Tel Aviv - 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?
Anything but large SUVs. Space/parking is limited and gas is expensive, so sedans are best. However, the roads are well-maintained and the country is very easy to drive around, so it's nice to have a car of some kind, even if you don't use it often. There is a mechanic at the EBO who can help with almost all maintenance, so long as the car isn't too complicated to fix. - Jan 2022
If you are just using a car for commuting around the city I'd recommend something you wouldn't mind getting a few bumps and scrapes on (moped drivers are crazy and a lot of the street parking is tight). If you're an outdoorsy type I'd recommend something with 4-wheel drive as some of the parks and desert driving is a bit bumpy and unpaved. - Apr 2021
Having a small car will give you more parking options, as sometimes it can be tight. Larger cars or SUVs are fine, though. For US embassy housing in the suburbs, some larger SUVs may not fit in your garage. If you live in the suburbs, you will need a car right away, so if you are shipping one you should plan on renting until it arrives. - Oct 2019
We walked everywhere in the city, and took trains or taxis to other cities, so a car is not necessary if you live in Tel Aviv. We didn't have one, and were glad not to deal with the hassle. Streets in Tel Aviv are small and parking can be a pain, so it's often faster and cheaper to walk or take a taxi downtown. People who lived in Herzliya need a car, however. Many city residents liked having a car for weekend trips to the countryside, but it's not necessary. - Nov 2018
We did fine with a sedan. We did not do research in advance, but luckily found a dealer who specialized in parts for our car, which came in handy a couple times. It was not cheap, but the service was good, professional, and fast. - Aug 2017
Israeli drivers are aggressive. Recommend a used car you don't mind getting dinged up-- because you will likely get some dings and bumps. - Oct 2016
Roads are good quality so all terrain vehicles are not needed. Tel Aviv street network is largely composed of narrow side streets so beware bringing a large car. - Apr 2016
I'd suggest bringing a tank, but the fuel prices would kill you. - Mar 2016
Oh man. A tank? Look, smaller is better as far as parking, etc. Out of anywhere I have been to, your fellow drivers here just DON'T CARE. It's kind of like letting your 6 year old drive while watching the Lego movie. There's some semblance of order until there's something totally crazy that you are supposed to be cool with. - Nov 2014
Bring small, old, and ugly car. It will roll out of here dinged, dented, and looking small, old,, and ugly. - Apr 2013
Just like being in the US, any car is fine as long as you don't park on the street. Israelis have no respect for personal property. If you park on the street you car will be bumped and dinged. Routine way to exit a parking spot is to ram the car in front of you and back of you until you clear a space to get out. On the road, Israeli's drift from lane to lane aserting their dominance of the space about them. - Aug 2010
Think small. Parking is tough to find. The roads are in very good shape, so a 4X4 isn't necessary. - Jul 2010
Gas is expensive here and typically Israelis drive small cars (VW golf-size). You'll see every make and model on the road. If you're planning on bringing a car, come to grips with the fact it will get dinged, scratched, sideswiped while here. Driving is erratic at best and for most fender-benders, drivers won't stop. - Feb 2009
I didn't want to bring a minivan because of the lack of parking and narrow streets but I see that many people do drive them. - Sep 2008
Nothing NEW!! Highly recommend you buy here from someone that is leaving. - Jul 2008
