I love the mystery of dark-coloured cars

Suzy Wendot, Public Health Manager with an NGO,tells of her car

What type of car do you drive?

My ride is a Toyota Rush 2006 model

Things you love most about your car include...

I have always loved sports utility vehicles (SUVs) that was one of the reasons I settled on it. Then, It has good ground clearance for off-road driving and its fuel consumption is good. The music system has an in-built memory for my personalised audio music collection and I also love the colour.

Did you pick your colour of choice?

Yes I did. I picked the grey because of my love for dark cars. I also love the uniqueness and mystery that comes with colour grey.

What enhancements have you made to your car?

The first thing I did was to tint the windows just to give me some privacy, which I value to this date. Otherwise, the car came in a pretty good shape hence, I loved everything else.

What girly stuff must you always carry in your car?

You will hardly miss sunglasses, lip gloss, antiseptic wipes, a couple of shoes and my gym bag because I'm quite athletic.

If you could change a few things about the car what would they be?

So far, I love it as it is. I have maintained most of the fittings, which came with the car since they were perfect for me and complemented my personality.

What is your experience like driving in the city of Nairobi?

Over time, I have learnt to develop some tough skin due to drivers who are not courteous, especially the matatu drivers, who have less regard for traffic rules. I have had my car scratched a few times and it was not fun.

Which animal are you on the road, a cheetah or a tortoise?

I love the thrill that comes with speed, but this only comes up when I have no passengers. If at all I'm carrying people in my car, I will be a tortoise .

The best destination you ever travelled to with your car is?

I frequently take road trips to Baringo with family and friends - that is our regular road trip destination. We have also driven to Tsavo and it was quite an adventure.

Your ultimate dream car is?

My dream car would be a black Toyota Prado VX. I have always loved big cars. It provides refined comfort rugged dependability and smooth driving, whether in town or off road. Let's say I would give anything for that experience.

If you were stranded on a highway with a flat tyre, would you fix it or what would you do to get help?

Yes! I would roll up my sleeves and fix it without waiting or looking clueless about it.

If you had the privilege of a siren on your car, what outrageous thing would you do?

Honestly, I would enjoy more hours of sleep because I know I would always beat traffic once I checked on to the roads and switched my sirens on.

What do you do to kill time while in traffic?

I listen to my collection of gospel music, which is dear to my heart, especially "Longenyo" by Emmy Kosgei. Plus I also check out other people's cars just to know what I'll go out and shop for next.

What habit would you not tolerate from people you carry in your car?

People who come in with muddy shoes, and to minimise that, with time I adapted to the seasons and now I hardly carry people in my car during those rainy seasons.

What advice would you give a lady who wants to buy a car?

Buy a vehicle, which is practical for you and what you've always loved, don't listen other people's opinions, unless, of course, they are buying it for you.

On average, how much do you spend on fuel?

My expenditure ranges at approximately Sh10,000 per month.

What is the worst driving experience you have had?

Back when I was a road rookie, I accidentally drove with my handbrake on for 50km. By the time I realised it, my brake pads had been wrecked and I needed to do repairs.

What one thing have you learned about driving that you were not taught in driving school?

I learned a lot but no one schooled me on how to interpret the car's emergency signs.

What annoying driving habits have you observed on Kenyan roads?

I  dislike drivers who intentionally blind others with full headlights. Is it so hard to turn down those lights?