Way to Russia Talk Lounge

maximilian · Frequent Guest Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 13

Could someone offer me some advice on buying a Lada, or any other reasonably priced car, in Moscow? There are two issues, I suppose. One is how to go about getting one, and the other is how to get the documentation a foreigner needs to own one.

Many thanks in advance for help.

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 612 Location: Moscow

And (3) how to keep it running: lots of duct tape and baling wire.

Hey, at least you won't have to worry about somebody stealing your car....

Vic · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:39 pm Post subject:

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 612 Location: Moscow

Oh, and I forgot, for your Lada: (4) lots and lots of rust remover Laughing

Intourist · Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 10:18 pm Post subject:

First, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it ain't easy getting the 'documentation' if you're a foreigner.

Foreigners can have cars registered to them at only one GAI station, and that's in the Tsaritsino region of Moscow (read: Bumblef*ck). Your registration for the car will only be valid for as long as your visa registration. Since your maximum visa registration period is now 6 months, that means, yes, you will be visiting Tsaritsino GAI (traffic police) at least twice a year. Believe me, this is an experience you would rather avoid.

What're your options ? Well, if the above sounds unappealling (and it should), then you're looking at a 'generalnaya doverennost'. It's closest equivalent in English is a Power of Attorney from the--Muscovite--Russian owner that will have the registration in his name (to avoid dealing with the Tsaritsino GAI). This 'doverennost' gives you general rights to operate, repair, or even sell the car on your own without the legally registered owner. What's this mean ? You need a REALLY good friend that's a registered Muscovite. Good enough that you can trust him with the value of whatever car you decide to purchase. Because if he wanted to, he could cancel your doverennost (which should be done through a notary public or 'notarius') and declare the car stolen. Bye, bye, car.

[Takes deep breath] All that having been said, I would have to concur with what's been said above. Unless you have an affinity for learning about cars work very intricately, you'd do best avoiding Lada's. For not too much more you'll do well with the Uzbek Daewoo. Or, try some of the more reliable brands of used cars (VW, Audi, etc). But keep in mind that the prices here on used cars depreciate MUCH more slowly than they do in the West.

Hope that helped,
Intourist

ME · Frequent Guest Joined: 22 Jun 2005 Posts: 14

Hi
I got an old army jeep for next to nothing. Okay you need to keep your hand on it, but still the russian cars are strong and don't just fall apart.

About the doverennost... I got went for this option and it saved me alot of time and money.
I'd go with that any time again!

Never mind "overseas_expat"... it doesn't sound like he can be posative about much.

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

you can probably rent a car, and long term rent may not be that expensive. I don't know the details on how to do it, though. But I bet you can find out