The number of cars being driven on Zimbabwean roads has risen since the attainment of independence in 1980.
It is not an arguable matter that Zimbabweans are buying cars to modify their day-to-day life and also their lifestyle in general.
What matters the most is the number of the same-model vehicles that you come across on a daily basis.
Each year, a certain model floods the Zimbabwean streets more than others, which gives a reason for research on the criteria used by Zimbabweans when purchasing cars.
Six points stand out among the rest.
These are reliability, the price, fuel economy, availability of spare parts, brand reputation, as well as ultra luxury.
These reasons are the answers as to why some people drive the cheapest cars on the market and why others have a whole collection of Rolls-Royce models in their garage.
Reliability
Most people in Zimbabwe buy their cars to last.
For this reason, people tend to buy the model that they know will last longer than other models.
For example, the Toyota brand has been a pillar of reliability in Zimbabwe. Toyota models tend to be bought more, regardless of how much they cost.
The idea is to have a car that will push harder and longer than its expected lifetime period.
Reliable models found in Zimbabwe include the Land Cruiser 70 series (mostly used by non-governmental organisations), Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, among others.
Price tag
With the advancements in technology, most cars are now filled with advanced technological features.
These include assisted parking, 360-degree camera, lane assist and even massaging seats.
These additions come at a price, which makes newer models a bit more expensive than the last.
This makes the cheaper cars the best option on the market because newer models will have skyrocketing price tags, which makes them hard to reach.
Fuel economy
Fuel in Zimbabwe is expensive compared to our neighbouring countries.
With this being the case, people rely more on fuel-efficient cars.
Luckily enough, hybrid models like the Honda Fit, Toyota Aqua, Nissan Note and also the Honda Vezel, use less fuel because they switch between battery and fuel, which saves fuel.
Other hybrids tend to use fuel at over 30km/hr going forward, which makes them utilise the battery only at lower speeds.
Some people prefer non-hybrid models like the Toyota Passo with a 1.0L or 1.3L engine capacity, making the Passo a fuel-efficient model with an internal combustion engine.
This is the reason why Honda Fit, Honda Vezel, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Passo, Nissan Note and other fuel-saving models are dominant on the Zimbabwean roads.
Spare parts
Car spare parts can be tricky to find, especially when the parts needed are for an older model.
This is because spare parts shops sell parts for the flooded models mostly, so they do not stock parts for older models.
For this reason, people buy cars that have readily available spare parts, in case the owner needs to replace anything.
Buying an old version car might be a risk, since motor spare dealerships now specialise in parts for new vehicles.
For example, parts for the Honda Vezel are easy to find compared to parts of a Nissan Champ because the Honda Fit is a newer model than the Champ.
Brand reputation
Before spending money on a car brand that you do not even know about, at least basic research will put you on the right track.
Car brands are known for their different reputations, viewed globally.
For example, the Toyota brand is known for its reliability and the Rolls-Royce as the pinnacle of luxury.
In Zimbabwe, mostly mechanics advise people on cars to buy and those to avoid, based on their experience in the mechanics field.
Some car brands have a reputation for easily breaking down even before being driven for too long.
It is therefore notable why people buy Toyota models and Honda models (Japanese make), because they produce affordable and reliable cars.
Ultra luxury
This category fits those who do not worry about fuel efficiency or the availability of spare parts.
These people mostly buy cars for luxury and hype.
Models such as the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS have been spotted several times in Zimbabwe.
These are models with V8 or V12 engine capacity for pure driving experiences.
Buying these cars are rich people who can afford to ship their car back to the manufacturer for new parts.
It is clear that the majority buy cars considering price, fuel efficiency and reliability.
These reasons are justified by the large number of Japanese models on the road.
However, an exception hits the rich as they find luxurious models that suit their lifestyle and profile.