How to Check if a Car is Worth Importing to Kenya: Mileage, History, and Value Explained
How to Check if a Car is Worth Importing to Kenya: Mileage, History, and Value Explained
Importing a car into Kenya sounds easy—just pick a car online and ship it, right? Wrong. One small mistake can cost you thousands. Whether it’s hidden accident damage, fake mileage, or flood history, many imported cars look clean but are nightmares underneath.
If you're planning to import a car in 2025, you must learn how to verify that the car is truly worth your money. At Code & Clutch, we guide you through the entire process so you don’t fall into the common traps. Here's everything you need to check before pulling the trigger on an overseas deal.
🧠 Why Pre-Import Checks Matter
Many importers are blinded by how shiny a car looks in photos. But that’s not enough. Here's why verifying a car’s true history is crucial:
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You avoid accident-written-off cars
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You dodge fraudulent mileage tampering
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You ensure you’re not importing a flooded car
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You get better resale value later
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You reduce your risk of engine failure
In short, verifying a car’s condition is the difference between a great buy and a costly mistake.
🔍 What to Check Before Importing a Car to Kenya
Here are the 7 most important things to confirm before you import a vehicle.
1. Mileage: The True Usage of the Car
What to Look For:
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Ideal mileage for imports: below 100,000km
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Check for unrealistic mileage like "25,000km on a 2016 car" – likely tampered
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Always ask for the Auction Sheet from Japan (it shows the real mileage and history)
🔎 How to Check:
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Use Japan auction sites like beforward.jp, sbtjapan.com, or jcars.jp
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Look for the odometer reading on the auction sheet
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Cross-verify with the JEVIC or QISJ inspection report
🚩 Red Flags:
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No auction sheet
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Round mileage numbers (e.g., exactly 50,000km)
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Recent speedometer replacement (ask why)
2. Accident or Repair History
Many used cars overseas have undergone accident repairs. While not all are bad, you must check how serious it was.
How to Check:
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Grade on auction sheet: 4 or higher = Good, 3.5 = Acceptable, 3 and below = Questionable
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Look for "R", "RA", or “A” = Accident-repaired vehicles
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Compare panel gaps in car photos (uneven = possible crash)
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Ask for before-repair images if possible
🚩 Red Flags:
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Cheap price with no visible reason
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"Grade R" or "Grade A" on auction sheet
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Frame or chassis repair noted
3. Flood or Water Damage
Flooded cars may run fine at first but later bring endless electrical and corrosion issues.
How to Check:
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Look at the undercarriage – is it too clean or too rusty?
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Interior images: any mould, stains, or waterlines?
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Request inspection certificate that states "No water damage"
Tip:
Avoid cars exported from known flood-prone countries like Philippines, Thailand, some parts of USA
4. Engine and Gearbox Health
You can’t test-drive the car yourself, so ask the exporter or dealer to provide:
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Engine start videos
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Cold-start performance (check for smoke or knocking)
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Photos of engine bay for leaks or corrosion
Also, research that model’s common engine issues. For example:
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Nissan Note e-Power: Inverter system wear
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Honda Fit Hybrid: Battery degradation
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Subaru Impreza: Oil leaks
5. Chassis Number Verification (VIN)
Every car has a unique chassis number. It’s your key to tracking:
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Service history
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Export data
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Previous ownership
How to Check:
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Ask for the VIN/Chassis number
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Use free sites like:
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Use NTSA’s TIMS portal once imported
6. Auction Sheet Decoding
Japan auction sheets are your best friend. Learn how to decode them:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4.5 | Excellent condition |
| 4.0 | Good condition |
| 3.5 | Fair (some minor wear) |
| R/A | Accident repaired |
| XX | Panel replaced |
| W1/W2 | Waves or dents |
Always go for Grade 4 and above if your budget allows.
7. Market Resale Value in Kenya
After import, what will your car fetch if sold? Use Kenyan platforms like:
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Cheki.co.ke
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Jiji.co.ke
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Facebook Groups
Search for your model + year and compare prices. A car that cost you KSh 1.2M to import but is only selling for KSh 950K is a bad investment.
💰 Calculate Full Import Cost Beforehand
Use Code & Clutch’s free KRA import calculator to estimate:
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CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
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Import Duty
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Excise Tax
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VAT
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IDF & RDL Charges
You’ll be shocked how a KSh 600K car can end up costing you KSh 1.1M landed.
🧰 Tools & Platforms to Help You Verify a Car
| Tool / Site | Purpose |
|---|---|
| JEVIC/QISJ | Pre-shipment inspection reports |
| Auction Sheet | Vehicle history & grade |
| VIN Decoder Sites | Ownership & damage check |
| Code & Clutch | Import guide & tax calculator |
| NTSA TIMS | Local verification |
| Trusted Importers | Avoid shady dealers |
🙅 Common Scams to Avoid
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Fake auction sheets – Always cross-check on actual Japanese auction sites
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“Buy now” urgency tactics – Take your time to verify
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No chassis number given – Run away
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Very low prices that seem too good – They probably are
✅ Final Checklist Before Import
✅ Auction sheet present & verified
✅ VIN/chassis number decoded
✅ Grade 4.0 or better
✅ Clean accident record
✅ Mileage under 100,000km
✅ Flood free
✅ Price matches local resale potential
✅ Full tax estimate done
🚗 Need Help? Code & Clutch Can Verify for You
Don’t go in blind. Let our experts:
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Decode your auction sheet
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Check for flood and accident history
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Calculate accurate tax & clearance fees
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Recommend trustworthy agents or sellers
📞 WhatsApp: 0717 423 659
📧 Email: connectkenyacars@gmail.com
🌐 Website: codeandclutch.blogspot.com
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