How Essential Is A Car?

If you dont want to melt, I say get a car!

(the weather isn't always hot, but when it does get boiling, you'll thank God for an A/C)

Can't wait for the new Bicycle and jogging cooled track by the corniche to be built!

__________________________

I wish I didn't need a car here, but I do.

Whether or not you really need a car in Doha depends on where you live and other things. There are some places very close to shopping areas, so you wouldn't need a car to shop.

Also, it depends on how you get to work. Some companies provide transportation, and some don't. Obviously if yours doesn't, then you will need to provide your own transportation. Some employers give you transportation allowance that makes buying a car easier.

I rented a car for a few months, for the 2,000 Q.R. mentioned in earlier posts. But then I decided to buy a cheap used car. I bought a car for 14,500 Q.R. that should last as long as I am here. The rent was just money down the drain and I should be able to sell my car for a good price when I leave. The depreciation flattens out on old cars and the price depends on condition and brand.

Used car prices fluctuate and seem to go in cycles. Right now the prices are high. It depends on whether many people are coming into the country or if they are leaving.

I had logged off for awhile so yeah I didn't reply before. As far as what car you can get for that price I am not sure. My friend is looking into getting a car and has been looking at ads on QL. She said she has seen a few around that price range or lower. They sounded like nice cars. Definately something that would be great for a year and probably last much longer than that. Just do some digging in the classifieds. Sorry I couldn't be more specific.

Since Lynnie is off somewhere, I'll answer :)

Liasing taxis can be a hassle, people have had problems with that for example he said he wasn't free, or he was too late to pick them up, etc. So having a car would be much more convenient and probably cheaper.

As for the car, u can browse through the website in the classified ads section and u'll find alot of cars for sale.

Lynnie, what kind of car can I expect to get for 10,000?

As for taxis, it seems like most think it may be difficult to rely on them but can't I liase with a taxi driver (i.e. exchange phone numbers) and call him when I need him. That's what happened when I was in Kuwait/Egypt for 6 months and it wasn't considered a chauffeur service.

Yeah, u really need to have a car, taxis here are a pain! Hope u enjoy driving here, it's just as hectic as the circus :P

people on here sell cars for pretty cheap. It would save you money to buy a car for 10,000 riyal itstead of paying 2,000 a month for 12 months. If you buy a car you can sell it and make some of you money back...if you rent, the money is gone for good.

Thanks for all the replies. I plan to be in Qatar for 12-18 months so I'm wondering whether buying a car is a necessary investment.

Personally, I like driving small cars in Doha (Honda Civic, VW Beetle, Nissan Tiida) becuase they are easy to park and navigate the narrow alleys in downtown. Also, they can sneak through R/A that these big lumbering 4WDs have difficulty doing. I own a Honda CRV and a Civic and I find the Honda easier to drive and park in Doha.

if for a long time, buy a car.. life is a "what not" here without a car. u mite find it tough to settle down soon on a car. so take a rent a car first and then wen u meet the 'car of ur dreams' go buy it. rent a cars are available at QR 2000 for a good car

[img_assist|nid=17892|title=http://braveatheart.blogspot.com/|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=135]

Hi yes a car is a good idea. Taxi drivers knowledge is not that reliable. I would recommend a 4x4 as the driving here is a bit mad the bigger the car the better.

Taxis are frequently booked out. Limosine services are reliable but expensive. You'll need a car if you want to live here.