How To Buy A Second Hand Car In Kenya

Buying a car is a huge financial decision that will have a direct effect on your present and future spending. That’s why it’s important to make the best decision early on, especially if you are buying a second hand car

Continue reading

The Best 10 Fuel Efficient Cars To Buy In Kenya

It is no secret that the cost of fuel in Kenya this year has reached record breaking levels, with the price of Super retailing at KES 127.14 per liter and Diesel at KES 107.66 per liter. With prices expected to climb to as high as KES 130 per liter in the coming weeks, many car owners are looking to invest in cars that are the best when it comes to fuel economy, or use alternative energy sources instead! As Kenya continues to advance in infrastructure and tech, we believe that it is more prudent and economical for drivers to lean towards electric and hybrid options, not just for their pockets, but for the environment too! With verified service provides like ourselves in the market today, it is possible to own and take care of such cars locally.

The team at Carhoot took the time to compile a list of of ten vehicles we think are suitable for Kenyan roads and excellent when it comes to make savings based on fuel consumption.

 

1. Honda Insight

The Honda Insight may not be the prettiest sedan in the market, but what it lacks in aesthetic appeal, it makes up for in fuel consumption. This conventional looking hybrid is popular across the world thanks to its enjoyable driving experience and spacious interior that blends both practicality and comfort quite well. It bears very many similarities to its extremely popular cousin, the Honda Civic and the main difference between both models is that the Insight uses a non-conventional power supply to make it more efficient.

Despite being a hybrid, the Insight surpasses expectations and other hybrids in the market because it’s just as quick as any regularly powered sedan, and much faster than its competitors, while still being extremely impressive when it comes to fuel economy.

PRICE RANGE : KES 800,000 to KES 3.27 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

2. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is the world’s best selling and most popular hybrid car for very many good reasons and is the industry benchmark for all hybrids to date. With the steady rise of fuel costs and the common fact that Kenya is known as a Toyota loving nation, it is no surprise that we are seeing more and more of them on our roads.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Prius meets industry expectations easiluy, but where Toyota outshines it’s competitors with the Prius is through the incredibly smooth driving experience and the fact that they are providing more cargo space, comfort and superior technology than any other hybrid car maker. They also invested heavily in installing amazing infotainment features that will leave any driver feeling like a child on Christmas!

PRICE RANGE : KES 1.1 Million to KES 3.75 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

 

3. Toyota Corolla

 
 

The Toyota Corolla holds a dear place in many hearts across the country, as it was once considered the most popular car in Kenya. The queen of fuel efficiency, this car was loved because of it’s incredible value and ability to check off all the standard boxes. With a spacy interior and revamped aesthetics, the newer and much prettier Toyota Corolla is the car that just keeps on giving. Toyota is also rolling out an SUV version of this fan-favourite next year, dubbed the Toyota Corolla Cross, and we can not wait to see how it drives!

PRICE RANGE : KES 820,000 to KES 3.1 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

4. Honda Fit Hybrid

The Honda Fit Hybrid is a technological auto-masterpiece whose design seems like it was almost specially made for Kenyans who have to deal with the endless traffic and constant roadworks that have become part and parcel of Nairobi. The Hybrid is the much cooler and more efficient sibling of the extremely popular Honda Fit with the main difference being captured in its name. The Fit offers confident and smooth acceleration and its lightness adds to its appeal. We also love how it looks, because unlike other hybrid models (not mentioning names) it’s cute and cool design, small and adequately sized lights and spacious boot make it more loveable! Not only is this economical car great to look at, but it’s competitive pricing and affordability make it an excellent choice.

PRICE RANGE : KES 1,000,000 to KES 2.35 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

5. Mazda Axela

The Mazda Axela or Mazda 3 maybe be overshadowed by it’s popular sibling, the Mazda Demio, but do not be fooled, because under the hood of this sleek medium sized hatchback is one of the most efficient fuel engines in the world! This hidden gem has been known to offer drivers up to 16.4 Km per liter! The Axela also provides drivers with both great looking exteriors and interiors, and amazing on-road driving experience. You can hit the gas pedal confidently knowing that you will get enough speed to put a smile on your face without worrying too much about your fuel tank!

PRICE RANGE : KES 1.3 Million to KES 3.6 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

6. Volkswagen Golf

Despite the German brand tag this compact hatchback is not a guzzler. The Volkswagen Golf‘s is classy, extremely, fun-to-drive and boasts and impressive consumption of 6 Litres per 100 Km on a highway with 147 Horsepower with its mist efficient version (1.4 litre engine 5-speed manual). With it’s compact size, it makes for convenient driving and parking, whether you are navigating city streets or in the mood for a quick road trip. We were happy to learn that the 2021 Golf GTE also comes in an electric option. If you are a Volkswagen fan and are looking to buy something else, the Volkswagen Jetta is a great alternative.

PRICE RANGE : KES 1.2 Million to KES 3.1 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

7. Toyota Vitz or Toyota Yaris

Loved by men, women and ride-share drivers, the Toyota Vitz has been celebrated for its amazing fuel economy for many years. This rally winning little beast comes in a 1.0l, 1.2l and 1.5l engine variety, with a huge fuel tank for its size at 42 litres and an even more impressive consumption rate. Though it takes a bit of time to build up it’s speed, once it get’s moving it is literally unstoppable! Aside from it’ conveneient size, this compact hatchback is perfect for navigating city streets and is one of the most affordable cars in the market.

PRICE RANGE : KES 650,000 to KES 1.8 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

 

8. Mazda Demio

The Mazda Demio redefined the compact hacthback market in Kenya, in direct competition with the Toyota Vitz and Nissan March. The Demio is a fan favourite thanks to it’s stylish exterior and amazing drive, transitioning well from it’s natural city setting to other environments. The Demio or Mazda 2 as it is also known, on top of having impressive fuel economy, is also considerably affordable and readily available in the market.

PRICE RANGE : KES 750,000 to KES 1.8 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

9. Mitsubishi Mirage

Though not a popular player in the local Kenyan market, the Mistubishi Mirage‘s affordability and fuel economy make it hard to ignore. This hatchback’s 1.2 liter engine provides drivers with an impressive 5.47 liters per 100km consumption rate, and it’s spacious boot space is an added bonus. If you are in the market for a budget friendly fuel efficient city car, that’s a bit different from what everyone else is driving then this is a great pocket friendly option for you

PRICE RANGE : KES 600,000 to KES 1.65 Million (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)

 

10. Mazda Verisa

The Mazda Verisa can most accurately be descirbed as Mazda’s own attempt at recreating the Mini Cooper. Aesthetically, the similarities are hard to miss, but under the hood, is where you will find the real differences to set these two cars apart. The Verisa boasts an impressive fuel economy of 17.2km per lieter! The reason the Verisa is a fan favourite for those who know, is because of it’s sturdy engine and light weight that allows it to accelerate in a steady linear progression without any noticeable loss of powerduring the climb! It’s market price is also quite favourable.

PRICE RANGE : KES 500,000 to KES 800,000 (Depending on the Year of Manufacture)