On our roads, we have a wide range of vehicles, e.g. SUVs (Sporty Utility Vehicles), Off roaders, Saloons, Hatchbacks, Vans, Omnibuses, Buses, Pickup Trucks, Lorries, Coupes, Trailers, etc. These days, it is becoming increasingly difficult in choosing what vehicle one has to buy or own. Before you embark on the intricate task of determining what motor vehicle you ought to own, you need to bear in mind some or all of the following issues. We need to consider; the purpose for which the vehicle is intended, the terrain or road condition where it will be used, the operating costs viz-avis the expected return if any. There are people that are obsessed with driving status vehicles; these will go in for the Mercedes ranges, BMW, Volkswagen, AUDI, Range Rover, Land Rover, etc. These are regarded as high power vehicles as well as from reputable European makers. However, the Japanese have also come in with their Land cruiser, LEXUS, NISSAN Patrol and the likes of SUBARU etc. What amounts to a status vehicle for one person could be an ordinary vehicle or a necessity for another. As the name suggests, “Off-Roader”, they are meant to be driven on rough terrains or where the roads are in a very sorry state. This category comprises the so called “4X4” (four by four); though they are designed for conditions that require extra traction, many people own and drive them on city roads, as a status symbol! On the other hand, we have people that drive as a necessity. To them, owning a vehicle is a must, the type of vehicle they own is that which falls within their income bracket. Statistics worldwide show that, TOYOTA has established a very big niche on the automobile market. Of all TOYOTA products, the COROLLA family accounts for nearly 50% of the same. These are highly demanded vehicles for low income earners. Their popularity stems from the fact that, they are designed with engines that consume very little fuel. Many of them range from the 1300CC to 1500CC, of recent, they have introduced the 1800CC, still these consume relatively low fuel as compared to their “cousins”, the CORONNA, RAV4, CARRINA and the other non TOYOTA brands. With fuel prices hitting their highest (as a result of the world economic crisis), any one with means of earning has to go for the most cost effective vehicle. For the category that requires using their vehicles commercially, you have no choice but to acquire a vehicle that will serve the purpose. This takes into consideration the special task that vehicle will serve. Buses, Lorries, Omnibuses etc, these have to be specific. That said and done, one must acquire a type that will easily be serviced as well as suit the local conditions. If you want a Bus or Lorry that will last a long time, then go for a Mercedes, Scania or Volvo, but if it is about affordability and low service costs, then the ISUZU and NISSAN UD could suffice. As we all know, the Japanese vehicles have readily available spare parts as opposed to the European or even American brands. motoringcorner@live.co.uk
