Tirana - 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?
We drive a Honda minivan and have gotten around just fine. It's difficult to park it in the city, but we have loved being comfortable on our road trips. The roads outside of town can be rough but unless you're really going off the beaten path any car should be fine. - Apr 2018
SUV especially if you plan to travel, but it doesn't need to be huge. - Aug 2016
We have a Nissan Cube and have had no issues. - Aug 2015
I strongly recommend bringing a SUV with good ground clearance for the roads, and a high safety rating. The driving here is erratic and traffic rules are optional. However, the driving is not so bad that it will keep you at home. - Aug 2014
High clearance is nice, even inside the city. Roads, including major highways, will go from beautifully paved to gravel in the blink of an eye. Construction means lots of potholes, some that would swallow a small sedan's car tires. Missing manhole covers and sewer grates are normal all over the city, making dangerous pitfalls for smaller cars. During the winter, with the rain and the mud, we have used our four-wheel-drive in areas where you wouldn't think it was necessary. However, the power of a larger car with higher clearance has to be balanced with the inconvenience of parking a large American-style SUV in a European city. - May 2013
Four-wheel drive, high clearance. Some people have small cars, and they are fine for the city, but it you want to get out and about, we'd recommend bigger cars. - Dec 2012
Roads here are getting much better but can still be pretty rough in some areas. I would also keep the car locked only because there are a lot of beggars knocking on your car windows, but I have not heard of carjacking here. Traffic is crazy, so bring something that will keep you safe, but that you don't mind getting a little banged up. - Oct 2011
SUV - because of the road conditions. There are many large potholes and missing manhole covers. A lot of roads are still unpaved. You will most likely need to bring auto parts with you or order them via the internet. - Mar 2008
