Buying a car online, whether new or used can be a stressful experience. Deciding where to buy the car is the first tricky part because the internet is full of con men who are just waiting to prey on innocent buyers. With this in mind, the very first thing you need to do is use a trustworthy website, such as Cheki.co.ke.

Cheki is one of the most trusted, cost-effective, and reliable vehicle marketplaces on this side of the Sahara. The platform does not sell cars directly, but what they do is advertise for sellers offering vans, trucks, cars, and all other types of vehicles.

One of the best things about Cheki is that you can import a car from overseas. On top of that, they offer car loans as well as insurance, so you'll get an all-inclusive deal. In this article, we have provided you with a step by step guide on how to buy a car on Cheki.

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How to search on the website

When you open the Cheki website, you will find that they have a comprehensive search facility in case you already have a specific model in mind. The search allows you to type in the make of the car, the model, the year, as well as your minimum and maximum price range. This way, you will be able to filter only the cars you are looking for, and you can also compare the prices. Below that, there is a ‘show all options’ button that offers an even advanced search.

This option allows you to type in the location of the car, the body type you're looking for, the transmission type, the fuel type, the color, as well as the condition of the vehicle. The results are even more comprehensive and give what you're searching. This is one of the most convenient parts of buying a car from Cheki.

Explore different car types

Once you filter the car type you want from the thousands of cars for sale listed on the website, explore the ads and see what they have to offer. Of course, you need to have a budget in mind at this point. Check the mileage of the car as well as in what condition it is in before you get excited about the price.

Check out for the sellers' verification because it is so much easier to deal with a verified seller. Of course, half the sellers on the website are not verified, and it doesn't mean they all want to deceive you, but you need to be vigilant when dealing with them. If you're not sure the type of car you want, then you can filter the minimum or maximum price you're looking for and then compare the cars to see whether you'll get a good bargain.

Contact the sellers

When you click on the car you're interested in, on the right side of the website is the seller's information. You can either call them or fill in your information and have them to call you. Ask to see the car in person or whether you can take it for a test drive, which should be allowed if you're going to buy that car. This time will be an incredible opportunity for you to ask questions about the vehicle, such as whether it has been under significant repairs, whether the seller is the first owner of the car, whether the vehicle currently needs any repairs, whether the seller has all the necessary records, among others. You might be tempted to negotiate, but you should wait until you go for a test drive and see the car's condition first hand before you do it. Schedule a viewing date.

Do a car search on KRA

Before you buy a car on Cheki, it is of utmost importance that you perform an NTSA car search before you purchase a car in Kenya. You need to register an eCitizen account, which is free. Once at the site, follow the steps below to search for the vehicle.

• Click of the NTSA dashboard and then click on make application
  
• Choose the motor vehicle application
  
• Choose the motor vehicle search (COPY OF RECORDS)
  
• Click on apply now button then enter the car registration number without leaving and spaces
  
• Make the necessary payments
  
• Confirm your payment
  
• Then print and download your document
  

You will be able to view the seller's document with information including the make of the vehicle, the model type, the engine number, the year of manufacture, the name of the owner, the chassis number among other things You can also use a different platform, such as Mverified and it will give you similar results.

Go for a test drive

Once you have several cars from Cheki that you like, you need to look at them and do a test-drive before you make the purchase. Feel how easy it is to get in and out of the car to ensure comfort because you're going to be driving it for a very long duration.

Check how easy it is to see the instruments and reach the controls, smell for gas or burning oil, or any other smells in the car that you might not like. Check the tires, the brakes, the legroom, the steering wheel adjustability, the rear-view mirrors, and the side mirrors for potential blind spots.

Listen for any squeaks that you don't like, and test whether the brake lights, turn indicators, and headlights work. Ask to see the service records if that is possible to see whether the car had scheduled maintenance.

Negotiate the car price

Once you have tested the car and you're sure it's the one you want, then you can negotiate a price with the owner. If you have to go with a smile on your face and you're going to save yourself some money. You can start with the 20% discount and see how much the seller is willing to give. They’re probably expecting it so don't be afraid to negotiate. You might be surprised at how much you can cut from an initial price.

Have the car inspected

Unless you know a lot about cars and what to look at, especially when it comes to the engine, take a mechanic with you and have them inspect the vehicle. You can do this for the car that you're interested in purchasing instead of doing it for all the cars you're comparing because it will probably cost you. As soon as you have one car that you think is the best choice, have an expert run through it for your peace of mind.

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Ensure all the papers are in order

Before you pay for the car, make sure that you have all the paperwork in your hands. All the receipts, reports, and documents must be in your possession when you leave with the car. The bigger problem of purchasing cars online is retaining the title from the sellers. It is one of the most vital documents to have because it proves ownership. If the owner or auto trader tells you that they will send it to you, later on, be wary because they might not have it at all. The very last thing you should do is pay for the car and then drive away.

Make the payments safely

After you have ticked all the boxes on your requirements and you're sure that is the car you’re going to be driving for the next few years, it is time to pay the seller. The safest method you can use that will guarantee both of you get what you want without losing your money is met using an escrow service. Escrow Kenya, for instance, offers impeccable services of holding onto the funds until you get the car. You see, Escrow act as a third party that holds on the funds on neutral ground. Once you pick up the car, then Escrow Kenya will release the money to the seller, making it a win-win situation.

Bottom Line

If you have been thinking of a way to buy a car on cheki.co.ke, then follow the tips above and get your dream car. Buying a car in Kenya is quite easy if you use reputable services and a reliable auto trader.