Not so fast. Challenges are just but opportunities by another name. Do some basic research first then make an informed decision. All the best lakini.

Thank you for the encouragement Rankaz and Matatuman.

Thank you for the encouragement Rankaz and Matatuman.

Very interesting Kaka2za. Can we pick this up via email? If yes, please drop me a note through my email address i.e. chris_topherhill@yahoo.com. Most important is the VIN of the mat, the sacco you're with, the route and the monthly net revenues. Cheers.

Anyone with an idea what AT, FAT, DA, DAT, IAT, I5, IA, FA ... stand for in auto transmission?

Very valid points raised by @matatuman. The current uncertainty has really skewed market prices and though NTSA seems to be in favor of lifting the 'ban', the issue is beyond them and seems like it's headed to the cabinet for a final decision.

Third hand mat, be very careful on that. Have a very good mechanic, one with a keen eye for detail, to accompany you when doing such. Incidentally, my experience mirrors @matatuman's. There's one unit I'd got in 2011 which was in perfect condition, accident free, etc. Nikanunua, nikaitayarisha (took about a month - never do this in a hurry) kisha ikaanza kazi. Shock on me, on the second week of operations, the gearbox failed (issues to do with top-shaft and couter-gear) and I had to replace with a new one at 54k. About 10 or so months later, an engine overhaul was called for. So yes, when he tells you to have some spare cash aside for any surprises, please listen. As always, I advise to have spare cash sufficient to buy a complete engine (whose prices currently range from 280k to 450k depending on type and specs).

One final thing, as you research, don't forget to research on a good reputable and reliable garage where you will be servicing and repairing your vehicles. Pay them a visit too and see how they do their work, enquire on some charges for this or that, etc. This is very important especially for yo with a demanding day job that keeps you occupied. For this, since I did not have a vehicle at the time and therefore knew no mechanics, I enlisted the help of a relative who happened to own one at the time. Being a man in uniform, he did it all under cover and went as far as getting a quotation. Once I finally got the unit, nilienda tu nayo kwa garage na ile quotation nikawauliza 'hii handwriting ni ya nani?' The I gave them the car to work on at the prices they themselves had quoted, after slight negotiations. So far, so good.

Incidentally, if you choose to buy a locally pre-owned unit, if you can, insist on visiting the garage where it's ordinarily serviced/repaired and talk to the specific mechanics who handle it. They may have some valuable insights that the seller may be unwilling to reveal. This once saved me some potential headache.

And, when you take your mech to view some cars, please pay him a stipend for taking his time. That is over and above meeting his fare and lunch costs.

@matatuman, I just heard that the owner of Murang'a Supreme Shuttle has just been shot?! Must be business rivalry. He has single-handedly caused the fares to drop from Ksh250 to Ksh100 per trip which is very favourable for commuters. But very bad for the other Murang'a-Nairobi matatu groups. This matatu business is not for the faint hearted. Cartels, Mungiks, thugs etc!

Managed to convince NIC Bank to finance me 60% for a NQR 33 seater. Got a KCA B no less, hopefully going live in a few. I am in discussions with an old hand in the route am interested in to take charge of a driver/manager role. Will keep members posted of how it goes.