My French Beauty that Blends Well on Kenyan Roads; Driving the Peugeot 3008 GT Line

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 Ruth Njuguna, a Nairobi-based professional, who shares her experience with the Peugeot 3008 GT Line — a sleek, turbocharged SUV that’s turning heads and delivering comfort on the road.

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I’ve always admired French cars from a distance, but the Peugeot 3008 GT felt different. When I first saw the 2019 model, it was love at first sight. Its sleek and futuristic lines instantly caught my eye, and I knew this was the car for me. After months of saving and careful planning, I finally drove off with my very own Peugeot 3008 GT for Ksh3.6 million.

Two months in, I can confidently say I have zero regrets. The car is an absolute head-turner, and I often catch people stealing a second glance. The compliments I get are a testament to its stunning design. I'm especially fond of the beautiful, spacious interior and the moonroof that makes every drive feel like a scenic tour.

Why the 3008?

My choice was driven by a need for a car that was more than just a luxurious fit. I wanted something that was reliable and practical for my daily life. 

My job sometimes requires me to visit field locations, so I needed a car that could handle both the city's paved roads and the occasional rougher terrain. The 3008's excellent ground clearance and SUV capabilities gave me the confidence that it could handle whatever was thrown its way. 

The reputation of Peugeot for durability was a huge factor, and I’m hoping to enjoy a long, problem-free relationship with this car. French cars are also known for their sleek design.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

One of the main reasons I went for this car is its fuel economy. It’s a turbo-petrol engine, which means it offers great performance but also sips fuel when driven modestly. While I’ve not yet had the car long enough to get a conclusive report on consumption, I would place the average consumption at 14 km/litre. 

In my daily commute, the car handles Nairobi's infamous traffic with ease. Its compact size makes navigating tight city spaces less of a headache. On weekends, my friends and I often take the car for drives on the highway. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and the car feels incredibly stable at high speeds.

Recently, I even discovered the sports mode, and when I'm feeling a bit adventurous on the open road, I switch it on. The car’s performance instantly changes, offering a more exhilarating driving experience.

I'll admit, I've been a bit paranoid about taking it off-road. Even though it's a 4WD SUV, it looks so polished and “soft” that I fear scratching it or getting it dirty. But I know it's built to handle more than just tarmac, so I'm hoping to muster the courage to take it on a real adventure soon.

Spare Parts and Maintenance

Since the car is still new, I haven't had to deal with any major repairs or services. The official recommendation is to service the car after every 10,000 kilometers or every six months, whichever comes first. This gives me peace of mind knowing that I won’t be spending money on frequent garage visits. This is something I had to budget for when I was looking for a car. Having a clear service schedule makes it easier to plan my finances.

When it comes to spare parts, I was initially a bit worried. I know people have this perception that non-Japanese cars are a nightmare to maintain in Kenya. But I was pleasantly surprised. I have specific dealerships and garages that specialize in Peugeots, and getting parts has been relatively easy.

Likewise, there is a vibrant community of Peugeot owners where people share leads on places to get the best deals for spare parts. 

But importantly, it helps to do your research beforehand and know where to go, rather than waiting for an emergency. This little bit of homework goes a long way in ensuring your ownership experience is smooth.

The Verdict

So far, my experience with the Peugeot 3008 GT has been nothing short of amazing. From its eye-catching design to its practical features, it ticks all my boxes. I genuinely can't think of anything I would change about it at the moment. It’s the perfect blend of style, comfort, and reliability.

My Peugeot has been a fantastic decision, and I’m excited to see where the road takes us next.

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