My Car Buying Experience That Taught Me Never To Rush

Buying a car in Kenya is not just a financial decision; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, a rite of passage, and for many of us, a symbol that we’re finally “making it.” My journey to buying my first car was filled with equal parts excitement, anxiety, and hard-earned lessons that I wish someone had warned me about.

It all started with a dream. I remember scrolling through online listings late into the night, falling in love with sleek saloons and sporty SUVs that I had no business looking at, at least not yet. I’d always imagined the moment I’d get behind the wheel of my car, not a borrowed one or a friend’s. That thought alone filled me with adrenaline. I saw myself navigating traffic with confidence, road-tripping with friends, and finally, no longer begging for lifts or timing matatus like a chess game.

Then came the research stage, which—if I’m being honest—quickly turned into frustration. There were too many options: new or second-hand? Japanese imports or local dealerships? Petrol or diesel? And what about maintenance, ground clearance, spare parts? I oscillated between the Toyota Axio, Honda Fit, Subaru Impreza, and even flirted with the idea of a used German car, before reason reeled me back in.

Once I finally settled on a budget and model, I entered what I call the skeptic’s phase. You know the one—where you second-guess every seller, wonder if the mileage has been tampered with, and say silent prayers that you’re not being sold a car with a checkered past. The paranoia was real. Every shiny car felt like it might be hiding something, and every seller had “trust me” energy that felt, well, just a little too forced.

Eventually, I found the one. A clean, pre-owned BMW 320i with low mileage and just the right amount of wear. When I took it for a test drive, I felt an unexplainable connection. It wasn’t the flashiest, but it was mine. The day I got the keys was surreal. I remember just sitting in the car outside my gate for almost half an hour, engine off, hands on the steering wheel, soaking it all in. That night, I slept with the logbook under my pillow. Yes, really.

But the joy was quickly followed by the reality stage. Insurance premiums, unexpected repairs, fuel consumption that didn’t quite match what the seller promised—it all added up. And don’t get me started on the monthly dent it made on my already stretched budget. Looking back, I realise I handled everything—down payment, registration, and even insurance—on my own, without tapping into financial support that could have made the process easier and smarter.

Had I known earlier about Stanbic Bank’s Vehicle and Asset Finance facility, my journey would have looked very different. Stanbic offers up to 72 months financing for the purchase of not just vehicles, but also machinery, equipment, and other business assets. That means less financial strain upfront and more flexibility in managing your cash flow. Plus, their competitive insurance rates could have saved me a tidy sum and spared me hours of haggling with brokers. Whether you’re buying a personal car or investing in a fleet for your business, Stanbic provides the kind of tailored financial support that turns a stressful process into a strategic decision. If I were to do it all over again, I’d start by walking into a Stanbic branch first.

Read Also: How Stanbic Bank Kenya’s Vehicle and Asset Finance Can Help You Grow