At Zorro Car Imports, transparency and timely updates are at the heart of our service. As the end of 2025 approaches, we want to keep our clients informed about important changes. These changes are affecting the importation of vehicles from Japan, particularly 2018 models. If you’ve been planning to import a 2018 car, this is your final opportunity to make that purchase before the upcoming regulatory deadline takes effect in Kenya. 

Deadline for Purchasing 2018 Cars

We wish to notify all our valued clients that Zorro Car Imports will stop purchasing 2018 vehicles from 18th October 2025 for all units. For auction cars, purchases will continue slightly longer, until 24th October 2025. After these dates, no 2018 model purchases will be processed. This applies to all units sourced from Japan, regardless of the platform or supplier. 

Why the Change?

Kenya’s car import regulations limit vehicles to those that are eight years or newer from their year of first registration. This means that by January 2026, 2018 units will no longer be eligible for importation or registration in Kenya. Given current shipping and clearance timelines, there’s now a high risk that 2018 cars purchased after mid-October may not arrive in time before the cut-off period. To protect our clients from potential losses or delays, Zorro Car Imports has made the decision to halt all 2018 car purchases ahead of the official deadline.

Shift Your Focus to 2019 and Newer Models

 As we phase out 2018 purchases, our attention now turns to 2019 and above vehicles. These units not only comply with upcoming import requirements but also come with updated features, improved performance, and better resale value. We’re encouraging all clients and agents to begin exploring 2019 models early to secure the best options while they’re still available in the Japanese market. 

Special Offer: Parking Charge Waiver for 2019 Cars 

To support this transition, we’re introducing a parking charges waiver for 2019 vehicles. Starting 1st October 2025, if you purchase a 2019 car and wish to hold it until it arrives in Mombasa (January 2026), Zorro Car Imports will cover all parking charges during this period. In addition, our team will book the fastest available vessel to ensure your car reaches Kenya as quickly as possible. If you prefer to choose your own vessel for shipping, please note that parking charges will apply after 30 days from the vehicle’s arrival date at the yard. This offer gives our clients more flexibility while ensuring faster delivery and cost savings.

Our Commitment to You

 At Zorro Car Imports, we pride ourselves on making the import process simple, transparent, and stress-free. By keeping you informed of these changes early, we aim to help you make confident decisions and avoid unnecessary last-minute challenges. We deeply appreciate your continued trust and cooperation. As the import deadline for 2018 cars approaches, we encourage clients to finalize any pending orders before 18th October 2025, and to begin exploring 2019 and newer models for smooth, compliant imports moving forward. If you have any questions about these updates, our team is here to assist you. Contact us today to discuss available options, get recommendations, or start the process of importing your next car from Japan.

Zorro Car Imports- Your personal car concierge