Job Discussion Forums

[saharastars]

Hi all,
I have a few questions about buying and running a car in Riyadh, any info on the following will be very welcome!


1) Can one be bought on a budget of $1500?
2)Is there a good market? Where?
3) What paper work does one need?
4)Any dodgy scams to be aware of?

We'd prefer an economical runner, but am really concerned abiout ac - what type of cars are best for coping with the heat?

Ta!

[007]

[saharastars]

Thanks!

Do you know what type of car is best for the Saudi climate etc?
Out of interest what car do you have?

Thanks again-

[007]

Well, I am not anymore in the Magic Kingdom, if you check my avatar, I am in the United Kingdom.

[MixtecaMike]

For $1500 you will get an old Caprice or a Cressida with about a half million km on the clock. Go for the Caprice, the A/C might still work.

Look at www.expatriates.com for used cars, but people there usually want more for their cars (than at the street car marts) due to the fact they can post in English, or something approaching it.

[saharastars]

ok I've upped my allowance- its whatever for a decent runner.

I have been chastened indeed I looked closely at kitty and you are indeed in UK/and an ongoing? vetenarian of the Magic Kingdom.

My husband thinks that we will need a 4 x 4 , after all he's planning desert picnics and hawk flying , so reckons we will need an off roader as the 'sands just every where'.

Being of the eco friendly kind, I'd much rather steer clear of gas guzzlers, and sartorialy keep away from 4 x 4 that attract comments like '*beep*' and 'poser' .

[trapezius]

Go for a Toyota RAV4. A 2006 model with about 50,000 km in good condition will set you back about $10,000. You can get an older one or one with more miles on it, but still in good condition for around $8,000.

For reliability and resale value, stick with Toyota.

[saharastars]

AWWW noooo you mean I cant buy an nice Audi on my budget?

Oh yeah..... I teach.........., to think I had the choice betweena career in medicine or teaching, now its a case of taking the medicine AND teaching...

[BillCowher]

It seems the car to buy is most likely a Chevy Caprice since gas is actually cheaper than water. Try to avoid buying from a Saudi & try to buy from an expat who likely has taken care of it. I've been told by many expats not to buy German cars under any circumstance because they overheat & they are expensive to repair.

If you decide to buy from the usual Saudi car market called a car "exposition" then you should travel to Dammam where the cars are a third less costly for similar cars. If you've never been to those "expositions" you are in for a treat(?) because they start in the evening & everybody & his brother drives his car there & tries to sell it. The things are just a cluster f*ck of people trying to hard sell you their old worn out crap.

Maintenance is not part of the Saudi language so you would have to remove the wheels & look at the brakes, check the oils & all fluids before buying anything to drive. Of course if you can find a "beater" & aren't going to drive far then it is like anywhere. You get what you pay for.

[Stephen Jones]

[Pikgitina]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Er...probably anything even slightly (sniff!) 'Merican is to be avoided?

NCTBA

[007]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Er...secret agent man, the poster was requesting some "intelligence"!

xox

NCTBA

[007]

Well, the matter does not need intelligence, it needs indiligence!

Well, technically and financially speaking, GM cars are not economical, not environmentally friendly (not green!), expensive to maintain and repair, and internationally not recognized.