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Mark X With Ksh 1.2M Price Tag Elicits Debate Months After Accident
A formerly wrecked Toyota Mark X has been the subject of discussion after a local car dealer advertised it as accident-free with a price tag of Ksh1.2 million.
The advertiser added that the 2012 Mark X model had its original paint despite its registration number matching that of a similar car involved in an accident on April 23.
In the advert, he added that the car had leather seats, fog lights and alloys.
The Mark X was left in an apparent written-off state after ramming into an electricity pole in Kisumu at the Kisumu- Kericho route.
However, a section of Kenyans raised concerns about the post and the fate of the vehicle after the revamp.
One of the alarms raised was the sale of second-hand cars in Nairobi, a majority reportedly being those involved in road accidents.
"Most Mark X being sold as second-hand cars in Nairobi have been involved in an accident. You find a 2010 model with new headlamps and fog lights yet marketed as accident-free! What a shame" exclaimed a tweep.
Another user commended the efforts of mechanics for their incredible efforts in revamping vehicles from wreckage states. However, he criticized the use of the tag "accident-free" on repaired cars that have been involved in accidents.
"I can say that our mechanics and repair shops are doing a good job restoring salvage units.. but the dealers are messing it up by pasting the "Accident-free" tag on them," he stated.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) - the body mandated to regulate the quality of products in Kenyan markets is strict on the roadworthiness and age of second-hand vehicles entering the country.
Car dealers are expected to avail certificates of roadworthiness as ascertained by authorized agencies appointed by the standards body while importing used cars. The body has an outlined mechanism to evaluate the standards of second-hand vehicles entering the market in terms of roadworthiness and age.
However, the standards body has not outlined clear measures on the procedures for buying and selling locally used cars which leave prospective buyers exposed to the risk of falling into the trap of purchasing unroadworthy vehicles.
"Vehicles that are exported to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles while vehicles from countries where KEBS has an inspection Agency (Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand and South Africa) shall be expected to be accompanied with a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) issued by the Agency appointed by KEBS," the authority stated in 2021.
In addition to roadworthiness concerns, the Mark X model is also known for its relatively high fuel consumption which is attributable to its 2500 cc engine.
Auction Sheet
While purchasing cars, motorists are encouraged to request an auction sheet which provides complete information about a car, from scratches, major dents, and accident history.
Different grades are given to cars, underlining their neatness and cost. Below are the grades.
S - New.
5 - Same as New.
4.5 - Excellent grade with almost no issue.
4 - Great grade with minor issues only.
3.5 - Good grade with some issues that may need repair.
3 - Average grade with issues to fix.
2 - Bad grade.
* - Non-running car needs a forklift to be moved.
R or O - Accident history/repaired. Repaired parts are mostly mentioned in the auction sheet.
RA - Minor accident repaired.
RB - Heavy repair.
RC - Pillar or frame has been changed/repaired.
R2 - Accident history and mostly rust or corrosion issues.
