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October 23, 2025
Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.
This week, we feature Elijah, a Nairobi-based professional who owns a 1988 Mercedes W124.
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In Kenya, most people want the newest car, something that screams ‘just off the ship.’ Me? I’ve always been drawn to the classics, especially those built like tanks. That’s how I ended up with my 1988 Mercedes W124.
I got my ex-Ethiopian embassy vehicle from a dealer in 2020 for Ksh700,000. For me, buying this car wasn't a practical choice; it was a conviction that this machine needed to be mine. It’s a feeling that every car enthusiast understands.
My W124 runs on a 102 carburetor engine. Let’s not sugarcoat it: she is a guzzler. On a good day, I get about 5 to 7 kilometers per litre. This is the biggest financial trade-off for the sheer pleasure of driving an ‘old-school’ machine. You have to factor in that high fuel bill, especially if you’re using it for daily errands like I am now.
But the real joy of this car comes out on the road trips I do. This car is a traveller. I've driven her all the way to Isiolo and back. I've also made trips to Kisumu and Meru without a hiccup.
When it comes to maintenance, the W124 is a bit of a paradox. The regular, routine servicing is surprisingly affordable. For the usual oil change, filters, and tune-up, about Ksh 10,000 will get the job done. That’s manageable for Kenyans who take care of their cars.
However, the real cost lies in what I call ‘preventive maintenance.’ This means changing the big-ticket items—the shocks, the bushings, and other suspension components—before they completely fail. Given the state of our roads, these parts take a beating.
I’ve changed the shocks once since I bought it, and believe me, those costs add up fast. But here is the secret of the old Mercedes: I have never had to touch the engine. Just tuning the cab.
That kind of engine longevity is why people love these old Mercs; they last, provided you invest in the parts that handle the Kenyan terrain.
Now, let’s talk spares. For common mechanical parts, I have a guy in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, who is my plug. For any driver, having dependable networks and a trusted parts dealer is gold.
But if you want specific, genuine parts—like original headlights, taillights, or certain bushings—you have to be ready to wait. You cannot just walk into a shop and find them, especially for the older W124 models like mine. It's a treasure hunt.
This car demands patience and a budget for special orders. If you're buying a classic, you're buying into the hunt for parts.
Do I regret buying a 1988 car for Ksh 700K? Not at all. Despite the heavy fuel consumption, the W124 has given me reliability and a driving experience that no new economy car can match. I love it exactly the way it is.
For anyone considering a classic like the W124, my advice is simple and straight to the Kenyan heart:
If you value rock-solid build quality, a car that laughs at rough roads, and you don’t mind a bit of a hunt for the perfect part, the W124 is a fantastic choice.
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