A new car refers to one that has never been pre-owned (no record of its sale as well as title or logbook issued) and still in its manufacturer’s condition.
We already looked at where to buy new cars in Kenya. Therefore, we are only going to focus on why go for new cars as opposed to used ones.
Latest technology
Most new cars have better efficiencies including in fuel and oil change mileage and many other features such as self-parking, collision avoidance system, lane departure warnings, a navigation system, satellite radio access, internet access, and so on.
For instance, some 2018 onward vehicles have cool features such as quite a mode (Ford Mustang), gesture-controlled sunroof blind (Jaguar XF Sportbrake), ePedal (Nissan Leaf) and the hopping bag boot ( Volvo V60).
If you buy one, you will certainly enjoy all these features as opposed going for older second-hand cars.
They come with warranties
Most new cars sold in Kenya come with about 100,000 kilometers or 3 years transferrable warranty from the time you buy your vehicle. Furthermore, some dealers extending the warranty to 5 years.
Such warranties will cover powertrain (which include the engine, axles, seals, gaskets, transfer case, transmission and so on). Some dealers offer additional warranties such as the anti-corrosion and paint warranty. They will make a great saving.
However, warranties will not cover any damage you caused on the interior, exterior, wear and tear items like brake pads, clutches, brakes, tires, damage from accidents, among others.
Let your vendor elaborate on what is covered in their warranties and what is not covered.
You get a tropicalized car
Unlike used cars where you buy cars that were intended to be used in certain areas such as in European Union, Japan or the US when you buy a new one, it will be tropicalized, i.e., intended to be used in places that have conditions such as Kenya.
The Society of Automotive Engineers has a way of rating the severity of various regions basing of some factors such as temperature, humidity, road conditions, fuel quality and so on.
For instance, in Kenya, temperatures and humidity are high, some roads are of poor quality and condition, its dusty, fuel is not of the highest quality, and so on. Therefore, automobile manufacturers often put in mind all these conditions making vehicles going to search areas.
Therefore, you will get cars with features such as a reinforced suspension, heavy filters (oil, air, fuel), heavy duty cooling system to cope up with high temperatures, and engines that can effectively use the kind of fuel available.
After sales and service
Most dealerships may give you up to a year of free serving, affordable servicing packages, access to genuine spare parts which will prolong your vehicle’s lifespan, and so on.
During servicing or in case of any mechanical issue, you will be able to make use highly trained and specialized professional employed by the various new car dealers in Kenya.
Better financing option
Unlike used cars where most financial institution limit the maximum amount of financing they can offer when you buy a new vehicle, most of them are willing to give you even up to 100% financing and in some cases, the financing interest rates are favorable
However, issues such as your creditworthiness, as well as other terms and conditions required by the specific bank, microfinance, SACCO, or lender you approach will apply.
Superior resale value or buyback guarantees
Since they will have a proper servicing history and the fact that they will hardly breakdown during the first few years, you can get better resale value and your dealer may help support you.
Secondly, if a new vehicle sale higher than a dealer’s price, this could be an indication that the resale value will also be higher.
Finally, most dealers will accept trade-ins if you need to upgrade your ride and you can meet the extra cost, buyback in case you need to dispose of them and so on.
Disadvantages
Whereas we have seen many advantages of buying a new car, there are a few disadvantages which include depreciation of up to 10% immediately you drive off with it, higher insurance premiums, and in case of a brand new model, expect it to be problematic.