The Driver's Seat
Insights, reviews, and guides for the Kenyan motorist. From NTSA transfer fees to market analysis.
Should You Buy a Car Based on Resale Value in 2026? The Honest Truth
Your cousin says 'Toyota or nothing' for resale. But in an economy where fuel is gold, buying efficient beats buying for the next guy.
Trust Rides is Now in Kamakis! The Eastern Bypass Logistics Hub
Kamakis isn't just for Nyama Choma anymore. It is the new logistics heart of Nairobi, connecting Thika Road to Mombasa Road.
How Transparency Beats Cheap Deals: The 'Mali Safi' Trap
I love cheap things. But a cheap car is a liability. Why paying fair market value for a verified unit saves you from the mechanic.
How to Compare Two Cars Beyond Price: Grade 4.5 vs 3.5
Two Toyota Axios. Same year. Different prices. Why? We breakdown auction grades and what they mean for your wallet.
How Our 600-Point Inspection Prevents the 'Utaoshwa' Moment
Ever dated someone perfect only to find out they are married? Cars can lie too. Why deep inspection is your only safety net.
5 Checks to Spot Hidden Accident Damage (Before You Regret It)
The paint looks new, but the chassis tells a different story. Look at the panel gaps and the boot floor.
Buying a Car to Fix: Smart Move or Money Pit?
'Gearbox inaleta shida kidogo'. Famous last words. When a project car makes sense, and when it destroys your savings.
Traffic Rules 2026: Instant Fines & Smart Licenses Explained
The President approved the new smart license system. Cameras on the Expressway now issue fines automatically. Are you ready?
Govt Rolls Out Mobile Courts: Justice on the Highway
Driving to Ushago? The judiciary is now on the road. What the new mobile court system means for holiday travelers.
What to Do When Stopped by Police: A Survival Guide
The hand wave. The stomach drop. Know your rights, be polite, and have your digital license ready.
The Digital Shift: How to Handle NTSA Transfers on eCitizen Without Tears
NTSA has moved. Times Tower queues are history. Here is the step-by-step reality of transferring car ownership in the digital Kenya.
Fear of Missing Out: Avoiding the 'Urgent Sale' Scam
'Buda, I have another buyer coming at 10 AM.' The oldest trick in the book. How to keep your cool and verify before you pay.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Car This Season
Buyers are rushing, but scammers are lurking. Don't release the logbook until the cash clears, even if they are 'late for Shagz'.
7 Smart Ways to Increase Your Car's Sale Price
Bonuses are dropping. Demand is high. A Ksh 5,000 professional detail can add Ksh 50,000 to your car's perceived value.
Effort vs Reward: Why Selling Privately is a Full-Time Job
Selling privately means fielding 50 calls to find 1 buyer. Why consignment might be your best bet.
6 Car Seller Gimmicks You Shouldn’t Fall For
'Lady Driven', 'Buy and Drive', 'Ex-Expat'. We translate what these car yard clichés actually mean.
Why Financing a Locally Used Car Hits Different in Kenya
Banks used to hate local cars. Now, with Asset Finance, you can drive a 2018 model with a 30% deposit.
How Your Deposit Size Affects Your Reality
A small deposit hurts tomorrow. Why putting down 40% protects you from negative equity.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Taking Car Loans
Focusing on the monthly payment instead of the Total Cost of Credit. Don't sign until you read the fine print.
How to Get Real Value (Not Just Approval) When Financing
The 'Approved' SMS is exciting. But is the deal good? Negotiating interest rates and processing fees.
How to Reduce Loan Costs Without Refinancing
Pay the principal. Even 5k extra a month kills the interest beast. Mathematical tricks to own your car sooner.
Luxury on a Budget: How the Mazda CX-5 is Eating the German Lunch
You want a Range Rover Evoque but your budget says Toyota. Why the CX-5 is the perfect middle ground for the Nairobi executive.
Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vs. Prado: The Ultimate Status Symbol Showdown
One is a tank, the other is a nimble fortress. Which of these Toyota giants suits your lifestyle (and your parking space)?
Workhorse Wars: Nissan Navara vs. Isuzu D-Max
Biashara imeshika. You need a pickup. We compare the comfort of the Navara against the rugged durability of the D-Max.
The 'Subie' Guide: Common Problems with the Subaru Forester & How to Avoid Them
The Forester is a Kenyan favorite for a reason. But the Boxer engine needs respect. We break down the CVT and oil issues.
The Joy of Owning a Locally Used Car (It's Not a Downgrade)
My friend Steve's '85 Mercedes has soul. Why a well-maintained local car is better than a fresh import that hasn't seen a pothole.
Decoding Insurance: Why 'Comprehensive' is Non-Negotiable
It's not just a sticker for the police. It's about 'Excess Protector' and 'Political Violence' cover. Don't be exposed.
Stop Burning Cash: 5 DIY Maintenance Tips
Your mechanic loves you, but you can change your own air filter. Simple tasks that save you thousands.
What Uber & Bolt Mean for Used Car Buyers
The market is flooded with ex-taxis. How to spot a tired Note or Vitz that has done 300k km.
What They Don't Tell You About Ownership Costs in Nairobi
It's not just the loan. It's the parking, the car wash, the 'watchman' fee. The real cost of Nairobi driving.
Top Car Accessories for Kenyan Drivers in 2025
Dashcams, GPS trackers, and 3D mats. The essentials for security and cleanliness in Nairobi.
Electric Vehicles in Kenya: Are We Ready in 2026?
With BasiGo and Roam expanding, is it time to buy an electric car? We look at charging anxiety and the reality of owning an EV in Nairobi.
Driving to Arusha? The New Guide to Cross-Border Travel
The East African Community is opening up. How the new temporary importation papers and digital passes make driving to Tanzania easier.
How to Break Up with Your Mechanic (And Find a Good One)
Is your mechanic 'eating' money? We discuss the red flags of a bad garage and how to vet a new service partner.
Top 5 Fuel Efficient Cars in Kenya for 2025: Beat the Pump Price
With EPRA fuel prices fluctuating, efficiency is key. We rank the best budget-friendly cars that save you money, from the Mazda Demio SkyActiv to the Nissan Note e-Power.
Importing vs. Buying Locally: The 2026 Guide for Kenyan Buyers
Is it cheaper to import your own car from Japan or buy from a showroom? We break down the taxes, timelines, and the hidden benefit of Asset Financing.
Navigating the Finance Bill: What Motor Taxes Mean for Ownership
Taxes are inevitable, but bad financial planning isn't. How to adjust your car budget in light of new fiscal policies.
Vibes vs. Value: How Gen Z is Reshaping Kenya’s Car Market
They don't want the cars their parents drove. They want tech, aesthetics, and efficiency. Welcome to the new era of car buying.
The Diaspora Move: Selling Your Car When Relocating from Kenya
Japa plans loaded? Don't leave your car gathering dust. How to liquidate your asset fast and fund your new life abroad.
Top 5 Legal Pitfalls to Avoid When Selling Your Car Privately
The buyer paid via Pesalink, drove off, and now the money is reversed? The legal nightmares of private sales explained.