Tashkent - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Driving is WILD! If you forget almost every rule you have about driving, you will have fun! It is surprising how easy it is to adjust. You just have to look out for every driver and every possible scenario. The bigger the car, the better, 70% of the population drives small white sedans, they don't look out for fellow drivers but look terrified of giant SUVs. You can order parts and find servicing stations. - Aug 2022
Bring something that is sturdy, as there are many potholes, and unpaved roads all over the city. Chevy has a stronghold on the market, but international parts are easier to get (Toyota, Mercedes, etc). You could also just purchase a car from someone departing post. - Sep 2018
Lots of cars available from diplomats to diplomats every summer. You can buy a Chevy in country. Lots of potholes on residential roads, so bring something hardy. US Embassy mechanics are amazing and resourceful. Chances of car accidents are pretty high. The bigger you are, the more road respect you are likely to receive.
Little to no risk of burglary. - Aug 2018
I would bring an SUV. The availability of parts and service are sketchy. You have to be careful of gasoline because it is frequently watered down. There are many local restrictions and duties. I haven't heard of any carjackings - there are strict punishments for car thieves here. The reality is, if you have brought a car here, then you work for an international institution that will help you support that vehicle. The roads are crazy. Nobody understands the concept of choosing one lane, using turn signals, distance between vehicles or maintaining a 'communal' speed in a group. Pedestrians treat roads like parks - they wander through them with no cares, highways are even bigger parks for them. Horses and cows frequently wander over roads the same way. The police are constantly pulling people over for infractions of the law. It's the worst traffic I have ever seen in my life. - Aug 2014
Hard question. If it is very new, you have to bring all of the repair parts. they run out of diesel 2 times a year and fuel is dirty. Better to buy a second hand car here. - Jun 2007
