We do both. We import cars from Japan to Kenya to order, and we also keep a minimum of 50 already-imported cars in stock across our two Nairobi showrooms. So we have no reason to push you one way. What we do see is people choosing the wrong route for them. Some wait for an import when a car on our floor would have done the job. Others settle for stock when what they really wanted was a specific year and colour.
Here's how to choose.
The two routes side by side
| Buy from our stock | Import to order | |
|---|---|---|
| See the car before paying | Yes: view and test drive | You see photos and options before approving |
| How fast you drive away | After payment, registration and transfer | After search, purchase, shipping and clearance |
| Exact year, colour and spec | Limited to what's in stock | Your brief, as close as the market allows |
| Payment | Agreed price; reserve, then pay | 20% deposit, then 40% on selection, then the balance |
| Price | Listed openly, often negotiable | Based on the final landed cost |
| Source countries | Already here | Japan, UK, Australia, South Africa, Singapore |
When buying from stock makes more sense
You need the car soon. A car on our floor has already been through shipping and clearance. On a listing like our 2021 Prado diesel, the details show "import duty paid: yes".
You want to drive it first. Nothing replaces a test drive. You can book a viewing at Two Rivers or Kiambu Road, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
A popular model is what you want. If it's a Prado, CX5, Harrier or RAV4, there's a good chance we already have several to compare. Right now we have over a dozen Prados and six CX5s.
You'd rather not commit money before seeing the car. With stock, you see it, then pay.
When importing makes more sense
You want a specific spec. A particular trim, colour or year. Every one of our Prado listings even says it: want a different year or colour? We can import it.
You're after something rare. Some luxury models and trims rarely show up locally. Our agents in each source country can search wider than any one showroom.
You're not in a hurry. Searching, bidding, shipping and clearance take time. Ask us for a realistic timeline with your estimate.
The question that settles it
Ask yourself: "If a car on the showroom floor were 90% of what I want, would I take it today?" If yes, start with our stock. If the missing 10% is the reason you're buying, import.
Use both
Plenty of customers do both. They view a stock car to confirm they like the model, then import the exact spec. Or they start an import and spot something in stock meanwhile. Talk to us about the timing before you pay a deposit. Our full import steps are in Import Cars From Japan to Kenya: The 7 Steps.
Either way, check these
Whether you import cars from Japan to Kenya or buy one already here, a ten-minute conversation saves weeks. Call +254 116 101 111 or WhatsApp us with the car you want. We'll tell you honestly whether we have it or should import it.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to import a car than to buy from stock?
It depends on the car and the final landed cost. Get an import estimate and compare it with similar cars in our stock.
How many cars do you have in stock?
We keep a minimum of 50 at any time, and 114 are listed online right now.
Can I see an imported car before paying everything?
You see the options before approving a car. The car is inspected and cleaned on arrival, before the balance is due.
Which countries do you import from?
Japan, the UK, Australia, South Africa and Singapore.
