THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A USED CAR
- Your budget
The budget is not about how much you are able to spend but how much you should spend on a used car that can comfortably serve your needs. Visit as many car dealers as possible and compare the prices for your desired model. Most secondhand car dealers like https://www.cheki.co.ke/ advertise and sell their products through websites. Therefore, an online search should be a good place for you to start with the possibility of scoring a car at a price cheaper than your expectation.
- Is the car imported or locally used?
An imported second-hand car will get the upper hand given that it is cheaper even with the added taxes. However, it could be frustrating to wait for months for the car to get cleared through the ports. A locally used car on the other hand will cost much higher. The advantage of locally used cars is that you can start driving it almost immediately. Be sure to check the condition of the car and confirm that it is not a stolen car.
- Availability of spare parts
It is highly recommended that you choose a model that has spare parts available at a local car shop or garage especially in cases where you need replacement of parts due to an unexpected occurrence/accident In that case, going for local and popular models are highly recommended.
- Inspect the car thoroughly
You cannot afford to be careless when it comes inspection. If you do not have enough knowledge about cars to perform an inspection, you can hire a professional valuer to inspect and value the car for you.
- Check the paperwork
Be extremely thorough with the paperwork i.e. whoever you are buying the car from should be able to show proof of ownership by presenting the original logbook of the car. You should then proceed to do a search on the NTSA portal with the car’s registration number. This will enable you to verify whether the information on the logbook are correct or forged. You must also check whether the previous owner has paid the due fees in full.
- Payments and necessary documents
Follow the right process when creating all the necessary documents and clearing the payments. Make sure that the Sales Agreement Contract includes the details and signatures of you, the selling party, and a third-party witness. Also, the seller must initiate an Online Transfer of Ownership by using the NTSA TIMS portal. You, as the buyer, must pay the transfer fees and purchase tax through the TIMS website. Make your payments through bank transfer or a cheque. This was you can get a receipt which can be used as a proof of payment.
- An Insurance Policy
Car insurance is a mandatory requirement in Kenya for all motor vehicle owners. Driving without it, is illegal. The fine for driving without car insurance in Kenya is KES 100,000 or years of jail if you get caught. There are so many renowned insurance companies in Kenya. You can compare quotes on www.vehicle.co.ke and choose a policy that fits your budget and needs. Having a car insurance policy will save you from being in debt in case the car is involved in an accident.
We hope this short read will help you make the right decision when buying a car and if you already bought one please share your experience with us in the comments section and any other tips we may have left out. Don’t forget to log on to www.vehicle.co.ke to compare car insurance quotes from top insurers in Kenya