Buying car in Muscat

[joppie]

Hello everybody, I am preparing my move to Oman early next year. I will be moving to Muscat were I start my new job as an expata I have already a lot of info and things sorted out. However I would like to have some info about buying a car.

I still have not decided if I should buy a new car or a used. So I am firing a few stupid questions out here.
- Are there good/reliable used car dealers (if they exist at all ;-)
- Do you have experience in buying used cars (good or bad)
- I prefer a 4x4 or should I buy smaller car and hire big one when on vacation/go out dune and wadi bashing (it can't be that small anyway with wife and 3 kids)
- Do you have web addresses so I could prepare when I visit Muscat later this year.

Any other info or recommendations would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
J.

[saffer]

Cant help you really with the questions sorry

but - cars are relatively cheap here - so I would go for brand new - then you get all the warranties and services etc. (well anyway they are cheap for me - I guess it depends where you are from)

Regarding the size - in this place you need a TANK!!! lol - read all the threads on driving...

You wife will also need a car - esp. with 3 kids...

My suggestion would be a little run a round for you (work and back) if your ego can manage... LOL and a tank for the wife for the school runs...

[niceguy]

Cars are indeed relatively cheap. But then again, neighbouring countries do have a much better car market.

I wouldn't buy a used car. You never know what you're getting and all cars are sold on an as is basis no matter who is selling them, even the big automobile dealers. So you may end up getting a car that seems to be in great condition but realize after a month or two that you have to spend a lot on repairs.

Best would be to get a new car with a good 'free' service plan and have peace of mind.

[m4n0t]

Hi there,
You can check in bestcar oman, or you can put your eyes on the oman daily ands. It will require a little knowledge to know the quality of the used car. Anyhow, here are some of the practical tips :
1. Do always check the service history. Firstly, make sure that the car always gets serviced in the dealer service center. Furthermore, by bringing the copy of car's "mulkiya" you can invoke the service record from the dealer service center. Make sure that it follows periodic service guide from the dealer. It will be better that you can request a help from the mechanic (with extra little money) to check the car as well upon agreement with the owner.
2. Try to have a test drive. REMEMBER, the objective of the test drive is to asses whether the car functions properly. So pay attention when you accelerate, deccelarete, cross over hump and make a turn. Check whether you hear some suspicious sound when you do all that. Check the AC and all electricity, make sure there are no indicator remains ON in the dashboard when you start the engine.
3. Check the tire entirely. If it has a hairy crack it means it is a must for you to spend extra money for a new ones.
4. For car model before 2007, be more careful whether the car got hit by the gonu.

hope it helps

[ritz]

How about going to Dubai or abu Dhabi to buy a good used car? Atleast you can be sure that the car is not Gonu hit.