How I Saved Ksh600K When Buying My Subaru XV

‍Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

This week, we feature Mbugua, who shares what it’s like owning a 2015 Subaru XV.

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For some, a car is just a machine. For my family, it’s a tradition. Having previously owned a first-generation Forester and a powerful Legacy BP5 GT, I am now two years into my journey with my third Subaru: the 2015 Subaru XV (Crosstrek) which cost me Ksh1.7 million.

When it came time to acquire the XV in 2022, I skipped the local car yards entirely. By importing the car directly, I realised a massive cost saving of roughly Ksh600,000. 

In the local market, I would have spent about Ksh2.3 million to buy the car.

In a market where dealer margins can be steep, that’s money that stayed in my pocket while still allowing me to get a high-quality, well-optioned unit from Japan.

Also Read: My 2-Year Experience Driving a Ksh2.9M Subaru Forester 

Why the XV?

Coming from a family of Outback owners, the choice of brand was easy, but the model was a strategic pivot. I needed a daily commuter that could handle the city crawl but still hold its own when we headed off-road for family trips.

The standout feature is, of course, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). It makes the car incredibly robust for local Kenyan terrain—offering a level of stability and "grip" that few other compact SUVs can match when the tarmac ends, and the mud begins.

Performance: The 145hp Reality Check

The XV is powered by a 2.0-litre engine, and while it’s efficient—averaging 10.9 km/l in the city and up to 14 km/l on the highway—it isn't exactly a speed demon.

Coming from the turbocharged Legacy BP5 GT, the 145hp in the XV feels quite sluggish when picking up speed. It’s a common wish among XV owners.

I would have loved a turbo option or even the 2.5-litre Outback engine with 184hp. It’s a "steady" car, not a "fast" one, but for a daily commuter, it gets the job done reliably.

Also Read: My 2006 Subaru Forester SG5 is Still Going Strong in 2025

Maintenance

One of the best things about owning an XV in Kenya is that it shares many parts with the Subaru Forester, which is one of the most common cars on our roads. This makes sourcing spare parts remarkably easy.

I stick to a maintenance schedule. I have a regular Service every 10,000 km, costing an average of Ksh15,000.

Additionally, every 40,000 km, I perform a mandatory CVT oil change. Neglecting the CVT is the quickest way to ruin a modern Subaru, so this is a non-negotiable part of my budget.

The Subaru XV isn't perfect—it could definitely use more "oomph" under the hood—but as a versatile, robust, and cost-effective import, it’s hard to beat. 

It’s a car that respects the family tradition of reliability while offering the modern efficiency needed for today’s Nairobi traffic.

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