At what shopping stage are you in?
I'm in the process of selecting my next car. What tools are available to help me make a smart choice? |
KenyaCarBazaar.com has some built-in features that can help you throughout your car
shopping process. If you're unsure when choosing between body styles, makes, and models, consider taking a few moments to complete our Lifestyle Survey. The KenyaCarBazaar.com Lifestyle Survey will help you match your situation and
needs to a suitable vehicle. It can also help you narrow your selections and direct you to local dealerships if you'd like to schedule a test drive.
If you have a pretty good idea of what you're looking for, use our Advanced Car Search to hone in on cars by the color, fuel type, and transmission you like. You can also filter out vehicles that aren't showing prices or photos, or search only for cars that are fuel-efficient.
I'm looking for an everyday explanation for some of the terms and acronyms I keep hearing at the dealership. Can you help? |
If you're looking at a vehicle page on KenyaCarBazaar.com you might see some terms (we can call it Carjargon) that are highlighted and underlined. Click on these and you will get a definition (or translation) of that term. Additionally, use our CarSmart Dictionary section to find translations on the most common terms and acronyms used in the auto industry today.
Fuel-efficient cars and Hybrids not only protect the environment, but they're easier on your wallet at the gas pumps because they offer higher miles per gallon than other vehicles. You'll recognize a car as being fuel-efficient on this website when you see our green gas pump icon in the vehicle description. If you'd like additional information on Hybrids, you can research and read reviews on a variety of Hybrid models at www.HybridCars.com.
I need to figure out exactly what I can afford. How does the price of a car translate into monthly payments? |
If
you choose to finance your purchase, the sticker price won't tell you what your payments will be each month. To get an estimate on the financing payments for your car, use our Payment Calculator to determine your costs. You can adjust the term of your loan and the interest rate offered by the dealership to see how that will affect your monthly payment.
It's a good idea to know your credit rating and desired payment range before selecting a car that is right for your personal budget.
I know the interest rate is based on my credit rating, but I'm not sure what my score is. Where can I go to get an idea of my credit rating? |
Every consumer can get a copy of their credit report at no charge each year from websites such as Freecreditreport.com or Annualcreditreport.com.
These sites pull information from the credit-reporting agencies such as Experian and Equifax. Consumers can get a copy of their credit report
for free, and will also have the option to purchase credit score services such as monitoring and alerts.
You can also use KenyaCarBazaar.com's Credit Help Center
to find local dealers and lenders who can still accept your
application, regardless of your score or if you have yet to establish
credit.
Consumers can take advantage of research tools on websites like Bankrate.com to get a general sense of what rates are being offered in their area based on their individual situation. They can also use the finance calculators on those sites or here on KenyaCarBazaar.com to determine what their monthly payment may be.
You can get an estimate of what a dealership may offer by looking up your vehicle year, make and model at Car Pricing Tool. You can also get a sense of what your vehicle is worth on the open market with KenyaCarBazaar.com's Price Checker. See the high, low and average price for local vehicles just like yours.
Leasing a car offers you the opportunity to drive the latest models every few years. Monthly leasing payments can often be less expensive than car ownership payments for the purchase of a new car or truck.
All leases come with a predetermined number of kilometers that you can drive before additional costs set in. If you exceed that number, there is a fee per kilometer driven in excess of your limit, generally these costs vary depending on the dealership you are leasing from. An additional disadvantage is that the lease payment will continue as long as you choose the leasing option, whereas with the purchase of a car your monthly payments will end at the end of the finance term. When your lease ends ownership of the car reverts back to the dealership.
Is the vehicle certified?
If so, it means that the vehicle has been inspected using a series of tests to meet the manufacturers requirements. Certified cars offer buyers the peace of mind in knowing that the vehicle has passed manufacturer's standards for performance.
You can compare certified programs by manufacturer here.
For information on the historical reliability of a make and model, you can find general information of the vehicle at KRA Car Reports
A certified pre-owned car is one that has gone through a series of tests and has met the manufacturer's requirements for reliability. Certified vehicles are additionally backed by a limited warranty. Certified Pre-Owned cars have become very popular with both buyers and manufacturers. Buyers enjoy the assurance that they'll be driving a reliable vehicle along with warranties which secure them to a certain level. Buyers don't pay the high costs of a new car, but can get the same peace of mind that they would get from purchasing a brand new vehicle.
Manufacturers stand behind the fact that these used cars have met their performance standards. Most Certified Pre-Owned cars are ones that are low in years and miles, and they tend to be off-lease vehicles that have been traded in. Manufacturers require that certified cars be put through specific regulations and inspected thoroughly. Each major manufacturer has its own specifications for what comes with certification, including type and length of warranty. Most manufacturers have also included benefits such as roadside assistance, special financing and free oil changes. Browse Certified Pre Owned cars by clicking here.
There are a number of things to check out during a test drive. Is the vehicle comfortable for your build? Can you simulate your daily commute - for example, if you merge everyday into highway traffic, does the vehicle have enough acceleration to handle your needs safely? Most dealerships will have a set test drive route that offers multiple driving conditions, but feel free to ask for extra time if necessary.
Another important factor is if the interiors offer the protection you need for your lifestyle, including child seat bolts, passenger airbags, and anti-lock brakes. Check blind spots when changing lanes. Consider your everyday driving and make sure the vehicle suits your comfort level.
Once I've identified a used car or truck I'm interested in, what questions should I be prepared to ask my local dealership? |
Congratulations! Finding the perfect car is an exciting step. Now that you've found your car, you'll want to check with your dealer to see if the vehicle is still under its original warranty, or if the dealer offers extended or additional warranties for extra protection. Remember to confirm whether or not the dealership will accept your trade-in. You should also ask if the dealership offers a service contract for items that aren't covered by the warranty. If you want added security about the car, request a KRA Car Reports report or find out if it's been certified.
With a new car, you'll want to identify the features that are important to you and see if the dealership has your car with those same features, or if they'll have to find one to meet your needs.
New cars may also come with rebates or incentives, which you can both ask your dealer about and also check the manufacturer's website (Toyota Kenya, for example) to find. Manufacturer rebates and incentives vary by area.
With a new car, you'll want to identify the features that are important to you and see if the dealership has your car with those same features, or if they'll have to find one to meet your needs.
Ask your dealership if they have a return policy in the event you are not satisfied with your purchase. Return policies vary from dealership to dealership and from state to state, so be sure to ask prior to making your purchase.
Tax on the vehicle, the cost of the title, and delivery fees are standard and can often be found on the sticker (or price tag) of the car.
Some dealerships offer no-haggle pricing, where the price on the sticker is the price to purchase the car. Others do not. There is no magical formula that will work when negotiating price, but if you prepare yourself by knowing the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a new car, the rebates or incentives offered from the dealership and manufacturer, and what you can afford if you choose to finance, you can often come to a reasonable price below MSRP agreeable to both you and the dealership.
If it's a used car you're negotiating, keep in mind the value of the car as listed in industry guides such as Average Car Pricing.
Be sure to ask your dealership about warranty options available, including whether or not the vehicle is still under its original manufacturer's warranty. Some dealers will offer extended warranties on the manufacturer's original warranty at a fee. Be sure you understand what is or is not covered by the warranty you select.
If you have a question not touched on above, contact us and we'll help you
find your answer!
find your answer!