Why does everybody seem to be inclined to the idea that Toyota is a superior brand? Sure it's got the Vvti technology, so what? Are you aware of the GDI engine from mitsubishi that's the equivalent of Toyota's vvti? What about the VTEC Engine system present in Honda or the CVTC in the Nissan cars? We find ourselves committing the same blunder of purchasing a 13 year old Toyota car at the same price with a 5 year old Nissan all because of the brand name. everyone keeps talking about availability of spare parts forgetting that the only reason Toyota parts are readily available is because these cars are not made to last. Otherwise, why would anyone driving say, a Mitsubishi lancer need spares as often as someone with a Toyota Platz? Does anyone share the same opinion with me?

Ive test driven many cars. Toyotas are good, infact Ive had two which have served me very well. Hondas and Subs are Nice, However,I prefer not spend too much on maintenance. If you put good parts on Toyos they really last, also If your car breaks down anywhere in Kenya you are most likely going to be able to do first aid on the car, Unlike other models which you might have to tow the car to Nairobi. Resale value excellent. I sold my first Toyota 100, at 40k less than I had bought it 2 years earlier

Na BMW 3 Series iko Vipi?

Correction:
GDI (Direct Injection) - The Toyota equivalent is the D4, D4-S engines (and the VW equivalent is FSI).

The Mitsubishi equivalent of VVTi is MIVEC.

It is however true that most modern cars utilize variable valve timing technology to boost torque and improve fuel economy.


Why people are obsessed with Toyota locally?

My 3 bob:

1. Easily available spares - cheap second hand spares. I always do originals though but that's me.
2. Familiarity? Most mechanics are comfortable working with them. For others they prefer to be part of the majority driving toyotas.
3. Reliability - Japanese cars consistently top the reliability indices, so this applies across the board.

If I was to get another Jap car it would probably be a Honda though (mostly because of point #3 - it is at the top).

If I was to get a Euro car, it would probably be a Merc (E Class generally again mostly because of point #3 - probably one of the most reliable euro cars ).

Confession (currently on an old toyo as I focus on 'other things' before replacing the car)

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I forget - the other big reason guys like toyotas is resale value

I too also believed in the reliability of jap cars until I started using a 2005 ford focus zetec 1.6 hatchback in late 2011, after about 16 months of reliable motoring without any issues and how the car handles and performs on the road, I believe this car is up there with the japs in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, running costs as for parts I havnt changed any as the car is in great shape but due to the world wide popularity of the focus getting parts would be relatively easy plus the ford focus is easy on the eyes as it is quite a looker and holds its value really well

Shipping challenges, unlike japan where there is a Roro waiting to be loaded. Pple opt for driving the car here but not sure the BMW being a sensitive car can survive the bad roads between here and SA.

I find BMW very sensitive, na sio gari ya kwenda mashinani kila wakati, haipendi vumbi.

Said to burn oil faster so if you play pennies with it you will have an engine knock on your hands. Synthetic oil, always topped off and changed regularly.

Hahaha. Funny that. Ati haipendi vumbi.. Haha