Most of the stress in importing a car comes from not knowing what happens next. You send money, you wait, and somewhere between a Japanese auction and a Nairobi showroom there's a shipping container you can't see. If you want to import cars from Japan to Kenya, the process is easier to stomach once you can see every stage and know what you owe at each one.
This is how it works when you go through us. It's the process published on our import page, with a few notes on where buyers usually get tripped up.
Why Buyers Use a Dealer Instead of Doing It Alone
Importing yourself means finding a seller, handling shipping, and arranging clearance at the port. Importing through a dealer means one company does those jobs and you deal with one phone number. We've been importing for over 10 years, and our buyers' cars come from Japan, the UK, Australia, South Africa and Singapore. We have agents in each country, so someone on the ground is looking at the car, not just a photo of it.
The Seven Steps
| Step | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Requirements | You tell us the car you want | Send a detailed list of specs |
| 2. Cost estimate | We give you an approximate cost of importation | Review it and decide |
| 3. Deposit | You pay 20% of the approximate landed cost to start | Pay the deposit |
| 4. Car selection | We search for and bid on cars that match | Look at the options we share |
| 5. Purchase and payment | Once you pick a car, you pay an additional 40% of the import cost | Pay the second instalment |
| 6. Shipping and clearance | We handle shipping, port clearance and transport to Nairobi | Wait for updates |
| 7. Final inspection | The car is inspected, checked and cleaned for delivery | Collect it |
The Money, in Plain Terms
Two numbers matter. The first is the 20% deposit, calculated on the approximate landed cost from your estimate. That's what starts the search. The second is the extra 40% of the import cost, due once you've chosen a specific car.
Notice that the deposit is based on an estimate, not a final figure. Before you pay anything, ask us what the estimate includes and how close the final landed cost usually runs to it. We'd rather you ask on day one than argue about it at step six.
Our import page also lists terms on the deposit refund policy, non-refundable conditions and final payment terms. Read them before paying. We mean that, not as a formality. Those terms decide what happens if you change your mind midway.
Step 4 Is Where You Have the Most Say
The search and bidding stage is where an agent earns their fee. You send specs: make, model, year range, colour, budget. We bid on cars that fit and send you the shortlist.
Be specific. "A Prado" gets you a lot of cars. "A 2020 or newer Prado diesel, white or black, under a set budget" gets you a short list worth looking at. If you want something from the luxury end, tell us that early too, because it changes what we look for. If you'd like to see what we're selling locally first, our Toyota Prado guide shows real prices.
Import to Order or Buy From Stock?
You don't have to import at all. We keep a minimum of 50 cars in stock at any given time, already imported and ready for you. Right now our stock page lists 114 cars.
| Import to order | Buy from stock | |
|---|---|---|
| You choose exact year and colour | Yes | Limited to what's on the floor |
| Wait before you can drive it | You wait for shipping and clearance | You can view and test drive now |
| First payment | 20% deposit on estimated landed cost | Per the payment terms for that car |
| See the car before paying | Through agent photos and inspection reports | In person at Two Rivers or Kiambu Road |
| Best when | You want something specific | You want a car this week |
On a stock car such as our Toyota Prado diesel, the listing already shows import duty as paid. That's one fewer thing to chase.
What About Financing?
Our FAQ page has answers on hire purchase and bank finance, and on how to reserve a car. Finance terms depend on the car and the lender, so we won't quote them here. If you're comparing car finance in Kenya, ask whether the lender will finance a car that's still being imported or only one that's already in the country.
Where to Find Us
Southern Office Tower, Two Rivers, Limuru Road, and near Motorhub on Kiambu Road, Nairobi. We're open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Call +254-116-101-111 or email sales@elevenmotorske.com.
If you want to import cars from Japan to Kenya, start with step 1: send us the specs and ask for the cost estimate. You're not committed until you pay the deposit, and the estimate costs nothing to request. If you'd rather buy a car that's already here, browse used cars for sale in Nairobi.
FAQs
How much deposit do I pay to start an import?
20% of the approximate landed cost from your estimate.
When do I pay the next instalment?
Once you've selected a car, you pay an additional 40% of the import cost.
Do you handle shipping and clearance?
Yes. Step 6 covers shipping, port clearance and transport to Nairobi.
Can I import from somewhere other than Japan?
Yes. We import from Japan, the UK, Australia, South Africa and Singapore.
Is the car checked before I get it?
Yes. At the final step, the vehicle is inspected, checked and cleaned for delivery.
