After fixing the overheating, problem in my Toyota Caldina’s D4 engine, fuel consumption went from an average of 10-11km/l to an average of 7-8km/l. I would now like to replace the engine with a new 1.8 engine from a Toyota Caldina or Premio. My mechanic says that this change is not possible because the gearbox … Read more
Dear Baraza, The President has conspicuously changed the ceremonial vehicle from the traditional Land Rover to the Toyota Land Cruiser VX. Apart from the bullet-proof glass, how do the two vehicles compare for such a noble task, or was the president literally driving home a turn-East point? –King’ori Wangechi. Hello Sir, I believe His Excellency … Read more
Dear Baraza, I am an ardent reader of your column and this time round need your advice on BMW X5 versus the 2006 Land Rover Discovery 3. I am basically looking at maintenance, fuel consumption, and occasional upcountry off-road usage. Another issue of concern to me is the passenger capacity and boot space. Also, kindly … Read more
Hi Baraza, Thanks for your informative page in DN2. Two quick questions: 1. What is the meaning of “common rail engine” in VW Touareg? 2. Why do vehicles with a common rail engine require more care than other engine types? Thanks in advance, Charles 1. The common rail feature in an engine is a type … Read more
Hello Braza, Thank you very much for your advice on tyre size. It worked perfectly. I have one other question. Somebody advised me to be changing my gear selection to N (Neutral) when going downhill in order to save fuel. Is this true? Does it have any adverse effect on the vehicle, especially when I … Read more
Hello Baraza, What are the in-trend features in the new Toyota Hilux D4D, the Nissan Hardbody, the Nissan Navara, and the Mitsubishi L200? Which of these, in your opinion, is likely to out-sell the other, based on consumer satisfaction, pricing and durability? That is one elaborate question you have there. The Hilux D4D started off … Read more
Hello Baraza, Thank you for the good work; it is educating. I intend to buy a vehicle for an airport transfers contract and I am eyeing a Toyota Premio (1800cc), a Toyota Voxy, and a Toyota Noah, all 2005 or 2006 models. From my research, I am likely to get both the Voxy and Noah … 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 have always wanted to know, what is the difference between a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and a Toyota Land Cruiser VX based on the usual indicators, that is, on and off road prowess and stability, fuel consumption, availability of spares, purchase price, luggage room, comfort, and so on? Is the Toyota Fortuner … Read more