Q7. Ship, buy or rent a car in Qatar?

Sorcha
By Sorcha

Has anyone had experience shipping a car over to Qatar? And I also wondered what peoples experience of buying (new or second hand) or renting a car in Qatar has been?

many thanks, Sarah (still in the UK)

By Sorcha• 17 Jun 2013 21:59
Sorcha

...buying does seem to be a more realistic option now. Many thanks, Sarah

By Mary Catherine• 17 Jun 2013 05:28
Rating: 5/5
Mary Catherine

Renting makes financial sense if you are staying less than 2 years, buying then becomes the more attractive option.

There are always comings and goings in Doha and there is usually a wide variety to choose from in the used car market. Just do what you would do at home, get it checked by a reliable mechanic and make sure it has a full service history.

By Sorcha• 17 Jun 2013 00:12
Sorcha

Mary Catherine,

that is really very helpful info, thank you - it definitely rules out trying to import our car!

So, it'll be rent or buy then....

By Mary Catherine• 16 Jun 2013 18:35
Rating: 5/5
Mary Catherine

You can't import or register a car older than 5 years.

You probably won't be able to register a right hand drive car. So you would have to factor the price of switching it over to left hand drive.

Not worth the trouble, hassle and potential for mechanical/electrical/computer problems to switch over.

You pay a %age of the value of the car (and the Qatari authorities decide what the value is) in import duties.

By zamrul• 16 Jun 2013 18:30
Rating: 5/5
zamrul

I heard that if u want to ship or import cars outside GCC country then it ll cost u higher for customs or taxes etc. However, I wrote to a company here by asking the cost of bringing a car. If its reasonable then I ll bring my BMW from uk. Regarding buying or renting, it depends on people's choice and budget. If u have a good budget then I ll suggest you to buy a new one. Some second hand cars are also available but if u want a good one then only limited brands.

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