Bucharest - 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?

Everyone will tell you to bring a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle with clearance. That's true if you plan on doing a lot of driving around the country and in the winter. There is a rule about having tires rated for mud and snow, but that's easy enough to satisfy in practically any car. In the city, you see just as many Fiats and Minis as mini SUVs. A small car will be easier to drive and park. Parking a larger car is always a squeeze. I recommend checking whether your car manufacturer has a dealership in Bucharest so that you can get parts and service. Even then, you may end up ordering some parts from the U.S., but at least you'll be able to get basic service. Car jacking is unheard of here. Traffic accidents happen often. - Mar 2019


Romanians are awful drivers, really terrible. And the mountain roads outside of Bucharest aren’t great. I recommend a sturdy, safe SUV. - Jun 2018


We drove a 2011 VW diesel Jetta without any issues. On Romanian roads you will see Dacias from the 1980's, SUVs, Rolls Royces, and every other car in between. People park when and where they want, so dings can become a problem, but body work is affordable. Roads around the country vary from baby-butt-smooth asphalt to strut-gutting-potholed dirt roads. We did go through a set of tires in approximately 18 months, so the tire industry is booming there. There are many car companies (VW, Mercedes, Subaru) that can aid in vehicular repair, but chances are you can ask nearly anyone at the gas stations if they know someone and they will. Car registration took about 3 months and cost about US$300. I never saw or read about carjackings in Bucharest. - Feb 2014


Bring one you don't mind getting bumped up as every day driving in Romania is like some sort of Mad Max Thunderdome event. - Jan 2013


You can bring a sedan, but something with clearance is nice because EVERYONE parks on the sidewalks. - May 2011


I recommend a high-clearance vehicle with good acceleration. Non-highway roads are full of potholes. Local drivers can be dangerously aggressive, and also maddeningly slow -- therefore it's good to have a car that you can use to pass (or swerve out of the way) when necessary. - Jul 2010


Any four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. It might be a good idea to have a smaller SUV or any SUV. It would help when pulling out in traffic. I have normal car, and I can't see around all the cars and other SUVs. The roads are a mess in the suburbs. They are full of huge holes. It would be a good idea to bring extra tires. Everyone gets a flat tire here. - Dec 2009


Any car is fine, though you have to be prepared to drive like you're an outlaw. I didn't mind the driving, but it takes some time getting used to. - Dec 2009


Don't bring anything you care about. Romanians are some of worst and most aggressive drivers you'll ever see. Add to that a lack of roads, a lack of roads in drivable conditions, and you'll find that your car gets dinged up fast. Import parts are expensive, so I'd go for a European make with high ground clearance. Don't bother bringing an SUV since it will be hard to find a place to park it and you don't really need it. - Dec 2008


The smallest thing you can find. Unless your work provides you a parking place, a big honkin SUV will drive you crazy in this city. The roads outside the city are all paved and unless you're going way up into the hills, you don't need anything too massive. - Feb 2008


Cars with a small foot print would be best for finding parking spaces. I see people with SUVs but parking is difficult as it is. - Jan 2008


A small SUV. Romanians are the worst drivers I have ever seen (1st world machinery driven by 3rd world mentality). The taxi drivers get offended if you put on your seat belt. If they took away 75% of the cars it may be a little better. - Jan 2008


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