Buying Used Car in Russia

[franklloyd]

In 2006 I lent my wife's younger brother (25 at the time) $6000 to buy a very clean 150,000km 1997 Toyota Camry. He lives in Omsk, it was a right hand drive, imported used car from Japan. So far he has paid back $5000 of the no-interest loan, with delays due to changing jobs, an accident, maintenance, etc.

We have found that it is far cheaper to buy spare parts like light bulbs, etc. on e-bay and carry them to Omsk when we visit every +/- 8 mos than to buy parts in Omsk.

The car has performed well and has greatly improved his lifestyle. The most important factor in buying the car was having an experienced mechanic verify its quality.

My brother-in-law underestimated the expense of car ownership in Russia, and overrated his driving ability, but the experience has improved our relationship.

[I/O]

In 2006 I lent my wife's younger brother (25 at the time) $6000 to buy a very clean 150,000km 1997 Toyota Camry. He lives in Omsk, it was a right hand drive, imported used car from Japan. So far he has paid back $5000 of the no-interest loan, with delays due to changing jobs, an accident, maintenance, etc.

We have found that it is far cheaper to buy spare parts like light bulbs, etc. on e-bay and carry them to Omsk when we visit every +/- 8 mos than to buy parts in Omsk.

The car has performed well and has greatly improved his lifestyle. The most important factor in buying the car was having an experienced mechanic verify its quality.

My brother-in-law underestimated the expense of car ownership in Russia, and overrated his driving ability, but the experience has improved our relationship.

PM me on this one. Have friends in the Auto Service business in Omsk who can do / get things done at sensible prices.