Buying a car is and has always been a big milestone especially for first timers. It’s exciting, empowering, and for most of us, a long-awaited achievement. But what they don’t tell you is that this dream can quickly turn into a stressful maze of misinformation, unexpected costs, and near-scams if you walk in unprepared.
When I finally decided to get a car, I thought I was ready. I’d saved up. I’d done a few Google searches. I even had a list of my dream models. But what followed was a crash course in decision fatigue, shady listings, and hidden expenses.
If you’re thinking about buying your first car, You will definitely need this to make smart choices from the start.
1. The Online Listings Are Just the Beginning
While there exists credible listing platforms such as Jiji and Cheki, the photos and descriptions given are never enough to make a decision. You realize Many listings have beautiful photos of cars that were either already sold or looked nothing like what was shown when you visit the yard. Words like “accident-free,” “low mileage,” and “lady-driven” are thrown around casually, but without any way to verify them, they mean nothing. I learned that online listings are just a teaser you still need to show up, see the car, and confirm everything with your own eyes.
2. There Are So Many Hidden Costs
I budgeted for the car’s listed price and thought I was set. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Once you buy a car, the expenses keep coming insurance, logbook processing, vehicle inspection, tracker installation, the first service, and even basics like fuel or a new battery. All these extras quickly added tens of thousands of shillings to my budget. If I had known better, I would have planned for these add-ons ahead of time, instead of scrambling to cover them after the purchase.
3. Not All “Clean Cars” Are Actually Clean
A shiny car doesn’t always mean it’s in great condition. Car yards have mastered the art of making cars look flawless on the outside even when there are major issues underneath. One car I almost bought had a smooth finish and spotless interior, but my mechanic found signs of engine trouble and poor past repairs. Some sellers even tamper with the mileage to make a car look newer than it is. The best way to avoid regret is to inspect everything thoroughly or better yet, go with someone who knows cars inside and out.
4. Importing Isn’t as Scary as It Sounds
When someone first mentioned importing a car directly from Japan, I dismissed it as something only experienced buyers do. But as I got deeper into the process, I realized importing isn’t just possible it can be the smarter option. With the right agent, you get a verified vehicle history, auction sheets showing the actual condition, and in many cases, better value for money. Yes, it takes time about 6 to 8 weeks but if you’re patient, you’ll likely get a more reliable car than what’s available locally.
5. Vehicle Financing Isn’t Just for Big Spenders
I didn’t consider financing for my car because I assumed it was only for people buying brand new cars. I was wrong. Financing options like Stanbic Bank’s Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) are available for both new and used vehicles, including imported ones. With VAF, I could have bought the same car and paid for it in affordable installments—leaving me with enough liquidity to handle insurance, service, and other post-purchase costs. If I had known that, I wouldn’t have emptied my savings just to own the car upfront.
6. Don’t Buy Based on Hype, Buy for Your Needs
It’s easy to be swayed by what’s trendy or what your friends are driving. But your first car should match your routine, not someone else’s lifestyle. I realized that a compact, fuel-efficient hatchback was perfect for my daily commute. It fit my budget, consumed less fuel, and had spare parts readily available. If I had chased after a bigger, flashier car, I would have been stuck with high maintenance costs that didn’t make sense for my needs. Choose what’s practical, not what’s popular.
7. Budget for Ongoing Ownership Costs
Buying a car is one thing. Owning it is another. After the excitement wore off, I had to start thinking about monthly fuel, parking fees, routine service, and the occasional repair. These are the costs that don’t show up in listings but become part of your life the moment you get your keys. I wish I had factored them into my monthly expenses from the start instead of reacting to them one by one. Ownership means ongoing responsibility plan for it.
Finally, if I had to sum up what I learned I’d say, slow down, ask questions, and think long-term. Buying a car is a major decision, and rushing it—especially without all the facts—can be costly. I wish I had known more about what to expect, especially around the hidden costs, inspection process, and the option to finance instead of going all-in with cash.
Most importantly, I now understand that support exists to make the process easier. Stanbic Bank’s VAF is one such option that I’d recommend exploring early in the journey. It allows you to get the car you need without draining all your savings—and gives you room to breathe during ownership.