Toyota Vitz review
Third generation (XP130) · 2014–2019 imports
The Vitz is the default first car in Kenya for good reason: it is cheap to buy, sips fuel and almost every mechanic knows it inside out.
Price guide (used)
KSh 850,000 – KSh 1,350,000
Our verdict
If you want the lowest running costs and no surprises, the Vitz is very hard to beat. Go for a 1.3 if you do regular highway trips — the 1.0 is happiest in town.
Best for: First-time owners, town driving, ride-hailing
What we like
- ✅ Excellent fuel economy
- ✅ Spare parts everywhere and cheap
- ✅ Easy to park and drive in traffic
- ✅ Holds its value well
What we don't
- ❌ Low ground clearance for rough roads
- ❌ Small boot
- ❌ 1.0 engine feels strained when fully loaded
- ❌ Basic interior
Driving
Around Nairobi the Vitz is light, nimble and easy to squeeze into gaps. The CVT gearbox is smooth in stop-start traffic. On the highway the 1.0 three-cylinder gets noisy and needs planning for overtakes; the 1.3 four-cylinder is the better all-rounder.
Running costs
Expect around 16–20 km per litre in mixed driving, which makes it one of the cheapest cars to run in the country. Service parts are widely available from Kirinyaga Road to Kisumu, and insurance premiums are low because of the modest value.
Practicality
Four adults fit comfortably for short trips, but the boot is small — a couple of suitcases and a few shopping bags. Ground clearance is low, so take speed bumps and murram roads slowly, especially with passengers.
What to check when buying
Check the CVT for any slipping or whining, look for underbody damage from speed bumps, and confirm the mileage against the export certificate. Avoid units with mismatched paint — many have been used as ride-hailing cars.
Running costs
Typical monthly cost to run a Vitz worth about 1.1M, using our real-world economy figure (16–20 km/L).
About KSh 19 per km · 1,200 km a month. Fuel at EPRA Nairobi prices (15 Oct 2026); estimates only.
Spare parts & servicing prices
What common parts and jobs cost for a Toyota Vitz in Kenya.
| Part / job | Typical cost (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Minor service (oil, oil filter, labour)every 5,000–10,000 km | 4,500 – 7,000 |
| Major service (plugs, air & fuel filters, fluids)every 40,000 km | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Front brake pads (fitted)every 20,000–40,000 km | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| Front shock absorbers (pair, fitted)every 60,000–100,000 km | 8,000 – 16,000 |
| Batteryevery 2–3 years | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Tyre (each, new mid-range)every 40,000–50,000 km | 6,000 – 9,000 |
| CV joint (one side, fitted) | 4,000 – 8,000 |
| Gearbox oil service (ATF / CVT)every 40,000–60,000 km | 6,000 – 10,000 |
Typical small car prices for quality aftermarket parts fitted at an independent garage in Nairobi. Genuine parts and dealer servicing often cost 1.5–3× more; prices vary by town and supplier.
What owners say
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