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
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
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
Hi Baraza I’m looking for a fancy, low-maintenance, hardy, four-wheel-drive mainly for use in city roads but with an occasional off-road run on not-so-rough terrain. My budget is below Sh3 million. I have narrowed my attention to the VW Touareg, Toyota Lexus/Harrier RX3000, Nissan Murano, Subaru Tribeca and a Hyundai (can’t remember the series). I’m, … 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,I recently bought a second-hand VW Touareg with a five-cylinder TDI engine from the UK. While I love the car (after replacing the shocks), I fear I may have not done my pre-purchase selection well enough as I have been informed that local agents refused to stock diesel Touaregs due to a potential mismatch … Read more
Hi Baraza, Your column is like a special motoring university. Kudos! I am moving back to Kenya from the UK at the end of the year and intend to reward myself with a car after my studies. I have identified the following used cars based on how much I want to spend (both cost here … Read more
Dear Baraza, Thanks for the incisive analyses. I want to upgrade to a 4X4 but I am wondering which, between the Toyota Fortuner, the Toyota Surf and the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, I should go for. I have not driven any of them but they look quite capable. Kindly give me your views in terms of … Read more
Hi Baraza, I am a regular reader of your column and I must say I appreciate your work, even though I don’t own a car yet. However, I am looking to buy my first car, and I have in my sights a Toyota RunX/Allex, Toyota Spacio and a Peugeot 206. Please advice me on the … Read more
For some people, 2012 is the year when the world as we know it will come to an end. For me, 2012 will be marked down as The Year of Great Surprises, one of which was a Mahindra vehicle. If the world actually does end, that will be another (stop laughing at the back, please, … Read more