I am confused, in my search for a car, I have seen many newer (2007) vehicles having older number plates than old (2005) vehicles. Please educate me.
The newer models (2007) were mostly bought brand new in the year 2007 or 2008 thus getting the 2007 or 2008 series of number plates, while the old (2005) were imported used into Kenya 8 years after their manufacture i.e. in 2013 thus getting 2013 number plates
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Generally, most Kenyans import 8 year old cars, so as to get the best deals within the law. But sometimes some people will bring in younger cars (< 8 years old).
For example, I have a 2006 car which has KBN plates. This means that the first Kenyan owner imported it when it was 4 years old (or so). So the 2007 yom cars you see with old plates, it just means that they were imported young.
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Thanks a lot! that is very clear now…
Am I better off buying a car bought locally (same age as imported) or should I just focus on imported? I think we all presume that locally used cars go through much tear and wear compared to imports… Any experience with this?
I am on my first ride so not very experienced, bought a clean locally used unit and it has not given me much problem; maybe other more experienced talkers are better placed to give their take on this
It all depends on how the unit has been handled and maintained. I think my 2006 car is in better condition than some 2009 Japanese imports, but still I am sure there are many 2009 Japanese units that are better than my 2006 one. The issue with us is that most Kenyans buy number plates. So most will prefer a KCG car to a KCA car which has not been used locally. You just need to have the car fully examined.
You are safer going for an imported car. I can bet you do not have the time nor the means to ascertain the condition of a local unit.
@Ice_Cube kuna a red Forester KAK hua naona thika road asubuhi. it looks like a 2008+ model. ideas?
KAK? 2008? hiyo ni noma, unless ni kina Pamba Regge squad I can’t come up with a plausible explanation
Ma flying squad. There is one I always see near where I stay, an Outback, can’t be more than 2 years old. Everyday has different plates. I think these guys should be more creative. You cannot have a spanking new 2015 model car with KAY plates.
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yep I actually think that makes them stand out like a sore thumb
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Yeah. A good spy should be invisible.
importing a used car has some advantages than buying a locally used one, in that it is refurbished before it is sold, so you won’t have issues scratches and other minor dents. Again kenyans buy number plates and that makes it have a higher resale value.
The other day at a yard in msa I saw a nice clean xtrail with KCD plates. No one was even asking for it. Kila mtu anataka KCG.
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And sticking them elbows outside the windows like the 504 station wagon days.
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about buying plates, it’s the dumbest thing if you ask me.
you can miss out on some good deals if your focus remains plates.
but it has its reasons.
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Tulikua tunaziita ‘mbaru’
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They are not spies. They are just a specialized unit bro
Who are our spies?