Jerusalem - 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?
Any. There's no carjacking. - Nov 2022
A small car that you don't mind getting banged up a bit. We get out pretty extensively and have never found a need for our high-clearance four-wheel drive car, and parking anything larger than a golf cart is a pain. - Oct 2019
You can find services for all cars here but it may not be the best parts and service. Small cars are best for parking. It will get banged up so nothing too nice. There is a big off-roading community here and a ton of dirt roads so bring something with high-clearance if you want to explore (we did and those are some of our best memories). Safe, no carjacking or burglary. - Aug 2018
Any car is fine, but you will get in accidents. There is not a single un-banged up car in the garage. A small car is easier to park in the city. People here are pretty aggressive drivers. No burglary or carjacking risks. - Apr 2018
Bring a small car. Parking is a hassle here. - Dec 2016
Small is better! However, if you like to go camping in the desert (which is great) bring a 4x4 to gain access to an entire part of the Negev that is inaccessible in a car. If you don't have a 4x4, there are plenty of places you can get to, but you won't get completely off the beaten path. No matter what car you bring, get a back-up sensor installed to help with parking. Car repairs and maintenance in the West part of the city are ridiculously expensive ($200 for an oil change) so either do it yourself or take to East Jerusalem. - Aug 2015
Your car is likely to get dinged up, so don't bring something too nice. It is often difficult to find parking in Jerusalem, and nearly impossible in Tel Aviv without paying for a lot. - Aug 2015
Do not take a new car if you can help it. We had a small (think old Kia sportage) 4 wheel drive that was perfect. The only problems you will find is that the heat will really get to the cars. Drivers here are all over and don't seem to pay too much attention. They park wherever and don't seem to be too concerned with little knicks and bumps. - May 2015
Any type of car is suitable but be forewarned if you bring something with larger than normal tires or with lift kits, you will have a difficult time registering it. Small cars are great for the tight streets and parking spots, but honestly having a SUV 4WD has worked out perfectly for traveling on bad roads, unimproved terrain, and I have had no issues parking it in parking garages or parking spots on the street. Do not bring anything new unless it won't bother you to get scrapes and door dings. Every car here is beat up. - Mar 2014
Small or one you don't worry about getting a little damaged.There are limitations on what cars you can bring in. - Aug 2013
The best options are small to mid-sized European or Japanese models, although service is available for most makes now. Fords are also widely driven. Gasoline is twice as expensive as in the U.S., although diplomats can buy it at approximately half-price due to tax exemptions. I would not recommend SUVs since gas is expensive and parking spaces are generally small. - Jul 2013
We have a GM and have had some problems with parts. - Feb 2009
