Mazda is somewhat of the everyman’s BMW. The small Japanese company’s trophy case is stuffed with awards, its design language is passionate, and there is a dollop of the magical Miata in every car’s driving dynamic. And that is true even in the five-passenger CX-5 crossover. Just one letter away from the MX-5 (Miata is … Read more
Hi Baraza, I have a number of questions, but before I begin you must agree that Subarus are miles ahead of Mitsubishis. Look at this tyranny of machines: Subaru WRS STi may be outdone by the Evo, but the Forester will outdo the Outlander and the Airtrek. So, who is the winner in the ‘majority … Read more
Hi Baraza, Over the past one year I have been reading your articles and have to say nowadays I find myself making smart car comments thanks to you, even though I am yet to own one. I was asked by my nephew whether cars have stomachs and the questioning deteriorated towards embarrassing as I tried … Read more
Hi Baraza, You are doing a great job to demystify cars for us, lay people. I’m in a bit of a quandary; I have been driving a superb, go-anywhere-anytime Toyota Prado with an indestructible 1KZ power plant. In the seven years I have driven “the beast”, it has never let me down! Unfortunately, with 250,000km … Read more
Dear Baraza, I have been wondering why you answer questions only from people who drive big and expensive cars? This is the third mail I am sending, although I can already tell you won’t respond – if at all you care to read it. Now to my question: Which small SUV would you go for … Read more
Hi Baraza, I own a Suzuki Escudo with automatic transmission. I have been driving with the selector on “4H” during normal driving. Recently, a friend advised that I should drive on “N” for better fuel consumption. The car feels lighter, but there is an intermittent whining sound and some letters (“N” and “4L”) appearing on … Read more
Hi Baraza, 1) I have a Subaru WRX Impreza with a manual transmission that produces a buzzing noise in Gear 5. What could be the problem? 2) As you might have noticed, I am a diehard Subaru fan and I do not think much about your Evo reviews. I am a keen follower of the … Read more
Hi Baraza, I am torn between getting a classic Peugeot 404 and 504 station wagon for daily use. I have driven modern cars, from SUVs to hatchbacks, but feel that the cars lack character. When I was growing up, my father had a car that was treated like a family member; that does not happen … Read more
Hello Sir, I need some clarification on two issues. A friend of mine says that Toyota Prado is one of the easiest cars to flip over. I have seen a couple of overturned Toyota Landcruisers, although they were older models. How stable is the Toyota Prado V6 4000cc? I have driven a not-so-recent model BMW … Read more
Hi Baraza, Great work in your column. I am an avid cyclist and have been looking for a car that will help me get my bike(s) from point A to point B without having to completely dismantle them. This would probably mean a roof-mounted bike carrier or an estate car with lots of boot space, … Read more