Job Discussion Forums

bigdurian · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 8:05 am Post subject:

Okay, I'll clarify that. There are many throughout KSA, but on each major highway there are normally a few dotted along it. I think there are 3-4 between Riyadh and Dammam for example.

In Riyadh. at weekends especially, there are often checkpoints on the frontage roads of highways, normally looking for underage drivers etc.

Didn't say it was an issue for you, but maybe your info is out of date.

bigdurian · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 8:09 am Post subject:

You'll get something okay for 20-30K SAR. Something that goes for 10K.

as far as garages and repairs go, if you can find an honest guy, the labour is next to nothing so that's not a problem, your costs will depend on the type of car you have and how easily obtained the parts can be found.

Another good reason for going Jap/Korea is that they can be fixed anywhere, quickly and easily.

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 2:04 pm Post subject:

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 2:06 pm Post subject:

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 2:07 pm Post subject:

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Don't buy a Kia, the agency prices for repairs, parts are completely extortionate (at least here in Jubail). Resale value is very low, but it also means you can pick one up fairly cheaply.
Driving is not as bad as scot47 claims. The traffic is fast and many drivers thoughtless and I have spent a good deal of wasted energy giving them 1-finger salutes, but in the case of an accident, getting stuck in the sand, or anything like that many people (Saudis) will stop immediately to lend a helping hand.
People (foreign devils only) who don't (didn't) drive will tell you how much they don't need a car, but you can ignore them. If not just grouchy old codgers they were probably traumatized in a car accident in their past life.
The gas is so cheap and the convenience factor is so high you will really enjoy your stay much more on wheels, especially with a family in tow.
And of course with your own car, you can fit baby seats (the original topic question, I recall).

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"Take kids to school". Will you do that as well as drive to work ? Schools usually arrange transport for pupils.

I will leave you to your worship of the False God Ford. I am happy without that modern day Baal !

At KFUPM I was fortunate in that I lived within walking distance of my classroom. A great civilising influence !

johnslat · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 2:46 pm Post subject:

If you're married in Saudi, you probably need a car.

If you're not, chances are that you might not need one.

If the hassle of buying, owning, selling and (especially) driving in Saudi can be avoided, I'd certainly choose (and did choose - except when my wife was over there) to do without a car.

Regards,
John

Amerrycan Muslim · Joined: 01 Jul 2014 Posts: 51 Location: KSA

I first came out to KSA in 2005 and have to say, that while there is undoubtedly room for improvement, dangerous driving has lessened quite a bit... I see a lot more undercover cop cars on the highway between Jeddah and Makkah than I did even 3 years ago...

I also now people (westerners) whom have not been found at fault in traffic accidents with Saudis..

mnruman · Joined: 30 Mar 2015 Posts: 93 Location: Manchester, UK

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:07 pm Post subject:

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:12 pm Post subject:

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:14 pm Post subject:

bigdurian · Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 3:57 am Post subject:

[quote="cnthaiksarok"][quote="mnruman"]Also how does insurance work there?[/quote]

By law, you're required to have it and the proof on you.

A year or two of coverage CAN be worked into the negotiation when buying from an authorized dealer. (as well as the potential headache of transferring the "Istamara" = registration)

Beyond that, after you buy - you're vehicle will be entered into the Ministry of Interior's records and you'll receive a notice through your Abshir (sometimes Abshar) account (online).

That's so they can easily send you speeding tickets, etc. :p

This abshar bizness is a relatively new requirement in the ksa and from my point of view will become obligatory for all expats within the next year or two, but that's another story.

If you buy from an individual on the other hand, you'll have some homework to do - there are quite a few options out there, insurance-wise.

Finally, like most places there are levels of insured coverage:
fault / no fault, etc.[/quote]

The 'Istamara' is fairly straightforward I think. It's all done online now. So long as you have your Iqama and a letter from your company, and the seller has all of his documents, should only take 30 mins or so. They will give you a slip to say the car is yours and then pick up the registration card a few days later.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

When you buy a car, the details are entered on a Govt database. For final exit yiu need to sell the car, transfer ownership and get all the paperwork done. Hassle.