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
Hello Baraza, I own a Toyota Premio, year 2000 model, and would like to upgrade to a Camry or Mark X. I do not do a lot of out-of-town driving — maybe three times a year to western Kenya and five times to Nakuru — so I need the cars mostly for town service. I … Read more
Hi Baraza, I understand the Russians make some of the best war planes and tanks, but rarely do we see Russian products on our roads, like the Niva, or the Kamaz, which I understand has won the Dakar Rally nine times in a row. Tell me about the Lada Niva and the Mazda 6 Joe … 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
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
Dear Baraza, I’d like to know how the Ford Everest (you rarely talk about it, why?), Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Prado compare with regard to: (a) Fuel consumption (please don’t bash me, I’m so keen on this!). (b) Performance on rough and tarmac roads. (c) Durability. (d) Availability of spare parts. (e) General maintenance costs. … 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
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 learnt a lot about cars through your column, thanks. I own a Lancer Cedia wagon 2001 model that has a GDI and turbo 1830cc engine. I like it because its pretty powerful compared to my bro’s “flimsy” Toyota Fielder. Now, If I may ask: 1. I was told that the turbo … Read more
Hi Baraza, I have a Toyota 104L Extra, which I bought in 2009. I have never experienced any mechanical or fuel consumption problems with it. However, I have fallen in love with the new model Subaru Forester non-turbo, so I want to sell the Toyota and buy the Subaru. Problem is that people have been … Read more