Import Car ? Buy car in Qatar ?

djeja555
By djeja555

Hi Folks

Moving to Qatar soon !

Anyone got any experience / warnings about importing a car from Europe.
Will have company car but want to have second car in Doha for family. I have got a one year old ford fiesta that I will either have to sell before re-locating or could ship it to Qatar.
I have had a look at a lot of car dealers and plenty of choice, and within our budget.
Also think maybe a 4x4 bigger car would be safer for my wife to drive in Doha ?

Any way no big deal, its not one of the harder decisions we will have to make, but interested in how easy/difficult it is to import a car.

Bye

By Isolda• 4 Oct 2012 17:09
Isolda

I abandoned the idea to bring my european car to Doha when I was advised that a car should be equiped by supplimentary cooling system of the engine designed for the extremely hot climate conditions.

The custom tax for importation of the used cars from abroad is about 4% of the price of the car.

By Oracle007• 1 Oct 2012 10:08
Rating: 4/5
Oracle007

what are documents required for importing used cars to Qatar , We bought a new Tundra (Special Package ) in 2011 from USA , but i heard that Qatar brought to effect some new rules & regulations regarding importing to Qatar .

anyone here have knowledge about customs requirements for

importing used cars from USA to Qatar .Does it require a country of origin certificate endorsed by local chamber of commerce , or anything like previous owners registration copy ?

By Ron20• 15 May 2012 14:36
Ron20

Car is became very important factor in these days as to avoid public transport. Our own vehicle can save time as well as it can give ease to travel. But this in turn making a traffic on Qatar's road and people are diverting to the public transport again.

http://www.indiandrives.com/blog

By djeja555• 17 Mar 2012 20:19
djeja555

Thanks every body, I think I will buy a car when I get to Doha !

By Las Vegas• 17 Mar 2012 15:16
Rating: 5/5
Las Vegas

I imported my car from the US FJCruiser, 20% less than the Toyota dealer,don't listen to people telling you about Gulf specs and all this nonsense, my car is identical to the one sold around here. I went to Toyota for service and they want 5000 riyal to open a file since I did not buy form the monopoly dealer around here, basically I told them to take a hike, I am going to Teyseer and all is fine. As for shipping, you should follow up closely with the agent and all will be fine.

As for UK cars, how about the Right Hand drive issue?

By JasonGUK• 17 Mar 2012 15:05
JasonGUK

to tell me yes or no, i dont car if cars a cheapi dont care waiting to pick it up> CAN A UK CAR BE IMPORTED TO DOHA

By anonymous• 17 Mar 2012 14:05
Rating: 5/5
anonymous

My advice for you is not to import things to Qatar.

1-Very poor Port management and you will spend weeks trying to get your shipment out of the container

2-You will pay people to do all your paperwork but you will end up doing things on your own even after you pay them

3-Your shipment will arrive and stay in the container for a very long time and then you will have to pat a penalty even though it was not your fault at all

4-While extracting your car form the container, they will tell you that they are not responsible for any damages that will happen. Obviously your insurance with your shipping company will not cover anything as well because the insurance with shipping only insures the car until it reaches Qatar Port safe.

5-you will probably not be able to transfer your warranty into Qatar because of how most company play their monopoly. You buy from us to get warranty. Some do allow you to buy warranty packages but it will cost you more than it should.

6-Reselling might be a problem because people in Qatar still think the auto industry makes special specs for the cars before sending them here. You still get people who think cars coming from the US are not up to the Gulf specs although this has been long gone since the mid 80s and all car parts now come with 1 part number.

I have done this before and I am telling you, it is not worth it.

IF you decide to do it, good luck :)

By osamabawab• 17 Mar 2012 14:05
Rating: 5/5
osamabawab

it will be easier and cheaper to buy a car from here than importing all the way from Europe.

Also the cars in Arabian gulf area has special specification to suit hot and high humidity weather (Arabian gulf specifications) so it is recommended not to use the cars which has been designed for Europe cold weather here in Qatar.

Finally in my opinion its not necessary to have 4wd car in Doha but it will be an advantage to discover the dune sands areas.

By asterix---• 17 Mar 2012 13:43
asterix---

Better to buy a Car from Qatar, rather then Importing it...

Why do you want all the Hassle!!

By anonymous• 17 Mar 2012 13:42
Rating: 3/5
anonymous

My advice, don't import, not worth it... cars here are cheap depends on what you're looking for, you can have a good second hand car for a reasonable price...however you should be careful and always take a car specialist with you as there are a lot of mafia among car dealers. but overall you will be fine...

Welcome to Qatar :)

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.