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What Are The Pros & Cons of Buying Salvage Cars in

Pros & Cons of Buying Salvage Cars in Kenya

If you’ve been searching for the cheap cars due to tight budget, you may have come across the term “salvage cars for sale in Kenya”. These cars are becoming quite popular locally as these cars are available to buy at almost half the price of a normal second-hand car.  But are they really worth it? Before jumping in, it’s important to understand what exactly salvage cars are, why they’re cheaper, and the pros and cons of buying one in Kenya.

What Are Salvage Cars?

These are the cars that are lost or heavily damage cars in an accident or disaster, that can’t be repaired easily. So, Instead of repairing it, the insurance company declares it too costly to fix and sells it as “salvage.” Just because insurance company eliminate it ,  doesn’t mean it’s useless, there are also cars with minor damage and can be repaired to roadworthy condition. In Kenya, many salvage cars are imported from Japan, the UK, or Dubai, then repaired and sold at a much lower cost compared to clean-used import.

Pros of Buying Salvage Cars in Kenya

1. Affordability

The most possible reason for popularity of salvage cars is its pricing. If we compare salvage cars from second hand vehicles, you can buy salvage cars at 30-50% less than a used one. For example, if a used Toyota Axio price is Ksh 1.8M, you could get a salvage version for same model at almost half that price.

2. Access to Premium Models

Cars like BMW, Audi, Mercedes are generally out of budget for average Kenyan people. But a salvage version of these brands can be affordable for most of the people. Means you can buy a luxury model at regular prices and have your lifestyle upgraded without breaking your bank.

3. Opportunities for Skilled Buyers

Not only Average Buyers, but salvage cars are also popular among Mechanics, car enthusiasts and used car dealers in Kenya. These professionals have ability to repair Salvage cars and make them ideal for resell. In the way, salvage cars act like a goldmine to them. 

4. Financing & Dealer Support

One common fear with salvage cars is if you buy it without knowledge and inspection you may lose your money on a piece of junk. So, its better to consult with a trusted Car Dealer in Kenya before spending your money.  This makes your purchasing safer. In addition to this, you can get financing options too, making the process more comfortable. 

With Maridady Motors, you can also explore new and used cars for sale in Kenya within your budget and needs. In case you want to see cars under 300ksh in Kenya you can read in this article.

Cons of Buying Salvage Cars in Kenya

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s talk about the disadvantages of buying Salvage Cars

1. Hidden Mechanical Issues

Since you are not a mechanic, you never know the actual extent of damage car has taken in past. Means even if car looks great on the outside, there could still be underlying issues in parts, engine, transmission, etc that weren’t fully repaired. These issues can result in increased maintenance or repair costs; nobody wants that while you are already low on budget.

2. Lower Resale Value

As Salvage cars are cheaper to buy, they don’t get good resale value in Kenyan market. The reason is simple - buyers get hesitated when you tell them it’s a salvage car. Even if the car is running well. Most of the people prefer used cars over salvage care means you may have to struggle a bit to find an ideal buyer for your salvage car.   

3. Insurance Challenges

Another problem you will face with salvage cars is to get insurance as most companies feel uncomfortable to insure a salvage car. Some may refuse to provide you cover while some will charge you extra money/ high premium which can results in spending more money.

4. Legal & Documentation Issues

Other headache to buy salvage cars is sometimes you have to put more efforts with registration and other paperwork.

Tips for Buyers Considering Salvage Cars

If you’re still thinking about buying a salvage car in Kenya, we want to share few tips with you that will help you choose the Salvage cars.

1. Always Buy from a Trusted Dealer

First of all, don’t buy from random untrusted dealers. Always go to reputable dealers who keeps full transparency for car’s past.  Dealers who specialize in Salvage vehicles inspect the cars carefully before resale, giving you more confidence in your purchase.

2. Ask for Inspection Reports

Before Finalizing the deal, request a detailed inspection report of the car. Make sure report has proper information on engine, gearbox, Brakes, Suspensions and safety systems. Skipping this step could leave you with endless trips to the mechanic.

3. Check Availability of Spare Parts

Whatever salvage car you are using, make sure its spare parts are easily available in the market.  For example, if you’re considering Toyota Cars for Sale in Kenya, parts are widely available and affordable, which makes repairs manageable.

4. Ensure NTSA and KRA Clearance

At last, always double-check that the car has cleared all legal processes with NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority) and KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority). This includes roadworthiness, tax payments, and proper registration. Without clearance, you risk fines, delays, or even seizure of the vehicle.

Conclusion

Buying a salvage car in Kenya has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you can save big money by buying cars at low costs. On the other hand, if you get a car with hidden issues, the money you saved during purchase will be spend in repair and maintenance. In addition to this, you may also face trouble during insurance and registration. So, what to do?    

The Solution is Simple: visit Maridady Motors once, we offer used Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Subaru cars for sale in Kenya at affordable prices. Instead of choosing salvage cars, we can give you used and reliable car within your budget. However, if you feel nervous during driving at busy roads, you can upgrade your driving skills at Our Driving School in Kenya. So, whether you need a new car, a used car or want to learn driving, visit today.