Posted on 11/20/2015 9:14:00 PM PST by msee
I will be working in Nairobi, Kenya for 8 months starting March 2016. For the period I can rent a car for $1,200 per month, but am thinking I'd be better off buying a new car for about $8,000 and selling it when leaving. How practical is this? Thank you very much for your time and help!
Do the math. Which is cheaper?
Actually thought about it. My post was actually a calculated risk.
His posting history is sparse. But nonetheless, I’ll keep an open albeit suspicious mind. :-)
I like your idea. In some areas of the world, hiring a driver (vehicle included) can be cheaper and maybe even safer than going it alone. I know the Philippines was one such place where people could inexpensively hire dedicated jeepney drivers. I don’t know if Nairobi is like that, but it’s worth asking.
Also meant to add that it was kind of you to give him so much advice and good info.
You ought to look into a used MRAP.
Yes the car rental amount includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection Waiver (TPW) and Excess Liability Waiver (ELW), which covers tyres, tools and the vehicleâs radio. However, the rental amount does not include fuel. When I include fuel the amount is slightly more than that of buying. If buying isn’t a complex process then it would be better.
Yes exactly like I have been thinking. If I did buy and later sell without much fuss the cost of my transport would be $1,000 on the higher side.
Why not wait until you get there and you can get advice from colleagues in the know?
That’s one of the things that I like most about this place. Sooner or later someone appears on your thread that knows exactly what he’s talking about and can offer good advice.
I would say rent and hire a local driver.
In most countries, an American is going to be unprepared for how they drive there. Leave that up to someone you know.
Nairobi is one of the few African cities on a par with those in the West.
And if you have time, tour the Serengeti. Its one of the truly unforgettable sights of wild Africa.
Obama’s unemployed brother could be available for hire.
Good luck take the imposter with you
Better to get a driver that you trust, I always ask for referrals from other travelers that have been in the country for a driver.
You should be able to negotiate, I would book him for an hour at a time.
A driver can keep you safe, knows the language, knows how to drive on the roads, plus.....and this is the main reason: keeps you from police and military shake down artists harassing westerners for money... they can’t say you broke the law if you aren’t the driver.
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling to Kenya.
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They must not be sure that the hospital birth records of the early 1960s from Mombasa weren’t sent to Nairobi.
rent the car- buy an AK 47
Unlike most on the forum, I am actually Kenyan and (around half of the time, when I’m not traveling) in Nairobi.
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Great posting that informs those of us that have never been there! Very enjoyable read!
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