Buying a used car in Kenya can save you money — but only if you choose the right vehicle. The market is full of great bargains, but also cars with hidden problems, tampered mileage, or pending loans. Whether you’re shopping on AutoMart.co.ke or visiting car yards, having a reliable checklist helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Here is the ultimate used car inspection checklist for Kenyan buyers, covering everything you must check before paying a single shilling.

1. Confirm the Seller and Ownership Details

Start by verifying that you’re dealing with the legitimate owner or an authorised agent.

✔ Check:

  • Logbook name matches the seller
  • Seller’s national ID or company documents
  • Whether the car is jointly owned (e.g., married couples or companies)
  • The reason for sale — ask politely

⚠ Red flags:

  • Logbook not available
  • Excuses like “lost logbook” or “still at NTSA”
  • Name mismatch on documents

If in doubt, walk away.

2. Check if the Car Has a Pending Loan (NTSA TIMS)

Many Kenyan cars are bought on asset finance, meaning the bank or microfinance institution still owns them until the loan is cleared.

✔ Do this:

  • Ask for a TIMS screenshot showing the vehicle is NOT under joint ownership with a bank.
  • Search the car on NTSA TIMS (if you have access).
  • Check for “interests” or encumbrances.

⚠ Why it matters:

If the car still belongs to the bank, you cannot legally transfer it until the loan is cleared.

3. Inspect the Exterior for Damage

Walk around the car and look closely at every panel.

✔ Check:

  • Panel alignment
  • Repainted or mismatched colours
  • Rust (common in coastal cars)
  • Dents and scratches
  • Windscreen cracks
  • Working lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights)
  • Tyre condition and manufacturing date

Tip: A car with uneven panel gaps may have been involved in an accident.

4. Check the Interior and Comfort Features

The inside tells you how well the car has been treated.

✔ Inspect:

  • Dashboard cracks or warping
  • Seat condition (fabric or leather)
  • AC effectiveness
  • Power windows and central locking
  • Infotainment system
  • Roof lining
  • Functional seatbelts

Tip: Strong odours or damp smells may indicate water damage.

5. Verify Accurate Mileage

Mileage manipulation is very common in Kenya.

✔ Check:

  • Compare odometer reading with the car’s age
  • Ask for service history showing past mileage
  • Inspect pedal wear and steering wheel wear
  • Look for Japan auction sheet (if locally imported)

⚠ Red flag:

A 2015 car showing 40,000 km is often unrealistic unless backed by full service records.

6. Inspect the Engine and Mechanical Condition

The engine is the heart of the car. Open the bonnet and look carefully.

✔ Look for:

  • Oil level and colour (should not be thick, dark and sludgy)
  • Coolant level (should NOT be rusty or muddy)
  • Signs of leaks under the car
  • Belts and hoses in good condition
  • Battery age and condition

Tip: Start the car and listen for knocking sounds, vibrations, or smoke from the exhaust.

7. Test Drive the Vehicle

Never buy a used car without a proper test drive.

✔ During the drive, check:

  • How the engine accelerates
  • Smooth gear shifting (automatic or manual)
  • Braking response and stability
  • Steering vibration or pulling to one side
  • Suspension noises on bumps
  • AC performance
  • Dashboard warning lights

⚠ Walk away if:

  • The car overheats
  • Gearbox slips
  • Strange noises appear during acceleration

8. Check the Undercarriage

Many issues hide under the car where buyers rarely look.

✔ Inspect for:

  • Rust (especially coastal vehicles)
  • Cracks or bends in the chassis
  • Leaks
  • Broken bushes, suspension, or exhaust system

A quick lift at a garage or car wash can reveal a lot.

9. Verify Service History

A well-serviced car lasts longer and is more reliable.

✔ Ask for:

  • Service receipts
  • Major service records (timing belt, shocks, brakes, plugs)
  • Oil change intervals
  • Garage stamps

Tip: Cars serviced every 5,000–10,000 km are usually well maintained.

10. Check for Accident History

Accident cars may look good but have hidden structural damage.

✔ Look for:

  • Repainted body panels
  • Weld marks in the engine bay
  • Bent chassis
  • Uneven gaps between doors
  • Misalignment when driving

If unsure, get a mechanic or body expert to inspect the vehicle.

11. Confirm the Market Price

Before committing, research the car’s fair market value. This helps you avoid overpriced cars and gives you negotiation power.

Useful platforms:

  • AutoMart.co.ke (Recommended)
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Car yards
  • Jiji

12. Confirm All Accessories and Extras

Small things matter and can affect the overall value and convenience.

✔ Check for:

  • Spare tyre
  • Jack and wheel spanner
  • Toolkit
  • Reverse camera
  • Fog lamps
  • Alloy rims
  • New or good-condition tyres
  • Owner’s manual

Buyers often forget to check these, only to spend extra later.

13. Do a Professional Mechanical Inspection

Before paying, visit a trusted:

  • Mechanic
  • Auto electrician
  • Diagnostic centre

They can test:

  • Engine compression
  • Gearbox health
  • Suspension condition
  • Computer diagnostics
  • ABS and airbag system

This small inspection fee can save you hundreds of thousands in repairs.

14. Confirm Transfer Process on NTSA TIMS

Once everything checks out:

  • Start the transfer on NTSA TIMS
  • Seller accepts the transfer
  • Buyer pays transfer fees
  • NTSA processes the logbook

Important: Never pay the full amount before initiating transfer on TIMS.

Final Thoughts

Buying a used car in Kenya doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right checklist, you protect your money and ensure you drive home a reliable vehicle. Whether you’re searching for a family car, a work vehicle, or a fuel-efficient daily driver, AutoMart.co.ke offers free listings, verified sellers, and a wide variety of cars to choose from.

If you’re in the market for a used car, start your search today:

👉 Visit AutoMart.co.ke — Kenya’s trusted vehicle marketplace powered by Middleman Capital Holdings.