How Do I Buy a Used Car in Jiddah?

Jiddah, or Jeddah as it is more commonly transliterated in English, is a city in Saudi Arabia situated on the Red Sea. Jeddah is a common destination for expatriates, meaning that many industries are familiar with dealing with Western buying practices. Buying a used car in Jeddah, therefore, is little different than buying a used car anywhere in the Western world. Many of the transactions can even be conducted in English, and most will accept U.S. dollars as currency.

Instructions

1

Search the Internet to find car sellers located in Jeddah. Many expatriate websites contain classified sections, which means you can buy from someone who is perhaps returning to their home country or can deal in English as a native language.

2

Ask around when you are in Jeddah. Many Arabic countries work on systems of personal connections, and Saudi Arabia is no different. Asking people if they know of anyone selling a car could soon reap results. Alternatively, ask for a car dealership, and be sure to get a number of options before buying.

3

Research the price, taking into account exchange rates. The more research you do, the more comfortable you will be in agreeing on a price when it comes to buying. Choose an upper limit of what you are prepared to pay, and make an offer below this. Middle Eastern countries are far more comfortable with haggling. If possible, have quotes from other dealerships. The less you appear to want the car, the lower it will be sold to you. If you seem desperate, the price will be higher.

4

Agree on a price and buy the car. Do not attempt to lower the price further once you have made an agreement. The Middle East places great value on trust. If you change an agreement, you will have broken the trust, and the deal may be off.