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…
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….
So you have decided you finally need a car but you’re not sure which one. Or you have decided to upgrade from your current car but not sure which way to go. This is the predicament that most of us find ourselves in and sometimes end up making the wrong choices. Below are quick tips on what you should consider when buying a car. Budget This is the realistic amount of money that you can afford to set aside to buy and run the car. Besides the cost of purchase, there are other important costs that people tend to overlook. There are maintenance costs, insurance costs, parking fees, and fuel costs. Just because you have saved some money to buy a car doesn’t mean you’ve solved the whole problem, you’ve solved it halfway. The other half should never be overlooked. Do your homework, find…
Most cars we import into Kenya from Japan and Europe with the exception of 4X4s, do not have the right height for our roads. The main problem, especially for urban drivers, is poorly designed speed bumps. Getting over them requires you to slowly maneuver the vehicle across the bump, and sometimes spillover onto the opposing lane. This is not something you want to go through every day; besides the mental anguish, the cost of repairing a broken transmission is prohibitive. So, what to do? endure the anguish, sell the vehicle, or increase height? Most prefer to increase height but do not know how to properly go about it. Most roadside mechanics are not helpful either as they mostly prescribe solutions that correspond to their level of ignorance. Vehicle modifications that increase height above manufacturer specifications often affect a vehicle’s stability and maneuverability. Besides being…
Your car is hood-up on the side of the road again, and you’re dreading the repair bill. If you’re not sure whether to fix your old car or spend the money on a new one, this guide should offer advice on how to make the most practical choice for your needs, with the help from financial and automotive experts. When should you spend money on repairs? It’s usually less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one, making budget reasons the top choice for repairing the car. Other reasons a repair may be a good choice include: Insurance and registration fees will be higher on a new car. You love your car. Sentimentality is not the most practical argument for fixing a car up, but it’s a real one. When is buying a new car the answer? If you feel like your…