Can you afford the car you want to buy or can you only afford to buy it?
For many motorists, the distinction becomes clear only after the purchase. A car may fit the budget at the dealership or vehicle bond, but fuel, insurance, servicing, tyres, repairs and loan repayments can quickly turn it into a financial burden.
In Uganda, where used imported vehicles make up a significant part of the market, buyers have plenty of choices. But instead of asking which car looks better or carries more prestige, experts advise motorists to first consider what they need the vehicle to do and what it will cost to keep it on the road.
Alvon Nkini, a car enthusiast and researcher, says the first question should be about the vehicle’s purpose.
‘For example, you may find a Mercedes-Benz SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser on the market, but if you regularly travel to the countryside, the Land Cruiser may be more suitable because it can be adapted to different road and usage conditions,’ Nkini says.
He says income, road conditions, frequency of use, environment and family size should all influence the decision.
Start with how you will use it
A motorist who mainly drives between home, work and other destinations in Kampala may have little need for a large four-wheel-drive vehicle. A smaller, fuel-efficient car could be easier and cheaper to run.
The calculation changes for someone who regularly travels upcountry, particularly on rough or seasonal roads. Such a driver may need a vehicle with adequate ground clearance, suitable suspension and enough room for passengers and luggage.
Some motorists also need a vehicle for both family and business use. Station wagons and multipurpose vehicles such as the Toyota Probox, Fielder, Sienta and Wish can provide useful luggage space, while a pick-up may be more appropriate for farming or work involving bulky loads.
Whatever the model, buyers should check its recommended passenger and payload limits. Carrying more weight than the manufacturer allows can affect braking, handling, suspension and tyre performance and increase the risk of losing control.
Road conditions should, therefore, be considered alongside the intended use. A vehicle that performs well on smooth tarmac may not be the best choice for someone who frequently drives on poorly maintained or unpaved roads.
Think about your family
Passenger space matters, but bigger is not always better. A large family that frequently travels upcountry may find a properly specified seven-seater such as a Toyota Noah more practical than a small car, particularly when passengers have luggage.
For a parent whose main use is taking children to school and commuting around the city centre, however, a smaller vehicle may make more financial sense. Older models such as the Toyota Raum, Spacio and Ractis may appeal to buyers seeking compact vehicles, but their condition, fuel economy, age and availability of spare parts should be assessed.
Fred Kaboggoza, a car dealer, says buyers should consider more than the number of seats.
‘A Raum or Sienta may be suitable for town driving, but the buyer should consider the vehicle’s condition, engine capacity, passenger load and the roads on which it will be used,’ he says.
Do not buy to impress
A neighbour’s SUV, colleague’s luxury sedan or friend’s new German car can easily influence a purchase. But a vehicle that impresses people outside may create financial pressure at home.
Joel Tumwine, who works in the car-rental business, says motorists should be honest about their circumstances.
‘If your workplace is in Nakasero or Kololo and you live in Kisaasi, you may not need a V8 with a 4,500cc engine or a Mercedes-Benz 4Matic. When you prepare a monthly budget, you may realise that the vehicle is taking up a disproportionate share of your income through fuel and maintenance costs,’ he says.
The issue is not whether expensive cars are worthwhile. It is whether the owner can comfortably sustain the costs.
‘When you divide your income between housing, food and transport, you must also provide for healthcare, education, savings and other essential needs. Living within your means may require you to choose practicality over luxury,’ Tumwine says.
Calculate the real cost
The purchase price is only the beginning of car ownership. Before committing to a vehicle, buyers should estimate the monthly cost of fuel, insurance, loan repayments, servicing, parking and an allowance for unexpected repairs. Tyres and other wear-and-tear items should also be included.
Albert Mwesige, a financial adviser, says prospective buyers should calculate the total monthly ownership cost rather than looking only at the purchase price or loan instalment.
Fuel consumption varies according to engine size, vehicle weight, traffic, driving habits and vehicle efficiency. Even a small-engine car can consume significant fuel if it spends long hours in Kampala traffic.
Similarly, a vehicle that is cheap to purchase may prove expensive to maintain, while a more expensive model may offer better fuel economy or easier access to spare parts.
Saeed Bilal, sales manager at Yuasa Investments Limited, says prices vary depending on the model, year of manufacture, mileage, specifications and condition. He gives the example of a 2017 Toyota Premio, which he says costs about Shs65m, compared with about Shs50m for a Fielder of the same year.
These prices can change with market conditions and the specific vehicle, so buyers should compare current listings before deciding.
Servicing costs also depend on the model and what needs replacing. Paul Kaganzi, a mechanic at Duke’s Garage, says a routine service may involve engine oil, an oil filter and an air filter, while other fluids may only require inspection or replacement according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
‘Engine oil costs between Shs140,000 and Shs160,000. If you have Shs200,000, it will only cater for the engine service, including the oil, oil filter and air filter,’ he says.
Buyers should establish the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals rather than assuming every vehicle should be serviced at the same mileage.
Check parts and resale value
A car’s popularity can make ownership easier. Alex Kadoli, a mechanic in Bunga, advises buyers to find out whether spare parts are readily available and whether qualified technicians can work on the model.
‘If you have to import most spare parts or search extensively for a mechanic with the expertise to repair the vehicle, it may be expensive to maintain. Some people buy cars because of the impression they create, only to sell them soon afterwards when they realise they cannot afford the fuel, parts or repairs,’ Kadoli says.
Resale value should also form part of the decision. A popular vehicle, economical to run and supported by a reliable supply of spare parts may be easier to sell later. Buyers should, therefore, ask not only, ‘Can I afford this car today?’ but also, ‘Will I still want and be able to afford it three years from now?’
Inspect before paying
Before paying, buyers should have the vehicle independently inspected for mechanical faults, accident damage, excessive wear and other hidden problems, while checking its service history, identification and ownership documents. A proper test drive can also reveal issues with the engine, transmission, steering, brakes or suspension that may not be obvious when the car is stationary.
Buyers should be wary of unusually low prices, which may conceal costly problems. It is also important to confirm that the vehicle’s registration details match the seller’s documents and that there are no outstanding ownership disputes.
Taking time to compare similar vehicles can also help a buyer judge whether the asking price is reasonable. Ultimately, the best car is one that meets your needs, suits your roads and remains affordable to maintain.