How to determine USED car values in Doha?
I see that other newcomers are pricing NEW cars, but I think I'd rather look for a good used one for now. In other places, a person can quickly get an idea of the value of a used car by going to websites like www.kbb.com.
So, is there some blue book or black book of used car values here? Would a bank be helpful in determining the value?
For example: At Landmark grocery store there is an ad for a 1996 Jeep Cherokee for sale. The asking price is QR 23,500. That price seems high compared to values listed on kbb.com. Kbb would set the RETAIL price, in excellent condition, to about QR 16,000, and the "private party" value around QR 12,750.
Are cars just more expensive here? Anybody know where to look for a good used 4x4 here?
Thanks
Hey there , need a help from car experts, I have checked a car Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2012 , 116000 km , the seller is asking me 26000.00 last price.. will it a good deal ? please guide me.
This is a reply to fc1yrg comment: "I was looking for a used car but ended up buying a new car. I heard the following cons about used car: 1. Some used 4x4 have been driven in the dunes and rolled. 2. Re-fit of some safety features, i.e., air bags are v. expensive. Most used cars that have been in an accident where air bags have gone off, have not had their air bags re-fitted. 3. Most people sell their used car after they have been in an accident because the 'feel good factor' is not there anymore. There no way to know if the car has been repaired properly to 'standard' I do not know to what extend these are true, so am not discouraging people from buying used cars , but for my own peace of mind, I decided to get a new car. "I agree with you in some points...Sometimes, we cannot really rely on buying used cars becuase we don't know the (real) reason why the seller is buying his/her car. But let's not really generalize it.. Some might be selling their used car because they found something new... better than their old car... but the main point here.. If you wanna buy used car be sure to really check the inside and out... and its better if you personally know the seller to avoid scams
i want to purchase used car where can i buy?
yes xyned, the mileage on the speedo can be modified... but, still, if u hv proper history about the car, u can check, for how many times the tires were replaced - this would roughly give you an idea about the actual mileage still...
What's this trend with mileage. Mileage was never an issue back in 2005. All those newbie expats have ruined the local second-hand car market scene. Mileage can easily be tampered with (digital or analog)
Hey Alibabba007
I looks like you are new to qatar. A mazda pickup can be sold for that pricetag if you know some mazda enthusiast or a person who can relate to and value the 'mint' condition of this pickup. Otherwise, 50k for open market is simply overpriced.
Good luck tough.
You may compare price by browsing the classified ads here in Qatarliving and you will conclude for the best market pice of the car.
If you have a second hand car, and you may like to make it look stylish. You may visit the site of Filipino Car enthusiast by clicking here.
___________________________________
Click here for Filipino Car Forum
Not only as a sales pitch, but as I found your blog interesting, FYI one year ago I bought a new Mazda BT-50 4x4 pick-up. My cost was 79000, after bank-loan and insurance, cost was 88,000. One year later it is mint condition, I am asking 50,500 today. It can be seen on this site.
Good Hunting!
my hubby says it's not very much it's less than a hundred but that was last year maybe they put up the price.
It's great 2 b loved!
Thanks for the info, appeciate it very much. How much they charge per inspection?
The nearest Car Inspection Dept. is next to Lulu Center infront of Hamad Hospital near Sport Round about.
Tips is make sure to have your car check from the garage first, no broken light, your car is not showing any cloudy smoke when they accelerate it, and make sure your fire stinguisher is not expired yet.
It's great 2 b loved!
So there's the requirement for Technical Inspection for the car before road permit is issued as I understand. Where is the place for the inspection, any agency? Is it a third party or with the Traffic Department? Anyone who can give insights and tips for the car inspection? Appreciate your comments.
You know that much about cars! can you tell the different between Santa Fe and Matrix then?
It's great 2 b loved!
Technical inspection is mandatory before the road permit is renewed , why? Because this determines the functionality of the engine and the important consumable parts of the car. In this point it is really hard to pass the technical inspection. This is for the safety of driving the car, they check the signal lights, the brake, the headlights, the engine, tires, etchetera. So newly issued road permit to a used car means you are buying a good running car. And to maintain it, you must refer to the service book what to change in matters of kilometers. German made cars doesn't need lots of attention, this made these cars expensive, but most car makes at 5000 kms. should have to change oil, check water, filters , coolant, specially on hot summers. As you go for check up every 5000 kms., you will learn more and more, just like me. :p
What are the things to get the road permit renewed or revalidated if a used car has expired or near expire road permit?
It's great 2 b loved!
with my experience in cars here after sale Suzuki and SsangYong Company has the best service, I just call them and say I want them to service my car and they service my car within just a couple of hours. And it's true Korean car are also good nowadays and it's also true how you treat and look after your car.
It's great 2 b loved!
Not all people who sell their cars as still new are defected. There are many reasons why, maybe they are leaving bec. suddenly was fired out from job, or maybe he can no longer afford the car bec. he have to pay more for the house rent, and one reason just like mine, i sold the cabriolet beetle i bought for my daughter because she was not able to get a permit from his father to get a license, i bought that before she drives because she was so excited and she(my daughter) liked that car alot and she said it might be sold to others. So when i thought she could not get a license, i decided to sell for only 400kms. bec. it's not my type to drive, it's not fit to my age, driving a sport cabriolet top down.....It's safe to buy second hand nowadays because, road permit can not be renewed if it was not checked by the Technical Inspection, and when buying car, lady driver is to consider so as ladies owner surely not crazy as men drivers to drive the car in rocks or in dunes or in the shore. Always demand the history, if it is company maintained that is additional value. American mades are expensive in parts.
I don't patronize american cars, i love German made like BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi And VWagon, but if can't afford, i go for Japanese made, but Korean made are not bad if you know how to take care of it. Any make is ok, for me as long as one should take care the car so the car will take care of you.
Was thinking, is a BMW 328i 1995 with 138K kM worth around 18K QR a good buy? Appreciate your views or comments. Happy reading to all.
A great one indeed....
I think that the car is still under warranty from BMW. All new BMW come with 3 years or 60,000 kms BSI (BMW Service Inclusive) which mean that 99% of the repair will be cover by the dealer including oil change. But you have to do everything on schedule (Can't go and change the engine oil before it's due). Ex. First oil change on E60 can take up to 18,000-20,000 kms depend on driving condition, weather and etc. These criteria will be monitor by the car's onboard computer. All of these details that I have given you are from my experience of using BMW E60 (Been using it for 2 years now and before that I was driving E39 for 5 years) Yes I'm always a BMW fan.
I don't know why the owner of this BMW want to sell his/her car, maybe you can call and ask him or her directly. I think that there is also another listing on the classifies for the similar model in red color.
If you decided to buy it, you can always take it to the dealer for full check up. (Little peace of mind that you or the seller can pay for)
Depreciation depends on brand, model and condition in Qatar.
Some people are stupid and place very high prices (because they expect to bargain) however they hardly sell.
The best guide would be to call one of the many used car dealerships and checking an average selling price, then drop between 5k-15k depending on the car.
@baedebok,
If you're talking about in general, it's quite simple really. Wax your car once a month, never leave any acidic content on the car for a long time, and make sure that you do NOT overdo it with the special leather protector to protect it from the sun.
Make sure you also regularly maintain the car and keep a small log of oil changes.
Check the grooves of your tyres to see whether it's time for a change.
ALWAYS warm up your car for around 5 minutes before driving to make sure you keep knocks out in the future.
__________________________
<-- Cost of Living, Visas, Safety Info, Tips, Pics, Vids and m
I want to be one of those car-owners who people can say kept his car in good condition. So, my question is, how? I haven't driven for that long and don't know much about cars. Could you give me a list or refer me to a website with one?
Actually I checked out the car you mentioned but really am worried because I am quite curious why he is selling just after 11,000km. Is everything alright with the car? And yes.. the reason I am worried is because it is going to cost me a bom.. just repairing stuff.. so I want something in real good condition... so that its a good buy.
Nanthini,
Here is the listing http://www.qatarliving.com/node/65381
I don't know the owner of this car, but I saw it at my compound almost everyday and it's in a very good condition. Just go to that listing and contact the owner directly if you are interested.
Another tips for used BMW is that you need to look into the service history of the car. People here drive like crazy and don't really know how to take care of their car and most of the car has been abused. So, be very careful in getting 2nd hand BMW cuz repairing and parts are not cheap.
Also check each tire carefully, as most people in this country do not pay attention on checking air pressure in their tires. Make sure that the side wall is not cracked or else you will have to replace them all yourself.
Goodluck BMW hunting!
Nanthini,
What kind of BMW are you looking for? My neighbor is selling his 5 series BMW MY2007 Dark blue color 530i I think that the listing is also on qatarliving classifies.
Hey Don,
Me the same.... really cool price you have got yours for. Wanna provide me with some details. I have been here for only 1 1/2 weeks now and am interested to look into a car - BMW to be specific.
I have been told that some of the 2nd car dealers are not authorised or approved dealers.... how can you tell? Any idea?
Hello Don Corleone,
I just wonder on where did you buy your BMW from? You have got such a good discount. If you can give me some information I would greatly be appreciate it. I'm moving to Doha in October and would love to buy a BMW with great price like yours.
Did you get it from Alfadan?
Thanks,
Tiger
oh yeah
And get ripped from daylight robbery. i would rather take my chances
cheers
you need to be very careful at the auction site. Chances of getting a good car from the auction site is very difficult.
Its better to try the second hand car dealers on salwa road.
ur right
not many humvees or cayenes out in the auction. however you may find a few if you look into those auction sheds. They again Nissan patrols, Landrovers, toyota landcruisers etc are in abundance.
mui loco
hey srilankan
look around you. Do you know how many humvees, cayenes, yukons etc are there in qatar. maybe you dont know what an SUV is?
what do they drive in srilanka? sardine cans?. i heard the govt has a no-duty policy for people bringing in old cars from overseas.
ummmmmmmmmmm interesting
cheerios amigos
No. You very rarely get the hisg end SUV's there
Do the car auctions have high end 4X4s (Hummers, Range Rovers, Porchse Cayenne, ect)or just old junk?
if someone is willing to pay that kind of money, i got this great deal from BMW. i bought the 523 series that was used for the islamic conference, and driven by BMW drivers, and it has less han 400km, for 20,000 qr less than its price, and it has a 5 year/100k service, parts and labor, with 3 years warranty.
I always tell the truth, even when I lie
St. No 10 Industrial area. Direction- from Ramada signal go toward Saudi until Fort R/A. Safari Super market is beside Fort R/A. Turn Left from Fort R/A and proceed until you get the second small R/A. Turn Right. Go staright until you see all the used car auctions. you won't miss the place. Good Luck.
The auctions are held in industrial area. they start in late afternoon, say 3.30 pm. remember that not everyday you get a good variety down there. so i suggest you visit there on weekend (thursday friday) and say one other weekday. this way you get to understand how the thing works and increase you chance of getting a good bargain.
Things to remember
Take a pair of ear muffs. The noise level in the auction are somewhere near that of a jet engine.
IF you dont have enough cash on you. dont worry, get down to al attiya market or the gas station. those are the nearest Atms.
How to get there
i really dont know the roads and streets by their name. however, if you are heading towards mall roundabout from the road on which you have lulu.take a left on the roundabout (R/A) then right on the next roundabout and then left on the large abu hamour R/A head straight down crossing another roundabout. When you get to the gas station, its time you ask a local to help you out with the street number and directions to the car auctions.
cheers
xyned
Xyned, that is what I think would be interesting. To go to the car auctions and roll the dice! I like a bargain! Where are the auctions and what time and day do they have them?
Thanks
Thinkin about the number of four-wheelers on the road and the kind of driving i c, i wudnt want to b on a bike nw....
mayb latrz, wen thins hav become less rash!
Forget the cage and buy a bike. The weather here supports riding year round if you don't mind being a bit sweaty in the summer, you avoid almost all traffic, its better for the environment, and the more bikes on the road the more aware these drivers will become of motorcycles.
Bikes are everywhere....check your mirrors twice
Hmmm- which personality is coming out today?
Most american cars are a bargain over here. People do stick with toyotas, nissans, mercedes etc. American autos do have steep depriciation and very poor resale value. Try private sellers and work your way down with a fair bit of haggling. Use the formula 30% depriciation on first year and 5-10% thereafter.
i have had bad experiences with the trailblazer. The transmission sucks big time. Its always such a drag. sometimes i feel i am driving a badly tuned SUV with a 70s engine & transmission in it.
About qatars used car market. Can buy it off 2nd hand dealers who will charge any where between 10 to 20% over the acceptable prize. however the choices are limited to expensive autos like porsche, maserati, humvee and some top notch 4x4's. Rest assured, the autos are in top notch condition, most having low mileage. yet another place to purchase autos other than newspaper classifieds or ads at shopping malls is to go the grand daddy of them all, the indutrial area car auctions. A fair bit of haggling, some market knowledge, comparing notes with other prospective customers, consulting garage mechanics and you are on your way to getting yourself a bargain
About qatars used car market. Can buy it off 2nd hand dealers who will charge any where between 10 to 20% over the acceptable prize. however the choices are limited to expensive autos like porsche, maserati, humvee and some top notch 4x4's. Rest assured, the autos are in top notch condition, most having low mileage. yet another place to purchase autos other than newspaper classifieds or ads at shopping malls is to go the grand daddy of them all, the indutrial area car auctions. A fair bit of haggling, some market knowledge, comparing notes with other prospective customers, consulting garage mechanics and you are on your way to getting yourself a bargain
About qatars used car market. Can buy it off 2nd hand dealers who will charge any where between 10 to 20% over the acceptable prize. however the choices are limited to expensive autos like porsche, maserati, humvee and some top notch 4x4's. Rest assured, the autos are in top notch condition, most having low mileage. yet another place to purchase autos other than newspaper classifieds or ads at shopping malls is to go the grand daddy of them all, the indutrial area car auctions. A fair bit of haggling, some market knowledge, comparing notes with other prospective customers, consulting garage mechanics and you are on your way to getting yourself a bargain
They always want our car at least 2 night just for changing oil.
I calculated with the bank what will be the actual value of the car. it is 75,000 at the time of purchase. The vehicle is in show room condition. what is 6000km compared to 13,000 saving. That's why I went for it. Buy the this coming Thru night is on? hope to see guys if something unavoidable happens.
Let us assume that you are now going to pay about 78000 QR for the vehicle. I am thinking that with that difference you could have talked the dealer into a NEW vehicle as QR10000 is not much of a price difference. If you are happy with the vehicle you got a good deal.
Happiness is always in the eye of the buyer.
Hmmm- which personality is coming out today?
I recently bought a Mitsubishi Nativa 4x4 2006 model GLX with sunroof done 6000km. This was fitted with blue tooth, full set of seat covers. streeing wheel cover, floor board protection with full insurance and road side assistence. The car value at the time of original purchase was QR 88,000. They got the car through full bank financing. Installement QR 18xx.00 a month. They have paid 6 installements already.
My deal was no any money payment. take over the balance 56 month installements. agreed. now using for about 2 weeks. what your guys think I got a good deal or not. Any comment is welcome.
Thank you.
Just from a very quick look around the area I found that used vehicles lost no more than 10% of sticker value when 3 years old on the dealer floor. I have no idea what they do with used vehicles here but I have not found a reasonable amount of depreciation.
The comprehensive insurance (from reading QIC policy papers) must be purchased at the time of initial purchase with the option of up to 3 years comprehensive coverage. They do not have comprehensive widely available except on NEW vehicles.
As for used I saw a used H3 and a used Land Cruiser that were only QR 5000 less than the new vehicles. If you do the math as I saw you are US then you would save a whopping $1400. For this you get someone else's problems, unknown maintenance history, less warranty, and since it is in Qatar you also get that wonderful smoked in for a year smell instead of New Car smell.
Make your decision upon arrival. I personally found that some of the better deals on 4x4's is to be found in the US manufacturer market. If you have no need for an SUV and you want 4x4 then the Silverado Reg Cab's are extremely affordably. The Trailblazer/Envoy's are a great SUV choice. This value is increased by the excellent service and support you will receive from the GMC dealer here (Mannai).
This is just my opinion so no flames please.
Hmmm- which personality is coming out today?
I was looking for a used car but ended up buying a new car. I heard the following cons about used car:
1. Some used 4x4 have been driven in the dunes and rolled.
2. Re-fit of some safety features, i.e., air bags are v. expensive. Most used cars that have been in an accident where air bags have gone off, have not had their air bags re-fitted.
3. Most people sell their used car after they have been in an accident because the 'feel good factor' is not there anymore. There no way to know if the car has been repaired properly to 'standard'
I do not know to what extend these are true, so am not discouraging people from buying used cars , but for my own peace of mind, I decided to get a new car.
R
Tyler, your comments on used cars is interesting. I take your point about private sales, but would like to know your views on buying a used car from a dealer? What would the situation be, for example, buying a used 2 year Toyota model from the Toyota dealer? Would this imply that you would only have comprehensive insurance for 1 year only on that car?
Where is the depreciation that everybody mentions in other posts on the Forum? I recall people warning NOT to buy new cars as the depreciation is too much and one would loose at least 20% on a new car.
I am renting a car for about 1-2 months before buying my own. This way it will give me a chance to "look around" at the used market first. However, your comments on the insurance are making me think twice about a used car. Perhaps a new car will be a better option.
My choice for a used car [maximun 2 years old] would be something like a Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Fortuner, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Chevy Blazer, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, etc.
My choice for a new car would be Kia or Hyundai perhaps. Any comments on after sales service for these 2 brands would be welcome.
Looking forward to some coments.
sa_japie
The used market here is a joike. The population of this country refuses to admit to the existence of depreciation. You can occasionally find a private party who is willing to negotiate a fair and depreciated price however the general rule is you are better off buying new with a warranty for only a small amount more than you would find a comparable used vehicle.
If you look hard and find the right person then you can get a good deal but you will be hard pressed to find reasonable prices on used vehicles.
In addition you should understand that the insurance here is full coverage for the first year and can only be extended to 3 years from QIC other than that you get third party liability only. Keep that in mind when purchasing a vehicle as you could be in financial trouble if you get a great deal on a 5 year old vehicle and then hit someon the first day you have it.
Hmmm- which personality is coming out today?