Common Car Scams to Avoid in Kenya (And How Not to Get Played!)

Getting scammed in Kenya, or as we say, kuchezwa, is real – almost everywhere. Perhaps one of the top ones that’d likely get you running mad is car fraud.

A few months back, a friend got a beautiful deal for a sleek Nissan Note. He went with his mechanic to inspect the car and to close the deal. Now he was short of some cash (30K) and the sellers (yes, they were three) shamelessly told him to pay then they’d hold on to the car and the logbook, and once he got the balance, the car and its documentation would be delivered.

Well…that’s an example of a simple car scam. There are others, as we’ll mention below, that make buying a car in Kenya feel like a real-life episode of Mission Impossible. 

And with all the scammers lurking around and trying to outsmart you at every corner, we can’t stress enough the importance of kukaa chonjo every time you need to make a purchase. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think, and you can avoid these scams by buying or selling your car with Peach Cars.

The “Too Good to Be True” Car Listing

We’ve all seen them. A sleek Toyota Prado selling for the price of a used bicycle. Tempting, right? Well, that’s the hook. Scammers often post fake cars for sale online. These listings will have shiny pictures, ridiculously low prices, and descriptions that make the car sound like it’s heaven on wheels.

The trick? They ask for a small deposit to “hold” the car for you, then poof they disappear faster than your data bundle after a long TikTok binge.

How to avoid:

• Don’t get too excited by low prices. Always view the car in person.
• Make sure the seller has all the documents. Check if the car’s details match what’s on the logbook.
• Never send money to reserve a car, no matter how sweet the deal sounds.

Pro Tip: If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I mean, where else have you seen a 2020 Range Rover going for Ksh 500K? Exactly!

Odometer Tampering (aka “Clocking”)

We all love low-mileage cars, right? But some sellers love them a little too much. So, they tweak the odometer to make it look like the car has hardly been driven.

Suddenly, that car with 150,000km on the clock now has a mere 45,000km. Magic, right? Nah, just straight-up scammy behaviour.

How to avoid:

• Check the car’s service records. If the mileage seems fishy, it probably is.
• Look for signs of wear and tear that don’t match the mileage. A car with 40,000km shouldn’t have worn-out seats and faded buttons!
• Have a trusted mechanic check out the car. They know what to look for.

Pro Tip: If the car is “low mileage” but looks like it’s survived a Mad Max movie, walk away!

The “Fake Inspection Report” Special

You finally find the car of your dreams. It’s imported, looks amazing, and the seller even provides an inspection report. Wow, this is it! You’re ready to seal the deal… until you find out the inspection report is as fake as those Instagram influencers with 10,000 followers but 3 likes on their posts.

Some sellers will hand you a doctored inspection report showing that the car is in perfect condition. Unfortunately, that’s often far from the truth.

How to avoid:

• Use a trusted inspection service. Better safe than sorry.
• If you get an inspection report, double-check with the inspection company to make sure it’s legit.
• If you’re buying from a private seller, bring along your own mechanic to check the car’s condition before paying a shilling.

Pro Tip: If someone hands you an inspection report but can’t tell you where it was done or who did it, just know something’s fishy.

The Stolen Car

You buy a car. You’re cruising around Nairobi, feeling good. Then, boom! You get pulled over by the police. Turns out the car you just bought was stolen. Now, instead of hitting the road, you’re hitting the police station. Not cool.

Scammers sometimes sell stolen cars with fake number plates or altered chassis numbers. And trust me, you do not want to get caught driving a stolen car.

How to avoid:

• Check the car’s logbook with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Make sure the details match.
• Use NTSA’s online portal to verify the vehicle’s details.
• Ask for a car history report from trusted platforms like Peach Cars.

Pro Tip: If the seller looks more nervous than you when you mention NTSA verification, it’s probably time to bounce.

Unlicensed Dealers

You know that friend of a friend who “knows a guy” that can get you a good deal on a car? Yeah, that guy might just be an unlicensed dealer. These shady characters often operate online with no physical location. They might sell you a damaged car or even worse, disappear with your money.

How to avoid:

• Buy from licensed dealers only. Don’t fall for the “cheap” deals from people who can’t even give you a receipt.
• Always check the dealer’s credentials.
• If possible, visit their showroom to confirm they’re legit.

Pro Tip: If the “dealer” doesn’t have an office and prefers meeting at random places, that’s a red flag the size of Nairobi traffic during rush hour.

Bait-and-Switch

This one’s an old-school trick. The dealer advertises a car online at a great price. You rush to see it, but when you get there, surprise! The car has “just been sold.” But they’ve got “another great option” for you, which is either way more expensive or in worse condition.

How to avoid:

• If the car you’re interested in is suddenly unavailable, walk away.
• Always research the car’s market value before visiting a dealership.
• Don’t let a pushy salesperson pressure you into buying something you don’t want.

Pro Tip: If the car is always “just sold” but they’ve got “something better,” the only thing they’re selling is disappointment.

Ghost Buyers

This scam targets sellers. Someone contacts you saying they’re interested in your car. They send you a fake payment confirmation message, convincing you the money is in your account. Excited, you hand over the car, and guess what? No money ever comes through.

How to avoid:

• Don’t hand over the car until you see the money in your account.
• Always confirm payments with your bank.
• Use secure payment methods like escrow services if possible.

Pro Tip: If the buyer is in a rush to take the car but has “technical issues” with the bank transfer, it’s time to pause. No one’s that busy.

Vehicle Financing Scams

Getting car financing is common in Kenya, but some people prey on that by offering fake loans. They promise fast approval, ask for upfront fees, and then disappear once you’ve paid. Or worse, they offer you a loan with crazy interest rates that’ll make you wish you never got the car in the first place.

How to avoid:

• Always use trusted financial institutions like Equity Bank, MOGO Kenya, or Peach Cars for vehicle financing.
• Don’t trust brokers who offer loans without checking your credit or asking for suspicious fees upfront.
• Read the loan terms carefully before signing anything.

Pro Tip: If the financing process seems too quick and easy, it’s probably a scam.

Conclusion: Play it Smart!

Buying a car in Kenya doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Just keep your eyes open, do your research, and trust your gut. Scammers will always be out there, but with a little knowledge, you can avoid their traps and drive away happy. Remember, Peach Cars has your back. We inspect the cars, verify the sellers, and ensure you get what you pay for. Contact us today for more information!