BY JAMES GATHERU
We live in tough times, and it calls for a bit of planning to go about life. With fuel prices escalating every other day, it is wise to choose a car that is affordable, economical, and low maintenance.
The Kenyan roads display a wide selection of cars, from the big machines to the tiny ones. It is no longer about the models, but economic strategy. To help you get a new set of economic wheels, we have compiled a list of five different cars that are affordable to run.
Toyota Passo
Toyota Passo is an affordable option starting from Sh550,000 for a used one in Kenya to about 1mn for a slightly newer one from Japan. There is a five-seater range and seven-seater known as Passo Sette.The car is spacious and has an attractive luggage area that can be customized to carry more.
It can double up as a business or family car, making life easier for business people. It has an attractive low fuel consumption of up to 22.5km/L on average. This car has an excellent ground clearance of 6.3 inches, managing to clear bumps and rough roads with ease. Its service parts are also widely available and affordable in Kenya, with most shops along Kirinyaga road and the industrial area stocking them.
Honda Fit
You can get yourself a Honda Fit starting from Sh750,000 for a local used one to about 2mn for a current imported model. This 5-seater hatchback is gaining popularity due to its quality and reliability.
Fit is one of the best cars to double up as a business and family car. It has cabin space that comfortably accommodates five adults for long-distance travel. It comes with a tilting steering and adjustable driver seat for the comfort of the driver.
The boot space is large enough for a family of five and carries a large amount of luggage. It can also be customized to make more room, not forgetting the shelves under the boot floor. Fit has a favorable low fuel economy of 20.0km/L with better stability and ride quality. Honda Fit has a good resale value. The spare parts are readily available and affordable from Honda Kenya on Mombasa road and other genuine Honda stockists.
Toyota Vitz
Though it’s commonly termed a car for newbies, it still has an overwhelming love from its users, who swear by its economic status. For as low as Sh700,000 for a local one to 1.5mn for an imported one. Vitz has a great resale value no wonder it has broken the records of being the best option for most Kenyans.
The newer version of Toyota is broader and more prolonged than previous generations. It has an angular body style with a sporty look and an upgrade of alloy rims, fog lights, blinkers, and side mirrors. Its attractive fuel consumption of 20.8km/L is beautiful and affordable to the Kenyan economy. Vitz’s spare parts are widely available and affordable across the major cities.
Nissan Note
Nissan Note offers an attractive price starting from Sh650,000 for a locally used one to about 2mn for an imported new model from Japan. Over the years, Nissan models have gained popularity with Note being one of the decent hatchbacks in Kenya.
Note boasts a spacious interior that can comfortably take five adults. It has an immense boot size like that of Toyota Ractis that can be customized by folding the rear seats easily. Its fuel economy is also quite low at 25.2km/L and has a 41L fuel tank capacity. The car is ideally powered by its 1200cc engine with its spare parts readily available and affordable across the major towns in Kenya.
Toyota Ractis
Toyota Ractis is a big hit in the Kenyan market thanks to its affordability, excellent fuel economy, and spacious cabin. For only Sh700,000 to 1.8mn you get yourself an imported slightly used car from Japan.
Ractis has a spacious cabin with a high roof and flat floor, making it very comfortable for long drives. The seats are set at an elevated position creating a natural seating position with a clear road view.
Toyota Ractis has the largest boot for a hatchback with about 429L of cargo space. It doubles up so well as a business and family car, making it highly favorable among Kenyans. When more space is needed, you can customize the rear seats by folding them. Its fuel economy of 21.8km/L is commendable for the Kenyan roads. It has a good resale value and readily available spare parts at affordable costs around the major cities.
All these cars have one thing in common – they are highly efficient and economical. Should you want an all-season vehicle, the ones on this list fit you at all times.
–Writer is the managing director of AJ Safaris
