For the very experienced

[START2]

Whew,
 The wifey's in Ukr and I'm home and have lots of time on my hands. Talk about adjustments!! The house is quiet, I'm pacing the floors, so what happens(?), I come here to shoot the breeze. Hope ya'll don't mind.
  This is basically going to be for the guys that spend lots of time in Ukr. I'll be going there soon and for a couple years I've contemplated buying a car. I have an international license and will use that. I've asked my friends to look for cars but haven't had much luck. I'll probably only use it a month or less out of the year so I'm thinkin Lada. Damn, can you imagine that? The past visits I've checked and a GOOD used runs 2-3000 US. That's for a 90-94.
  Do any of you know a reputable dealer in Kyiv, Kharkov, etc? I'd get someting different if I was there more but for now that will do. I'm tired of having to wait for friends to take us to the river, or walking my azz off to get a few groceries. It used to be fun but not No Mo. The Lada is not hi-tech and I can work on them. Love that part.
 
   

[chivo]

Start,

I think you'll find the car business to be relatively the same there as in the states.

While I live in Russia, and not being totally familiar with Ukraine, I believe you can flag cars off the street for a ride like in Russia. I'm only saying this because it's what I do for the time being.

I do use the metro here, but if I need a specific ride somewhere, be it to go shopping for groceries, bopping around town on a date, or just out later than the metro working times.

I think, unlike the Baltic countries for instance, this is possible in Ukraine, and would be a realistic option for you considering the time you need to have a car.

Think about it like this. You don't have to worry about buying a Lada , sorry couldn't resist, or the hassle of possibly reselling it. No insurance payment (optional of course, but they steal Lada's too), no maintenance, no muss/fuss or worries.

I'm in somewhat of the same boat, but have put off buying a car until next year, and yes having one is of course more convenient. Now I spend about $100 a month for rides from strangers, and I'm out and about often. Overall for me at this time it just makes more sense, maybe it would for you as well.

It's a trade off, and you should decide whether the time spent using, not to mention the maintenance, it worth the trouble, when there are other options that can/would be more affordable and less troublesome. Given your situation, this might be a viable option for the time being.

Again, just a thought. good luck.

chivo     

[Mir]

Start

How about using a taxi?

Chivo

Yes I have seen everyone including young girls hailing a passing car to ask for a lift in Kiev, I never tried it myself since official taxis are abundant and still cheap.

[catzenmouse]

Just an oddball thought: Have you thought about shipping one of your cars over? Would it be more than buying one there? I mean heck Start, you've got a used car dealership in your yard now...

Ken

[philb]

Just a thought.  You can buy a brand new ZAZ Slavuta for a round 24,000 griv (last I checked).  I can't vouch for the quality.  ;-)  Here is a link.

http://www.zaz.ua/car.php?lang=en&producer=1&car=7

[wxman]

Seems Putin is not too happy with this company today.

http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Putin_sulks_as_Soviet_car_giant_stu_05272007.html

[START2]

When I go to Ukr. I do alot of spontaneous activities.Having a car there is purely for convenience. It would bother me at all to spend 2-5000us to keep a car there and store it while not there. My wife owns 1/2 of a 2 story type duplex home and it has a garage. There's an old zap car there now but it is old and does not run. They all think it's ugly. Looks something like an old corvair and the rear engine might be 900-1000cc. Top spedd maybe 90kph. What is that, a 1 litre? I think thet are called Zaporozhitz(sp). Ha, nobody wants to be seen in one. I was told that they don't make it anymore but this article says they do. I think just not that style. I talked to my friends last year and even if I fixed it up and rebuit it they said they would rather walk. Even as stubborn as I can be I wouldn't put my family and friends through that.
   Last year I saw a new Lada at the bank and they had a $9000 price on it. Looked nothing like the box you are used to seeing as a Lada. Don't want to spend that kind of money. Blows me away that 15 yr old lada's are still 3k if in decent shape. Everyone I've ridden in needs new suspension.
   I see lots of small chevy Aveo's and even the Cobalt there now. Mostly bigger towns. As for the Lada, theres one called a samara and is like a small station wagon. Looks like the old toyota tercel in a way. would be a great car for a quick trip to the sea if I decided.
  Also lots of events in Kiev all the time and it's be great to drive there instead of the overnight train. We could keep our own schedule.
   There are many mags there like auto trader to find a car. I think this year I've become more serious about getting a car. In the past, it's just been a casual thought.
  When I go this summer, I'll go prepared to buy something if I can find what I want.
  Thanks for the links guys. Those were interesting.
   Catz, Yeah  I had thought about shipping the 3000gt there but sold it a few weeks ago. Also got rid of another one I had about a month ago. The blue chevy. Still need to clear out a few more.
   

[BC]

All-in-all the minibus system can't be beat.

You might be able to find a good steal on a nice VW Passat.. maybe the one that was in my driveway a couple years ago..

only thing is...

It'll likley be in someone else's driveway not long after you buy it...

 

[chivo]

just FYI in case you didn't know. While you can ship a car there, you'll be spending minimum $6000 to get a car into the country including duties and shipping costs. That price can go much higher depending on the vehicle.  Good luck.

chivo

[Rvrwind]

I've checked and a GOOD used runs 2-3000 US. That's for a 90-94.

LMFAO RUssians are the only people in the world who think that a car actually appreciates in value. The more rust, scratches & dents the more character it has & therefore the higher the rice should be!! You couldn't get a buck fifty for it anywhere else but in Russia its gold!!! TFF