Used car inspection checklist for Kenya (printable)

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1. Documents & ownership

Logbook name matches the seller's national ID (or they have a signed authority to sell)
Searched the number plate on eCitizen (NTSA) — owner, make, model and colour match
Chassis number on the logbook matches the car (usually under the windscreen and in the engine bay)
Engine number on the logbook matches the engine
No caveat or bank/loan interest on the logbook (common with financed cars)
Valid insurance sticker and inspection certificate, if it is a commercial vehicle
Service book or receipts — ask when the last service and timing belt/chain work was done

Look along each side in daylight for ripples, mismatched paint or panel gaps (signs of accident repair)
Check under the car and wheel arches for rust and fresh underbody paint hiding damage
All glass has the same markings — a different windscreen brand can mean an accident
Tyres: even wear, matching brands, at least 3 mm tread, and a good spare
Lights, indicators, brake lights and hazard lights all work
Doors, boot and bonnet open and close smoothly

Engine is cold when you arrive — a warm engine can hide starting problems
Oil on the dipstick is brown/amber, not black sludge or milky (milky can mean a head gasket problem)
Coolant is clean and at the right level, with no oil in it
No oil leaks, wet patches or burnt smells around the engine
Belts are not cracked; battery terminals are not heavily corroded
No white or blue smoke from the exhaust on start-up

Mileage looks believable for the wear on the steering wheel, pedals and seats
No warning lights stay on after starting (check engine, ABS, airbag, hybrid system)
AC blows cold within a minute
Windows, mirrors, locks, radio, reverse camera and wipers all work
No damp carpets or musty smell (possible flood damage)
Seat belts lock when pulled sharply

Starts easily and idles smoothly
Gear changes are smooth — no jerks, slipping or delays (automatic) or grinding (manual)
Drives straight and brakes straight without pulling or vibration
No knocking over bumps (suspension) or whining noises
Steering has no excess play; no clunks on full lock
Temperature gauge stays in the middle after 15+ minutes
A mechanic or inspection centre has done a computer diagnostic scan

Agreed price and what's included (spare key, tools, service records) in a written sale agreement
Both parties' ID numbers, the plate, chassis number and the date are in the agreement
Seller has started the transfer on the NTSA portal (eCitizen)
Payment by bank transfer or banker's cheque — never a deposit for a car you haven't seen
You have insurance in place before you drive it away