Job Discussion Forums

[MIKEBUCHAN]

Has anyone ever bought a car in SA? Insurance?

I was in SA in the mid 1990's and was with the Saudi Royal Air Force and we were given everything. This time, I am not so fortunate and think I'll have to buy a couple of things.

[Bebsi]

In 2002 I bought a car on a finance deal from Alireza Motors (Al Khobar) and it was dead easy, they took care of all the paperwork.

I had to show them:

PP - Iqama - Saudi licence - Letter from employer stating income

If you buy cash or secondhand you will have to do the paperwork yourself, but I believe it's a day (a very full one) of running around to various govt depts. But apart from that, there's nowt to it, I am given to understand.

Insurance worked out at about 1000 SAR a year fully comp, which was damned excellent compared to what I'm now paying in Romania.

Driving in KSA?

Some wouldn't touch it, like Scot 47, which is understandable enough; others enjoy the challenge, such as yours truly. However, there are many who would question the overall Bebsi levels of sanity anyway so it's a moot point!!

Seriously, it's not that bad, with lotsa lovely empty highways out there to enjoy, once you're away from the built-up areas. Jeddah is the worst, Riyadh not quite as bad, and Khobar/Dammam actually quite OK...it's all relative, of course

Secret of driving in KSA? Assume everyone else on the road is a cretinous imbecilic moron, who is blind, deaf and mentally retarded; assume too that they are all psychopathic nutters who are out for your blood, and finally, assume that your car is made of paper. If you assume all these and drive accordingly, you might just survive and live to tell your grandkids about it.

Oh, always wear a beseball cap (preferably back to front) as it gives you more street cred, they will think you're a boy racer like theselves or even a bit of a hard-baastard and are less likely to try to intimidate you.

Basically, drive the way they do, but better!!

Happy cruisin'!!

[scot47]

Received wisdom is that if buying second-hand ('pre-owned' as the trade says) do NOT buy from a local. You can get deals on paying up a car over 3/4 years. Some of these sardine cans made in Korea are very reasonably-priced. I hate to think what happees to them on impact with a SUV though.

If you are in Dhahran/Khobar/Dammam I can put you in touch with someone who buys and sells cars to and from 'expats' (ie 'Gringos').

This is, of course a public service, and I gain nothing from it. I can also guarantee a wonderful site for viewing flying pigs. (ZOOM - another one just flew past !)

[Van Norden]

It's not that much hassle buying a 2nd-hand car. I did it a few years ago. I only remember going to one office - with the seller - to arrange the transfer of ownership from him to me.

I've got basic 3rd-party insurance (SR350 pa for a car under SR20,000 in value, double for comprehensive.)

Running costs are negligible. I pay about SR30 a week for petrol and a general service isn't much more than SR100.

This is a very good country to own a car. I've never been a 'car man' but you really need one to live here. For convenience, freedom and cost-effectiveness, it's the only way to go. The main downside is having precious capital tied up in a depreciating asset, so try to buy something relatively cheap to minimize this 'cost.'

[scot47]

Settle for a T-34 or a "Tiger".

[MIKEBUCHAN]

Thanks guys!

When I was there in the mid 90's it was only military and they took care of everything --- I even crashed a car and 'my boys' put the fix in with the police and insurance company -- I drove that crunched car for three months and then, no deductable payment! Just a new car!

But that was then and this is now!

I kinda remember driving in SA and Qatar -- Bebsi, I'm in Russia and all the Middle East drivers are better than Russians! Remember BUMPER CARS and banging into each other?? Same thing!

Bebsi, you are in Romania? Tell me about buying a house somewhere near the Black Sea Coast? Can you get residence there? I am an American with a Russian wife......................... If it is outside of this therd PM me!!!!!

I will be in Al Kobar in a short time and will be looking for all of you guys.

[007]

[Bebsi]

Sent you a PM, MB.

[MIKEBUCHAN]

007

Yeah! The Lada is better than ever! However, the Zastafa is only for restorers of old cars. General Motors has a joint venture with Vaz (main plant that makes the Lada) and together they produce a Chevy Neva - a neat little SUV! We had one for a while, and it was great. Chevy body, Opal engine and running gear and Vaz production. This is happening in a lot of places in Russia --- the Japanese, Korean and Chinese are opening car plants in Russia.

[Bebsi]