Many of our buyers live in Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret or Thika and have never been to our showroom. They still buy with confidence, and you can too. This guide walks you through buying a car from Mombasa without travelling there, and the warning signs that tell you to walk away.
Step 1: Choose the car and ask for the details
Pick a car from the listings and message the seller on WhatsApp. Ask for the year, mileage, grade, colour, any accident or repair history, and whether the price is negotiable. A good seller answers clearly and does not rush you.
Step 2: See the exact car on a live video call
Photos can hide a lot. Ask for a live WhatsApp video walkaround of the actual car: the outside, the inside, the engine bay, the underside, a cold start and the odometer. You can ask the seller to show anything you want to see again.
Step 3: Get it inspected if you want to be sure
You are welcome to send your own mechanic to inspect the car, or ask someone you trust in Mombasa to look at it. A seller who refuses any inspection is a seller to avoid.
Step 4: Agree the full price in writing
Confirm the price of the car and, separately, the cost of delivery to your town. At Carmart Mombasa, delivery to Nairobi by car carrier is usually estimated at KSh 20,000 to 30,000, and the exact figure is confirmed before you pay. Keep the messages as a record.
Step 5: Pay safely
Payment is made in full to Carmart Mombasa’s official account before delivery. Before you send any money, confirm the account details by calling our official number, +254 711 832 043. We only share payment details from that number. Never pay into a personal number or an account you cannot verify.
Step 6: Transfer the logbook through NTSA
The ownership transfer is done through NTSA on eCitizen, so you do not need to travel to Mombasa for the paperwork. You will be able to see the car and the transfer in your own eCitizen account.
Step 7: Receive the car
The car is delivered to your town by car carrier or driver, or you can collect it from our showroom. Inspect it on arrival and check that it matches the video you saw.
Red flags when buying a car remotely
- The seller will not do a live video call, or only sends old photos.
- The price is far below similar cars, with a story about why you must act now.
- You are asked to pay into a personal mobile number or an unfamiliar account.
- The seller refuses an independent inspection.
- The documents do not match the car, or details change between messages.
Checklist before you pay
- I have seen the exact car on a live video call.
- I know the year, mileage and any repair history.
- I have the full price, including delivery, in writing.
- I have confirmed the payment details by phone with the official number.
- I understand how the logbook will be transferred.
Buy from Carmart Mombasa, wherever you are
Read our page on how to buy a car remotely, see cars for sale in Nairobi delivered from Mombasa, or check our delivery options across Kenya. Hire purchase is available on select cars; see our financing page. Message us on WhatsApp with the car you like and your town.