For decades the Toyota Premio has been the darling of Kenya’s second hand car scene. If you ask a mechanic, your uncle or even your Uber driver what car to buy, they’ll tell you, “Chukua Premio, haikosi!” Known for its legendary reliability, smooth ride and low maintenance, it was the go to car for middle class Kenyans looking for a trusted sedan.
But here’s the truth — times are changing and the Premio is losing its shine.
Once Affordable, Now Overpriced?
Let’s go back a few years. In 2020 you could import a clean Toyota Premio for around KSh 1.3M to 1.6M. It was a good deal — reliable, comfortable and easy to fix at your local garage.
Fast forward to 2025 and the same model is going for KSh 2.3M to 2.7M. That’s a million shilling jump. And for many Kenyan buyers that price no longer makes sense.
I’ve had personal conversations with buyers in car yards from Ngong Road to Mombasa Road — many of them are walking away from the Premio, shaking their heads.
“For That Price I’d Rather Buy a Harrier”
Devan, a young Nairobi professional I met at a used car yard in Industrial Area recently put it bluntly:
“I saw a Premio going for 2.7 million. At that point I’d rather top up and get a Toyota Harrier — it looks better, drives better and feels more luxurious.”
And he’s not alone. That’s the sentiment growing fast among urban car buyers. People want value for their money and at that price range the Premio no longer feels like a “value buy”.
New Rivals Are Taking Over
Enter the Mazda Atenza — sleek, modern and loaded with features. It’s not just stylish — it comes with better infotainment, more airbags and a more refined cabin. Suddenly the Premio’s once simple interior and basic dashboard feels outdated.And to top it all, some buyers are now looking at German options like the Volkswagen Passat or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Thanks to depreciation and flexible imports they are now within reach — especially for those looking for that executive look without breaking the bank.
What The Experts Say
Erick Wokabi, a well known automotive content creator from Auto Konnect Kenya put it bluntly:
“These newer cars make the Premio look very plain and boring.”
That may sound harsh but it’s real talk. The Premio’s lack of tech features — just two airbags, basic stereo and minimal safety add-ons — is turning off a generation of buyers who grew up with smartphones and smart cars.
Still a Loyal Following
But Premio loyalists aren’t giving up.
One long time Premio driver I spoke to in Eldoret put it this way:
“I’ve had my Premio for 9 years. It’s never stalled. When I’m done with it, I’ll sell it at a good price. Show me another car that gives you that peace of mind.”
And they have a point. Premio’s resale value and low maintenance costs still beat many of its flashy rivals. You won’t be replacing turbos, fixing finicky gearboxes or hunting for rare spare parts.
Final Thoughts: Is It Still Worth It?
Let’s be honest — the Toyota Premio is still a good car. But in today’s market where style, tech and value are just as important as reliability, it’s up against stiff competition.
In 2025, Kenyan car buyers are smarter, more connected and less sentimental. They want more features, better design and modern tech — and they want it all without feeling ripped off.
So, is the Premio still worth it?
✅ If you value longevity, resale value and peace of mind — maybe.
❌ If you want modern features, better looks and more “wow” for your money — no.