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The Toyota Harrier ACU30: A Popular Choice in Tanzania and Beyond
Subaru Forester SH5 vs. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: A Comprehensive Comparison

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Car-Maintenance

Luxury Car Maintenance: What It Takes to Keep the Best Running

November 28, 2024November 28, 2024Kobe Motor Comment
A luxury car is considered the pinnacle of refinement and style for many car enthusiasts,  in addition to being a testament to exceptional [...]
Best Car Cover

“Best Used Cars for First-Time Drivers: Affordable and Easy-to-Drive Options”

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Toyota Launches the Land Cruiser 250: A New Chapter in Off-Road Excellence

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ACU30 Toyota Harrier

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April 4, 2024April 4, 2024

comparison rav4 vs forester

Subaru Forester SH5 vs. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: A Comprehensive Comparison

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024

Kobe Motor Blog

  • comparison rav4 vs forester Subaru Forester SH5 vs. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: A Comprehensive Comparison April 3, 2024

    Are you trying to decide between the Subaru Forester SH5 and the Toyota RAV4 ACA36? Both SUVs offer unique features and advantages, making it challenging to make a decision. In this blog post, we’ll compare these popular vehicles to help you make an informed choice. 1. Performance and Drivetrain: Subaru Forester SH5: Features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability in various conditions. You can choose between a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine or a 2.0L turbocharged engine, catering to different driving preferences. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: Offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options to suit different driving needs. Equipped with a 2.4L or 2.5L four-cylinder engine, balancing fuel efficiency and performance. 2. Interior Space and Comfort: Subaru Forester SH5: Provides a spacious interior with excellent visibility, thanks to its large windows and upright design. It offers practical cargo space and versatility, suitable for families and outdoor adventures. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: Boasts a roomy interior with ample cargo space, ideal for carrying gear on trips. Known for its comfortable ride and supportive seating, making long journeys enjoyable for all passengers. 3. Ease of Maintenance: Subaru Forester SH5: Known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, with straightforward servicing requirements. Subaru’s engineering often results in lower maintenance costs over time, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: Similarly, the RAV4 is renowned for its low maintenance needs and affordable servicing. Toyota’s reputation for reliability ensures that maintenance costs remain manageable, providing peace of mind for owners. 4. Pricing and Value: Subaru Forester SH5: Typically competitively priced, offering excellent value for money. Its strong resale value and long-term investment potential make it an attractive option for buyers looking to maximize value. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: Offers competitive pricing with strong value retention over time. With low maintenance costs and high resale value, the RAV4 is considered a reliable investment for the future. Conclusion: Both the Subaru Forester SH5 and the Toyota RAV4 ACA36 have their own unique strengths. The Forester excels in off-road capability, spaciousness, and ease of maintenance, while the RAV4 shines in reliability, comfort, and versatility. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences, budget, and intended use. We recommend test driving both vehicles to determine which one best suits your needs. Happy car shopping!

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  • Maintain Your Ride's Longevity Your Car: A Reflection of Your Journey March 25, 2024

    Your car is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a companion on your journey through life. Just as you maintain your physical health to endure life’s challenges, so too must you maintain your car to ensure it can take you where you need to go. In this blog post, we’ll explore why keeping your car well-maintained is essential and how it reflects your journey. Safety First: Your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be a top priority. A well-maintained car is less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns or failures that could lead to accidents. Regular maintenance checks, such as inspecting brakes, tires, and lights, can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Reliability Matters: Just as you rely on your own abilities to navigate life’s twists and turns, you rely on your car to get you to your destination reliably. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid checks, and tune-ups, keeps your car running smoothly and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns. A reliable car gives you the confidence to tackle any journey with peace of mind. Respect Your Investment: Your car is one of the most significant investments you’ll make, so it makes sense to protect and preserve it. Routine maintenance not only prolongs the life of your vehicle but also helps maintain its value. Just as you invest time and effort into personal development, investing in your car’s maintenance is an investment in your future. Reflecting Your Lifestyle: Your car is a reflection of who you are and the life you lead. Whether it’s a sleek sports car, a rugged SUV, or a practical sedan, your choice of vehicle says something about your personality, preferences, and priorities. Keeping your car well-maintained reflects your commitment to quality, responsibility, and attention to detail. Embrace the Journey: Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Your car is there to accompany you on this journey, carrying you through both smooth highways and rough terrain. By taking care of your car, you’re not just ensuring its longevity; you’re also embracing the journey of life with all its challenges and adventures. Your car is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B; it’s a reflection of your journey through life. By keeping it well-maintained, you’re not only ensuring your safety and reliability on the road but also preserving an essential part of your identity and lifestyle. So, remember to treat your car with care and respect, and it will take you far on your journey ahead.

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  • Spring Maintenance Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly March 11, 2024

    As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, it’s the perfect time to give your car some much-needed attention. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready to hit the road this spring: Inspect Your Tires: Check tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and enhance safety on the road. Replace Wiper Blades: Winter weather can take a toll on wiper blades, leading to streaks and reduced visibility. Replace them to ensure clear visibility during spring showers. Check Fluid Levels: Ensure all fluids, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, are at the appropriate levels. Top them up or replace them as needed to keep your car running smoothly. Inspect Belts and Hoses: Cold temperatures can cause belts and hoses to become brittle and prone to cracking. Inspect them for signs of wear and tear, and replace if necessary to prevent breakdowns. Test the Battery: Cold weather can weaken car batteries. Test the battery’s charge and clean the terminals to ensure a strong connection. Inspect Brakes: Spring is an ideal time to inspect brake pads and rotors for wear. Squeaking or grinding noises when braking may indicate the need for replacements. Check Air Filters: Replace dirty air filters to improve engine performance and fuel efficiency. Clean cabin air filters to maintain interior air quality. Examine Exterior Lights: Ensure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning properly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs for optimal visibility on the road. Clean and Wax: Give your car a thorough wash and wax to remove winter grime and protect the paint from spring elements. Don’t forget to clean the undercarriage to remove salt and debris. Inspect Suspension and Alignment: Winter potholes can take a toll on your car’s suspension and alignment. Have them inspected and adjusted if necessary to ensure a smooth ride. Check Air Conditioning System: Test the air conditioning system to ensure it’s cooling effectively. If the air feels warmer than usual or there are strange odors, it may indicate a need for refrigerant recharge or system repairs. Inspect Oil Level and Quality: Check the engine oil level and condition. If the oil appears dark or gritty, it’s time for an oil change. Fresh oil helps lubricate engine components and maintain optimal performance during warmer temperatures. By following this spring car maintenance checklist, you’ll not only prolong the life of your vehicle but also enjoy safer and more enjoyable drives. Happy driving!

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  • The Future of Electric Vehicles July 19, 2023

    Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming the future of transportation. They offer a number of advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars, including lower emissions, lower operating costs, and the potential for greater performance. The future of electric vehicles is bright. With their many advantages, EVs are poised to become the dominant form of transportation in the years to come. As the technology continues to improve and the infrastructure expands, EVs will become more affordable and accessible to everyone. Here are some of the advantages of electric vehicles: Lower emissions: Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, which helps to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Lower operating costs: Electric vehicles are typically less expensive to operate than gasoline-powered cars, thanks to their lower fuel costs and lower maintenance costs. Greater performance: Electric vehicles can offer greater performance than gasoline-powered cars, thanks to their instant torque and lack of moving parts. The future of electric vehicles is bright. As the technology continues to improve and the infrastructure expands, EVs will become more affordable and accessible to everyone. This will lead to a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation. Highlighting the new BMW i7 Full Electric car The BMW i7 is a new full-electric luxury sedan that was recently unveiled. It is one of the most anticipated EVs of 2023, and it is expected to set a new standard for luxury and performance in the EV market. The i7 features a long-range battery that can deliver up to 400 miles of driving on a single charge. It also has a powerful electric motor that produces 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque. This allows the i7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. In addition to its performance and range, the i7 also offers a luxurious interior with a spacious cabin and a variety of high-tech features. The car comes standard with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. It also offers a variety of advanced driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. New electric vehicle permit in Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan government has recently announced a new permit system for electric vehicles. The permit will be required for all electric vehicles that are imported into the country. The permit will cost $100, and it will be valid for three years. The purpose of the permit is to regulate the import of electric vehicles and to ensure that they meet certain safety and emissions standards. The permit will also help the government to track the number of electric vehicles in the country and to plan for the future development of the EV infrastructure. More information will be added about the new Electric Vehicle Permit in Sri Lanka, Link to the article to be posted soon!

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  • Car Dashboard Warning lights April 1, 2022

    Driving a car seems exciting. You probably find yourself holding the wheel and cruising on a pleasurable trail. But while at it, you must take a look at your car dashboard warning lights. Knowing the meaning of these signs will go a long way to ensure your car performs optimally and that you have a safe drive. So, here’s a list of warning signs you could come across on your car’s dashboard. Car Dashboard Symbols and their Meanings 1.    Oil Pressure Light The oil pump that induces oil to circulate within the engine can go faulty and trigger a warning light. This light comes in red as it is severe. This warning light comes when a faulty pump, oil shortage, and even when oil is overfilled. It is important to never ignore this warning lightly and act quickly to check your car. Whenever you see this light, check the oil level, find out if it’s from oil shortage and add more to make it go out. If the light persists, go for a proper car checkup, as it may be from more adverse problems. If you don’t act quickly, it leads to expensive repairs. 2.    Engine Warning Light Even when you feel your car is normal for a drive, don’t ignore it if this light pops up. Check your car as it may come from an unexpected or future problem with the engine. It could be a faulty sensor or any issue. Check it immediately or go to a garage for proper investigation. 3.    Battery Charge Level Warning Light When your battery is at a low charge, this light indicates it. It is better to charge up the battery immediately or risk being stranded when on a drive. 4.    Brake System Warning Light This warning is red and requires serious action. It may appear when the brake fluid level is low and needs topping up, or faulty brake pad wears sensor.  It can be from a more serious issue with the braking system. If the warning light appears when on a drive, go for an immediate checkup. 5.    Temperature warning light This warning light shows that the engine is running too hot or inadequate antifreeze in the system. There are lots of reasons this pops up. It could be a leaky radiator or a blocked or broken one. The light can also show when the water pump is faulty. It can be adverse if the issue is a blown head gasket, which will show a cloud of smoke in the exhaust as evidence. Notwithstanding, some cars may also have another one of these lights, but blue, signifying engine is cold. If you see this red light, stop the car or visit the garage for a checkup as it may lead to engine failure. 6.    Battery charge warning light This light relates to the battery and charging system. It’s important to act when you see the light, leading to headlights failure. Power steering or the engine itself may stop working. 7.    Seatbelt warning light This light indicates when passengers haven’t got their seatbelts fastened or weight on without using a seatbelt. It is for Cars that use pressure sensors in the seats and seatbelts. 8.    Door, boot, and bonnet warning lights This warning light illuminates to show that a door, boot, or bonnet is open or not properly shut. 9.    Low-fuel warning light  This warning light gives you earning that you should top your fuel or find a fuel station. It pops when you’ve got around 50-70 miles of range and when the amount of fuel in your tank has passed a certain level. 10.  Glow plug warning light (diesel only) This indication means that there’s something wrong with the glow plug of a diesel-powered vehicle. These plugs turn up the heat, and issues associated with it can bring both early and late combustion- this is usually called knocking. This disrupts the engine by making it sound rough. It can also deprive you of having a smooth drive, and you shouldn’t neglect it. 11.  Tyre-pressure sensor warning (TPMS) TPMS monitors the amount of air in the tires. It provides an indication when it observes a decrease. Check up your car when you’re in this warning light because low tire pressures affect braking or go into high speed. The important thing to do is check and inflate the tire or change the wheel when it concerns a puncture. 12.  Traction-control warning light A car’s traction-control warning light shows when the wheels lose grip, this is common during rain or snow period. 13.   Hybrid and electric vehicle warning lights Below is the list of warning lights for electric and hybrid cars. Take note of these warning lights if you own an electrified car: 14.   Pedestrian Alert System Warning Light The pedestrian alert system is conformed to electric or hybrid cars to make sounds to alert pedestrians of a coming car. If you own this type of car and this light shows, the system is faulty. Act quickly to find out the issue. 15.  Ready to drive warning light This is also for a hybrid or electric vehicle, which, unlike others, is silent when starting up. It simply informs you that your car is ready to be driven. 16.  Limited power warning light Sometimes, vehicles run on limited power. Once this warning light shows, the vehicle is running on lack of power. There are several reasons it might happen, so ensure to perform a proper diagnosis when you see this light. Final Thoughts These warning signs are important for your safety and efficient car operation. Acquaint yourself with the list above to identify them on your car and know their meaning. This way, you’ll know what to do when any of these signs pop up. 

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  • How to Calculate Tanzania Revenue Authority Car Taxes January 12, 2022

    Buying a used car in Tanzania requires a series of processes, which is why you must be adequately informed to avoid mistakes. Firstly, you must learn the import rules and regulations in the country. Also, you need to know how to compute your taxes before making a purchase. This detailed guide contains what you need to know to calculate Tanzania Revenue Authority car taxes. Let’s get to it! How Can I Calculate the Tanzania Revenue Authority Car Import Tax? Calculating the total cost of importing a vehicle in Tanzania can be daunting without all the required information. That’s why we have curated this detailed guide to help you. However, before we begin, you must know that the figures in this post are not specific to any vehicular model. With that in mind, here are the steps to follow when calculating Tanzania Revenue Authority car taxes: Step 1: Collect information on the Vehicle You will need to collect information about your chosen car model, including the car make, car model, year of manufacture, model code, engine size, FOB, and fuel type. Step 2: Record the Car’s Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) The next step is to record the vehicle’s CIF. You can do this by choosing a country of destination or a port of delivery. The popular shipping destinations in Tanzania include Dar Es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Dodoma, Morogoro, Mwanza, Tanga, Tabora, and Zanzibar. Step 3: Convert the price to TZS  You will notice that most of the prices online are in US dollars (USD). Exchange rates are constantly changing, so make sure you use a calculator to convert US dollars (USD) to Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). You should also consult your bank representative since you will make payments and transactions via your local bank. They will provide you with all the required information about their current exchange rate. For instance, if 1 USD = 2,000 TZS, the CIF will be 4,000,000 TZS. Step 4: Calculate the Car Import Tax in Tanzania   The import fees you will pay for an import vehicle in Tanzaniadepend on age and engine capacity. These car import taxation rules will give you a clearer view of how import taxes are computed in Tanzania:   Engine Capacity of 2000 cc and belowEngine Capacity over 2000 ccVehicles 8 years and aboveImport Duty: 25%Value Added Tax (VAT): 20%Cumulatively, 50% of the vehicle’s dutiable valueImport Duty: 25%Value Added Tax (VAT): 20%Excise Duty: 10%Cumulatively, 60% of the vehicle’s dutiable valueUtility Vehicles: 5%Non-Utility Vehicles: 25% Taxation rules do not apply to types of machinery, including earth-moving equipment like the grader, bulldozers, and agricultural equipment that are eight years old and above. However, light cars and trucks beyond this age limit attract an excise tax of 20%. It’s important to know that excise duty depends on the vehicle’s cylinder capacity. For a cylinder capacity of over 2000 cc, you will need to pay 10% excise duty. A vehicle with cylinder capacity above 1000 cc but below 2000 cc attracts 5% excise duty. However, you will be charged 0% excise duty on vehicles with cylinder capacity of 1000 cc and below. Step 5: Calculate the Total Port Costs  The total cost you will pay is dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. Step 6: Calculate the Total Expenditures  Let us assume that the import tax is 5,000,000, TZS and you have to pay a total port cost of 1,500,000 TZS. Here’s how to compute the overall expenditures:   Car Import Tax + CIF + Port Cost = Total Amount of the Imported Vehicle after Taxes  5,000,000 TZS + 4,000,000 + 1,500,000 = 10,500,000 TZS Step 7: Calculate other Fees and Taxes  You should know that if you import more than one new or used vehicle from Japan, you must pay taxes and other fees for each vehicle. Here’s how to compute the import declaration fee: FOB (Free on Board) Price x 1.12 + $10  Conclusion Importing a car from Tanzania can be exhausting if you don’t have all the required information. You will need to register with the Tanzania Revenue Authority and pay import taxes. The information we provided will help you compute your Tanzania Revenue Authority car taxes correctly. We hope you have a wonderful experience during your purchase.

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Tire Size Comparison

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Mohammed - How to Program a Car Key Fob

Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of info on your page. Im really impressed by it.

Chatte - How to Import Cars Direct from Japan to the UK

Great post

Goldie Abrego - How Much Transmission Fluid Do I Need?

Great post. I will be going through some of these issues as well..

Kobe Motor - How to Let the Air Out of a Tire

may we know the tire size please?

Lakhitha Wijesuriya - How to Let the Air Out of a Tire

What is the ideal type pressure for Toyota vitz ? (YOM - 2017)

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Latest Posts

  • Luxury Car Maintenance: What It Takes to Keep the Best Running
  • “Best Used Cars for First-Time Drivers: Affordable and Easy-to-Drive Options”
  • Toyota Launches the Land Cruiser 250: A New Chapter in Off-Road Excellence
  • The Toyota Harrier ACU30: A Popular Choice in Tanzania and Beyond
  • Subaru Forester SH5 vs. Toyota RAV4 ACA36: A Comprehensive Comparison

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