Buying a Used Car in Saudi Arabia: The Guide I Wish I Had Before I Got Scammed

Everyone told me that buying a car in Saudi Arabia was easy. "Just go to the Haraj," they said. "You’ll find a cheap Toyota Camry in an hour," they said.

They were wrong.

My first trip to the used car market (Haraj) in Riyadh was a disaster. It was 40°C, I didn't speak enough Arabic to negotiate with the fast-talking brokers (dallals), and I almost bought a Ford Expedition that looked perfect on the outside but—as I found out later—had been in a major accident and welded back together.

If you are a new expat holding your fresh Iqama and looking for wheels, this isn't just another list of government rules. This is the reality of navigating Expatriates.com, surviving the Fahas inspection, and how to actually transfer ownership without losing your mind (or your money).

Step 1: The "Must-Haves" Before You Start

You cannot just walk in and buy a car with cash like you might back home. The system is digitized. Before you even look at a car, ensure you have these three things:

A Valid Iqama: If your residency is expiring in a few days, the system won't let you transfer ownership. (Check your validity date using our [Ultimate Guide to Checking Your Saudi Iqama Status]).
A Saudi Driving License: You generally cannot own a car without one. International licenses won't work for ownership transfer. (Don't have one yet? Read our [Complete Guide to Getting a Saudi Driving License]).
Active Absher Account: The transfer happens digitally via a code sent to your phone.

Step 2: Where to Actually Look (The Good, The Bad, and The Risky)

In Saudi Arabia, you have three main options, and your choice depends entirely on your budget and your risk tolerance.

1. The "Wild West": Expatriates.com & Facebook Marketplace

This is where you find the cheapest deals, but it is also where the scams live.

The Trap: If you see a 2022 model listed for 15,000 SAR, just keep scrolling. It’s a scam.
My Rule: If the seller asks for a "deposit" before you see the car because they are "traveling" or "a busy diplomat," block them immediately.
The Verdict: Good for cheap "beater" cars, but requires extreme caution. (Learn more about digital fraud in our [Is Saudi Arabia Safe? Truth About Scams Guide]).

2. The Apps: Syarah and Cars24

These are the "Amazon" of used cars. You browse online, and they deliver the car to your door.

Pros: The cars are inspected, cleaned, and often come with a warranty. You can return them if you don't like them.
Cons: You pay a premium (usually 10-15% higher than market price).
Verdict: Perfect if you know nothing about cars and are terrified of mechanics.

3. The Physical Haraj (Car Auction/Market)

Every major city (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) has a Haraj. It is a massive lot with thousands of cars.

Pro Tip: Go on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Wear comfortable shoes. Do not show that you are desperate. If the sellers smell desperation, the price goes up.
Language Barrier: Most sellers here speak Arabic or Urdu. If you only speak English, bring a friend.

Step 3: The Inspection (Trust No One)

This is where most expats lose money. In Saudi Arabia, a seller might hand you a paper saying the car passed the Fahas (Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection) yesterday.

Do not trust it.

A passed Fahas only means the brakes work, the lights turn on, and the smoke isn't black. It does not tell you if the transmission is slipping or if the engine was overheated in the desert sun.

The "Computer Test" is Mandatory

Before you hand over a single Riyal, tell the seller: "I want a Computer Test."

Drive the car to a neutral workshop (not one the seller suggests).
Pay the 200–350 SAR fee yourself.
These shops check the chassis (frame), engine efficiency, and repainting history.

Real Life Moment: I once paid 250 SAR to test a car I loved. The mechanic showed me that the entire chassis was bent. I lost 250 SAR, but I saved 30,000 SAR. Best money I ever spent.

Step 4: The Negotiation (Haggle Like a Local)

In Saudi culture, the listed price is rarely the final price.

The Strategy: If a car is listed for 35,000 SAR, offer 30,000 SAR.
The Leverage: Point out the flaws found in the inspection (scratches, worn tires, weak AC).
Payment Method: Cash is technically legal for small amounts, but for cars, you should use Bank Transfer or Mada. It creates a paper trail. (Need to increase your daily transfer limit? Check our comparison of [Best Banks for Expats: Al Rajhi vs SNB]).

Step 5: The Transfer (Absher & The Showroom)

Years ago, you had to visit the Traffic Police (Muroor) office. Thank goodness, those days are over. Now, the transfer happens instantly at authorized showrooms (called Maard).

What you need to bring:

Your Iqama.
Your Driving License.
Your Phone (linked to Absher).

1. Get Insurance Fast

You cannot transfer the car to your name without insurance. Don't visit insurance offices in person; it’s a waste of time.

Use Comparison Sites: Use sites like Tameeni or BCare. You enter the car’s "Customs Card" number or "Sequence Number" and your Iqama ID.
The Cost: Liability insurance usually costs 800 to 1,200 SAR depending on your age and accident history.

2. The "Code" Moment

Once you are at the showroom exhibition, the officer will enter the details into the government system.

You will receive an OTP (One Time Password) from Absher on your mobile.
Warning: Once you give that code to the officer, the car is legally yours (and the money is gone). Only give the code once you are 100% sure. (Ensure your mobile number is correct in the system. Check our [Guide to Mobile SIMs and Ghost Numbers]).

Summary: The Hidden Costs

Buying the car isn't just the sticker price. Budget for these hidden costs so you don't run out of money:

Transfer Fee: ~500 to 700 SAR (Paid to the showroom/government).
Insurance: ~1,000 SAR (Average for Third Party).
Computer Inspection: ~250 SAR.
Immediate Repairs: Used cars here suffer from the heat. Expect to change the battery (300 SAR) and tires (1,200 SAR) within the first month.

Final Thoughts

Buying a car in Saudi Arabia was stressful, I won't lie. But the freedom of driving down King Fahd Road with the AC blasting, heading to a weekend camping trip, makes it completely worth it.

Just remember: Verify everything, trust the computer test, and never transfer money until you see the car.

(Now that you have a car, you might want to explore the city. Check out our [Guide to Finding Accommodation in Riyadh] to find the best neighborhoods to drive to).