For Kenyan buyers seeking a compact hatchback, the Nissan Dayz and Toyota Passo stand as two viable contenders. Both models offer automatic transmissions and are exclusively petrol-powered, but they diverge in terms of age, mileage, and market presence. The Dayz is generally newer and has less mileage, while the Passo, with its broader market availability, presents a wider price range and potentially greater resale liquidity.
On current Garisea listings, the Nissan Dayz is about 11% cheaper on median asking price, the Nissan Dayz has a newer average fleet, the Nissan Dayz shows lower average mileage.
| Nissan Dayz | Toyota Passo | |
|---|---|---|
| Median price | KSh 850,000 | KSh 955,000 |
| Typical range | KSh 822,500 – KSh 985,000 | KSh 612,500 – KSh 1,100,000 |
| Avg mileage | 90,604 km | 107,893 km |
| Avg age | ~8 yrs | ~11 yrs |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | 2WD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Nissan Dayz
KSh 760,000
2018 · 650 Star
Toyota Passo
KSh 350,000
2007
The Nissan Dayz is a compact hatchback that suits urban dwellers and first-time car buyers in Kenya. Known for its small footprint and efficient use of space, it is ideal for navigating Nairobi's traffic and tight parking spots. With a 2018 model year being the most common on the market, it offers modern features in a budget-friendly package. Its 2WD configuration and automatic transmission make it a practical choice for city driving.
The Dayz is generally reliable, with its simple mechanicals and proven technology. However, it is important to regularly service the CVT to avoid long-term issues. The engine is durable if maintained well, but neglect can lead to costly repairs.
Routine maintenance is straightforward, with service intervals typically every 5,000 to 7,000 km. The CVT requires careful attention, and it's advisable to use genuine Nissan CVT fluid to avoid premature wear. Overall, service costs are moderate compared to peers.
Parts for the Nissan Dayz are readily available in Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road and Grogan areas, as well as in major towns like Mombasa and Kisumu. Genuine parts can be sourced through Nissan's authorized service centers, though aftermarket options are widely available and often more affordable.
The Nissan Dayz is ideal for buyers prioritizing a newer vehicle with lower mileage, making it a suitable choice for first-time car owners or those seeking a reliable city commuter. On the other hand, the Toyota Passo, with its extensive market presence and reputation for durability, is better suited for those looking for a vehicle with strong resale value and widespread parts availability, making it a practical option for family use or as part of a fleet.
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Explore financingOn current Garisea listings, the Nissan Dayz has the lower median asking price — about 11% cheaper. The Nissan Dayz medians KSh 850,000 and the Toyota Passo medians KSh 955,000.
The Nissan Dayz typically ranges KSh 822,500–KSh 985,000 (from KSh 760,000), and the Toyota Passo KSh 612,500–KSh 1,100,000 (from KSh 350,000), based on active Garisea listings.
The Dayz is generally reliable, with its simple mechanicals and proven technology. However, it is important to regularly service the CVT to avoid long-term issues. The engine is durable if maintained well, but neglect can lead to costly repairs.
The Passo enjoys a reputation for reliability, with its simple 1KR-FE engine being robust if maintained properly. It handles high mileage well, although regular maintenance is crucial to avoid common issues like oil consumption and timing chain noise as it ages.
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 Nissan Dayz is frugal in urban settings, with its small petrol engine offering good mileage in stop-and-go traffic. On highways, it remains economical, making it a cost-effective option for daily commuting.
The Toyota Passo is a compact hatchback that appeals to urban drivers and small families in Kenya. Known for its practicality and ease of maneuverability, it is ideal for city dwellers who prioritize fuel efficiency and compact size over power. The Passo's compact dimensions make it well-suited for navigating Nairobi's traffic and squeezing into tight parking spots, while its straightforward design and reliable engineering appeal to first-time car buyers and those seeking a no-nonsense daily driver.
The Passo enjoys a reputation for reliability, with its simple 1KR-FE engine being robust if maintained properly. It handles high mileage well, although regular maintenance is crucial to avoid common issues like oil consumption and timing chain noise as it ages.
Routine maintenance is straightforward and affordable, with service intervals typically every 5,000 km. The automatic transmission requires regular fluid checks to prevent issues. The Passo's simplicity means that most mechanics across Kenya are familiar with it, reducing service costs compared to more complex vehicles.
Parts for the Passo are widely available across Kenya, particularly in Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road and Grogan areas, as well as in Mombasa and other major towns. Both genuine and aftermarket parts are accessible, though genuine parts are recommended for critical components to ensure longevity. Toyota's authorized service centers also stock parts, albeit at a premium.
The Passo's 1.0L 1KR-FE engine is frugal, offering excellent fuel economy in urban settings where stop-and-go traffic is common. On highways, it maintains decent efficiency, though it can feel underpowered at higher speeds, which may lead to slightly increased consumption when pushed hard.
