SBT Japan, Be Forward or a Local Importer? How Kenyans Should Buy an Ex-Japan Car in 2026

Search for a Toyota Harrier price, a Prado TX duty paid or a Toyota V8, and you will see the big Japanese online exporters, such as SBT Japan and BE FORWARD, alongside platforms like tradecarview, Kenyan showrooms and local importers. Each route can work. However, they differ in who carries the risk, what the price includes and how much help you get at Mombasa.

This guide compares the main options fairly. We are a local importer, so we have an interest. Even so, we explain when buying direct from Japan makes sense too.

Option 1: Big Japanese online exporters

SBT Japan and BE FORWARD are two of the best-known exporters selling Japanese used cars to Kenya. They list thousands of cars online with photos, FOB or CIF Mombasa prices and shipping options. Both have offices or partners in Kenya.

Advantages

The choice is huge, and listings are easy to browse. Prices are visible, and you can pay by telegraphic transfer from a Kenyan bank. Moreover, some offer "duty paid" or "landed" pricing through local partners.

Things to watch

First, check exactly what the price includes. A CIF Mombasa price covers the car, shipping and marine insurance to the port, but not KRA duty, clearing, port charges or registration. Second, stock cars are chosen by the exporter, not inspected for you personally. Third, you are responsible for clearing unless you buy a duty-paid package. Finally, check refund terms before paying a deposit.

Exporters sometimes run promotions or discount codes. Even so, compare the full landed cost, because a small discount on the FOB price can be wiped out by duty, clearing or a weaker car.

Option 2: Platforms like tradecarview

Platforms such as tradecarview list cars from many smaller Japanese exporters. Prices can be competitive. However, quality and reliability vary from seller to seller. As a result, you must vet each exporter yourself. Read our car import scams guide before paying anyone you find online.

Option 3: Kenyan showrooms and yards

Showrooms along Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, Kiambu Road and in Kilimani sell cars already in Kenya. Toyota's official distribution network sells new Toyotas and, in some cases, approved pre-owned cars. You can see and test-drive the car today.

The trade-off is price and history. Showroom prices include the dealer's stock costs and margin. Moreover, mileage and auction history on yard cars are not always shared. Ask for the auction sheet and export certificate on any ex-Japan yard car.

Option 4: A full-service local importer

A local importer like Elisa Motors buys the car on your behalf from Japanese auctions or dealers. We share the auction sheet, verify mileage, ship, clear, register and deliver. You pay one all-inclusive price in Kenya shillings.

The main advantage is that one Kenyan company is responsible for every step, from auction to logbook. You also choose your exact car rather than whatever is in stock. On the other hand, you wait four to eight weeks, just as with a direct import.

What does each route cost?

Here are our current landed prices for the most popular ex-Japan cars. They include duty, clearing and registration.

To compare an exporter's price fairly, add duty, IDF, RDL, clearing, port charges, registration and delivery to its CIF figure. Read our KRA duty calculator guide to estimate the tax.

Popular comparisons

SBT Kenya and Be Forward Toyota Harrier price lists

Exporter Harrier listings often show low FOB prices. Once landed, a Harrier Premium 2.0 typically costs about KES 4.3M – 4.9M through us, fully registered. Compare like for like: year, grade, mileage and auction grade.

Mazda CX-5 from an exporter vs local import

A CX-5 20S lands at about KES 2.8M – 3.2M. Diesel CX-5s deserve extra checks, so ask for the auction sheet notes. See our CX-5 diesel guide.

Prado TX duty paid and landed cost

A Prado TX 2.7 petrol lands at about KES 6.2M – 7M. A "duty paid" offer should include clearing and registration. If not, add them.

Toyota V8 from SBT, a showroom or a local importer

For high-value cars like the Land Cruiser V8, a personally inspected car matters more. A LC200 VX diesel lands at about KES 13M – 16M.

Clearing at Mombasa: who does it?

If you buy a CIF car from an exporter, you need a clearing agent at Mombasa. Some exporters recommend partners, and their fees vary. Alternatively, a local importer includes clearing in the landed price. Either way, read our Mombasa clearing guide.

Financing an exporter car

Japanese exporters usually require full payment before shipping. Consequently, bank finance is easier when a Kenyan company issues the invoice and the car is registered locally. Read our car finance guide.

Which option should you choose?

Choose a big exporter if you are comfortable handling clearing and want to browse stock yourself. Choose a showroom if you need a car this week. Finally, choose a local importer if you want one responsible partner, verified mileage and a fixed landed price. Whichever route you take, make sure the car is 2019 or newer.

Talk to us

Call +254 725 310 112 or WhatsApp +254 725 310 112. Read our Japan import guide for the full process.

SBT Japan vs Be Forward vs local car importer in Kenya: FAQs