Buying a car in Qatar is probably the most demanding decision to make. Choosing the perfect car for you in Qatar, either new or used, is not as difficult as you might imagine, but it will take some time to make your selection. 

A wide variety of cars can be found in Qatar, from tiny hatchbacks to massive SUVs, from older models to newly released, top-of-the-line automobiles. Some individuals may prefer the illusion of safety that a slightly larger 4x4 provides, as well as the days of dune bashing and desert driving that such a car allows. Others prefer easy-to-navigate smaller cars. No matter your preference though, options are aplenty, and what’s more, petrol is cheap.

Not sure what to go for!!

Obviously the choice is yours but here we are recommending few cars that we think they are the best performing cars in Qatar.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is still sovereign in Qatar followed by the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Prado. Over few years, the Toyota Land Cruiser manages to stay in pole position

Great performers in Qatar include the Nissan D22 pick-up

New cars can be bought directly from the dealership, and you can take your pick from many well-recognised makes and models, such as Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, Volvo, even Ferrari and Rolls Royce! Buying directly from the dealership is a straightforward process, just as you would probably expect in your home country.  

Used cars in Qatar can either be bought from a dealer or directly from the owner. A good place to start looking for used cars is via any of the online virtual marketplaces or classified directories that have popped up. 

Qatar Motor Trader features cars being sold from both private owners and dealerships.  

In both cases, don’t be afraid to ask questions, go for a test drive and try to negotiate a better price. In the case of a used car, ask how often the previous owner serviced the vehicle, and do take the vehicle to a reliable garage for an inspection; Salwa Road, near the Industrial Area, hosts a number of mechanics happy to provide such a service for a reasonable price.
 

Most banks in Qatar will offer car loans, usually up to two years, and dealerships will also have loan options, these often include one large down payment followed by three to four monthly instalments. Alternatively, some companies will offer loan schemes that then deduct payments from your monthly salary.
 

Used cars are generally paid for in full at the time of purchase.

There are both pros and cons to buying new or used cars, and the option most suitable for an expat will always depend upon individual circumstance. New cars will come with a dealer warranty, won’t have suffered any wear and tear from the desert, and will be in mint condition. New cars will, however, be much more expensive.

Given the high turnover rate of expats in Qatar, some great used car deals are available, and purchasing something for a high price right off the lot is often unnecessary. That said, used cars often come with mysterious histories, and a good rule of thumb is to try and find a vehicle formerly owned by an ‘expat lady driver’, as these drivers tend to be more gentle than, say, the average Qatari teenage boy!!