On current Garisea listings, the Toyota Ractis is about 21% cheaper on median asking price, the Mazda Demio has a newer average fleet, the Mazda Demio shows lower average mileage.
| Mazda Demio | Toyota Ractis | |
|---|---|---|
| Median price | KSh 1,280,000 | KSh 1,015,000 |
| Typical range | KSh 735,000 – KSh 1,350,000 | KSh 650,000 – KSh 1,080,000 |
| Avg mileage | 113,271 km | 150,000 km |
| Avg age | ~11 yrs | ~13 yrs |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Mazda Demio

KSh 500,000
2009
Toyota Ractis
KSh 470,000
2009
The Mazda Demio, known as the Mazda2 in some markets, is a compact hatchback that appeals to urban drivers and small families in Kenya. With its nimble handling and compact dimensions, it's ideal for navigating Nairobi's traffic and tight parking spaces. The Demio is popular among first-time car buyers and those upgrading from motorcycles due to its affordability and ease of maintenance. Its presence in the Kenyan market is bolstered by the availability of petrol, diesel, and the rare LPG variant, catering to different fuel preferences.
The Demio is generally reliable, with the petrol engines being particularly robust if serviced regularly. Diesel models require more attention to the fuel system and turbocharger. High mileage units may start showing wear on suspension components due to Kenya's rough roads.
Routine maintenance is straightforward, with service intervals typically every 5,000 to 10,000 km. Petrol engines are easier and cheaper to maintain compared to diesel. Automatic transmissions, common in the market, need regular fluid changes to prevent issues.
Parts are widely available in Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road and Grogan areas, as well as in major towns like Mombasa and Kisumu. Genuine and aftermarket parts are accessible, though diesel-specific components like injectors can be pricier. Mazda's authorized service centers can source genuine parts, but at a premium.
Many buyers spread the cost over 12–60 months. See what monthly repayments could look like.
Explore financingOn current Garisea listings, the Toyota Ractis has the lower median asking price — about 21% cheaper. The Mazda Demio medians KSh 1,280,000 and the Toyota Ractis medians KSh 1,015,000.
The Mazda Demio typically ranges KSh 735,000–KSh 1,350,000 (from KSh 500,000), and the Toyota Ractis KSh 650,000–KSh 1,080,000 (from KSh 470,000), based on active Garisea listings.
The Demio is generally reliable, with the petrol engines being particularly robust if serviced regularly. Diesel models require more attention to the fuel system and turbocharger. High mileage units may start showing wear on suspension components due to Kenya's rough roads.
Figures are asking prices from active Garisea listings (not sale prices). Median and quartiles are used so a few unusually priced listings don't skew the comparison.
The petrol variants, often equipped with the 1.3L or 1.5L engines, are known for their frugality, especially in urban settings, making them economical for daily commutes. The diesel variant offers better highway fuel economy and torque, but requires careful maintenance of the turbo and injectors.