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Meet Sabrina the beautiful diva

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Brandon Mutatina says he chose his current car because he wanted a German-made vehicle and his options were a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW. PHOTO/ SARAH TUMWEBAZE

Because of its beauty and reliance, Brandon Mutatina’s friends have named his car ‘Sabrina the Diva’ He tells Sarah Tumwebaze what makes his ride the best there is and how he keeps it in tip-top condition.

Please tell us about yourself 

My name is Brandon Mutatina, and I am a businessman. 

How many cars have you owned? 

I have driven three personal cars; an Altezza, a Mark X, and a BMW.

What was the purchase price for each of the three cars? 

I bought the Altezza for Shs13m, the Mark X for Shs22m, and the BMW for Shs75m.

Out of these three options, which one has been your favourite? 

My current car, the BMW, is my favourite. It offers great performance, is swift, beautiful, and prestigious. 

Did you purchase them locally, or did you import them?

I bought the first two cars locally, while the third one was imported. The first purchase was made from a private seller, and it turned out to be a bad experience. The second car was sourced from a bond dealer. It came with a guarantee and was not as problematic as the first one.

I imported the BMW and found it to be cheaper. It also feels like a new car compared to some of the vehicles I have seen from the bond. Additionally, the mileage on imported cars tends to be lower than that of the locally sold cars.

What was your experience importing a car like?

It took six weeks from the time I ordered it to when the car was finally available. I placed the order on August 23, 2022, and by October 19, the car arrived in Mombasa, ready to be transported to Kampala. After the clearance process, it was successfully delivered to Uganda.

As for why I chose my current car, I specifically wanted a German-made vehicle, and my options were a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW. I ultimately chose the BMW because of its superior performance and my personal preferences at the time. Being in my 20s, I was looking for a fast and stylish car, qualities that I felt the BMW offered more of compared to the Benz at that moment.

So, is the BMW’s performance satisfactory?

It is a fast car but most important to me, the BMW has different enhancements or modes such as the sport, comfort, M+, and eco mode. Sport puts the car in a sports car mode, comfort is the normal mode, eco is where the car uses hydropower, and I would relate the M+ mode to the four-wheel drive. Its engine capacity is 1.6 with four pistons.

What is its speed limit?

Its speed limit is 260 kilometres per hour. I have never exceeded 100 kilometres per hour because it has a good pick-up speed. When driving the BMW at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour, you are not any different from someone driving a Toyota at 180 kilometres per hour.

Are you a fast driver?

I used to be, but not anymore. I was involved in an accident in 2018 and it was due to speeding, so, since then, I stay within the set speed limit. The most I do is 100 kilometres per hour on the highway when driving to Mbarara in western Uganda.

They say a BMW is one of the high-maintenance cars, how do you maintain yours?

That is true. High maintenance costs usually come into play when the car breaks down. Many of the spare parts are shipped from Germany, and they can be quite expensive. Since it is a German car, some of these parts are not readily available. When considering the purchase of such a luxury car, evaluate your daily income. I would not recommend this type of car to someone who earns a monthly salary unless they have a high income. As a businessman, I earn money daily, which makes budgeting for maintenance much easier. I also have a separate account where I regularly deposit money specifically for the car's maintenance. It is like having a baby; it needs to be cared for and looked after with attention and love.

What is the highest amount you have ever paid for repairs to your BMW?

I have lost track of how much money I have spent on this car. When I had it shipped, I worked on it and invested about Shs6.5m, which was quite a lot considering I was transitioning from a Toyota. I have spent a significant amount on it, but I believe it has been worth it.

Do you permit other individuals to drive your car?

I would not mind. However, people rarely ask to drive the BMW. They would borrow my first two cars, but they are hesitant about the cost of repairing the BMW in case of an accident.

Does your car have a unique name?

Yes, it does. My friends call her Sabrina the Diva. They say, “She is a very beautiful girl.”

What is the one thing that bothers you most about other drivers on the road?

Taxi drivers and boda boda riders are often reckless on the road, and they are the main reason my car has scratches. As for other drivers, the most irritating habit is driving with their full beams on at night. It makes it incredibly difficult to see where you are going.

What are your plans for your next car?

For my next car, I am considering two options; either a 2019 or 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, or a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe. I prefer not to drive a car that is more than five years old because vehicles older than that tend to have a low resale value. 

The reason I plan to purchase one of these two cars this year is that my BMW has fulfilled its intended purpose. When driving a German car, it is important not to overdrive it to maintain a good resale value. I will evaluate both options by considering the prices of each car.

What is your dream car?

My dream car is a Benz G-Wagon. It is powerful and beautiful inside and out, prestigious, and well-suited for the roads in Kampala. It can also be repaired locally.

About the BMW

The BMW’s appeal goes beyond its performance and aesthetics. It represents a lifestyle choice, blending engineering precision with modern luxury. One standout feature is its advanced technology, including adaptive cruise control and state-of-the-art infotainment systems, ensuring a seamless driving experience. The car’s design prioritises driver comfort, making long trips less tiring. Its efficient fuel consumption, especially in Eco mode, demonstrates a balance between power and practicality. While maintenance might be costly, the reliability and attention to detail in its build quality often offset these expenses, making it a rewarding investment for car enthusiasts.