Second hand cars are expensive

You recently posted about your latest car, a Benz, how is it?
Yes, I drive a Benz. I had to buy something for me to appreciate my hustle so I acquired a Benz. My fiancé is happy about it and in fact, she contributed some money towards its purchase.

How much did each of you contribute?
She gave me like 30 per cent of the total cost.

How much did you buy it?
We bought it at Shs9m.

How long had you saved for it as a couple?
I had a car, a Crester, which I sold and we topped up to buy the Benz.

How much did you sell the Crester?
I sold the Crester at Shs4.5m.

What did you like about the Benz?
It is a very comfortable car. It is firm on the road, its fuel consumption is manageable and, above all, it is a classy car.

How does it compare to your previous car?
It actually has less fuel consumption. It has a 2.0cc engine compared to the Crester which had a 2.5cc engine, so I am saving on fuel.

How much were you spending on fuel with the Crester?
On average, I spent Shs20,000 on the Crester for a return journey home.

And how is the consumption of the Benz?
I spend Shs12, 000 on fuel with the Benz.

The Benz is a prestigious car, do you feel that?
I don’t know much about prestige but I can tell you that I have always loved German cars. They let me drive in comfort which makes me happy.

Have you pimped it in any way?
No, not yet.

Was it in good working condition?
It was not in the best condition so I had to fix a few things.

What was your first car?
It was a Golf .

Do you remember who you bought it from and for how long you saved for it?
I saved and bought it in installments. I paid Shs1.5m as my first installment of the whole figure of Shs3.5m. I bought it from a guy called Bashir.

What do you remember about it?
It was breaking down all the time and would smell of fuel. It was not the best car to have. It would stop abruptly and would sometimes fail to start.

Do you have any good memories of it?
Ha ha ha…I was happy to have a car. I used to wash it myself.

Which year was this and how old were you?
It was in 2004. I was 21 by then.

Take me through the cars you have bought and driven since...
I have driven a BMW, Corona, Pajero and recently a Crester.

How do you identify cars you buy?
I have got some friends who help me make a choice.

What has been your experience buying used cars?
I get them a bit cheaper and I pay for them in installments but you are never guaranteed of their condition. They are faulty somewhere.

What are the common faults you find with these cars?
The radiators heat up, they have no functional ACs and their brakes do not work properly.

What are your five priorities when buying a car?
Comfort, good fuel consumption and speed.

What is your average speed?
60 to 100.

Of the cars, you have driven, which remains your favourite?
It was the BMW.

Can you fix anything on a car?
I can fix a lot on a car. I can change a tyre or fill in the water. I know a few things about how to work on the fuse box.