I think you are overestimating the cost of petrol. I have a big American car and it only costs me about 50 riyals to fill up. Servicing is cheap because of cheap labour, but American parts are expensive. I pay 50 riyals a month to have my car cleaned 1-2 times a week (depending on how dirty it is).
Cars vary hugely in price. In general, though, depreciation is low due to the huge demand for second hand cars. Be careful buying a second hand 4 wheel drive, as they can be treated very roughly. If you are not fussy about size, age and make, you could probably pick up a second hand car in reasonable condition for 15,000. There are very good garages that exist purely to check used cars for potential buyers.
I'm no expert on buses and taxis, but my car-less friends inform me that the situation has improved considerably since the end of the Asian Games. They rarely have to wait for more than a few minutes, although from what King Edshel said this might depend on what area you are in. I know that they are a nightmare in the Industrial area. If you're going to be working in this potholed nightmare, you might be better off in a four wheel drive - especially when it rains and floods, as it did this year.
Car finance is easily available, and certainly beats car hire.
I think you are overestimating the cost of petrol. I have a big American car and it only costs me about 50 riyals to fill up. Servicing is cheap because of cheap labour, but American parts are expensive. I pay 50 riyals a month to have my car cleaned 1-2 times a week (depending on how dirty it is).
Cars vary hugely in price. In general, though, depreciation is low due to the huge demand for second hand cars. Be careful buying a second hand 4 wheel drive, as they can be treated very roughly. If you are not fussy about size, age and make, you could probably pick up a second hand car in reasonable condition for 15,000. There are very good garages that exist purely to check used cars for potential buyers.
I'm no expert on buses and taxis, but my car-less friends inform me that the situation has improved considerably since the end of the Asian Games. They rarely have to wait for more than a few minutes, although from what King Edshel said this might depend on what area you are in. I know that they are a nightmare in the Industrial area. If you're going to be working in this potholed nightmare, you might be better off in a four wheel drive - especially when it rains and floods, as it did this year.
Car finance is easily available, and certainly beats car hire.
I've got a lot more information on my posts on driving on my blog, especially on this page: http://qatarvisitor.blogspot.com/2006/10/driving-in-qatar-practical-info...
Good luck!
Qatar Visitor