Fuel consumption is a point of concern for many drivers and car buyers. Fuel prices affect everyone and with the rising costs, most people opt for cars with lower fuel consumption as they are more economical. Additionally, it’s better for the environment if your car isn’t a fuel guzzler. Without proper care and good driving, you can increase your car’s fuel consumption by up to 30%. That’s quite a significant amount that can be prevented. Here are some driving tips to minimize your car’s fuel consumption. Avoid Carrying Too Much Weight Make sure your car as light as possible before driving. Remove any unnecessary items that are on the heavy side. According to a study done, every 50Kgs adds 2% more fuel consumption. So, assuming you’re carrying one adult plus yourself with a combined weight of 150Kgs, that’s already a 6% fuel consumption increase….
Buying a secondhand car is much like buying any secondhand item. The risks and rewards might be bigger since it’s a big purchase. However, you’ll encounter similar ups and downs as we discussed in Pros & Cons Of Buying A Locally Used Car. This also happens to be the most preferred method of acquiring a car, especially in the Kenyan market. Therefore, deciding whether to buy a secondhand car is only half the battle. A lot of things come into play that you should keep in mind. Here are some things to consider when buying a secondhand car. Do Your Research It’s not as simple as contacting a seller and buying the car. You need to ensure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Research on the car’s resale value, if it has any common defects and how suitable it is to your needs….
To most people, a petrol engine might seem better than a diesel engine. This assumption is based on their efficiency, convenience and availability in the market. However, to be fair, most people lack enough information about the two types of engines and what each has to offer. The truth is, it’s not as simple as saying a petrol engine car is better than a diesel engine car or vice versa. Therefore, if you’re having this debate, here are some things to take into account. Performance Petrol engines have racecar-like performance. In terms of acceleration, petrol engines are quicker than diesel engines. Since diesel fuel is thicker, it requires a heavy engine which contributes to the car’s weight and acceleration time. Additionally, petrol engines are finely refined, which leads to quick burning. The lighter machinery contributes to faster acceleration time. However, the higher density of…
Buying a car is one of the biggest decisions to make since it’s a long term commitment. Everything has to be right including the type and reliability. You also have to decide whether you want a new or used car. In Kenya, buying a used car is a common method to own the car of your dreams. However, there are untold truths that can sway your decision. Whether good or bad, these are some of the things to keep in mind before buying a used car. Pros Affordable Since you’re not paying for import duty and customs fees, buying a locally used car is quite affordable. The insurance cost is also quite low in a used car compared to a new car. Not to mention, you can negotiate with the seller to bring the price even lower. Fast Acquisition If you’re looking to own…
By working on the basics, Mazda created the Skyactiv technology that elevates the car’s performance to new heights. It offers more than just an efficient engine but a full range of technologies including the chassis, transmission and body that work together for optimum performance. Mazda came up with the Skyactiv technology to equip its cars with the latest technology without compromising its designs, drive and feel. From 2011, Mazda cars came with Skyactiv technology starting with the Mazda Axela. Mazda now boasts of some of the best performance cars with pleasant driving experience. From cleaner emission engines to smoother transmissions, here’s what the Skyactiv technology is all about. Clean Engines This innovation was inspired by the need to produce safe and environmental friendly cars in line with the new emissions policies. To ensure that their engines were on top of these standards, Mazda produced…
The 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show is where carmakers and lovers alike meet to share their passion for cars. Car lovers are treated to a variety of displays from big manufacturers while the carmakers showcase their new projects. This year, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the event as many car companies had teased on something exciting. From Land Rover unveiling the Defender to Volkwagen changing its logo, here are the highlights from the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. VW Changes Logo As the world waited for Volkswagen to unveil its electric car, the company gave its fans a double treat as they unveiled a new version of its logo as well. The VW logo has gradually changed over the years since its conception in 1937. However, this will be one of the most dramatic changes it’s undergone. Apart from a slimmer font, the company…
Following the success of the first-generation Subaru Chiffon that was in production from 2016 to 2019, Subaru has released the second-generation in July 2019. It’s a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Tanto which is supplied to Subaru under an OEM agreement. In Japan, its classified as a Kei car which is the smallest car category, while in Kenya, it’s classified as a mini passenger van. It compares closely with the Suzuki Spacia with which they share many similarities such as the body styling and interior space. The Interior It seats 4 people in a two-row configuration with some space to spare for luggage. The seating arrangement is comfortable with long sliding seats that allow the cabin to be adjusted for various applications such as carrying people or luggage. The high roof and walk through space make it practical for people to move in between…
It has been said before that information is power and nowhere is this more relevant than when buying a car. Having the right information can save you money and get you a car that fits your requirements. If you are like me, then you are particular with your requirements. Things such as body color, interior trim, and the actual cost of the car matter a lot to me. I don’t want to buy a car and later realize I was shafted by a dealer and could easily have saved 300K had I imported the car myself. Importing a Car into Kenya from Japan or the UK Over 90% of the cars sold in Kenya are imported either from Japan or the UK. These markets are highly transparent and much of the fraud we hear about is engineered by Kenyan and Pakistani middlemen….