Having a Car is slowly becoming a necessity as opposed to it being a luxury as it once was deemed. Gone are the days when you would buy a car, and folks ask if you also have a title deed as if owning a car before owning land was a crime. Not to say that having land isn’t important, to me they are apples and oranges, misguided? I know, but I digress. I went on a prowl for the most efficient cars, and I came up with a list based on purchase price, maintenance, and fuel consumption, debatable of course. Nevertheless, I put in some real work on research. Here are my five of the most affordable purchase, maintenance and fuel consumption wise…
Toyota.
Toyota is undoubtedly the most common vehicle on Kenyan roads and with good reason. It is affordable, very fuel efficient and also cost effective when it comes to ware and tare. Also, there is the massive availability of spare parts in the country which makes repairs quiet affordable.
When it comes to fuel consumption, Toyota has a variety of vehicles with engine capacities of as low as 1000 cc making it one of the most fuel efficient vehicles. Also to note is that Toyota has the highest resale value of all vehicles in Kenya.
Case in point. Toyota Belta. This is the sedan version of the Toyota Vitz. Comes in variations of 1.0 litre (3 cylinder 996 cc), 1.3 liter (4 cylinder 1296 cc), 1.5 liter (4 cylinder 1497 cc). The 1300cc is estimated to go 19.6 KM on a single liter of Petrol.
The 1300cc is estimated to go 19.6 KM on a single liter of Petrol.
Minimum Cost 600,000k
Volkswagen (VW)
The Volkswagen is a German engineered vehicle, synonymous with all machinery German is that perfection is strived for at all costs. The VW comes in second on my list as it is a costlier option when purchasing. When it comes to the breakdown rate and fuel consumption, the Volkswagen takes the day easy. It is more durable than all the other Japan built machines.
On Kenyan roads, you are likely to spot the VW Golf TDI. It costs on average 700,000 Ksh to purchase that is the older model, the newer models cost way more.
Case in point VW Golf TDI. The 1.6 L Diesel Engine goes 20KM on a single liter of fuel.
2007 VW Golf TDI
Cost 700,000K
Mazda
The Mazda is slowly gaining traction in the car market, especially with its release of the Mazda2 alias Demio that rivals the Toyota Vitz. It has an edge over the Vitz because of its contours that make it look elegant. On average, a used Demio costs about 600,000 Ksh depending on the maintenance and mileage.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, Mazda has vehicles that vary in engine capacities from 1000cc onwards making it another economical choice. Spare parts for the Mazda are also readily available.
Case in point. Mazda Demio. Comes in variations of the 1300 cc engine and the 1500cc engine. Estimated to go 15 KM on a single liter of Petrol.
Cost 600,000k
Honda
Honda is a Japan made brand. It is making steady strides in the automobile industry as the brand realizes a variety of vehicles that fit every occasion.
Honda Fit is one of the cars that is very popular on the Kenyan roads. This hatchback has received rave reviews on many platforms online. It is lauded for being spacious; it does not break down quickly, and it is very economical when it comes to fuel consumption. The only downside shared by many users is that the car is not powerful enough for the Kenyan terrains.
Case in Point: Honda Fit. 1500cc Estimated to go 18KM on a liter of Petrol
Cost:
Nissan
Nissans were once a favorite but have since been falling off the crowd’s favorite list. One of the most popular Nissan is the Nissan Wingroad model. It goes for as low 400,000 Ksh on most online car selling platforms making it one of the most affordable to purchase. However, it is not very efficient on fuel consumption. Upon research, most users of this vehicle attested that its breakdown rate is higher compared with Toyota or a Mazda. Another point to note is that Nissans are not aesthetically gifted, and the resale value is also low.
Case in Point. Nissan Wingroad. The 1500cc is estimated to go 13Km on a liter of Petrol.
Minimum Cost 400,000
*Note: Data on price was collected from various online platforms including Cheki.co.ke and Pata Gari Online.
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