… here are some things to know!

First of all, you need to know that traffic accidents are common in Doha, bumps can occur at anytime because most of the drivers do not use the indicator when change of lane, drive faster than allowed, do not respect the rules when in a roundabout or the priority rules at intersections or do not always give way when invited to…

When you notice that most of the cars are SUV or 4WD, then you realise you need one too, to protect you and your family in case of a bump or worse!

I always drove small cars, the last one i had was a Renault Twingo… imagine me trying a Jeep Cherokee, a Suzuki Grand Vitara, looking for Toyota Prado or Mitsubishi Pajero, and finally agreeing to buy a Honda CR-V! What a change!

Our “little” brand new CR-V

When you find your match, you will be surprised about the small choices you have.

You either choose the full options with small engine, fabric seats and less airbags or the full options with big engine, leather seats and all the airbags ! So safety does rhyme with luxury?

In Europe, you “build” your car and you pay the price, here you have lower price but you take what there is.

If you have a baby and carry him around in your car on the front seat, you will discover here that you will not be able to switch the front seat airbag off to put your baby car seat. It is not possible, some salesman even said it is illegal to do so. But of course, there is air conditioning and sunshades to protect them from the heat and the sun.

Finally, you chose your car, you have the money ready and you wait for your contract. Do not be disapointed when seeing a printed descriptive list of your car and the salesman asking for the payment. You do not sign anything, you pay first, then you will have your car, after a few days for registration.

And remember to look carefully when driving your new car!