We Got Wheels!

Here is the lowdown on getting the car.

Before we moved, Chris checked online to see what was available here. Then we went to the dealerships to rule out if what we liked would work for our needs (three car seats, a third row, in case our family gets larger, and room in back to carry all our stuff). We were surprised that many of the cars with a third row were very uncomfortable and/or didn't even have enough room for a stroller, let alone suitcases.

Good thing we did all the reconnaissance before we left because they do not let you test drive cars here.

Trip #1 - Visit Toyota to get a Sequoia (my first choice) only to find out they do not come in 4 wheel drive here. Head over to Nissan and start the process of getting an Armada. You do not have to shop around as all Nissan dealers are owned by the same person in this country. All Toyota dealerships are owned by the same person, etc. At least that saved some shopping around.

Trip #2 - The car arrives from another dealership and is ready for inspection. Chris has to bring paperwork showing he has a large family and can purchase an SUV. What details a large family we are not sure but it proved we will not be transporting people to Mecca in it. But alas he forgot an important piece of paper. Oh well, there's always next trip. He also had to arrange for insurance.

Then we had to decide how to get the money out of our account. There are 2 ways: go to the bank every day and write a check out for $2,000 in rials (as this is the maximum you can withdraw in a day). Or you can get a letter of approval from your boss and signatures from other individuals for the full amount. Neither are easy choices but we chose the latter-- and what a stinking headache it was.

Trip #3 - Take a gangster bag full of cash to the dealer and some letters from the bank.

Here is Ethan holding all the cash before Chris left.

And after all the cash was counted-- by hand-- the car was... almost ours. It could be picked up NEXT weekend, IF they could get the registration done.

Trip #4 - We got a call Saturday afternoon that it was all done and ready to be picked up. At the dealership Chris asked that the plastic coverings in the car be removed. At first they would only take the plastic off the seats and Chris told them he wanted all of it off. With a shocked look the salesman said, "Never in the 6 years that I have sold cars has anyone asked that the plastic be removed." Saudis, for some reason, leave the plastic on the seats. You see it all the time. Why in 120 degree weather they want extra plastic on them we aren't sure. They then let him drive off with less than a quarter tank of gas in search of a gas station. Upon filling the tank Chris was shocked that it cost a whooping total of $14 USD to fill the tank with Ultra Supreme Gasoline.

Upon arriving home we were happy to discover that it does fit in our garage... just barely. I got to cruise around UDH for about 15 minutes to get my seat adjusted and its memory set. Now I won't have to walk the mile to the grocery store when it gets unbearably hot.

Thanks Jim for personally driving Chris back and forth for all of these trips. We really appreciate it.

Let the adventures begin!