Juba Driver’s Secret to Car Longevity: Do NOT Share

(JUBA) – For over 11 years, James Kenyi, a car enthusiast from Juba, has kept his 1999 Toyota Caldina in near perfect condition through a strict personal maintenance routine. His unwavering discipline in car care, combined with a refusal to share the vehicle with anyone, not even close family, has ensured the car remains mechanically sound and visually pristine, despite its age.

Kenyi’s commitment to the upkeep of his car begins with service consistency. He visits the garage for scheduled maintenance every 4,500 km, 500 km earlier than the recommended 5,000 km interval in the manufacturer’s manual. Importantly, only two trusted mechanics have ever serviced the vehicle. His careful handling extends to car washes as well.

“Even at the washing bay, I move it myself from the spray zone to the drying spot. I do not let anyone else drive it,” Kenyi says.

Despite being manufactured over two decades ago, the Caldina still turns heads on the streets of Juba. The bodywork is free of dents, and the original number plate is undamaged. During one garage visit to replace worn engine mountings, a mechanic’s friend offered Kenyi SSP 78.2 million (approx. USD 17,000) for the vehicle, more than what he originally paid for it. Two other enthusiasts have also expressed serious interest, further highlighting the car’s exceptional value retention.

Kenyi drives infrequently, thanks to a work from home arrangement. Sometimes, the car stays parked for over a week, which he says contributes to less wear and fewer repairs. His vehicle is a 2,000cc automatic with a petrol engine.

“If I notice even the slightest unusual sound or behaviour, I park it immediately and go to the mechanic. I won’t drive it if something feels off,” he says. “When I’m low on cash, I’d rather park it than risk damage.”

Tyre care is another top priority for Kenyi. Instead of waiting for treads to wear out, he replaces all four tyres every three years. He also rotates them mid cycle to ensure even wear, front to rear. This practice matches global tyre safety guidelines, which recommend tyre replacement every six years regardless of mileage, due to rubber degradation.

Regular maintenance for the Caldina costs him about SSP 437,000 (USD 95) per service, which includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and other consumables. Rear brake pads, which he last replaced over a year ago, cost SSP 552,000 (USD 120), and he replaces them every two to three years. His most expensive repair was SSP 1.1 million (USD 240) to replace a broken front headlamp after a boda boda accident.

His longtime mechanic, Simon Lado, says Kenyi’s Caldina is a rare find.

“Most vehicles on our roads look fine from outside but are a disaster mechanically. Many owners only come to us when the car is completely broken down. But James treats his car like a patient. Any small symptom and he is here,” Lado says.

He encouraged drivers to listen to their cars and respond quickly to signs of wear.

Both Kenyi and Lado stressed the importance of limiting who drives the vehicle.

“Different people treat the car differently. If you want it to last, be the only one behind the wheel,” Kenyi advises. Even buyers of new cars should not assume their vehicle is road ready. “Service it before taking any long trips,” he adds.

Kenyi’s principles of timely servicing, tyre discipline,and exclusive driving rights have not only protected his investment but also increased its value over time. His story proves that with consistent care, even older cars can retain their value and reliability for years.

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