A car's service history is one of the most useful things you can check before buying — it tells you whether the previous owner actually looked after the vehicle or ran it into the ground. In Kenya, where many cars are imported used, a clean history is often the difference between a reliable buy and an expensive mistake. Here's how to check it properly.
1. Ask for the service booklet and receipts
Start with the physical evidence. A well-kept car usually comes with a service booklet stamped by garages, plus receipts for oil changes, timing belts, tyres and major repairs. Gaps of several years, or no records at all, are a warning sign — not proof of a problem, but a reason to inspect more carefully.
2. Verify the logbook and ownership
Confirm the logbook matches the seller's ID and that the chassis and engine numbers match the car. Use NTSA's TIMS platform to check ownership and whether there's an active loan or duplicate logbook registered against the vehicle.
3. Check the import and mileage records
For imported units, the import documents and auction sheets often list the original mileage and condition grade. Cross-check that against the odometer — a big discrepancy is a classic sign of odometer tampering, which is common in the used market. A professional inspector can also read the true mileage from the car's ECU.
4. Look for physical clues that back up the paperwork
Paperwork can be faked; wear patterns are harder to fake. Compare the claimed mileage against wear on the pedals, steering wheel, gear knob and driver's seat. A "60,000 km" car with a worn-shiny steering wheel and sagging seat is telling you the truth even if the documents aren't.
5. Get a professional pre-purchase inspection
The most reliable way to confirm a car's real condition and history is an independent pre-purchase inspection. Our certified engineers verify the mileage, scan the ECU for stored fault codes, and check that the maintenance actually matches the paperwork — then give you a clear report before you commit.
Buying used doesn't have to be a gamble. Book a car inspection anywhere in Kenya, or read more about how we work.