MOTION | POWER | ADVANCEMENT

Evos, STis, Q7s, and why a smaller engine is not always economical

Hi Baraza, I have a number of questions, but before I begin you must agree that Subarus are miles ahead of Mitsubishis. Look at this tyranny of machines: Subaru WRS STi may be outdone by the Evo, but the Forester will outdo the Outlander and the Airtrek. So, who is the winner in the ‘majority … Read more

The Forester’s bigger engine and weight make it more costly to run than the Allex

Hi, I recently bought a second-hand 2006, turbo-charged, 1990cc Subaru Forester LL Bean edition and have noticed a significant change in my budget on fuel (I initially owned a Toyota Allex 2002 with a 1490cc engine). I knew the larger engine size would consume a bit more but the disparity is sizeable. Could it have … Read more

I prefer a first-generation Vitara to the tiny, bouncy Camis and Jimnys

Dear Baraza, I have been wondering why you answer questions only from people who drive big and expensive cars? This is the third mail I am sending, although I can already tell you won’t respond – if at all you care to read it. Now to my question: Which small SUV would you go for … Read more

Your engine’s faulty; Demios don’t normally make tractor-like sounds

Hello Baraza, I really love your column and look forward to the Wednesday issue of the Daily Nation. I hope you will respond to my mail this time round. Now on to my question: I have a 2005 Mazda Demio and of late, I have been seriously disturbed by a noise coming from under the … Read more

Our dirty diesel will kill your Touareg, Audi, Range Rover and Discovery

Hello, First off let me start by saying I am not to sure my question is going to the intended recipient. Still, I seem to have stumbled upon a quagmire of a situation in picking the right luxury SUV for myself, and I’m split between a BMW X5, a Volkswagen Touareg and an Audi Q7, … Read more

Any car can ferry president round a 400-metre track

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

The Merc 180’s main problem is the battery and wiper motor

I recently bought a ’99 Mercedes Benz C180 (? 202). Having driven other cars, namely, Toyota, Daihatsu Rocky and Honda, I must say this car is a different thing all together. The engine delivers real power effortlessly, the handling is very smooth and the fear of excessive consumption, I discovered, is unfounded because its consumption … Read more

Getting a VW is fine, but forget about the TDI engine for now

Hi Baraza, I am a loyal reader of your articles and appreciate the work you are doing, giving advice on vehicles. I am looking to purchase a vehicle. I would like a car that is well built and does not cost much in terms of maintenance. I was considering a VW Golf or Jetta with … Read more

Has the gearbox of your VW Golf conked out? Join the club!

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

Chevrolet Utility and Hino 500, the game has just changed

Chevrolet Utility half-tonne pick-up What is it? This is General Motors’ smallest commercial vehicle on sale currently. It is a tiny little pick-up meant for small deliveries. When I say small, I mean cargo not exceeding two metres in length, two metres wide and 500kg mass. It is a weird-looking thing, with an unusual face, … Read more

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