When it comes to cars, the decision to buy new  or used (fresh imports or local second hand cars) depends on the buyers financial muscles. A budget of KES 1 million will get you a decent freshly imported Toyota Corolla saloon that is 4 or 5 years old. A new car of the same model and type goes for about KES 2.5 million on the local market.

For purposes of class, one could get a bigger, more sophisticated and loaded car for even half of the cost one buys a smaller new car on the market. As Michelle Krebs (cars.com) reckons, buying a used vehicle has its risks, which could cost you more over the life of the vehicle. The fact is, she says, you are buying a vehicle that someone else has owned and driven. You don't know how it's been driven or how well it's been cared for. A used vehicle will require maintenance and possibly expensive repairs far sooner than a new one, and these repairs probably won't be covered by a warranty.

Her are a few notes from both side of the coin as thought out by Michelle Krebs.

New Cars

For some people, buying used isn't an option; they want a brand spanking new car. They want to select the color and all of the features that go on it. There's definitely a pride of ownership and peace of mind in being a vehicle's first owner. Some of a new car's advantages include:

• reduced maintenance: A new vehicle won't need maintenance for the first several thousand miles, and then only an oil change and tuneup are required. Some manufacturers even cover the cost of those routine maintenance items. The new vehicle likely won't need new tires, a battery, exhaust system or brakes during the first few years of ownership or longer.
• warranty coverage: The manufacturer covers its new vehicles under warranty for at least three years, and some warranties last even longer. Many luxury makes now offer warranties of four years and 50,000 - 60,000 miles. With manufacturer warranties, if something goes wrong it's the responsibility of the dealer and manufacturer to fix it.
• Offers from the dealership- Quite often, dealerships in Kenya offer their customers free service clinics and spare part offers, a service roadside dealers to do not come with.

Used Cars

If you're not married to the idea of buying a new car, used vehicles have their own benefits:

• increased choice:  The positive side of this is that consumers win in a bear market; as dealerships close prices of large, used SUVs and even midsized cars are down, and there should be more vehicles on lots due to slowing sales.
• Wide range of choice : Most imported models are not marketed locally as new cars and this gives the buyer a variety of unique models to choose from.
• just like new: Another trend that makes buying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz and has become a popular alternative for car buyers. (cars.com)

Then again the real question you should be asking yourself is, can you afford a car?