my mom once told me “accountability will always feel like an attack when you are not ready to acknowledge how your behavior harms others” and that shit is real.
A car is a necessary liability.
Before you buy one, don't just look at the purchase price. Anyone can afford to buy a car; the real question is whether you can afford to keep it on the road.
Let’s assume you buy a modest Ksh 3 million car with a 2,000–2,500cc engine. The purchase price is only the beginning.
To keep that car running, you may need:
- Ksh 20,000–30,000 per month for fuel, assuming moderate driving.
- Ksh 80,000–100,000 annually for comprehensive insurance.
- Ksh 6,000–10,000 every three months for routine servicing.
- And, of course, an emergency fund for unexpected repairs and breakdowns.
Over three to four years, the total cost of owning and operating the car can easily approach or even exceed the original purchase price, especially if you're driving a German machine with expensive maintenance and repairs.
That's why, from a financial perspective, it's unwise to use all your savings to buy a car, particularly when the vehicle isn't generating income or being used for commercial purposes.
Parking a car because you are waiting for end month to afford a 50K repair is an indicator that you are living beyond your means and you probably don't need that car.
A car should fit into your financial plan and not consume it.
Before you buy the car, ask yourself: Can I afford the car, or can I afford the lifestyle that comes with owning it?