Which is cheaper...Renting or Buying a Car in Doha??

Buying a car is better than renting a car

Let's assume you will be in Qatar for 2 years

Renting a car for a month costs 1,700

1700 x 24 = 40800

At the end you would get nothing

You buy a car for 50,000

50000 / 24 = 2083.3

2083.3 will be what you pay per month

At the end you would get at least 30,000 when you sell the car

I can't ask for more from you guys. Pretty damn good pieces of advice. Thanks.

Is there a Breakdown Recovery Service in this country?

Short term - less than 12 - 18 months - then renting. Most reliable small cars (Corolla, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, etc.) with a reputable company will charge about 1700 - 1800 riyals/month.

Longer term - reliable second hand model of those listed above. Toyotas and Nissans have arguably the higher resale value (when you go to leave) and higher 2nd hand price to pay (when you buy). Primary reasons for this, that while they are plentiful, they are very good value for money, maintenance is available everywhere, parts are available and repair people are very familiar with them.

Tips: Buy from either someone you know (and trust) who is leaving; generally buy from a Western expat as they tend (not always) to have their vehicles serviced regularly and by qualified mechanics usually at the dealer. Ask for a full service history (written documentation that the car has been getting its regular maintenance); take it to a mechanic to have it inspected and ask the traffic department if it has ever been in an accident. All things you would do at home when buying a used car. Generally, buying in the spring (April/May/June) will give you a bigger choice as that is when most expats are starting to sell before they leave the country.

Hope this helps.

Go for new nissan tiida. It has resale value.

I was in the same mood. now i am going to get that.

Used cars process for loan is a lengthy process and finally it will come to the same cost.

If you are going to stay two years close your eyes and buy new car.

Can choose hyundai accent or kia rio. Resale will be a problem.

Nissan, Toyota , Cheverolet... List goes on..

What is ur budget? How much u can spend for the car? Make should be 2005 or above.

Thanks for the answers. To clarify, I intend to stay over here for sometime, at least a year or two. I'm on 3 months probation but I think I'll be ok.

So what's the best car then? Something moderate and nice to drive.

I SUGGEST IF YOU,RE GOING TO STAY ONE OR TWO MONTHS IN DOHA IS BETTER YOU RENT A CAR THAT WILL SAVE YOU MORE MONEY OR TIME.

better buy a seconds car for a cheaper rate. even if u move from here within a small period also u can sell your car for a small loss of margin. so no loss for you. rent a car is making people foolish.

To really compare the two methods it would be necessary to know how long your stay will be in Qatar, ie months, years ... as short term renting is a sure term winner, especially if you're a independent consultant who can claim car usage.