By Timothy Albrite
Buying a first car is an exciting yet nerve-wrecking experience. Whether it’s for work, family, or just the joy of independence, the decision comes with a series of questions; Which brand should I go for? What’s the cost of ownership? Are spares readily available? Will my mechanic easily fix any issues that might occur? And of course, which car will suit my needs best?
And then comes a common Kenyan car buyer question: ‘mafuta ya 500 itanifikisha wapi?’ (How far will KES 500 worth of fuel take me? Often seen as a measure of the vehicle’s efficiency in terms of fuel consumption.
Here are key considerations that will make your car buying process smoother.
- Budget: Stick to what you can afford.
It is easy to be swept away by the allure of a shiny vehicle at the showroom, making you make last minute changes on the car you want to buy. Be realistic about what you can afford. Consider the vehicle’s price and the long-term running costs too.
2. Reliability
You do not want to buy a car that will make you single-handedly keep the spare parts industry afloat. You also don’t want a car that will make you save contacts of mechanics in every town between Nairobi and Kisumu because of frequent breakdowns, especially as a first car.
Reliability for a first car is non-negotiable. Consider a car that has a good reliability score, and longevity. Japanese brands are commonly known for their reliability and longevity, only requiring service periodically with no major repairs.
3. Cost of Ownership
The true cost of owning a car goes far beyond the initial purchase price. For many first time car buyers, this is where the surprise often arises from. Consider these:
- Fuel consumption: Fuel is a recurrent expenditure and you want to pick a fuel efficient vehicle that will take you around without breaking the bank.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums can vary depending on the car’s make, model and age. The insurance cost of the car is something you want to consider as it is an annual cost.
- Maintenance and service: This is one of the most crucial factors to consider. Some cars may have a low purchase price but require expensive and frequent repairs. For example, while German cars might have a certain prestige, their spare parts, can be notoriously expensive as compared to their Japanese counterparts.
4. Parts Availability & Mechanics Knowledge:
Availability of parts is a common question car buyers ask. Opting for a car whose spares are relatively easy to find and mechanics familiar with the make and model can save you time and money in the long-run.
5. The Roads you’ll be driving on:
You’ll need to think about where your car will spend most of its time. A sedan, hatchback or wagon will easily navigate city roads and periodical trips upcountry but if you are regularly on rough roads, you may want to consider a car with a higher ground clearance, such as a compact SUV.
6. Your passengers:
Who will you be carrying in your car? If you’re frequently transporting family members or friends, space will be an important factor. If you’re alone or with a partner, a small hatchback would be enough.
7. Practicality:
Will you need a lot of boot space? Think about what you’ll be transporting. If you travel frequently or have a lot of gear (perhaps for business or hobbies), a car with a larger trunk will make your life easier
8. Where are you buying your car
A car buying experience is only successful when you successfully own the car. Beware of conmen who are salivating for your hard-earned money. Check for reviews and make sure you’re dealing with a legit dealer.
Buying your first car doesn’t have to be a complex or stressful process. Start by sticking to a realistic budget, prioritize reliability and low cost of ownership, and make sure the car suits both your lifestyle and the roads you’ll be driving on.