10 top factors that determine what Zimbabweans dri...

10 top factors that determine what Zimbabweans drive

What the Japanese are currently tired of determines what most Zimbabweans drive.

Vehicle purchase trends by Zimbabweans are pushed by what Japanese drivers are selling off

Zim Now carried out a survey to find out what determines vehicle purchases for Zimbabweans. We sent out digital questionnaires via WhatsApp and Email to more than 300 mass market/ entry level vehicle owners in Zimbabwe.

We asked just two questions:

· List determinants in order of importance and give reason

· What Make and Model you drive

107 people responded. We determined the top 10 by collating similar responses and giving weight to the ones with the most mentions.

Here are the results:

1. Price

What you have will determine what you acquire. Logical. Everything else is subordinate to the wallet. There is no point in taking a brand new GD6 for a test drive when you well know that you are going to try and negotiate down the five thousand dollar asking price.

2. Availability

Whether you are buying locally or importing, what is on the market within your price range will determine your choice. Sites like Be Forward influence local buying trends simply through their current offers within the price range of those buying at the time.

3. Make

For the mass market, Toyota and Honda seem to be the most makes preferred for the entry level car owners with Nissan a third one. Others like Subaru and Opel are for a few connoisseurs. Mercs in all shapes and sizes rule the roost as status symbols for the wanna-bes with BMWs coming in second.

4. Model

A Merc is a Merc, granted. But a C, D, E class that is less than 10 years old cannot be compared to an A or B class or a CDE class that is older than current high schoolers. So a Honda Fit Hybrid 2013 model will place the owner on a totally different level to someone driving the 2002 edition. Obviously.

5. Mileage and appearance

New is relative. Especially when it comes to vehicles. Most Zimbabweans drive pre-owned cars. Either imported from Japan, mostly, or acquired third, fourth, fifth, infinity hand locally. So distance already covered matters because it gives an idea of what can still be expected by the latest owner. It also determines re-sale value should one be lucky enough to be in season for an upgrade. Or unfortunate enough to be downgrading or renewing their membership of Passengers Association of Zimbabwe. A word of warning- most used car sales dealers, even the foreign ones seem to have tricks for dialling down the mileage marker. So the appearance also matters with the two determinants coming up even in the responses.

6. Durability

When buying a vehicle that has already done 10 years or more of service, one automatically worries how much further it can take without becoming more of a problem than a convenience. Toyotas are perceived as the most reliable with majority of respondents saying it is the make most likely to run reasonably for more years even if it has seen it all already.

7. Easy of repair

Toyotas and Hondas are popular because they are perceived as more repairable than other makes. Availability of spare parts and profusion of competent mechanics appear to be the determinants that push that perception.

8. Cost of maintenance

The cost of a vehicle’s service kit, accessories and spare parts also influence what one decides to buy. Toyota models are seen to be the most affordable.

9. Fuel consumption

Who doesn’t have stories of fuel queues? And with the Ukraine crisis who knows what the future of oil prices looks like? But even without those variables, fuel is a painful cost for most people so the engine that consumes the least will get an extra tick when one is shopping for their next vehicle.

10. Who else is driving it?

Someone might think that a Wish, a Fun Cargo, a Raum, or a Fit is a perfectly good vehicle. But they are not going to be seen dead behind the wheel of a mushikashika. Period. Who can blame them?

Other determinants that came up include consensus on shared vehicles, colour, general appearance, accessories and extras.

Respondents also explained that while their preferences and order influence initial choice, at the end of the day, the test drive and a trusted mechanic’s verdict will determine whether they buy or keep shopping.