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July 16, 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 Ken, a Nairobi-based professional who owns a 2017 Subaru Outback.
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Every car purchase tells a story, and mine started with a friend who owned a 2012 Subaru Legacy. Since the Legacy and the Outback share the same foundational platform, I realised that Subaru had cracked the code.
When it came time to buy mine, I knew exactly what I wanted. I walked into Carnation Auto-Mart and drove out in a 2017 Subaru Outback for Ksh3.5 million.
Buying locally saved me from the month-long logistics nightmare of importing directly, letting me inspect the car in person and hit the road immediately.
Also Read: How I Saved Ksh600K When Buying My Subaru XV
I chose this car because it is a masterclass in practical engineering. With a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, matching many SUVs on the market, it bridges the gap between a comfortable station wagon and a rugged off-roader.
My driving life is split between two extremes: the gruelling daily commute through Nairobi traffic during the week, and long-distance drives down to ushago over the weekends. The Outback handles it all without breaking a sweat.
Under the hood sits a reliable 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which delivers steady, dependable power that is more than enough for daily runs and heavy highway cruising.
Of course, capability comes with a cost at the pump. In heavy town driving, I average around 8 to 9 km/L, while highway cruising stretches that to a modest 10 to 11 km/L.
Also Read: My 2-Year Experience Driving a Ksh2.9M Subaru Forester
Owning a Subaru in Kenya comes with a distinct community and infrastructure. Thanks to Subaru Kenya and a robust network, getting spare parts is remarkably straightforward.
My maintenance schedule is something I take seriously to keep the boxer engine happy. I do engine Service every 8,500 km, using 5 litres of 0W-20 synthetic oil (at roughly Ksh 2,200 per liter).
Every 40,000 to 50,000 km, I service the gearbox and differentials. The gearbox takes 6 litres at around Ksh 3,200 per litre, while the differential takes 4 litres at about Ksh 3,000 per litre.
Also Read: My 2006 Subaru Forester SG5 is Still Going Strong in 2025
As much as I enjoy owning the Outback, there is one area where I believe Subaru could have done better. The CVT gearbox.
While it delivers smooth driving under normal conditions, it can feel sluggish when quick acceleration is needed.
On hot afternoons, the transmission also develops a noticeable whining sound, something many Subaru owners are familiar with.
It is also one of the most expensive components to maintain, meaning regular servicing isn't something you can afford to ignore.
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