Baraza JM Some time last year I doled out nuggets of advice about the selection of a car when the need to get a new set of wheels arises. This time, we shall take a step back: before you visit any local dealer/private seller, you first have to have the browns (yes, browns, greens is American, you … Read more
Now, everybody likes to be looked at, especially when the gaze in question is one of approval. There is nothing quite like the knowledge that one is under the adulating gaze of another; it lends us a sense of worth, a sense of achievement, uniqueness and of being a cut above the rest — you … Read more
I’m in the process of acquiring a used car. I have realised that I can get a nice Mitsubishi, Mazda or Subaru for about Sh400,000, but the same quality of Toyota costs almost Sh600,000. However, I’ve been advised that these cheaper cars have serious problems when it comes to spare parts, and that they consume … Read more
Hello, I work and live in the rural area, so I deal with a lot of rough roads, especially during the wet season. Please recommend a good 4WD with a VVTi engine (diesel or petrol) and has good clearance. Other than Prados, what other makes would you recommend? ——————————– Hi, The moment you say VVTi, … Read more
Last week I mentioned the steering box as one of the key transition points between the driver’s arm efforts and the resultant directional change of the motor vehicle he is driving. Its importance comes from the fact that the steering box (also sometimes referred to as the rack) is the device that differentiates the rotational … Read more
Of late, a number of readers have complained about vibrating steering wheels and wayward behavior of cars in experiences slightly similar but less terrifying to the one I described last week, so let us briefly delve into the kinds of adjustment that may occur to the wheels (particularly the front ones) either willingly or accidentally. … Read more
My X-Trail has become a constant ulcer-inducer. Around the time of the recent fuel shortage, I had to accelerate hard, and when I slowed down the vehicle went off. Since then it has been doing it every now and then. On particularly bad days it can go off four times on a 10-kilometre stretch, yet … Read more
Last Thursday, I found myself behind the wheel of a slightly aging Toyota Corona 1.8. Now, there is nothing as unnerving as finding oneself at the receiving end of one’s own nuggets of wisdom (and advice), but what happened is what happened. So, what exactly happened? That particular car had lived a rather hard life, … Read more
Hallo Baraza, I have a Mitsubishi Chariot which keeps the oil light on despite changing the oil filter, the sensing unit and the oil pump. The car also has low fuel pressure according to a diagnosis report. As if that is not enough, the car vibrates when idling. What could be wrong? Also, as a … Read more
For two weeks, I lightly discussed the aesthetic aspects of skin-deep motor vehicle design. More detailed explanations will follow at a later date, but for now let us look at the other important design factor; performance. While looks, and ultimately the outright appeal of a car, tend to be subjective and rely heavily on individual … Read more