Vehicles 11 min read Updated March 2026
Guide to Buying a Car in Zambia
Buying a car in Zambia? Whether new or used — here's everything about import duties, registration, insurance, and which models are best for Zambian roads.
Total Cost of Ownership
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | 25% of CIF value |
| Excise Duty | 20 – 30% |
| VAT | 16% of (CIF + duty + excise) |
| RTSA Registration | ZMK 500 – 1,500 |
| Road Tax | ZMK 250 – 400/yr |
| Insurance (3rd Party) | ZMK 800 – 1,500/yr |
| Insurance (Comprehensive) | ZMK 3,000 – 8,000/yr |
| Fitness Test | ZMK 150 – 300 |
Best Models for Zambia
New/Used
Toyota Hilux
Most popular pickup in Zambia. Reliable, great resale, parts everywhere.
ZMK 250,000 – 650,000
New/Used
Toyota RAV4
Compact SUV ideal for Lusaka roads. Fuel efficient, reliable.
ZMK 180,000 – 450,000
New/Used
Nissan NP300
Affordable pickup workhorse. Lower price than Hilux, still reliable.
ZMK 180,000 – 380,000
Used Import
Toyota Corolla (Used)
Best sedan value. Japanese imports from 2015+ offer excellent reliability.
ZMK 80,000 – 180,000
New vs Used vs Import
- New (dealer) — Full warranty, highest price. Available from Toyota Zambia, Nissan, CFAO.
- Used (local) — Check at Arcades car market or online (zambiandeal.com). Always inspect.
- Used (import from Japan) — Popular option. Use agents in Lusaka. Budget 40-60% extra for duties and clearing.
Import Age Limit
Zambia allows used vehicles up to 5 years old (from date of manufacture). Vehicles older than 5 years may be rejected at the border or face additional levies.