Help me choose: A Toyota IST, Mazda Demio or Pajero IO?

Toyota IST 2004 model this car would be a good choice for a first-time driver.

Hi Paul,
I am a first time driver, a lady. I am want to buy a car which costs not more than Shs18m. I like the shape of Mazda Demio, Toyota IST and Pajero IO. However, I am looking for durability and manageability. Any assistance will be highly appreciated.
Hello,
Mazda Demio and Toyota IST offer excellent hatch back options for you. They are both spacious yet manoeuverable. They do not feel like a handful as you drive along in city traffic and will allow you to squeeze into the next available parking slot on the usually busy Kampala road.
The Toyota IST has a sporty allure and compliments the profile a young professional lady while the Mazda Demio is more practical than fancy.

Demio is not well supported in parts availability so in the unlikely event that you need a suspension or body part you may have some difficulty.
However, the brave hearts drive the Demio regardless of the parts situation. IST is well supported both at the Toyota dealer and downtown parts market.
For a new driver, the Pajero IO 4WD might be a good option as your next car when you become more confident and adventurous enough to take on a road trip to your village.

Hello Paul,
I drive a Mercedes Benz E240. My brake fluid has turned dark but my brakes work well. When should I replace the brake fluid? Ronnie

Hello Ronnie, Mercedes Benz and BMW like many other car manufacturers recommend renewing your brake fluid every 24 months.
Many times we rely on visual inspection to check whether the brake fluid has changed colour to dark brown or dropped a level before we bother to service it.
This makes brake fluid one of the most neglected vehicle fluids yet a drop in its level or change in its quality can severely affect the braking system and compromise our safety.
Many experts recommend replacing your car brake fluid as a preventive maintenance every two years.

This recommendation is based on the fact that the glycol-based brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the time it is introduced in your brake system.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture through microscopic pores in rubber hoses, rubber seals and from the open air or humidity especially during wet seasons.

Contamination of brake fluid over 24 months can be as much as three to four per cent. An increase in the concentration of water contamination will reduce the boiling point of brake fluid.
This means the brake fluid hydraulic, lubricating and cooling roles in the very hot brake system will be reduced. Another brake fluid performance concern is experienced in the semi-metallic linings of conventional vehicles, which generate very high temperatures and require brake fluid that can handle the heat.

Water or moisture contamination increases the likelihood of brake failure when vapor pockets form in the brake lines and displace brake fluid preventing brake pressure build up when you apply the brakes in an emergency.
Moisture-laden brake fluid increases the likelihood of corrosion damage to brake caliper pistons, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, brake metallic lines and ABS modulators.
Brake fluid should be renewed with the manufacturer recommended fluid grade such as DOT 3 or DOT 4 usually indicated on the brake fluid reservoir of your Mercedes.

Hi Paul,
Why would a Toyota Corona UAY series shake whenever you step on the brakes?

Any vehicle that shakes or wobbles when you brake, regardless of registration series or age, should have its front axle suspension and steering linkages inspected by a mechanic.
It is necessary to look out for damaged or worn out lateral arm bushes, ball joints or tie rod ends.

Hi Paul,
My name is George. I drive a Toyota Rav 4 1996 model, with a 2,000 cc engine and an automatic transmission.
Recently, there is a funny strong sound that it makes at the back when I engage or change gears, especially from Reverse to Drive.
This happens when I’m starting the car, but I also hear it when I’m on the move, only it is light this time.
My mechanic says it is the four-wheel shaft, and if he has to remove it, then the car will lose its four wheel drive. I don’t want to lose it.

Someone else told me the “diff” is old, and needs to be replaced. Another mechanic at Total told me it is a gear box net that is old, and it needs to be replaced.
All these are conflicting suggestions, and I want to be sure I am doing the right thing before I make any decision.
Please help, and if possible recommend a good mechanic who could remove this sound.
I am afraid it will damage other car parts soon, especially the gearbox.

Hello George,
Unusual sound or vibration when we operate a vehicle will mean that one of the components has become loose or broken down.
Unusual noise or vibration when you start the car is often the result of damaged engine insulators or mountings. There are three insulators a mechanic needs to check.
When the insulators are damaged the engine vibration will be felt on the vehicle body, especially at start up.
There is a need to inspect the differential housing insulators too. They are rubber mountings, which may also wear out and cause the same sensation when you engage gears.

Occasionally, when your automatic gearbox hydraulic fluid is very dirty and filter blocked the transmission pump struggles to get the oil flowing to designate gear bundles.
This will cause a thud or violent sensation as you shift gears. If the propellor shaft coupling is loose or damaged then it must be replaced as it is hazardous to drive around with it in that state.
A good mechanic should inspect all the areas mentioned above and identify what needs immediate action to remedy the situation. Call me on my number if you cant find someone to help you.