At the close of 2014, I took a brief look at the goings-on within the local automotive industry — and in Uganda — but, unknown to me, things were happening on a much grander scale in West Africa. Ghana and Nigeria also have homegrown motoring scenes. Unlike the Ugandans, they are not dealing in futuristic, … Read more
Hello Baraza, I really love your column and look forward to the Wednesday issue of the Daily Nation. I hope you will respond to my mail this time round. Now on to my question: I have a 2005 Mazda Demio and of late, I have been seriously disturbed by a noise coming from under the … Read more
Dear Baraza, I am about to buy a Mazda Midge 323 of 1997 or thereabouts. It will cost me about Sh125,000 to acquire and about Sh20,000 to repair. am confused. Should I sign the deal or keep off completely. I have never owned a car before and this car is cheap, with low fuel consumption. … Read more
Dear Baraza, I live in the UK and would like to return home with any of the following cars: Fiat Panda, Ford Focus/Fiesta, Hyundai i10/i20/i30, or Skoda Octavia/Yeti/Superb. Do we have any local service dealership or franchise for any of them in Kenya, please? Masiya. Ford and Skoda are handled by CMC Motors who, according … Read more
Hi Baraza, 1. How does the 2004 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT compare to the 2004 Toyota Voltz S 1.8/2.0 in terms of performance, comfort, driver appeal, practicality, safety and insurance? 2. Why was the production of the Voltz stopped after 2004? 3. What criteria is used to determine a vehicle’s insurance policy cover in relation … Read more
Hi Baraza, I am confused about which of these vehicles to go for: the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Given that I drive long distances and intend to use it for both business trips and family outings, which one is most suitable? Currently, I am using a manual X-Trail diesel. … Read more
Hi JM, I have owned a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia wagon 1800cc GDI for more than three years with no problem other than the usual wear and tear, brakes, shocks, etc. And so I fail to understand the Kenyan phobia for any car with an engine other than a VVT-i or stone-aged engines, minus some … Read more