BigDan

I have been living in Doha for about a month now. I am in good hopes that I will get my PR by the end of next week, then I would like to buy a car, get my drivers license converted and start exploring the city/ country.
I know I could get a temp. license and rent a car, however, I thought I better go only once through the drama of converting my DL. I am also not planning to buy a 4WD, I am actually looking at buying a new Kia Rio. Yes, for the same amount I possibly could get a used 4WD, but I don't want to have a car asap and I want to be sure I don't buy a "lemon". Therefor I have decided to go with Kia, especially since the Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet and Volvo showrooms did not give too much of a sh** about my presence last Thursday.
To come back for my initial question:
Any good ideas for daytrips from Doha that do NOT require a 4WD. Since I am interested in photography, some nice sunrise/ sunset spots are always welcome. yes, I know, the best photos will be in the dessert for which I will require a 4WD.
Looking forward to some ideas of where to go with a "normal" car.

Johnnyboy11

Sounds to me like you'd be better buying a new 4x4, since you'd use it for your hobby, plus benefit from the safety in the city. Kia do a couple of cars in their range that are 4x4, the sorento and the sportage. Seem to get good reviews, plus a 7 year warranty. Personally I like the Nissan Xterra 4.0, which is popular on a lease deal for expats. You get good deals at Ramadan, if you can wait a few months.

Me, I'm still drive a Nissan Sunny rental car, which works out at QR1.8k/m and goes off hire when I'm on holiday. I'm dreading the summer, when I have to choose between power going to the wheels, or to the aircon...

britexpat76

Dhakira and the mangroves are lovely and do not require a 4x4 - Just north of Al Khor. I found a wreck yard a few weeks back that I intend to go and photograph soon, Its on the back road out of Wakra - lots of old yank yellow buses, trucks and cars. Kia is a good car, I assume its 1.6?

Alexa

You can go to the "singing dunes" without a 4 wheel drive.

BigDan

Thank you for the tips, Alexa and Britexpat76!!! I would be interested to see the photos of the wrecks you want to take soon.
Kia Rio is 1.4 :-(

Johnnyboy11: If I had the money, I would buy a new 4WD, BUT...

Johnnyboy11

Then consider a 1 year lease deal from Mannai Autorent’s Fleet Solutions, being offered to staff at one of the big US consultancies working in Qatar:

2013 Subaru Legacy 2.0i AWD
Automatic transmission, dual zone air conditioning, ABS, power windows, power steering, remote control key system, CD player, Cruise Control, airbags : QR2,700

2013 Subaru Forester 2.5i AWD with Bluetooth and USB
Active torque Split AWD system,. Front ventilated disc brakes, rear-solid disc brakes, pop-up type headlamp washers, front fog lamps, UV protection glass windshield : QR2,600

2013 GMC Terrain SLE-2 3.6L AWD with Navigation
3.6L, automatic transmission, 4-wheel antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, AM/FM stereo with SD Navigator, CAF, USB, RSA, Pioneer Premium 8-speaker system with subwoofer and amplifier, Stabilitrak vehicle stability enhancement system, power steering : QR2,852

Check the fine-print of any offer, since there will likely be hidden charges for accident damage, early termination, courtesy car etc.

[J]

MaserMan

Watch with the Mannai deal. They have changed the prices as they are now offering 2014 cars.

Was interested in getting the wife the 4 x 4 crew cab truck and the rate had gone from qar 2800/month to qar 4100/month.

britexpat76

Dont buy a 1.4 mate the AC will be bollox. You need a 1.6 unless you like sweating. How much is the Kia?

BigDan

New kia rio 2014 is qr 48500.

Unfortunately I am not part of the expats earning big dollar, getting all kinds of allowances, etc. therefore I need to stick to smaller and cheaper cars.

britexpat76

I will help you out. I have sent you a PM

mikewot

Bless you!

BigDan

Thanks. Message did not come through though.

BigDan

I may need some blessing at some stage :-)

britexpat76

My shite doha internet threw a wobbly. All sorted........