Hello Baraza, I have previously owned a Toyota AE100 and 110. I now believe it is time for upgrade. I am looking for a used car that won’t cost more than Sh2m. Though I mostly drive in urban areas, I won’t mind a four-wheel drive (4WD). I am looking for stability, safety, comfort and manageable fuel cost. … Read more
Hi JM, Could you please explain to us this small mystery… Many versatile 4x4s like the (police) Landcruisers have free-spinning front hubs which you must physically get out into the mud to lock before engaging four-wheel drive. This free-wheeling, we were told long ago, enhances fuel consumption on tarmac by reducing drag on the front … Read more
Hello Mr Baraza, I’m interested in buying a Subaru Impreza but there are some things I don’t understand, so I need some clarification: 1. What’s the difference between an Impreza plain, Impreza WRX and an Impreza WRX STi? 2. What are the pros and cons of a non-turbo Impreza and one with a turbo with … Read more
Hi Baraza, I am looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient car that will not give me too much trouble. I have narrowed my choice down to the new model Toyota Vitz going for Sh650,000, Nissan Tiida wagon at Sh710,000, and Subaru Impreza at Sh800,000. I want to use the car to drive to and from work … Read more
Dear Baraza, I have been reading your column and find it quite interesting and informative. I am a car importer specialising in Volkswagen Golfs. The past year has been tough for me as I imported three Golf vehicles from Japan and they have given me transmission problems since they landed in Mombasa. I find this … Read more
Hallo Baraza, I want to purchase my first car and I’m in love with the Subaru Impreza (LA-GG3, 1500cc). Some of my friends are advising me to instead opt for a Toyota 100, 110, G-Touring or Allion, based on the following arguments; 1. The Subaru Impreza 1500cc consumes more fuel than a Toyota of the … Read more
People can be very unusual sometimes… May 28, 2013 03h00 (3 in the morning) Ring, ring… Caller 1: Hello, is this the Great Run? Me: Yes sir, this is the Great Run. Caller 1: What exactly is this Great Run? Me: The Great Run is an endurance driving event… etc (*see definition below) Caller 1: … Read more
Hi Baraza, I drive a Subaru Impreza 2005 model, 1500cc, AWD, automatic transmission. The car is having a “thud feeling” while shifting from drive to reverse/parking and/or when switching off (the same feel that you get when you release the clutch abruptly on a manual transmission car while on drive). There is also a feeling … Read more
Hi Baraza, I have this weird obsession with tuned WRX /STi monsters but every time I praise them near my ‘ethical’ and ‘professional’ friends, they dismiss the cars as anti-social and ‘bad boy’ rides. What’s even worse is that many of my friends deem the cars as the Number One killer on our roads, and … Read more
Hi Baraza, Congratulations for the excellent job you’re doing. I have two questions: 1. Please give a critical analysis of the following high-end 4X4s: Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7, BMW X6, Porshe Cayenne, VW Touareg and Mercedes M-class and G-Class. Comment on performance on and off road, intelligence, comfort, safety, longevity and fuel … Read more