Rapido

I'm with you bantam.

Camrys, and especially the people who drive them, deserve to be hit. They are the worst drivers and the bane of more competent and enlightened motorists in Australia, where they are roundly ridiculed as the Japanese Volvo. I hate them.

There are few better oxymorons than Camry Sportivo (although I did see a sign one time advertising a 'Meditation Workshop').

Lyds - Mitsubishi make Lancers.

Hello.Kitty

oh yeah... that's the one. Knew it started with an M and sure as heck wasn't a Merc!

Charismatic

That'll be your problem. I recomend at least the Evo FQ models to ensure you have plenty of power in reserve when you wish to proceed rapidly .

Hello.Kitty

don't worry - that was the car my husband's company fobbed off on him first time around... this time he's upgraded to a 2.4 silver something.

I just felt sorry for the 1.3 every time it squealed...

MataHari

what's all this with people changing their usernames eh...

The Dean

I'll change mine if you change yours............

Hello.Kitty

sorry... it just struck me that I had chosen my original one really badly and that a bit more annonymity may serve me well!

Border Reiver

Nearly everybody I know has driven a 1.3 Lancer at some time in Dubai- everybody (including me!) seems to hire one when they first arrive and don't know any better. I remember turning the a/c off when I wanted to accelerate 'cos I needed the extra power!

Blue Cat

who were you before?

Hello.Kitty

er.. Lyds! The avatar's the same.

Cham128

wasn't an evo then?

Blue Cat

not with it today, jesus

Rapido

changing username = first sign of madness

Hello.Kitty

I'm long gone!

nottmbantam

Short answer:
In theory, yes it is.

Long answer (feel free to skip to next post at this point )

The registration of a car can be a paperwork nightmare - so most folk here use a broker to do it.

Firstly, to buy a used car , you will need a letter from your employer / sponsor to prove you are who you are etc. Then this is taken along with a copy of your Driving Licence & Iqama to the local traffic police, along with the details of the car you want to buy. The Police then issue a 'permission letter'. THis is the crux of it all really, without this letter, it makes lfe a little difficult.

When I bought my first car, I went with a local guy who knew the ropes. THe police asked me if my family were here, as I was buying a 4x4. The guy answered on my behalf and said they were on their way from the UK. ( well, they were heading for Saudi in around two months ).

They issued the permission letter, I took all the paperwork to the transfer office and it was done in a couple of hours.

However, if you are British ( or 'Western' Expat ) , I think they tend to be a little more lenient with the permission letter.

Best thing to do is to find a car then get the letter from your employer - then hand it all over to a broker who will do the leg work for you. Will only cost you about 100 SR. Saves you a lot of hassle. You shouldn't really be driving the car til the transfer is done, but that can be done in a day or two.

Buying a new car will be different again, although you will still probably need the letter from your employer - but then the dealer will take care of the paperwork from there onwards.