After fixing the overheating, problem in my Toyota Caldina’s D4 engine, fuel consumption went from an average of 10-11km/l to an average of 7-8km/l. I would now like to replace the engine with a new 1.8 engine from a Toyota Caldina or Premio. My mechanic says that this change is not possible because the gearbox … Read more
So, fuel prices have gone down over the past few days, and by a sizeable percentage. From highs of Sh120, premium is currently hitting lows of Sh90. That is an approximate 25 per cent decrease limit-to-limit, 20 per cent from some quarters. With reduced pump prices come euphoria and the re-discovery of hitherto disregarded and/or … Read more
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 love cars and they must be fast, but in Kenya they have put in place speed bumps, Alcoblow and what have you to stop us. Kindly give me the lowdown on the Nissan Murano; is it as good as its curves imply or is it “just another Nissan”? Eriq B The speed … Read more
Hello Baraza, Thank you for the thrilling experience you deliver to DN2 readers. Honestly, it is a key driver for some of us to buy the Daily Nation on Wednesday. Mine is a sharp response to a number of recent scathing attacks you have unleashed on our ‘beast’… yes, the mighty Subaru STi. While I … Read more
Dear Baraza, Over the years, I have gained a growing interest in German technology and become a fan of their machines. I am torn between buying an Audi A4, a Golf GTI and a Mercedes C180. The never-ending questions arise: fuel consumption, spares and servicing. Which is the best buy between these three options? I … Read more
Chevrolet Utility half-tonne pick-up What is it? This is General Motors’ smallest commercial vehicle on sale currently. It is a tiny little pick-up meant for small deliveries. When I say small, I mean cargo not exceeding two metres in length, two metres wide and 500kg mass. It is a weird-looking thing, with an unusual face, … 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? I am a budding car enthusiast and recently I stumbled upon your column in the papers. I am thinking of getting myself a Ford Mustang. Please advise me on availability of the make locally, fuel consumption, spares availability and its off-road capabilities, if any. Finally, what is the range of its price range locally … Read more
Hi Barasa, I have owned a Toyota Mark X, 2005 model for six months. Last week, it started showing the check engine light. A diagnostic revealed one of its oxygen sensors had stopped functioning. Is it ok to still drive it? A lot of Mark X have these problems. Also, when I press on the … Read more