Job Discussion Forums

USAMATHMAN · Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 72

Hello all,

I will be moving to middle east in September for a teaching position in Abu Dhabi. I have been told that the teaching positions would be in Al Gharbia are which & would entail a 30-40 km commute.

I have a Chevy Impala 2005 that I absolutely love and I have spent the last 3 years paying it off. I still owe around $6000 on it & do not want to sell the car.

My question.
(1)Do you think shipping my car to middle east will be worth it? I will not be returning to the U.S. until August 2011 or maybe later.

(2) Considering the extreme temperatures in Middle East, do you think an american made vehicle could last at least a year or two before the temperatures cause major problems?

Any advice would be great. Thanks!!!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

I've done it twice before, bringing US-registered vehicles to the Emirates. In each case the vehicles didn't hold up well in the varying humidity and extreme heat and dust. The second car was a top of the line Nissan product, an Infiniti Q45 that I drove around Ras al Khaimah for a couple of years. Various censors failed, causing nonfunction of the ABS system, loss of acceleration power, loss of traction control.

That's not all--none of these problems could even be diagnosed, because the computer software and handtool hardware were incompatible with the European systems in use in the Emirates.

So I drove around a low-quality car for a year until I returned with it to the US and finally had it fixed. Oh--and the crappy roads in RAK ruined my shock absorbers too.

If I were you I'd cut my losses, sell the Chevy and buy something in the Emirates. Car prices are similar and sometimes cheaper. Considering your Chevy model, I'd look into a new Malibu, Taurus, or used Camry, used Accord, used Nissan Maxima for good value. Also the new Ford Fusion.

All of the above assumes at least a two-year stay. I've shown calculations several times before on these boards that if you're staying two years or more, it is financially wiser to buy a used car and then sell. If for one year only, it makes sense to lease a small car.

Add to your costs the two-way shipping cost of $6000 at least. How can you even consider that financially? If you're only staying for a year, have a close friend or family member drive it once a week for you while you're gone.

USAMATHMAN · Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 72

Thanks NCTBA and Sheikh. Great advice!!!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 10:30 am Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

It isn't really necessary to drive it around - though that is best case - at least start the engine and let the fluids all circulate. If you do not (and I didn't), expect to replace things like fuel pumps etc... because the seals go.

VS

johnslat · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 2:15 pm Post subject:

Dear veiledsentiments,

" . . . because the seals go."

Hope they don't go here, especially the baby ones:

" The seal hunt takes place on the ice floes off Canada's East Coast in two areas: the Gulf of St. Lawrence (west of Newfoundland and east of the Magdalen Islands) and the "Front" (northeast of Newfoundland)."

Regards,
John

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

Ooh, thanks for that, JohnSlat. You remind me of me--when I was in college philosophy classes. I always liked to contribute something really relevant like "Professor! Shall I assassinate your penguin?"

johnslat · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 3:25 pm Post subject:

Dear Sheik,

Many thanks - it's always reassuring to get your seal of approval - or, for that matter, your goat (but for God's sake, spare that penguin.)

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Yes, but at least John used the word "seal" which fit into the conversation - playing on words as he loves to do. Bringing up penguins - not to mention assassination - suggests a lack of sanity... and if I were your prof, I would notify administration.

Cool

VS

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

That was a line from Steve Martin in the old SNL days. Blame him Razz

I was not making fun of or annoyed by John's post.

johnslat · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 7:17 pm Post subject:

Dear Sheik,

Drat - I'll just have to try harder.

Regards,
John

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

Yah, I thought youse guys would remember that line! And me with my pathetic memory, I only remember lines from pop culture... Crying or Very sad

johnslat · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 11:05 pm Post subject:

Dear Sheik,

Was he a regular on SNL? If it was during the 80s, well, I was in Saudi and, unfortunately, SNL wasn't on the playlist.

Regards,
John

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

Steve Martin appeared regularly in 1975-76, maybe '77 too, but I don't think he was an actual cast member. He and Dan Ackroyd had this hilarious and famous skit going about two wild 'n' crazy guys from Czechoslovakia who dressed in bizarre disco garb with outsized, cutsie laborer-chic hats. Their purpose for coming to America was apparently to seek groovy American chicks. "Because we are...two WILD 'N' CRAZY GUYS!" they'd bellow, and the audience would go nuts. Doorbell rings, they shimmer and shake to the door, let the women in with their standard greeting, "FOXES!!"

"Jorge, these groovy Amer-kahn fox-es want us to come on to them now!"

"Yes, Slava, they are looking at our ________!"

"They want us to enjoy their big American...." OK, I'm going to get kicked out very soon...you get the drift.