MOTION | POWER | ADVANCEMENT

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

Do Subarus really wear faster than Toyotas? I don’t think so

Hallo Baraza, I want to purchase my first car and I’m in love with the Subaru Impreza (LA-GG3, 1500cc). Some of my friends are advising me to instead opt for a Toyota 100, 110, G-Touring or Allion, based on the following arguments; 1. The Subaru Impreza 1500cc consumes more fuel than a Toyota of the … Read more

Have Sh3 million? These are the 4WD options for you

Hi Baraza I’m looking for a fancy, low-maintenance, hardy, four-wheel-drive mainly for use in city roads but with an occasional off-road run on not-so-rough terrain. My budget is below Sh3 million. I have narrowed my attention to the VW Touareg, Toyota Lexus/Harrier RX3000, Nissan Murano, Subaru Tribeca and a Hyundai (can’t remember the series). I’m, … Read more

Should I expect better fuel economy?

Hi Baraza, Thanks for your informative column. I have two questions: 1. I have a Peugeot 405 station wagon on which I did an overhaul recently, even though I had been servicing it regularly with the best available oil and other consumables. All the bearings, crankshaft, and rings were “standard” (had not worn to the … Read more

Why do Touareg common rail engines require more care?

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

Can I drive my Toyota Mark X without the oxygen sensors?

Hi Barasa, I have owned a Toyota Mark X, 2005 model for six months. Last week, it started showing the check engine light. A diagnostic revealed one of its oxygen sensors had stopped functioning. Is it ok to still drive it? A lot of Mark X have these problems. Also, when I press on the … Read more

The Benz Wagen will go where no Audi Q7 would dare

Hello Baraza, I drive a Mercedes Benz G Wagen while my husband drives an Audi Q7. We will be in Iten for six weeks, during which I will have to drive 12 kilometres off road every morning down and up the Kerio Valley as I trail him on his running track. I would like your … Read more

What is the problem with modern diesel engines?

Hi Baraza,I recently bought a second-hand VW Touareg with a five-cylinder TDI engine from the UK. While I love the car (after replacing the shocks), I fear I may have not done my pre-purchase selection well enough as I have been informed that local agents refused to stock diesel Touaregs due to a potential mismatch … Read more

I’m moving back to Kenya, what car should I buy?

Hi Baraza, Your column is like a special motoring university. Kudos! I am moving back to Kenya from the UK at the end of the year and intend to reward myself with a car after my studies. I have identified the following used cars based on how much I want to spend (both cost here … Read more

Toyota RunX beats the Spacio and Peugeot 206 hands down

Hi Baraza, I am a regular reader of your column and I must say I appreciate your work, even though I don’t own a car yet. However, I am looking to buy my first car, and I have in my sights a Toyota RunX/Allex, Toyota Spacio and a Peugeot 206. Please advice me on the … Read more

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