Why I Imported My Mazda CX-5 Instead of Buying Locally

‍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 Martin, who shares what it’s like owning a 2018 Mazda CX-5.

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For many Kenyan drivers, the journey to a new car ends at a local yard. But for me, the search for my 2018 Mazda CX-5 started much further away, in Japan. 

When I set out to buy my car, I knew exactly what I wanted, and I quickly realised that local showrooms weren't going to give me the "best of the three" determinants I was looking for: features, design, and price.

Also Read: I Regret Buying My 2006 Nissan X-Trail

The Logic of the Choice: Beyond the Dealer's Margin

Now three months into ownership, my Ksh3.3 million CX-5 has already proven why it was the right decision. My goal was simple: find a practical vehicle that didn't feel like a compromise. 

Local purchases tend to be defined by the highest seller margin, and I wasn't interested in paying extra for someone else's safe inventory choices.

In Kenya, for example, dealers go to the markets like Japan, find the cheapest option and come back and charge you almost the same price to maximise profits. In the end, you may not get true value for your money.

By opting for a direct import, I opened up a world of variety. I could choose the exact trim, the specific tech features, and the interior options that local dealers often overlook in favour of basic models. 

The result is a practical, sharp-looking daily commuter that serves my family perfectly.

Performance: The 2.5L Powerhouse

While the 2.0L or 2.2L diesel engines are common on our roads, I specifically wanted the 2.5-litre petrol engine. It provides that extra "grunt" and smooth pull needed for highway overtaking while remaining surprisingly disciplined during the city crawl.

The fuel consumption sits at a solid 10.5 to 12 km/l. For a 2.5L engine, that’s a sweet spot I’m happy with, especially considering the stability and power it offers during family trips out of Nairobi.

Also Read: Driving the Mercedes CLA 220 Has Been a Dream Come True, But There is a Catch

Maintenance: Popularity Breeds Ease

Three months in, I’ve found that the "Mazda fear" of the past is officially over. Because the CX-5 has become a global and local favourite, getting spare parts is a breeze. My regular service is predictable—around Ksh 6,000 every six months.

I am also aware that I may spend roughly Ksh80,000 for the "heavy hitters" like high-quality tyres, shock absorbers, and engine parts. It’s an investment in keeping the car feeling as solid as the day it cleared the port.

The Interior Trade-off: A Minor Grip

No car is perfect, and Mazda’s design philosophy clearly prioritises the driver. While I love the cockpit feel, I have to admit that the rear legroom feels a bit tight, a common trait across the Mazda lineup.

My three-month anniversary with this car only confirms what I suspected: the direct import route was the only way to get exactly what I wanted. I didn't just buy a car; I secured a modern, stylish, and capable machine by looking beyond the local yard and demanding more for my Ksh3.3 million.

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