buying a car

Chris, may I suggest taking the subway. It's very cheap. Also the Beijing bus service is good. Barring that, I have used private drivers in Beijing. If your trips are from/to same place everyday, you should be able to get a driver for about 1000 to 1500 a month depdning upon distance.

Cheers!

I asked about where to buy a car, because i want to buy a car. i want to buy a car, because i dont want to take buses and subways. the suggestion that i keep on using the public transport i have been using for 5 years now, does not really appeal to me. it's crowded and hot, and not terribly convenient.

I test drove a used car last night, and i swear it had been in a serious accident. it had a funny sidways wobble even at low speeds. but the guy swore it was in tip top shape.....yeah, tell me another one. problem for me is really, how can i test drive a standard, if it stalls out every time i try to get it going. and where might i find a car salesman with an ounce of integrity in beijing.

A new Beijing Jeep can be had for about 80K RMB and I think that is an automatic.

I wouldn't buy a used vehicle in China.

Another alternative is to buy a motorbike but that doesn't solve the problem of you not being able to drive a standard.

motorcycles are no problem. i know its standard, but its one im used to. the jeep is too big, and the gas will be expensive. i think im getting a QQ. i know they are ugly, but they are built pretty well, and small enough the gas wont break me.

You may need to consider that you will be required to get insurance and you may find that this will make the perceived savings you would make to be considerably less than expected and with the risks and outlay you will put up for the car and all and everything that can happen to this, I would take that into account.

To get a car to save money on transport and frustration in Beijing may see these factors double or even more.
Motorcycles are easy targets for being stolen, even with wheel clamp locks.

To get a car for the mad thrills and sheer exhiliration and challenge of being out on the road in Beijing may be the only motivation.

insurance is only 3000 per year, while i spend about 2000 per month on taxi's. its a no brainer.

If you're considering a QQ why not upgrade to a Prius (or whatever it's called in China) probably a better quality vehicle, easy on gas and it's a hybrid so it should be a bit easier on the environment as well.

Hi, Chris, My boyfriend is working for a auto sales company at Yayun village, and he can help you with buying a slightly used car in Beijing. If you still need help, pls send me an email at abow.he@sevenseasworldwide.com or you can reach me at 13521617193 :P