@luttz, I wouldnt go with private sellers no matter the bargain unless you have a person who can verify the address of the seller with the one appearing on the car registration docs coupled with a host of other checks to be done before you put pen to paper, I would suggest you go with the trade sellers for peace of mind

i think you should really insist on using a website for online car purchases that has "paytrade" .I have heard allof of good things for Autorec (Mr. Shiro Yukimasa a very reliable sales rep. for Kenya), and IBC Japan .
Just as a precaution ask your bank to facilitate opening an irrevocable letter of credit. It costs only a small fee of 2 – 3 percent of the i.l.c value and that way you can’t lose your money.

Samahani luttz, I only just saw this. private sellers, traders have virtually similar prices when it comes to the D40.... In UK they're loved... so they hold their value well... better than other D/cabs save for the 'invincible' Hilux.
Very nice to drive. Seem powerful for a 2.5L diesel... very stable. I currently drive one. Its addictive. it has 'presence'.
Aventura - leather, Dual Climate Control, 6 CD/MP3 changer and satNav, cruise-control as standard..., sunroof, Bluetooth and controls on steering wheel... and 4wd dial (rather than leaver).
Its hardy. Interior - leather and tough plastic. Not easily damaged. Easy to clean.
Yes go for Aventura (top-of-range) as opposed to Outlaw/LongwayDown

@vky - Trader sellers = peace of mind??
Re-evaluate your perception.

@JK..long time my friend..so if i get you right, is the Nissan better than the Hilux? from what am reading apart from the mod cons, both have 169bhp,both roughly doing 24mpg worst case cycle and towing is slightly over 2t for both.

If you would advice, errands up and about Nairobi and its environs which would you suggest?

Thanks.

@Ric - how've you been? Uko pande gani... London ama Nairobi?

Navara vs Hilux (hirax)...

No, I'm not for a moment saying Navara is better than a Hilux.
I think it depends on various factors.
My opinion -
Looks - I prefer the Navara
Resale - hirax will always have a buyer and command better prices - It holds it value much better.
Initial purchase - Hirax is overpriced.
Durability - I think hirax is more resilient
On-the-road Comfort/stability - this goes to Navara

Do a google search on Navara vs Hilux... you will get several opinions

Sawa we'll talk soon.

ts apart from UK cars being really beaten like probox unlike japaneese which are almost like new,the honeymoon will be over when u try to get parts.Most parts sellers including toyota kenya and dt bobie CFAO buy parts compatible to ex japanese cars. I mean you will wear those sores b4 u can get simple parts like cv joints, seals and computers should u need. From garage experience 8 out of every 10 RAV4S with gear problem is ex UK. Now buying a gear wont be an issue here its just 150k for a rav4 2005 model but getting one compatible to uk model is hell of a problem.If you want European models benz,bmw,VW i cant tell but for originaly japanese cars nissan,toyota go east.
do u know why singapore cars are avoided like plague even when they are good

Hondas have a reputation for reliability, especially their engines.

Talking UK guys, anyone used these guys: http://www.epm.co.ke

I don't understand why vehicles are priced so expensively in Kenya compared to developed countries. Am looking at the Toyota website US and a 2012 Corolla is priced at $16,130 (Ksh. 1.3m).

http://www.toyota.com/corolla/trims-prices.html

That is what Kenyans pay for a 8yr old import from Japan. Looking at KRA CSRP new vehicle prices a 2012 corolla is priced at 2.35m, a whole Ksh. 1m more than in the US where incomes are much higher.

Even in the UK which is supposed to be more expensive, its going for 11,999 pounds (Ksh. 1.56m)

http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=CC2-Auris-landing

No wonder Kenyans will always drive junks.