Compact passenger vans have become quite popular in the Kenyan market scene. If you are planning to get yourself one, here is what it will cost you in initial cost, insurance cover and fuel use estimate cost.

The Japanese produced Toyota Townace is a light commercial and derivative passenger van. The van is fitted with the 1486cc 5K-U engine and 1821cc 2Y-U engine powered by gasoline and two other 1974cc engines powered by diesel. The Toyota Townace goes for KSH989, 170. Its insurance cover is charged at KSH34, 911 while it uses fuel estimated at KSH96, 000.

Nissan AD is an amazing compact van with a comfortable interior and a large space featured with modern equipment. A new Nissan AD goes for KSH629, 250 in the Kenyan market. For insurance, you will pay up to KSH22, 279. It has an average fuel consumption of 28 MPG estimated at KSH88, 800 in total value.

The fourth generation Nissan Serena is also famous. It maintains spacious interior and has ECO mode that automatically stops the engine when the car is not moving to save fuel consumption. It has a wheelbase of 2, 860 mm and a 2.0 liter MR20DD DI I4 engine with Xtronic CVT transmission. This car has a street value of KSH1, 097,060 with insurance costing KSH38, 674. It uses fuel estimated at the cost of KSH102, 000.

Apart from a spacious cabin area, the Toyota Voxy offers an excellent cargo room. It has a street value ranging from KSH1, 762,500 to KSH1, 800, 000. This depends on the year of manufacture, trim level and equipment featured. The insurance for this car costs around KSH61, 611. It uses fuel estimated at the cost of KSH97, 200. You can always increase the engine efficiency by adding Valvematic technology.

Toyota Mark II is believed to be an excellent choice for new car shoppers in Kenya. It is a Japanese manufactured mid-sized sedan fitted with 2L series diesel engines. Toyota Mark II goes for KSH641, 180 while its insurance costs up to KSH22, 702. It uses fuel estimated at a total cost of KSH96, 000.

The above car value figures are as at their market value in 2010. Two factors determine car insurance in Kenya: the type of car- make, model and year of manufacture; and the user’s profile- age, gender, driving experience, number of children and marital status. The above mentioned total costs of fuel are calculated based on three parameters; average driving distance- 12, 000kms/y, average petrol cost- KSH100/l, and the mileage of the car.