Buying your first car in KSA can feel exciting but also confusing, especially if you’re new to the country or don’t know the full process. In this blog, I’ll share a realistic and honest experience — the kind most normal employees face when buying a car for daily use.
🧍♂️ 1. Step 1: Why I Decided to Buy a Car
Like many expats and local employees, I got tired of depending on friends, Uber, or company transport. In cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, having your own car means freedom, saving time, and less stress — especially in summer.
So I made a plan: buy a small, fuel-efficient car under 20,000–25,000 SAR — secondhand, but in good condition.
🔍 2. Step 2: Searching Online
The best sites to search:
Haraj.com.sa
Motory.com
OpenSooq
Facebook Marketplace (but be careful of scams)
I used Haraj, where most car owners post full details. I filtered by:
Price range
Location
FAHAS valid ✅
Automatic transmission
Low mileage (under 200,000 km)
After 3 days, I shortlisted 3 cars: a Hyundai Accent, a Toyota Yaris, and a Nissan Sunny.
👨🔧 3. Step 3: Inspection & FAHAS Check
Before finalizing, I followed this checklist:
Check FAHAS date (must be valid)
Check Istimara (registration card)
Check Mojaz report for past accidents
Take a trusted mechanic or friend who knows cars
Test drive on highway and bumps
Pro Tip: Avoid cars with oil leaks, heavy smoke from exhaust, or tampered dashboards.
🤝 4. Step 4: Payment & Ownership Transfer
I agreed on 16,500 SAR for a 2017 Nissan Sunny.
Steps I followed:
Seller uploaded the car for transfer on Absher
I accepted the transfer request on my Absher account
Paid the fee (230 SAR)
Transferred money to the seller (cash or bank)
Got the new Istimara issued under my name
🛡️ I also bought Tawuniya 3rd party insurance (cheap, around 180 SAR)
🛠️ 5. Maintenance After Buying
I changed:
Engine oil & filter
AC gas top-up
Tyres check
Car wash + polish
Total cost: around 400 SAR
Now the car runs smooth, and I use it daily for work, groceries, and even small trips to Dammam or Taif.
❌ Mistakes to Avoid (From My Own Experience)
Don’t rush to buy just because it “looks clean”
Never skip the test drive
If FAHAS is expired, don’t accept the car — many issues might be hidden
Watch out for gear/AC issues in summer
Don’t pay anything before verifying papers
💡 Tips for First-Time Car Owners
Check tyre pressure weekly
Do oil change every 5,000 km
Keep insurance & Istimara copies in glove box
Use apps like Google Maps, Gas Station Finder
Don’t park long in direct sun — use shades
📝 Final Words
Buying a car in Saudi Arabia as an employee is 100% possible, even with limited salary. With the right planning, honest sellers, and little research — you can find a reliable car within your budget.
It’s not just a car — it’s your daily partner in KSA life. 🛣️
Planning to buy your first car? Or already have one? Share your experience in the comments — let’s help each other!
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