Here is what you need to know if you want to sell your car in the UAE.
In case you are attempting to cash your used car in Dubai, you will see how troublesome, long and hazardous it is. in case you’re not an auto master, or if you don’t know more than the make, model, and year of the vehicle, not to mention anything about the necessary papers, you’ll be lost.
From Showcasing Your Vehicle to Transparency with Potential Buyers, Here Are 4 Practical Tips
Car Detailing
We are not talking about removing the dirt only. Car detailing is not only about appearance. It’s not just about washing and shining the body or vacuuming the seats now and then. it’s a systematic way to extend the auto’s life span and protect it from harmful components like the sun especially if you live in a hot area like the UAE.
Car detailing in the United Arab Emirates costs between AED 30 and AED 160. Besides, many mobile apps can help you book an appointment online to get your car detailed before selling it.
Minor Repairs
Since you are not a sales professional, you are wondering whether to repair your vehicle before putting it on sale.
- Well, minor repairs like scratches and dents can contribute to the overlook of your car and enhance it.
- Even though you want to sell your car, you shouldn’t neglect to change engine oil and other lubricants.
- Getting new tires is not the smartest idea, but if the tires are in very bad condition you can replace them and add some money to the price of the car.
- You also should know that technical control is mandatory for any sale of a used car to a private individual. Its role is to check the condition and safety of the car.
An approved center must carry out the technical control. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) offers this service. You can apply online for a Vehicle Technical Inspection. The fees are between AED 150-200.
This inspection focuses on the brakes, tires, windshield, and all other vehicle equipment. If during the inspection you found any faults, it is important to repair them.
You can skip the technical inspection if your vehicle was first put into service less than 4 years ago, or if you want to sell it to a dealer.
But when selling to a private person, this is an important step. Any fault can be a chance for the potential buyer to negotiate the price you have in mind.
Determining Your Car Value
If you try to search the listing sites to find out the value of your car, you’ll be confused by the big difference in prices of the same car model. These sites are helpful to have an overall idea of the car value range but they aren’t precise.
The value of the vehicle depends on many factors like:
- The condition of the car
- The age of a car
- The mileage
- The car’s options and if it has GCC specs.
- It is also possible to indicate the vehicle sales channel since the price is not the same if it is a private individual or a dealer.
The rating should also take into account:
- The success of the model,
- The brand
- If there are any technical problems
- The rarity of a certain version
There are also tiny factors that may affect the value of the car, like the color. In UAE, lighter colors, like silver and gray, are preferred as it reflects sunrays and the dirt don’t show on them.
Also if you use high-quality, original parts when repairing the car, you don’t leave for the potential buyer any pretext to negotiate on the price.
Think like a buyer, and consider the possibility of negotiation by applying a margin. An ad at $ 2,200 “negotiable” will always give the buyer a better feeling of flexibility than an ad at $ 2,000 “firm price”.
Do not post $ 2,500 either, hoping to put the buyer in the pocket when it comes to going down to $ 2000 since with the price filters the buyer could simply never fall on your ad.
A little tip, play with the numbers. By displaying your vehicle at $ 1,950, you will be more attractive than at $ 2,000, and increase the chances of selling quickly.
Be transparent with buyers
- Imagine: you are a potential buyer and think you have found THE car for you. Only here, once in front of the vehicle, and you discover unmentioned scratches, damaged parts, or worst some suspicious noises once the engine is started.
Besides being a waste of time, it is disrespectful. It will be good for you and the buyer to be perfectly transparent about the condition of the vehicle, and to be available to answer any questions. Having invoices for parts, maintenance, and vehicle history is a real plus.
- Take as many pictures as possible
An announcement followed by a bundle of photos is always more reassuring than three or four overall views of the vehicle.
Take care in your photos (day and not at night, in landscape and not in portrait, with the whole car and not cut parts) and take the time to take close-up photos in case of defects in the report.
Prepare Your Papers
It’s very helpful and time-saving if you got your papers in advance. Prepare the following:
- Certificate of the technical inspection
- Your passport or ID
- Your driving license
- Car registration
- Car ownership proof
- Maintainance history and receipts
Selling cars is not easy, it’s a business on its own. But why not? Try and see what could happen. And if you didn’t find the perfect buyer, you can always go to dealerships, or even better, online websites that can evaluate your car then buy it and do all the paperwork.
Everything in life is an adventure, take your chances, but don’t risk it for the biscuit. Good luck!