Budapest - 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?
You do not need a car for daily use in Budapest. We did rent a car once to drive to Slovenia for a long weekend, and actually used a local tour company for transportation to some scenic locations elsewhere in Hungary. So car rentals are options should you need one. - Feb 2020
Not a huge SUV, as streets are narrow. Other than that, you can bring whatever you want or like. - Nov 2018
We brought a 4WD to visit surrounding countries. Never used it in Budapest; we did everything with tram, bus, metro (Uber at the time) or taxi. Better to live in Buda with a garage if you bring a big car since parking may not be near your apartment if you live in Pest and streets are narrow. - Dec 2017
Bring your automobile. We tried to buy a used one here and ended up buying one back in the US and shipping it over. - Jan 2012
Some roads outside of Budapest (for example on the way to Tokaj) are pot-holey, but generally you won't need anything special, just a regular car. I don't know about what kind of parts problems/restrictions might exist, though. - Apr 2010
We brought our Ford Escape and we thought that car was fine. Never had any problems. - Dec 2009
Theft is reported to be an issue but mainly with German cars. Service is available for most brands at reasonable prices. Parts are another issue -- though dealers with service departments can order them. We successfully ordered tires by pouch. - Feb 2008
