The Dar es Salaam car market has grown rapidly in recent years. Recent figures show that car sales in Tanzania increased by 45.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Toyota has become the leading brand in the market (followed by Isuzu and Nissan) due to its strength. News websites also show Toyota holding the top spot in Tanzania with Nissan, Subaru, Mercedes Benz also popular. The sector also tends to favor large SUVs due to their roadworthiness. In addition, electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to increase - Tanzania is among the five African countries growing in the use of electric vehicles. 

Types of Cars in Dar es Salaam and Prices

The Dar es Salaam market offers a wide range of cars to suit all needs and budgets. The following are the main types of cars and their price ranges available in Dar es Salaam:

• Small Cars (Cheap Prices) – These are small, fuel-efficient and affordable cars, great for the city. Popular examples are Toyota IST (price TZS 8–19 million Toyota IST used) that Toyota Vitz  (price TZS 5 –12 million). These cars already in Dar es Salaam They are popular because they have low purchase and maintenance costs.
• Sedans – Sedan like Toyota Premio (between 8–15M TZS) on Nissan Sentra (10–18M TZS) are trusted by families for their reliability and ample room. Low maintenance and durability make sedans a great choice for everyday commutes.
• SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) – These types of cars are available in abundance in Dar es Salaam. An example is Toyota RAV4 (bei 15–25M TZS) on Subaru Forester (18–30M TZS) for large family cars. For long trips or rough roads, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (25–40M TZS) boasts power and durability. Therefore, SUVs are the choice of those who love adventure and have a lot of space inside.
• Commercial Vehicles (Commercial/Pickup) – These are sturdy vehicles that can carry loads or many passengers. An example is the Nissan Pickup (Price between 20 – 30M TZS), Toyota Hilux (Bei kati ya 25–40M TZS) na Isuzu D-Max (22–35M TZS). These vehicles are popular with businessmen and the construction industry for their heavy-duty capabilities and daily services.
• Luxury Cars – For those looking for high-end comfort, cars like Mercedes Benz E200 (price between 30–50M TZS), Toyota Alphard (price between 25–60M TZS) and Land Rover Defender (Price 50–100M TZS) are available in the market. These cars are expensive but come with modern and high-end technology.

On the part of new cars in showroom Dar es Salaam, prices range from TZS 25 million to 200 million depending on the brand and features of the car. For example, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid showroom in Dar es Salaam starts at approximately TZS 125 million, Land Cruiser Prado new ones cost around TZS 181 million, and a new Land Cruiser 300 sells for around TZS 463 million. Even small cars like Used Toyota Rumion it hurts starting approximately TZS 22 million, and a used Hilux approximately TZS 91 million. These examples clearly show that the prices of new cars (ex showroom) in Dar es Salaam are higher compared to the prices of private sellers of used cars.

New vs Used Cars in Dar es Salaam

Buying a new car from a showroom and a used car have their advantages and disadvantages. New cars (0km) It is provided with a manufacturer's warranty, comes with new technology and high quality, so the user gets long-term security. However, its prices are high – Tax and duty costs can double the value of a car compared to its original price. For example, a new car like a new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (0km) with tax paid starts at around $185,000 (about TZS 464 million) at the showroom, while the same car before tax would sell for $112,000 (≈ TSZ 261M).

On the other hand, Magar's wife Dar es Salaam is available at a reasonable price. There are good cars starting from Tsh 5,000,000/= to Tsh 50,000,000/= only. This allows the budget-conscious buyer to enter the market, especially targeting small family cars and older SUVs that are still in good condition. The low purchase cost is a major advantage but the lack of a warranty and the certainty of the car's performance as well as the car's history. For example, used cars may have previous problems that are not detected without a thorough inspection. Therefore, before buying a used car in Dar es Salaam it is advisable to do a thorough inspection of the engine and its history.

Popular Car Brands in Dar es Salaam

The most popular brands in Dar es Salaam are those from Japan due to their durability and easy availability of spare parts. Reports show Toyota It is popular due to its durability and easy availability of spare parts. Car dealers mention Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi that Subaru as the major brands that are popular in the market. For example, Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser that RAV4 are known for their ability to withstand harsh environments; Nissan X-Trail that Note is popular for urban use; Honda Fit (Jazz) is the choice of Dar es Salaam residents for its fuel efficiency; and Subaru Forester It has good performance on the road. These companies aim to provide solid and performance cars, thus making these brands trustworthy for car buyers in Tanzania.

Advice for Car Buyers

When buying a car in Dar es Salaam, there are important things to consider to make a safe and effective purchase:

• Your Budget and Needs – Be clear about the amount of money you want to spend and the use of the car. Small cars like Toyota Ist, Passo The Vitz or Suzuki Swift are better for city use as they don't have high fuel and maintenance costs. For long trips or rough roads, if you need more space and power, an SUV like the RAV4 is more suitable.
• Car Kilometers – Make sure you aim for a car with as little mileage as possible. Low mileage indicates that the car has been used less, and is less likely to have major engine problems. Avoid cars with very high mileage without a complete maintenance history.
• Engine Condition and Maintenance – Make sure the engine is running without knocking, make sure there are no engine warnings, and check important areas such as the brake system and transmission. Well-maintained cars have a history of service and timely replacement of spare parts. It is recommended to take the car to an auto mechanic (or auto-mechanic) before buying to check the condition of the engine and other parts.
• Car History – Check if the car has been in a major accident or has undergone major repairs. Make sure the owner's name on the documents matches the owner who is selling it and that the car has valid registration documents. Many cars often have a fully completed service book.
• Fuel Efficiency – A fuel-efficient vehicle will reduce your running costs. For example, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid shows a fuel consumption of around 6.5L per 100km, compared to conventional SUVs that use more fuel. Research the fuel consumption of the vehicle you choose and estimate your annual running costs based on the distance you expect to drive and current fuel prices.
• Find Trusted Car Dealers – Car ads in Dar es Salaam can be found on websites like GariPesa, which connect buyers and sellers of cars. Do some research through our website to compare prices and get more information. 

The Dar es Salaam car market has a wide range of cars, ranging from maybe in Dar es Salaam like the Toyota IST and Vitz which are available for around a few million Tanzanian shillings, while new cars with modern features are available for a little more. Before making a purchase, carefully check the price, features of the car, and compare different cars. By doing so, you will be able to find a car that meets your needs without incurring unexpected high costs.