More about TOYOTA PROBOX

#13 Toyota Probox Van

Vehicle: Toyota Probox Van

1. The Big Picture The Toyota Probox is the undisputed king of commercial vans in Kenya. It is a tool, not a luxury item, built with a single-minded focus on durability, practicality, and the lowest possible running costs. It is the backbone of countless small businesses, valued for its ability to handle heavy loads and rough roads without complaint.

2. Engine, Performance & Economy The Probox is powered by a simple and incredibly durable 1.5-litre petrol engine (1NZ-FE), paired with a CVT. Performance is adequate for carrying heavy loads. A 1.5L Hybrid version is also available, offering massive fuel savings of 23-28 km/l compared to the petrol's 14-17 km/l.

3. Design & Practicality The design is a simple, unadorned box, and that is its greatest strength. The interior is incredibly spacious with a completely flat-folding rear seat area, creating a huge cargo bay. The interior is made of hard, scratch-resistant plastics designed for work.

• Seating Capacity: 5 seats, with a focus on maximizing cargo space.

• Luggage Capacity: Enormous, with a focus on commercial cargo.

• Ground Clearance: ~155 mm

4. Comfort & Technology Comfort is minimal. The seats are basic, and the suspension is firm to handle heavy loads. Technology is limited to the absolute essentials like a heater and maybe a basic radio.

5. Safety & On-Road Stability Later models are available with Toyota Safety Sense, which is a major upgrade for a commercial vehicle. All models come with standard airbags and ABS.

6. Reliability & Maintenance Reliability is absolute. The Probox is mechanically simple and designed to be abused and easily fixed. Parts are extremely cheap and available everywhere in Kenya.

7. Estimated Import Cost for a 2018 Toyota Probox (These estimates are for a direct import of a 2018 model with low mileage and a Japanese auction grade of 4 or higher. The import duty is calculated using the official KRA valuation template.)

• Duty-Paid Estimate (1.5L Petrol):

  • Estimated CIF to Mombasa: KSh 1,200,000 - KSh 1,400,000

  • Taxes & Fees (KRA + NTSA): ~ KSh 289,000 (based on a CRSP estimate of KSh 2,573,759 from the provided KRA list)

  • Clearing & Handling: ~ KSh 85,000

  • Total Price: KSh 1,574,000 - KSh 1,774,000

8. Long-Term Ownership Costs

• Insurance: Approx. KSh 50,000 - KSh 75,000.

• Minor Service: Approx. KSh 5,000 - KSh 8,000.

• Major Service: Approx. KSh 12,000 - KSh 20,000.

9. The Ci Verdict For any business needing a purely practical, reliable, and economical cargo-hauling vehicle, the Toyota Probox is the best tool for the job. Its value is in its ability to work, day in and day out, without complaint and with minimal cost.

10. Meet the Competition The Probox's only true competitor is its twin, the Toyota Succeed. It also competes with small pickup trucks like the Daihatsu Hijet for light commercial tasks.