I Love My Ksh700K Toyota Premio, But It Has 3 Major Flaws

‍‍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 Brian, who shares what it’s like driving a 2004 Toyota Premio.

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When I decided to buy my first car in 2024, I had to be realistic about my budget. A newer vehicle costing millions of shillings was simply out of reach, so I started looking for something practical, affordable, and reliable.

That's when I found a 2004 Toyota Premio being sold by a friend. At Ksh700,000, it seemed like a sensible purchase. More than a year later, I can confidently say it has delivered on many of the things I was looking for, even though it comes with a few compromises.

Also Read: Why I Will Never Sell My 2002 Toyota Mark II

Why I Chose the Premio

My decision was largely driven by practicality. I have always admired Toyota's reputation for reliability, and one of the biggest factors was knowing that maintenance would be straightforward. Spare parts are readily available across Kenya, and most mechanics are familiar with the vehicle.

I also liked the Premio's design. Despite being over two decades old, it still carries itself well on the road.

Fuel economy was another important consideration. With high fuel prices, I wanted a vehicle that would not constantly drain my wallet at the petrol station.

Today, the Premio serves as my primary means of transport. I use it mostly for commuting to work during the week and running errands or meeting friends on weekends. It handles city driving comfortably and has proven dependable for my day-to-day needs.

Fuel Consumption

Under the bonnet is an 1,800cc petrol engine. In city driving, the car averages around 12 kilometres per litre. Once on the highway, fuel consumption improves to approximately 15 kilometres per litre.

For a vehicle of its age and engine size, those figures are respectable and have helped keep my running costs manageable.

It is not the most fuel-efficient car on the road today, but it strikes a balance between performance and economy that works well for my lifestyle.

Also Read: I Regret Buying My 2006 Nissan X-Trail

Maintenance Costs

One of the reasons the Premio remains popular in Kenya is because maintaining it is relatively affordable.

I perform minor servicing every 5,000 kilometres at a cost of about Ksh5,000. Major servicing is done every 30,000 kilometres and typically costs around Ksh15,000.

However, owning an older vehicle means certain issues are inevitable.

My biggest recurring headache has been engine oil consumption. Like many ageing engines, the car tends to burn oil, meaning I have to monitor fluid levels more closely than I would like.

Suspension wear has also become a regular expense, especially after years of exposure to potholes and rough roads.

If there is one area where the car truly shines, it is spare parts availability.

In Kenya, the car is so common that finding parts feels almost effortless. Whether you need filters, suspension components, engine parts, or body panels, chances are you will find them quickly and at a reasonable price.

Also read: My 5-Year Journey with a Toyota Wish: A Family Car That Just Works

Compromises: What I Would Change

While the Premio has been dependable, there are areas where its age is impossible to ignore.

The first is technology. The cabin feels dated compared to modern vehicles. I had to spend extra money installing an aftermarket Android screen just to access features like Bluetooth connectivity and a reverse camera.

Safety is another concern. The car lacks many of the driver-assistance and stability technologies that are now common in newer vehicles.

Highway driving also exposes one of the Premio's weaknesses. While the soft suspension delivers a comfortable ride around town, it can make the car feel somewhat floaty at higher speeds. 

The interior is another reminder of the car's age. The wood-grain trim still looks respectable, but the hard plastics have started to develop rattles after years of use on Kenyan roads.

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