NAIROBI: Toyotsu Auto Mart Kenya, a second-hand car subsidiary of Toyota Kenya on Wednesday unveiled a certification programme that will offer inspection and warranty for vehicles under eight years. The Toyotsu Certified Programme will offer guarantee for pre-owned vehicles, which have passed the company’s inspection and qualification process that includes a 59-point mechanical check by Toyota technicians.
This should come as reprieve for many Kenyans who are finding it worthwhile to buy second hand cars, but do not know how to shield themselves from underhand deals. The challenge for most buyers of second-hand cars has been how to certify the quality of those cars, especially given the fact that most of the transactions are carried out online.
Sales and Marketing Manager Juliana Kimeu noted that the certification programme will include a mechanical report for every Toyotsu certified vehicle. “This will provide a good-as-new ownership experience by combining the value of a pre-owned vehicle with the confidence of purchasing a new vehicle,” added Kimeu.
Toyotsu Auto Mart Kenya was founded in 2011 as a second channel for Toyota Kenya. Since then, the subsidiary has delivered more than 2,800 units to Toyota’s customers. “There is a huge potential for second hand car market. But that is not the main reason for setting up the company. It is driving pre-owned vehicle market through honesty, trust and transparency and then providing peace of mind and safety to all vehicle owners in this lovely country,” said Toyotsu Auto Mart Kenya Managing Director Toyooka San.
San says that before a customer makes a purchase from Toyotsu, an inspection report is disclosed and given to the client. “The customer is assured that the car has not been tampered with by the time he decides to purchase it,” added San. “Our cars undergo pre-delivery service and mechanical check. It makes sure all the safety items are in good condition. And also the mechanical check report is provided to customers,” said San.
