New vs. Used Car in Kenya: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

So you’re finally ready to buy a car in Kenya — congrats! But here comes the big question: Should you go for a brand-new ride or a second-hand (used) car?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your budget, lifestyle and what you expect from your car. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of buying a new car vs. a used car in Kenya — plus smart tips to help you make the right call.

Buying a Brand-New Car in Kenya

Nothing beats that new car smell — and the feeling of being the first owner. New cars in Kenya come straight from the manufacturer or local dealers, with no previous mileage.

Pros of Buying a New Car

Warranty Coverage: Most new cars come with a manufacturer warranty (3–5 years). That means peace of mind for major repairs.
Latest Features: Modern tech like Apple CarPlay, fuel-saving hybrid engines, lane assist, and advanced safety features.
Better Reliability: No wear and tear. You won’t worry about what the previous owner did to the engine.
Flexible Financing: Many banks and dealers offer better terms for new cars, including zero-deposit options or low-interest plans.

Cons of Buying New

Expensive Price Tag: New cars in Kenya are taxed heavily (import duty, excise, VAT), so expect to pay more.
Depreciation: A new car loses value the moment you drive off the lot — usually 20–30% within the first year.
Higher Insurance Costs: Comprehensive insurance premiums for new vehicles are typically higher than for used cars.

Buying a Used Car in Kenya

Used cars are budget-friendly and widely available. You can buy from individual sellers, local dealers or import directly from countries like Japan, the UK or Singapore.

Pros of Buying a Used Car

Lower Upfront Cost: You get more car for your money — especially if you shop wisely.
Slower Depreciation: Someone else already took the biggest value hit. You can resell without a major loss.
Wide Selection: From compact hatchbacks to 4x4s, there’s a huge market for used cars in Kenya.
Immediate Delivery: Buy today, drive today (for locally used). No wait times.

Cons of Buying Used* Unknown History: Risk of tampered mileage, hidden accident damage or poor servicing.

Higher Maintenance: Parts might be worn out and repair bills can add up.
No Warranty: Unless you’re buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car, repairs are on you.

How to Decide: Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Question	Go for New Car	Go for Used Car
Do you want a car with no history?	✅	❌
Are you on a tight budget?	❌	✅
Do you need advanced tech and safety?	✅	❌
Is long-term cost savings your priority?	✅	✅
Are you okay with some wear and tear?	❌	✅
Do you need the car urgently?	✅ (dealer stock) / ❌ (import)	✅ (local)

Smart Tips Before You Buy

Whether you go for new or used, make sure you:

Check the Logbook and confirm ownership on NTSA TIMS
Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly — or bring in a trusted mechanic
Ask for a Sale Agreement with full details and signatures
Compare Prices on reliable platforms like cheki.co.ke
Test Drive before committing

Pro Tip: For used imports, ask for the auction sheet and chassis number to check the car’s history online.

Final Verdict: Which One’s Right for You?

Here’s the deal — there’s no wrong choice. It’s all about what works for your budget, comfort and confidence.

Go New if you want peace of mind, latest features and have the cash (or financing) to match.
Go Used if you’re looking for a bargain, are okay with a few quirks and know how to inspect what you’re buying.

Whatever your decision, make sure you do your homework. Then you’ll drive away happy — not regretting a hasty choice.