There’s something humbling about admitting you know nothing about spark plugs, torque, or why people flinch at the word “CVT.” But that was me armed with nothing but a budget I was emotionally attached to, and a dangerous level of trust in Google search results.
As a techie, I thought how hard could buying a car be? I’ve debugged APIs and managed product sprints. Surely, picking a car should be a weekend task, not a quarter-life crisis.
Plot twist. It became my biggest grown-up lesson yet. I didn’t have a specific car, so I just wanted something that could move me from point A to B, preferably with Bluetooth and working AC. So when I decided to finally buy my first car, I expected it to be a straightforward process. It wasn’t.
As is the norm, the idea came to life after a long week of frustrating commutes, missed rides, fare hikes, and one too many matatu rides in the rain. I’d saved up for a while, so I figured it was time to make a move. I didn’t know where to start, so I did what I always do, Google up.
At first, everything seemed simple. Websites were full of listings with shiny photos and descriptions like “lady driven,” “low mileage,” and “just buy and drive.” I didn’t know what any of that really meant, but it sounded good. I shortlisted a few options, made calls, and planned to visit car yards the next weekend.
That’s when things got confusing. Every salesperson had their own version of “this car is perfect.” Prices didn’t match online listings. One car had a clean exterior but a mechanic later told me the engine had been tampered with. Some sellers even asked for deposits before viewing the car. It was hard to know who or what to trust.
I quickly realized this wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought. I paused and started asking people I trusted friends, family members, colleagues how they did it. Most agreed on two things: always inspect the car, and consider importing directly if possible.
That’s how I ended up using a car importer. What convinced me was their buying process and structure it felt more transparent. I could see the car’s full history, mileage, and even condition reports.
Looking back, I also wish I had explored car financing earlier. I later discovered Stanbic Bank’s Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF), which allows you to get flexible financing for both new and used vehicles. It’s especially helpful if you’ve found the right car but want to spread out payments without delaying the purchase. For someone in tech with a stable income but limited upfront cash, it would’ve been a smart route to consider.
Now that I have the car, I understand why people say buying one is a journey. It’s not just about the car it’s about learning to ask questions, being patient, and trusting your instincts. I wasn’t an expert when I started, and honestly, I’m still not. But I now know how to read an auction sheet, ask for an inspection, and avoid pressure from sweet-talking salesmen.
If you’re thinking about buying your first car, especially in Kenya, here’s what I’d suggest:
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Do Your Homework
Don’t rely on listings alone. Read blogs, watch YouTube reviews, follow Kenya-specific auto forums, and understand basics like:
Car grades (especially if importing), What mileage tells you and what it doesn’t. Also check on fuel consumption vs. engine capacity. If you can research cloud infrastructure, you can research cars. Same energy.
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Always Inspect the Car
Whether buying locally or importing, inspection is not optional. For local purchases, take a trusted mechanic with you while for imports, you’d want to verify the auction sheet and ensure you’re working with a legitimate clearing agent. Don’t get fooled by clean exteriors and buzzwords like “lady-driven.” They mean nothing without proof.
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Beware of Scams
If a seller is rushing you, asking for deposits before viewing, or changing prices midway walk away. Real sellers won’t pressure you. If something feels off, trust your gut. Nairobi is full of “deals” that come with regret.
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Explore Financing Early
I only found out about Stanbic Bank’s Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) halfway through my process and it would’ve made things smoother. VAF can help you buy your car now and pay over time especially if you are on a budget. It’s also perfect if you’ve identified a car (local or imported) but don’t want to liquidate all your savings thus giving you breathing room to still afford things like insurance, tracker, and servicing after the purchase.
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Budget for More Than the Car
We always tend to forget this but owning a car is more than buying it. Always factor in registration & insurance, routine service, tracker or security upgrades, emergency repairs or tire replacements. You know, even Bluetooth upgrades cost something ask me how I know.
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Don’t Rush the Process
It’s easy to panic when listings feel like they’re disappearing fast or when everyone around you is driving. But take your time. The right car is out there and rushing only opens doors to costly mistakes.
And, finally, You Can Absolutely Do This. Buying your first car can feel intimidating at first but once you approach it the same way you’d approach any other project you’re halfway there. With good research, and strategy, it became manageable. It makes you confident, informed, and cautious enough to avoid the traps that catch many first-time buyers. And that’s more than enough.