HiHo

The heat kills motors, construction sites don't do them much good, the dust gets in everything. I go through air filters like nothing. I need a new battery at least once a year and a set boots and shocks (Unmarked road humps and potholes) . Windscreen wipers just fall apart by August in fact anything made out of rubber. By the time the lease is up I'm glad to see the back of them. I haven't broken one yet but we go through a lot of wish bones too. I'm sure our cars have a rougher life and get more use than many that said they have full maintenance regularly as part of the package. If your looking second hand motor stay well away from a 4x4 that's been registered to an Engineering firm.

nonthaburi

Haha. You do, but alas I don't.
I have to settle for a Fusion/Mondeo! Very reliable although it's no Bronco...😆

Djuro

A reliable Ford?! Wow. I'll still stick with Asian. How often does one have to service a "normal" car used in "normal" conditions (town driving)? I get the impression you have to change the filters etc. every three months.

To moderators - feel free to change the thread name to "One more Riyadh compound and car buying thread"

nonthaburi

Definitely reliable. Been using my current vehicle for six years averaging 30km a year. Never had any engine problems in that time, and neither have any of the people I work with. I service every 5000km as per the dealer's request.

ballak

hi Djuro

Just wanted to know what you decided on, which compound did you choose and how did you find it?

Did you get a chance to see the other compounds. Have you found your feet now to decide whether youre staying in compound or off compound?

I will be travelling there in na couple of weeks but family moving with me in and around April next year.
It will be good to know from soomeone who was asking the same questions a year or two ago.

Djuro

Hi,

I surfed the websites and then went in person to Nakhla, Californa, Ranco and Arabian Homes.

I went for Ranco on the value for money basis. Also the apartment I got is quite nice and new. With hindsight, I may have searched for something closer to work. 35-40 minute rush hour drive doesn't sound like much, but in Riyadh traffic it's too much. It really is that bad. The compound itself is fine, there are sufficient facilities and the management is very competent and responsive, so no issues there.

Now that I have settled in I may go for an apartment outside of the compound (eg a managed building or so) as it's quite a bit cheaper and these days you can walk around with no issues even if female. We'll see when the lease is up.

ballak

Thanks for replying. Also wanted to know what the prices are like, are they negotiable, people say you can negotiate 10% off the asking price?

Secondly, where you able to actually socialise with other expats.

Any idea of expat families socialising? I ask as I will be relocating the wife and three kids.

Also if you can provide an update on the car situation, did you end up leasing, company car or purchased? Is the metro up and running or still a year or two away?

Djuro

i was quoted less on the spot than via email as they had a special offer but yes generally you can negotiate.

you can socialise on the grounds, there are themed nights at the restaurant/bar, mums have chat groups, hang out at the playground..there are many ways. If you find your nationality it is easier of course.

i have a long-term rental. Pricier than buying or leasing but least hassle and easier if you are exiting KSA.

no clue when the metro will be running. Even when it does you will still want a car when it’s summer because any distance over 100 yards is hell to walk.

Philipalan

Hi. I am considering moving to Riyadh this year with my wife and two kids. Are you able to share some pricing of the compounds you have looked at?
unfortunately my budget isn’t huge but wanting a nice social compound where my kids can play freely outside/inside with other kids and my wife can socialise. Thanks

Djuro

Hmm depends on what "not a huge budget" means. For some people this would mean SAR 60k pa, for others SAR 250k pa. Also don't know what size you'd want. I looked at 2 beds and the pricing was in the range of 120k to 180k.

Ollie_RUH

Hello everyone!

I've just accepted a 6 month secondment in Riyadh beginning on 1st May and I stumbled across this thread which as been extremely helpful so far!

I have been given a SAR5400.00 monthly accommodation allowance and I don't really know where to start when it comes to looking for rentals in this price range.

I have stayed at Andorra before and enjoyed it, however that was for a short period and wasn't organised by myself.

Realistically I just need a 1 bedroom apartment with pool, gym and a good social aspect - any recommendations would be appreciated please!

Djuro

Two tricky bits. One: not sure whether compounds would accept you for 6 months. All the ones I dealt with required a one year contract. You could ask if they would agree to 6 months, but be aware this is not standard.

Two, SAR 5400 won’t get you in many compounds. Most of the ones I dealt with start at c. SAR 90 pa for a 1 bed.

Assuming compounds don’t work out for the reasons sbove, a serviced apartment or an aparrment hotel may be a better bet.

rnb

Hello Ollie! May I ask, how was your stay at Andorra village [in terms of facilities, management responsiveness, socialising, price]? Any information would be very helpful

rps323150

I think discussions on compounds, facility, etc without telling the rentals is incomplete information- we all gather here to get the numbers on the table- so guys request to kindly tell the rentals- no one will judge anyone- we are all on pseudo names.