Hi Baraza, I am in need of a four-wheel-drive, double-cab pick-up that can haul a tonne to and from my farm once a month. I live in Nairobi, about 300 kilometres from the farm, and have homed in on a 2001 Toyota Hilux, 2800cc with a 3L diesel engine, and a 2002 Nissan Hardbody, 3100cc … Read more
Hi Baraza, I have shipped in a Toyota Avensis from the UK and have been told of certain concerns regarding the car: 1. That parts are not locally available; I will have to get some spares, such as suspensions and ball joints, from Dubai. 2. That body parts can only be found upon placing a … Read more
The Birth of Great Run: In the world of petrolheads, a “run” is simply a drive from here to there, and possibly back to here. It has nothing to do with the Olympic Games — even though “run” is also a word whose meaning our Olympic athletes seem to have forgotten. However, depending on the … Read more
Dear Baraza, Thanks for your entertaining and informative column. After seeing your low opinion of electric cars and their potential in Kenya (Daily Nation, June 27, 2012), I want to offer an alternative view. It is clear that electric cars are the future, with oil supplies peaking and air pollution reaching critical levels in most … Read more
Hello Baraza, Kindly enlighten me on the difference between the ordinary super petrol and the V-Power fuel sold by Shell. I drive a supercharged Vitz — RS 1600cc — and have tried using both fuel types and experienced no difference at all in terms of speed, performance and kilometres per litre. Let me hear from … Read more
Hi Baraza, 1. Do electric vehicles stand a chance in Kenya? 2. Is it possible to convert a car to use electricity? If so, what are the pros and cons of implementing such an idea in Kenya? Nick 1. At the moment, not a chance in hell. 2. Yes, but the costs and labour involved … 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
Baraza, Recently, a rain storm in South C tried to convert my Nissan B15 into a yacht; the water line was just below (about 1 cm) the side wind windows. It refused to float and ended up taking in water. Once safe, I got it towed to higher ground and left it overnight to get … Read more
JM, Let me state from the get go that I’m an irredeemable petrolhead through and through. Having said that, I’ve made some observations that I suspect are not unique to Kenyan roads, such as the fact that most accidents are the handiwork of drivers with “unschooled” blood, you know, the kind that think they are … 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