Buying a car in Saudi
Jun 9th 2009, 7:11 pm
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Riyadh.
Posts: 1,899
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
Stay away from Jeeps and Chryslers as the dealer does not keep spares and the service is crap. We waited 9 months for brake discs which should be considered as consumable items. If you do buy a Jeep get two as you will need a spare for the eternity it takes for servicing and repairs.
Jun 9th 2009, 7:17 pm
#17
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Riyadh.
Posts: 1,899
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
THe Japenese brands are probably the most reliable - Toyota and Nissan. Honda and Mtsubishi tend to price their spare parts to high.
American cars are popular - GMC's and Chevrolets very very popular, but their better cars are the big truck SUV's, their car's ( sedans ) are not all that exciting. If the car's just for you, get yourself a nice little Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sunny. Pretty boring to look and drive, but reliable as anything, and will just keep going.
Jun 10th 2009, 1:38 am
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 60
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
Is the car just for you or to cart the family around in?
THe Japenese brands are probably the most reliable - Toyota and Nissan. Honda and Mtsubishi tend to price their spare parts to high.
American cars are popular - GMC's and Chevrolets very very popular, but their better cars are the big truck SUV's, their car's ( sedans ) are not all that exciting. If the car's just for you, get yourself a nice little Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sunny. Pretty boring to look and drive, but reliable as anything, and will just keep going.
THe Japenese brands are probably the most reliable - Toyota and Nissan. Honda and Mtsubishi tend to price their spare parts to high.
American cars are popular - GMC's and Chevrolets very very popular, but their better cars are the big truck SUV's, their car's ( sedans ) are not all that exciting. If the car's just for you, get yourself a nice little Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sunny. Pretty boring to look and drive, but reliable as anything, and will just keep going.
Jun 10th 2009, 2:37 pm
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Riyadh.
Posts: 1,899
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
Quite a few of the dealerships are offering special terms on new cars, no deposit and monthly payments etc , buying new looks attractive at the moment, bu tthen you'd have to be pretty certain you're going to be here for the term of the lease, most are around five years.
I think I'm about to sell my Pajero - if you fancy a big old truck?
I think I'm about to sell my Pajero - if you fancy a big old truck?
Jun 11th 2009, 7:10 am
#20
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2008
Location: Masbate Philippines
Posts: 1,056
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
Hi here are a couple of useful web sites for people thinking of buying a new / second hand cars.
Cars In Riyadh
http://www.audi.com.sa/home.asp -> audi (check the 2nd hand for a feel for the prices)
http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/riy/vehicles/ -> second hand expat stuff
http://www.sa-motor.com/ -> second hand cars in english
http://www.umc.com.sa -> dodge, jeep and chrysler prices for new (check the brochures)
http://www.gmcertifiedarabia.com/con...ferrer=&pdcmp= -> GM cars (certified 2nd hand)
http://www.porschesaudiarabia.com/default.asp -> check out the 2nd hand to get a feel of new prices
http://www.aljazirahford.com/index.p...08b 167b2e0de -> check the promotions (it's in arabic but the prices are english)
Cars In Riyadh
http://www.audi.com.sa/home.asp -> audi (check the 2nd hand for a feel for the prices)
http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/riy/vehicles/ -> second hand expat stuff
http://www.sa-motor.com/ -> second hand cars in english
http://www.umc.com.sa -> dodge, jeep and chrysler prices for new (check the brochures)
http://www.gmcertifiedarabia.com/con...ferrer=&pdcmp= -> GM cars (certified 2nd hand)
http://www.porschesaudiarabia.com/default.asp -> check out the 2nd hand to get a feel of new prices
http://www.aljazirahford.com/index.p...08b 167b2e0de -> check the promotions (it's in arabic but the prices are english)
Jun 11th 2009, 10:03 am
#21
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Riyadh.
Posts: 1,899
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
Great links CD 
Only ever tried expatriates and sa-motor, though i think they are about the only used private sales web site?
Only ever tried expatriates and sa-motor, though i think they are about the only used private sales web site?
Jun 11th 2009, 1:55 pm
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Essex
Posts: 128
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
That wasn't my experience.
Firstly , to buy a car as an expat, you need a supporting letter from your employer. THis is then taken to the local traffic police, who, if you have family here, will then grant you a letter of permission to buy an SUV / 4x4.
THe general rule is that you need to have family to have a 4x4, but there are numerous exceptions to this rule, so its pretty easy get by it. Once you have the letter from the police and your employer ( plus all the others bits ) can you go ahead with the registration transfer.
Firstly , to buy a car as an expat, you need a supporting letter from your employer. THis is then taken to the local traffic police, who, if you have family here, will then grant you a letter of permission to buy an SUV / 4x4.
THe general rule is that you need to have family to have a 4x4, but there are numerous exceptions to this rule, so its pretty easy get by it. Once you have the letter from the police and your employer ( plus all the others bits ) can you go ahead with the registration transfer.
Any info /help appreciated on this matter.
I'm a Brit with an Ethiopian wife looking to relocate to Addis to get out of the country that 'golden brown' has ruined.
Jun 12th 2009, 9:51 am
#23
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 16
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
Sorry,
Really stupid question, but can an expat own two cars in SA, I would like one small car for me (Brum Brum) , and a minivan (Chug Chug) to cart the large (6 Kids) family about in when needed
Really stupid question, but can an expat own two cars in SA, I would like one small car for me (Brum Brum) , and a minivan (Chug Chug) to cart the large (6 Kids) family about in when needed
Jun 12th 2009, 11:06 am
#24
Banned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 336
Re: Buying a car in Saudi
The usual sponsor letter is needed for each purpose.
