Motor Consult Director Titus Muthaka on Wednesday, April 26 explained why motorists are increasingly inclined to buy second-hand cars from the local market.
While appearing on a local TV outlet, Muthaka noted that locally used vehicles had gained popularity as car buying trends changed over the years.
The expert explained the biggest factor motorists considered was the price of importation, especially at a time when the shilling continued to lose value against the dollar.
"Any change in the dollar exchange rate changes everything. Most of the payments made during the buying process are in dollars," he explained.
He further argued that locally used cars are becoming more practical to buy compared to imported ones due to a shift in the supply dynamics since the pandemic.
"After the pandemic, the dynamics changed in terms of supply and demand in the car market.
"The first importer of a car pays the highest amount, and the second buyer has all the advantage. At times, it is better to buy a car that has been in use for one year, then alter it to your preference," he remarked.
On availability, Muthaka argued that motorists are also attracted to cars that are easily available in the local market, a factor worsened by the waiting period for imported cars.
Muthaka emphasised that wear and tear on a car was normal and motorists should not shy away from locally used cars but advised buyers to carry out a double check before settling on a car to purchase.
His sentiments came days after Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hinted at abolishing the eight-year limit on imported cars.
"To deal with dumping, slowly as we move forward, from the 8 years we can move to zero so that only new diesel and electric vehicles are imported into the country," Murkomen stated.
Murkomen had announced that the country was shifting to electric vehicles to save on cost as well as protect the environment.
