While some automobile brands settle for their already manufactured vehicles and prefer to modify them every year, Toyota continues to manufacture top rated unique automobiles. For a fact, Toyota has won the hearts of many with their innovative, creative, and absolutely outstanding vehicles from the past decade to date.
It is no surprise that they remain one of the most sought-after brands in Africa and rule the market in Kenya. They are the king of the mid-range market and the production of the Toyota Raum only confirms their dominance in East Africa.
The Toyota Raum is a small 5-seat subcompact MPV that was first launched in the late 90s. Since its release, the compact MSV has gone to rule the market of vehicles in its category and remains among the most sought-after subcompact cars in Kenya to date. Thanks to its efficiency and overall functionality, the Toyota Raum rates among the best Toyota subcompact vehicles until its production was halted in 2011.
One of the strangest and absolutely remarkable features of this vehicle is its spacious interior. Despite its rather compact body, the Toyota Raum features a comfortable and roomy interior that can comfortably contain the driver, a passenger in front, and three at the back. Unlike most other compact vehicles, the Raum’s front doors on both the driver and passenger sides open conventionally, but the rear doors slide open backward and join to the top and bottom of the door openings and mesh to the front doors (similar door approach also used on the first-generation Mitsubishi RVR).
Let us take a deeper look at this super subcompact MPV and how much it costs in the Kenyan market today.
Prices of Brand new Toyota Raum in Kenya
The Toyota Raum was among the very best Toyota subcompact MPVs when it was first launched in 1997. It still remains among the most successful Toyota subcompact vehicles to date. This encouraged production to go on till it was finally recalled by the company in 2011.
Although the Toyota Raum still remains widely sought after in the automobile market in Kenya, the brand new version is no longer available for purchase. The brand has since then moved on to another subcompact vehicles and still release new models every year.
Prices of Used Toyota Raum in Kenya
For a vehicle that was extremely successful during the period of production, you wouldn’t expect the models to fade off despite the brand recalling the production. To date, the Toyota Raum still remains very much available in the market, although they are restricted to only the imported foreign used version and locally used versions.
The Kenyan market has experienced a remarkable surge when it comes to used vehicles. In recent years, the study has revealed that there is higher patronage of used cars compared to that of brand new cars. This is largely because end users get cheaper deals. Although foreign currency exchange rates and customs duties and tariffs usually affect the prices of most of these imported used vehicles, they are still relatively affordable and valuable.
One core point about the Raum is the fact that, unlike some other minicars, it boasts a remarkable second-hand value due to its durability and toughness. Using the car for about 3 to 5 years does not affect the efficiency and functionality of the car, provided it remains in good condition, thereby maintaining its value.
Let us take a quick look at the prices of various models of used Toyota Raum.
Foreign Used Raum & Prices in Kenya
- 2005 & 2006: KSH 750,000 – KSh900,000
- 2007 & 2008: KSH 800,000 – KSh1 million
- 2009 – 2011: KSH 1 million – KSh1.2 million
Locally Used Toyota Raum in Kenya
- 2005 & 2006: KSH 600,000 – KSh700,000
- 2007 & 2008: KSH 600 million – KSh750,000
- 2009 – 2011: KSH 800 million – KSh850, 000
Toyota Raum: What you should know about the vehicle
The Toyota Raum is a 5-seat subcompact MPV that was first launched in 1997. It is a small multi-purpose car whose inner space and functionality can be comfortably described as epic. One might not get the full picture from the outside, given its compact body and simple design. The interior though provides a rather classy feel and ensures a great driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
Toyota was impressed with the success of the first model in 1997. 2003 saw the launch of the second generation, another successful model that rolled in to the market and blew the minds of many. With a cost-effective 1.5l four-cylinder engine combined with a four-speed automatic transmission, the fuel consumption of the Toyota Raum is fairly decent, consuming as little as 11litres per 100km. It is also available in both the front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configuration options.
The vehicle is compact enough to handle highway trips, both long and short distances. Interestingly, the vehicle does not make so much noise, but it might not be the best choice on roads that are rough. It is more efficient on smooth roads. The vehicle features small 14-inch tires and a low floor that makes entry and exit very comfortable. Like most other subcompact vehicles, the Toyota Raum has conventional front doors and two sliding side doors. Unlike the others though, the front and sliding doors latch to each other.
The Toyota Raum 2009 remains among the most popular and in-demand of all the Raum models. It boasts lovely features including low beam discharge headlights with auto-leveling functionality, upgraded night visibility, and a freshening function added to the air conditioning to clean and filter the air of the vehicle.
When it comes to overall efficiency, usability, and functionality, the Toyota Raum delivers to the maximum extent possible for a small car. It does not only excel in design and comfortability, but it is also very reliable and durable. The second-generation Toyota Raum has proven to be a very popular vehicle for families and remain among the most south after MPVs in the Kenyan market to date. Kudos Toyota!
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