The Nissan Note and Toyota Auris both sit in the hatchback segment, offering practical urban mobility with compact dimensions. The Note is generally the more affordable option, appealing to budget-conscious buyers, while the Auris commands a higher price, reflecting Toyota's reputation for durability and a slightly more premium feel. Both models offer petrol and hybrid variants, but the Note's wider availability in the Kenyan market gives it an edge in terms of parts and mechanic familiarity.
On current Garisea listings, the Nissan Note is about 26% cheaper on median asking price, the Nissan Note has a newer average fleet, the Nissan Note shows lower average mileage.
| Nissan Note | Toyota Auris | |
|---|---|---|
| Median price | KSh 1,350,000 | KSh 1,820,000 |
| Typical range | KSh 1,000,000 – KSh 1,600,000 | KSh 1,350,000 – KSh 1,850,000 |
| Avg mileage | 90,878 km | 120,286 km |
| Avg age | ~9 yrs | ~11 yrs |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Nissan Note
KSh 400,000
2008
Toyota Auris
KSh 885,000
2010
Nissan Note
Toyota Auris
No distinct trim split.
The Nissan Note is a compact hatchback that appeals to urban drivers and young families in Kenya. Known for its practicality and efficient use of space, it offers a comfortable ride for city commutes and occasional upcountry trips. The most common models available are from 2012 to 2018, with a predominance of petrol engines and a few hybrid variants. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating Nairobi's traffic and tight parking spaces, while the interior space is surprisingly ample for a car of its class.
The Nissan Note is generally reliable, with the HR12DE 1.2L engine being a robust performer. However, the CVT transmission can develop issues if not properly maintained, particularly beyond 100,000 km. Regular servicing and timely oil changes are crucial to maintaining its longevity.
Maintenance for the Nissan Note is straightforward, with service intervals typically every 5,000 to 10,000 km. The CVT requires special attention, and it's advisable to use genuine Nissan transmission fluid to avoid premature wear. Routine maintenance costs are moderate compared to similar models, but hybrid variants may incur higher costs due to battery checks and potential replacements.
For first-time buyers or those prioritizing cost-effectiveness, the Nissan Note is an attractive choice due to its lower purchase price and widespread availability of parts, especially in Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road and Grogan areas. It suits urban driving with its compact size and fuel efficiency. The Toyota Auris, on the other hand, is better suited for buyers who value brand prestige and are willing to invest more upfront for potentially better long-term reliability and resale value. It's ideal for small families or professionals seeking a reliable daily driver with a touch of refinement.
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Explore financingOn current Garisea listings, the Nissan Note has the lower median asking price — about 26% cheaper. The Nissan Note medians KSh 1,350,000 and the Toyota Auris medians KSh 1,820,000.
The Nissan Note typically ranges KSh 1,000,000–KSh 1,600,000 (from KSh 400,000), and the Toyota Auris KSh 1,350,000–KSh 1,850,000 (from KSh 885,000), based on active Garisea listings.
The Nissan Note is generally reliable, with the HR12DE 1.2L engine being a robust performer. However, the CVT transmission can develop issues if not properly maintained, particularly beyond 100,000 km. Regular servicing and timely oil changes are crucial to maintaining its longevity.
The Auris is generally reliable, with the 1.8L petrol engine (2ZR-FE) being robust and well-suited to Kenyan conditions. The hybrid system has proven durable, though battery health should be checked in older models. High mileage Auris units tend to maintain their reliability if serviced regularly.
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.
Parts for the Nissan Note are widely available across Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road, Grogan, and Ngara, as well as in major towns like Mombasa and Kisumu. Both genuine and aftermarket parts can be sourced easily, though genuine parts are recommended for critical components like the CVT. Importers and online platforms also offer a good range of spares, ensuring minimal downtime for repairs.
The petrol variants of the Nissan Note are generally frugal, performing well in city traffic with moderate highway consumption. The hybrid versions offer even better fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go conditions, making them ideal for urban dwellers who prioritize fuel savings.
The Toyota Auris is a compact hatchback that appeals to urban commuters and small families in Kenya. Known for its reliability and practicality, the Auris is a popular choice for those seeking a balance between efficiency and comfort. The 2016 model year, often seen on the market, offers a modern design with a focus on fuel economy, particularly in the petrol and hybrid variants. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating Nairobi's traffic and parking constraints, while its spacious interior accommodates five passengers comfortably.
The Auris is generally reliable, with the 1.8L petrol engine (2ZR-FE) being robust and well-suited to Kenyan conditions. The hybrid system has proven durable, though battery health should be checked in older models. High mileage Auris units tend to maintain their reliability if serviced regularly.
Routine maintenance is straightforward, with service intervals typically every 10,000 km. The automatic transmission requires regular fluid changes to prevent issues. Hybrid models may need specialized attention for the battery system, but Toyota's service network in Kenya can handle such needs. Parts are reasonably priced compared to peers.
Parts for the Auris are widely 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 Toyota's authorized service centres, while aftermarket options are plentiful. Hybrid components are less common and may require ordering through specialized dealers.
The petrol variants of the Auris offer decent fuel economy, especially on highways, though they can be slightly thirstier in stop-and-go Nairobi traffic. The hybrid variant, though rare, provides excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city driving. LPG models are economical but require careful consideration of refueling infrastructure.
