This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
Car Buying Advice: VW Golf, Mazda Axela, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Fielder Compared ¶
Are you in the market for your first car? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. In this article, we'll compare the VW Golf, Mazda Axela, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Fielder, discussing maintenance costs, spare part availability, and overall ride experience.
Published on June 16, 2020, by Baraza JM.
Evans, a first-time car buyer, reached out to us for advice on which car to choose. He mentioned that he enjoys driving and is looking for a car that can handle road trips with his young family. After considering his requirements, we recommend the Toyota Fielder as the best option, followed closely by the VW Golf and Mazda Axela.
When it comes to maintenance costs, the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Fielder are the most affordable options. The Impreza is a hardy vehicle that requires regular oil changes to maintain its engine. On the other hand, the Fielder is relatively simple and has common parts, making it easier to find spare parts.
However, the VW Golf and Mazda Axela are not far behind in terms of maintenance costs. They are still relatively cheap to own and run, especially with regular preventative maintenance. The Golf and Axela are more sensitive to mistreatment, but their spare parts are still relatively affordable.
Regarding spare part costs and availability, the Subaru and Toyota stand out as having the most affordable options. The VW Golf and Mazda Axela, on the other hand, have more expensive spare parts, especially for the turbocharged models.
Overall, the VW Golf offers the best ride experience, followed closely by the Mazda Axela and Subaru Impreza. The Toyota Fielder, while not the best in terms of ride experience, is still a reliable option.
One thing to note is that the VW Golf has had issues with its gearbox and engine in the past. However, these issues have been largely resolved with the Mk. V generation. The turbocharged Golf models have also been known to have engine issues, such as oil consumption and engine failure.
As for the Mazda CX-5 diesel, we advise against it due to its failure-prone engine. The rotary engine in the RX-8 is also not recommended due to its high oil consumption and shortened engine life.
Finally, if you're looking to buy a locally used car within the budget of Sh300,000 - Sh450,000, we recommend considering the Subaru, Nissan, or Mitsubishi options. These brands offer reliable and fuel-efficient cars that can meet your requirements.
