Should You Buy Locally Used or Import a Car? Pros, Cons, and Costs Explained

For many Kenyans, owning a car is not just a convenience — it’s a sign of progress, stability, and independence. But once you’ve decided to buy a car, the next big question is: Should you buy a locally used car or import one?

Both options have their advantages and trade-offs. While importing may give you more control and access to fresher models, local used cars offer convenience and speed. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons, real costs, and timelines to help you decide the best path forward.

Let’s explore the truth behind import cars to Kenya vs. buying local used cars.

🚗 Option 1: Buying a Locally Used Car in Kenya

✅ Advantages

1. Speed and Convenience

When you buy a car from a Kenyan dealer or individual seller, you can see, test drive, negotiate, and complete the purchase within a day or two. No waiting months for shipment or worrying about clearance delays.

2. What You See Is What You Get

You physically inspect the car before paying — which allows you to assess its condition, service history, and test how it drives. You don’t have to rely solely on online photos.

3. No Import Hassles

You avoid the stress of dealing with clearing agents, import duty calculations, or KRA valuations. All these are usually handled by the current owner or dealer before you buy.

4. Immediate Registration

The car is already registered in Kenya and on NTSA TIMS. Transferring ownership is a straightforward process, usually completed in 3–5 working days.

❌ Disadvantages

1. Risk of Abuse or Poor Maintenance

Locally used cars may have been poorly maintained. Kenyans are notorious for doing minimal servicing. You may buy a car with hidden mechanical issues or fake mileage readings.

2. Overpriced for Older Models

Because of supply and demand, some local cars are surprisingly overpriced. You may find a 2012 model going for almost the same price as a freshly imported 2015 model.

3. Limited Selection

You’re limited to what’s already in the market — and sometimes, you may not find your preferred trim, engine type, or color.

🚢 Option 2: Importing a Car to Kenya

Most Kenyan imports come from Japan, UK, Singapore, and South Africa. Japan is by far the most popular due to vehicle quality, affordability, and availability of right-hand drive models.

✅ Advantages

1. Better Condition and Mileage

Japanese used cars are often in better condition, with stricter inspection standards and verified service history. Mileage tampering is less common, and cars are often well-maintained.

2. Newer Models for Less

Importing gives you access to newer vehicles at a more reasonable price. A 2016 Toyota Axio from Japan may cost the same as a 2012 model already in Kenya.

3. More Customization and Choice

You can choose from thousands of cars in global auctions — color, engine size, trim level, 4WD, hybrid, etc. You’re not limited to what’s in the local yard.

❌ Disadvantages

1. Longer Waiting Period

It typically takes 6–10 weeks from auction to delivery at Mombasa port, depending on the shipping schedule, customs clearance, and any delays.

2. Complex Process

You’ll need to deal with:

• Import duty and taxes

• Clearing and forwarding agents

• Port storage charges

• Compliance with KEBS and NTSA regulations

It can be overwhelming without the right support.

3. Upfront Commitment

Most importers require a 50%–70% deposit upfront, and the balance upon car arrival. You pay before seeing the vehicle physically — which requires trust and reputable agents.

💰 Cost Comparison: Import vs Local

Let’s break down the estimated costs for a Toyota Fielder (2016) — one of the most popular models in Kenya.

🛳 Imported Car (Japan)

• Auction Price: Ksh 750,000

• Freight & Insurance (CIF): Ksh 150,000

• Import Duty + VAT + IDF Fees: Ksh 350,000 – 400,000

• Clearing Costs (Agent + Port Fees): Ksh 60,000 – 100,000

• TOTAL LANDING COST: ~ Ksh 1.3 – 1.4 million

But this is for a clean 2016 model, low mileage, directly from source.

🚗 Locally Used Toyota Fielder (2012 – 2013)

• Dealer Price: Ksh 1.1 – 1.3 million

• Usually older, with higher mileage and wear-and-tear.

➡️ Conclusion: For the same price, importing gives you a newer model, often in better condition, but you must be ready to wait and handle the import complexity.

🛠 Car Import Duty in Kenya: Know Before You Ship

When importing, car import duty in Kenya is calculated based on:

• Vehicle’s Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) set by KRA

• Depreciation rate based on year of manufacture

• 25% import duty, 16% VAT, 2.5% IDF fee, and 1.5% Railway Development Levy

For example, a vehicle valued at Ksh 1 million will incur total taxes of roughly Ksh 500,000 – 600,000.

That’s why many importers use clearing agents — because the formulas are complicated and KRA valuations can sometimes be unpredictable.

🛡️ How eDealer Helps — Whether Local or Import

Whether you choose to buy locally or import, eDealer.co.ke is your trusted partner to avoid costly mistakes.

🛒 For Local Used Cars:

• Verified Listings: No ghost sellers. Every car listed is real, available, and from a verified source.

• Pre-Purchase Inspection: We help you inspect the car’s mechanical and ownership status.

• Escrow Support: Your money is held securely and only released when the deal is complete.

• Logbook Transfer Support: We assist in verifying NTSA TIMS transfer processes.

🌍 For Car Imports:

• Trusted Import Agents: We work with reputable agents who help you bid at auction, pay securely, and follow up during shipping.

• Landing Cost Estimates: We help you calculate total costs, including taxes, port charges, and clearance.

• Documentation & Registration: Our team helps you handle NTSA registration, insurance, and compliance issues.

🏁 Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Buy Local If:

• You need the car urgently

• You’re not comfortable navigating the import process

• You find a well-maintained, fairly priced car in the local market

Import If:

• You want a newer model for the same price

• You’re patient and willing to wait 6–8 weeks

• You’re okay dealing with the logistics — or have eDealer to help you do it

Start Smart with eDealer

At eDealer.co.ke, we remove the guesswork from both options. Whether you’re buying a used Toyota in Kenya, importing a Subaru from Japan, or comparing prices on a Nissan Note — we give you the support, tools, and protection you need to make a confident choice.

Browse local listings or request an import quote today at www.eDealer.co.ke — where transparency meets trust in the Kenyan car market.