Advice on first (used) car?
I'm thinking of buying a used car here in Doha, but because I don't know much about cars this decision is really overwhelming. Any advice?
I am looking for something simple and safe, to get myself and occasionally 1-2 adult family members around the city.
My most important criteria are:
1. It should withstand the summer months. (My dad's 2004 Honda City often stops in this weather.)
2. I'm not willing to spend on extensive repairs.
What price range below 50k is reasonable for a car in good shape?
What types of cars should I be looking at?
How do I get a mechanic to inspect a used car for me before I decide to buy it?
Any help appreciated!! I did some research but most of the info online isn't specific to the conditions here in Doha.
No worries, hope all goes well for you...
Astrangefruit, thanks so much for all your comments.
I'll certainly take those points into account and do much more research. Now I feel like I have a starting point. :)
Obviously there is lots of choice and everyone has their own bracket in terms of style and cost, but straightforward, good quality mid range cars worth considering include:
Nissan Altima
Honda Accord or Civic
Mazda 6
Volkswgan Golf
Mid range SUV's include:
Toyota RAV 4
KIA Sorento
Honda CRV
There are many more options, but for day to day driving in the price range you mention, I would certainly go here first.
Hi Yaghazali,
First of all, you have done the right thing in deciding to upgrade, in this city, you need to have a reliable car.
Secondly, just ignore anyone who answers your question trying to sell you a car, or their friends' car, or suggesting a garage to buy a car etc. They won't be looking out for your best interests...
There are plenty of cars for sale here on QL, and you should be able to find what you need here. You should also get any car checked out professionally before buying. Most people bring the car to one of the specialists on Salwa Road (German Auto Centre etc) who test drive them and check the engine, tyres, brakes, suspension, battery, main systems, bodywork etc. But I think this costs around QR500, not QR50 as suggested by Mhmultani above... Just think for a minute - what kind of service are you going to get for Qr50?
I certainly wouldn't buy a car without this check, but be aware that it is a guide, not a guarantee and you still need to be careful.
I would start with doing as much research as you can. Think about what you want from the car, what size engine range is suitable, do you want an SUV/4x4 type body if parking on lots of dirt lots or a regular car if mostly on tarmacadam? What year you can afford, how easy will it be to sell on when you are finished with it. More popular cars are easier to sell, unusual cars can take longer. If you get the make and model, plus engine size of a car you are considering, you can phone up the garages to check how much a standard service is or new brakes etc. This will help with figuring out estimated running costs.
For QR50K, you should have lots of scope, and you can probably get something well within budget. Take your time and never jump into a sale. Remember, despite appearances, the seller will always be a lot more keen to sell their car than you will be to buy it. If possible take a friend along for the test drive - two pairs of eyes and ears are better than one.
Ensure the seller has the full service history if possible, including all receipts and stamps in the book.
You can find some useful background information on different cars and their costs on websites such as http://www.edmunds.com/tco.html
This is a US based site, but is useful for comparison of ownership costs. You need to enter a US zip code to get results - I used an Arizona zip code 58020 as the climate is similar to ME, so similar maintenance issues probably arise. Just be aware the any prices given should only be used for comparing one model against another, so you can find out the cost comparison including maintenance, depreciation, etc etc. These will not actually apply here. I ignore tax and insurance costs listed as these are not so important here. It also gives a lot of detail in the review section Make sure you check all sections - Professional Review, Consumer Review, Features & Spec, Reliability, Safety etc, - see here -
http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/altima/2008/?style=100920616
I have taken Nissan Altima as that is a popular car here in Doha and worth considering.
Anyway, hope this is of some use to you.
Best of luck with your search and let me know if you need clarification on anything...
mhmultani, so I should take the car to Industrial before I buy it? Is that the normal procedure? (Forgive me, this might be a stupid question but I know nothing about it.)
yv2r, I am driving a rented Suzuki Celerio these days. I think it's the same as the Alto.
It's inexpensive, but I don't like it. I have to touch the accelerator to the floor to get past 40 kph...And the blind spots are terrible. I don't feel safe at all driving in Doha with this car.
50k range!!
Get a new car for ur dad.
QR 27k, Alto Suzuki, brand new car from the show room with many advantages like insurance, free service etc etc.
Why you want to go for second hand car and get in to trouble.
in the industrial are 1 point they will check all car and they will told you condition of car . fee is qr 50 and log on qatar living open car price
We have a unique RENT TO OWN package to buy a car/vehicle in easy Monthly Instalments.
Please contact for more info:-
THOMAS
Contact for Nissan Patrol 55-74-32 - 32
Also...is it possible to find a great car here for 20-25k? Or is that going too low?