Auto Loans
February 6, 2026
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 Bramwel, who shares what it’s like owning a 2017 Nissan Note e-Power.
* * *
When I decided to buy my first car, I wasn't just looking for a way to get from point A to point B; I wanted a "learning machine"—something practical, easy to handle, and technologically forward.
I settled on a 2017 Nissan Note e-Power for Ksh1.35 million, and it has completely redefined my expectations of what a car can do.
The standout feature of this car is the e-Power technology. Unlike a traditional hybrid, the wheels are driven entirely by an electric motor, while the 1200cc engine acts solely as a generator to charge the battery.
The result? An "electric feel" with instant torque and a silent cabin, all while delivering fuel consumption that feels like a cheat code.
On the highway, I’ve seen figures as high as 32 km/l, and even in the heavy crawl of Nairobi traffic, it maintains a friendly 26 km/l. For a first car, it is the ultimate budget-saver in an era of high fuel prices.
Also Read: Driving the Mercedes CLA 220 Has Been a Dream Come True, But There is a Catch
Owning an e-Power isn't exactly the same as owning a standard Note. Because it’s a specialised system, I make sure to service the battery pack every year to keep it in peak health.
My regular oil changes happen every 8,000 km, using the highly specific 0w20 oil. Finding this oil from the local providers has been a challenge, and I’ve had to be quite intentional about my suppliers.
Then there are the bushes. I’ve had to replace them every year, a recurring issue that many Nissan owners will recognise.
Between the specialised battery care and these routine suspension fixes, I spend about Ksh30,000–40,000 a year on maintenance. It’s a fair price for the thousands I save at the petrol station.
Also Read: Small Car, Big Savings: My Ksh500K Investment in a 2012 Mazda Demio
Early on, even something as simple as an air filter was difficult to track down. However, as more Kenyans embrace the e-Power, the local market has caught up, and parts are becoming significantly easier to find.
My biggest gripe, however, is the ground clearance. The Note e-Power is built for smooth, paved city streets. When I occasionally take it on rougher roads upcountry, I find myself wishing for a few extra inches of height.
It is a city car at heart, and the low stance means you have to be extra careful with Kenyan speed bumps and potholes.
Despite the yearly battle with the bushes and the low clearance, I love this car. It is the perfect city companion for someone who doesn't have a large family or need to haul heavy loads.
If you want a car that feels like the future but doesn't require a charging port, the e-Power is the way to go.
Editor's Note: If you would also like your car experience with us, please fill this form.
.png){kind=small}
Join 1.5M Kenyans using Money254 to find better loans, savings accounts, and money tips today.
Money 254 is a new platform focused on helping you make more out of the money you have. We've created a simple, fast and secure way to find and compare financial products that best match your needs. All of the information shown is from products available at established financial institutions that our team of experts has tirelessly collected.
