@swaleh01....on your post about Vanette as a mathree, here are my two cents.

I bought one in Feb 2015.2009 model auto diesel for 800K(good deal-normal ranges were 950), single rear.
Take note of the following:
- seats ni 26,500
- sacco fees(pesa ya shimo) were 70k, iko based in upcounty
- comprehensive 145K
- windows 7k
- 2wd
- wages za dere na kange 500+400
- maintance 4500k on average,kuna siku inaitisha break pads,mguu n stuff
- the route is well tarmacked

Returns on average 40k@month

What is range of prices for 15 inch 195 tyres for a matatu 14 seater?

also buying from dubai and bringing in

Where do you buy at such a reasonable price?

I have been doing a study regarding matatu business. I have observed that one can get a new petrol "box" HiAce in a few locations in Kenya as per olx etc. I would like some advice from the veterans matatuman et al, about how much I could save if I decided to import the vehicle instead of buying locally at 1.8 million. How much do I expect to save if I decide to import instead of buying from local suppliers? Can I get a total cost of 1.4 or 1.5 if I import?
http://www.olx.co.ke/ad/...ol-long-dx-ID15GuLW.html

What is the maximum amount I should budget for in order to pay the joining fee for a sacco? How much should I budget as joining fees on average or basically, what range to typical saccos charge new entrants (first vehicle)?

@ jon jones si u join me we unleash a 33 seater

Why would you buy a petrol van for 1.9? Stop shopping on olx and do some real ground work, mnaharibu soko. The only Hiace that should cost 3m or more is the Super Long Wide wheelbase currently being bought by bus operators on the kiambu route. And please go through this thread before asking questions that have been answered.

Matatuman, I think it is good to understand that as far as I know, "kuuliza si ujinga". I have read through all the posts severally and none gives you clear answers.. only very rough estimates devoid of full facts about the business: for example, how do we calculate net profits of we do not enumerate all the known expenses? Income tax is part of business and nobody seems to account for it anywhere. Known expenses in my opninion are fuel, maintenance costs, licensing costs, tyre replacement, human resources (Driver, conductor), management fees, miscellaneous (bribery cum extortion, inspection,etc), advance tax (and income tax from the gross profits). If we enumerate the above and share the general gross collections per month, depreciation, then we can decide. Please, share information about the price of a 2008 Diesel Hiace if you have. For now, one can only estimate using the prices advertised on OLX/ and other web sites.. Actual price will be used at the point of purchasing. We are also in other businesses too and can also advise in our respective areas of operation. The need for diversification is the reason we are asking. We are ignorant and therefore are seeking information.

This is a dynamic industry and discussions of 2006 are not necessarily accurate enough.

I have a few 33 seater (Some with Chama). You are looking at about 8500-10k daily as return. This is net. All are operating within Nairobi.