) can indicate a problem with the car's alignment or suspension, which can be costly to fix.

4. Under the Bonnet (The Engine Bay)

You don't have to be a mechanic for this. With the engine off and cool, pop the hood and look for:

• Obvious leaks: Check for oil or coolant drips on the engine or the ground underneath.

• Fluid levels: Check the engine oil (is it black and gritty?), coolant, and brake fluid.

• Hoses and belts: Do they look cracked or worn out?

5. The Interior Condition

The inside of the car tells a story about how it was treated.

• Check all electronics: Test the radio, air conditioning (A/C), power windows, lights, and wipers.

• Upholstery: Look for major rips, stains, or a damp smell which could indicate a leak.

• Odometer reading: Does the mileage seem reasonable for the car's age and overall condition?

6. Start the Engine

Now it's time to turn the key. Listen carefully. Does the engine start easily? Are there any strange rattling or knocking sounds? Look at the exhaust pipe – a puff of blue or black smoke is a bad sign.

7. The Test Drive is Non-Negotiable

This is the most important part. Drive the car on a route with varied conditions – a bit of traffic, an open road, and a few bumps if possible.

• Brakes: Do they feel sharp and responsive, or spongy? Does the car pull to one side when you brake hard?

• Steering & Suspension: Does the car handle smoothly? Listen for clunking noises when going over bumps. Note the steering alignment and ease of handling.

• Gearbox: Whether manual or automatic transmission, the gear changes should be smooth.

8. Check for a Valid Inspection Certificate

In Kenya, all vehicles require an annual inspection from the NTSA. Ask to see a valid certificate. This shows the car has met basic safety standards recently.

9. Get a Mechanic's Opinion

If you're serious about the car, it is always worth paying a trusted mechanic a small fee to give it a professional once-over. They can spot hidden issues that an untrained eye would miss. This is the best money you can spend for peace of mind.

10. Trust Your Gut

Finally, after all the checks, what is your feeling about the car and the seller? If something feels off, it probably is. There are plenty of other cars out there. Don't let pressure or emotion lead you into a bad deal. Or have someone's whose gut you trust accompany you.

Additionally, compare the car's prices with similar models in the market, alongside the current state and condition of the car to confirm you are getting the right value for your money. Online market places and dealerships pricing can help guide your decisions.

Ready to find a car that passes all the tests? At Vocheseleon Inc Motors, all our vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection to ensure you drive away with quality and confidence.