Guide to Buying a Used Car in the UAE

Here’s what you need to know and look for when buying a used car in the UAE.

Many in the United Arab Emirates, and around the world, are heading toward the used cars market.

The reasons behind this tendency are clear:

• First of all, new vehicles lose 50% of their true car value in their first three years, so why spend so much money and lose half of it?
• The second reason is that people always try to pay less, so they look for someone willing to sell his car at a reasonable price.
• Besides they have now more confidence in a good quality used vehicle than in the entry-level models.

How to Choose a Used Car?

Ask yourself the questions that will help you narrow down your choice of a used car:

1. What budget am I prepared to put in?

Buying a car is a big investment. It is often recommended to set a budget that takes into account the purchase price but also the costs of using the vehicle. There are several factors to take into account to lower your bill when buying a car.

• Garages and private individuals offer many used vehicles at all prices. Garages carry out an overhaul of the car, which will prevent you from possible defects that individuals may hide. However, when an individual wants to sell his car, it will surely be easier to negotiate the price than in a garage.
• Electric cars cost more money when buying. But on the other hand, you cut your gas bill down.
• Diesel is cheaper than gas in most countries and cars running on diesel need less maintenance. Still, diesel cars are more expensive and they omit more NO2.

2. Which model (s) will I target first?

you will have to determine the model you need:

• The city car is a small model that adapts perfectly to short trips and the city, especially if you are alone or two in the vehicle.

• A compact car is suitable for medium families and shows a lot of versatility: for city or country, road or short trips.

• If you have a large family or simply want space and comfort for all occupants, opt for a family model or SUV.

3. The question of mileage is also essential

The average applies to cars in good general condition: no pronounced wear on the mechanical components (shock absorbers, clutch, etc.), no scratches, or bodywork impacts.

The sale of a second-hand vehicle over five years old requires a technical inspection certificate issued by a professional garage and dated less than six months.

The prices indicated depend primarily on the calendar year, then on the date of first entry into service. Finally, only the reference mileage defined for each category of cars counts.

For example :

• Small gasoline car must have a reference mileage of 13,000 km/year
• Small diesel, 18,000 km / year
• Diesel sedan, 22,000 km / year

Above a certain threshold, 100,000 km in general, the price of a gasoline car begins to drop, for a diesel one can say that the acceptable limit in the mind of a buyer is 150,000 km.

But keep in mind that a well-maintained second-hand vehicle (regular oil changes, belts changed at the right time, etc.) will not cause you any problems. Some vehicles can easily reach 300,000 km, or even more.

Moreover, it is reasonable to assume that the owner had already carried out most major work (timing belt, clutch, etc.) on a vehicle that has already exceeded these theoretical mileage limits.

Points to Check Before Buying

Have you tracked down a pre-owned vehicle offer that may interest you? Good news, but before proceeding with the purchase, you should go through the vehicle with a fine-toothed comb.

What Elements to Check?

Checking Online Using the Vehicle VIN

That will give you a good idea about the car accidents history. In UAE, three websites can give you this kind of information: MOI, EGV, and Abu Dhabi Police. If you found an accident with a record of damaging many parts of the car, skip it. 

 Inspection

• Get a PPI inspection, it can help you avoid buying complete junk.

• Make sure the car has GCC specs

• The exterior of the car:

• The body, its condition, and uniformity
• The wear of the tires and the spare wheel
• The condition of the bumper and lights
• The engine, the level of oil, coolant, and brake fluid
• The battery and any white marks on the terminals, which are signs of misuse
• The sill and any traces of rust or shocks under the car

• The interior of the car:

• The condition of the seats, belts, floor, steering wheel, pedals
• The proper functioning of the accessories: heating, air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, wiper, window regulator, car radio, etc.
• The odometer: if the figures are not aligned, it may have been modified
• Moisture or stains on the rugs or covers

If you’ve done your job well and checked for everything that is to check, test-drive the car. If it gives you the feeling you need when driving it, then voila! You found your ride. All that is left is the transfer of the registration.

Don’t buy the first car you get your eyes on, take your time, search well, and your perfect deal is absolutely around the corner.