Buying a used car in Kenya can be one of the smartest financial decisions you make — if you know what to look for.
But it can also turn into an expensive nightmare if you rush into a deal without a proper inspection.

Before you transfer money or sign that sale agreement, take time to inspect the vehicle thoroughly — or better yet, bring a trusted mechanic with you.

Here’s a step-by-step Kenyan buyer’s checklist to help you identify a good deal and avoid costly surprises when shopping on Automart.co.ke.

🧾 1. Verify Ownership and Logbook Details

Start with the paperwork — it’s your first line of defense against fraud.

✅ Ask for:

  • The original NTSA logbook (not a photocopy).
  • The seller’s ID or PIN certificate (names must match the logbook).
  • NTSA TIMS verification: Visit timsvirl.ntsa.go.ke and perform a Motor Vehicle Search using the number plate.

🚨 Avoid:
Cars still registered under banks, saccos, or finance institutions — it likely means the car has an outstanding loan and cannot legally be sold.

💡 Tip: You can also confirm ownership quickly by texting the number plate (e.g., “KDA123A”) to 22846 via SMS for just KES 20.

🛞 2. Check the Exterior Condition

Walk around the vehicle slowly and pay attention to any signs of damage or repainting.

🔍 Inspect for:

  • Uneven paint color or overspray (may indicate accident repair).
  • Rust around doors, wheel arches, or under the chassis.
  • Panel gaps that look misaligned.
  • Cracks or fogging in headlights and tail lights.

💡 Tip: Run a small magnet gently along the car’s body — areas with body filler from previous accidents won’t attract it.

🚗 3. Inspect the Interior

A clean, well-maintained interior often reflects good overall care.

✅ Check:

  • Seat fabric or leather condition (no tears or burns).
  • Dashboard and instrument lights — all warning lights should turn on and then off after ignition.
  • Air conditioning, radio, and electric windows.
  • Odours — musty smells may indicate flood damage or water leaks.

💡 Tip: Inspect under floor mats for signs of moisture, which could mean leaks.

⚙️ 4. Examine the Engine and Under the Hood

This is the heart of the car — and where many hidden problems live.

🔍 Check for:

  • Oil leaks: Look around the engine block and under the car.
  • Oil condition: Pull out the dipstick — oil should be golden or light brown (not black or milky).
  • Coolant level: Should be clean and at the right level, not rusty or oily.
  • Belts and hoses: No cracks or fraying.
  • Battery terminals: Clean, no corrosion.

💡 Tip: Start the engine — it should start smoothly without loud knocking, rattling, or smoke from the exhaust.

🧰 5. Inspect Tyres, Suspension, and Brakes

Safety first — these systems affect handling, comfort, and cost.

✅ Tyres:

  • Tread depth should be at least 3mm.
  • Uneven wear may suggest wheel alignment issues or worn suspension.

✅ Suspension:

  • Push down on each corner of the car — it should bounce once then settle.
  • Listen for knocking sounds when driving over bumps.

✅ Brakes:

  • During a test drive, ensure braking feels firm and straight — not spongy or pulling to one side.

🧮 6. Check Mileage vs. Vehicle Age

Mileage tells you how much life a car has left — but it can also be tampered with.

📊 Average annual mileage in Kenya: 10,000 – 15,000 km/year.

Example:
A 2015 car with 40,000 km sounds great, but if the steering wheel and pedals are overly worn, the odometer may have been rolled back.

💡 Tip: Check service records for consistency in mileage and dates.

🧩 7. Review the Undercarriage

Get on your knees (or use a mechanic’s lift) and look under the vehicle.

Check for:

  • Oil or fluid leaks.
  • Rust on the chassis or exhaust pipe.
  • Signs of welding or repairs (possible accident damage).
  • Bent frame or suspension arms.

🚨 Warning: Avoid vehicles with extensive rust or structural repairs — they’ll cost more in the long run.

🧠 8. Inspect the Electrical and Lighting System

✅ Test everything:

  • Headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights.
  • Wipers and washers.
  • Central locking and alarms.
  • Dashboard switches and infotainment systems.

Electrical issues can be tedious to fix — verify all functions before purchase.

🛣️ 9. Take a Proper Test Drive

Never buy a used car without driving it yourself.
You’ll quickly feel whether it’s been maintained or abused.

During the test drive, observe:

  • Engine performance — smooth acceleration, no jerking.
  • Transmission — seamless gear changes (manual or automatic).
  • Braking — firm, responsive, and silent.
  • Steering — should be straight, with no pulling or vibrations.
  • Unusual noises — rattles, squeaks, or knocks are warning signs.

💡 Pro Tip: Drive on different surfaces (smooth road, bumps, mild incline) to fully gauge performance.

💰 10. Confirm the Asking Price and Negotiate Smartly

After inspection, research the fair market price on Automart.co.ke by comparing similar makes, models, and years.

If everything checks out, use minor issues (e.g., worn tyres or small dents) as leverage for negotiation.
Avoid paying the full price upfront — always leave a paper trail (bank transfer or mobile payment) and sign a vehicle sale agreement.

🧾 11. Inspect Service History and Maintenance Records

Ask for:

  • Service booklets or receipts.
  • Log of oil changes and major part replacements.
  • Any records from authorized garages (Toyota Kenya, DT Dobie, etc.).

A well-documented service history adds confidence — and resale value.

✅ Final Thoughts

A few hours of careful inspection can save you hundreds of thousands of shillings in hidden repairs later.
Before you commit, go through this checklist — or use it as a guide when working with your mechanic.

When you’re ready to find a quality used car from trusted sellers, start with
👉 Automart.co.ke — Kenya’s Free Vehicle Marketplace.

Thousands of cars. Real sellers. No listing fees.