Buying a used car in Kenya: a step-by-step checklist

Whether it's freshly imported or locally used, these steps protect you from the most common problems.

1. Check the paperwork first

• Do an official motor vehicle search through NTSA on eCitizen using the number plate. It shows the registered owner and whether a bank or financier has an interest in the vehicle.
• Make sure the name on the logbook matches the seller's ID, or that they have proper written authority to sell.
• Compare the chassis number on the logbook with the one on the vehicle.
• Ask for the service history. On CarLog, use Check a vehicle to see the history if the owner has made it public.

2. Inspect the vehicle

• Look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint colour, signs of accident repair.
• Check for rust underneath, and for silt, damp carpets or a musty smell (possible flood damage).
• Compare the wear on the pedals, steering wheel and seats with the mileage shown. Very worn pedals on a "60,000 km" car are a red flag.
• Start the engine from cold. Listen for knocks or rattles, and look for blue or heavy black smoke.

3. Test drive

• Drive in traffic and at highway speed. Gear changes should be smooth, with no slipping or juddering.
• Brake firmly in a safe place: the car should stop straight.
• Check that every warning light comes on at start-up and then goes off.

4. Get a professional inspection

Pay a trusted mechanic to inspect it and run a diagnostic scan before you pay. It costs little compared with what it can save.

5. Complete the transfer properly

Do the ownership transfer through NTSA on eCitizen, and don't hand over the full payment until the paperwork is in order. Once it's yours, add it to CarLog and the seller can transfer the existing history to you.