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
Baraza, I understand that turbo-charged cars perform better than naturally aspirated engine ones. So, what exactly is the effect of a turbocharger on a car? Does it increase the horsepower, stability, or pick-up speed? And does a turbo-charged Nissan B13 stand a chance against an NA Subaru Legacy? And do tuned engines perform better than … Read more
Hi Baraza, What is your take on the Kenyan government supplying police officers and provincial administration with the Cherry Tiggo cars? Are the cars the best they can use, considering that countries like the US use patrol cars that cannot be sold to the public, such as the Ford Victoria Crown and Dodge? Is there … Read more
Dear Baraza, In your column last week, you mentioned that the Nissan Pathfinder is a dressed-up Navara. I could not agree more, and this remark reminded me of an experience I had with traffic police officers out to nab motorists exceeding the speed limit just before Naivasha on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway a while back. I … Read more
Baraza, I have a Toyota Prado, model KZJ95, which I love as it is a lot of fun to ride in. However, I have two problems which I hope you can help me sort out. The first concerns consumption. The car is a 3.0 diesel and yet it consumes fuel as if crude is going … Read more
Hi Baraza, Thank you for the informative articles on motoring. I would like you to clarify something about Subarus. Are they the strongest and most powerful cars around? I am saying this because all the people I have come across driving Subarus are big-headed and arrogant on the road. They go to the extreme of … Read more
Hi Baraza, I want to upgrade my current vehicle to either a Toyota Mark X, 2499cc or Volkswagen Passat CC, 1799cc. Both being second-hand, auto and petrol engine. Kindly advise me on the pros and cons of running these two vehicles in the Kenyan environment. Bethi ———————— The pros and cons of running these two … Read more
Dear Sir, I have a 1996 Toyota Corolla 110 that I love so much since it’s my first car, but everyone else thinks that’s wasted love — especially my mum and my girlfriend — so I want to sell it and buy a used SUV. Considering the local roads, what should I go for on … Read more
Hi Baraza, I have owned a Toyota Verossa for the past two years and I am aware that you included it in your list of most ugly cars, and that one of your readers requested guidance on whether to go for a Verossa or a Premio (DN2 Dec, 7). Surely, looks should not be the … Read more
Hi JM, I have an auto 2002 Forester that I would say is quite economical. My wife bought a five-speed manual 2004 Forester that has nearly the same peak power but is far more economical in terms of fuel consumption. While I spend a thousand bob to Thika and back to Nairobi, she will spend … Read more