NEW COMER TO MUSCAT! NEED INFORMATION

Please refer to my replies in RED

1)    I am looking for a one bedroom apartment with pool and gym preferably but not necessary,……….. in areas of (north & south Ghubra and north Al-Azabah) [Please note that a 1BR apartment with a pool and gym will cost you not less than OMR 700 - 800 in the mentioned area] . I would also like supermarkets or small groceries stores, laundry, shopping  area etc to be around that apartments [Apartments near commercial areas donot have pool / gym facilities in general. The rents of such apartments are less comparitively].
Many people on this forum mentioned that monthly rent would be around 280 to 375 for an unfurnished apartment [Correct]. I also would like to know how much it would cost for a furnished one bedroom apartment in these above locations? [Furnished apartments are generally hard to find, however if found, a 1BR furnished apartment without pool and gym will cost you not less than OMR 500 /month]. I have a very simple life style. I do not smoke or drink.
Would you able to guide me in respect of apartment rental websites?
2)    Where to buy house-hold appliances and furniture? Not necessarily brand new! [Many places, depending upon your budget.Most of the people sell the used stuff online as well. Check facebook buy and sell pages in Muscat (or dubizzle is another good source)].
3)    On this forum many people have mentioned that monthly cost to hire a car is approx 150/200 (Correct), whereas on Avis, Europcar etc websites I got a quote of approx 350 a month? [This is because Avis/Europcar are expensive ones. Many of the local rent-a-car companies quote much lesser  when you physically approach them].
4)    From where to buy a used car? My budget is approx  2000 to 3500 OMR?  [Used cars are widely available all over Oman. Many local showrooms / private owners keep selling their vehicles. Not a big issue].


Trust the above information would help.

Thanks so much for your detailed response. Much appreciated!