No wonder people in the UAE are buying more used cars, if one considers the quality of cars available and the active second-hand market. Of course, an impressive number of cars will be available for every budget because of competitive prices, and reliability is possible with the right buy. It’s true that the biggest catch in buying a used car is inspecting and doing your due diligence to not run into potential problems later. In this blog post, we shall guide you through the step-by-step process of buying a used car in the UAE so you make the best decision. And, here’s why you should buy a used car in the UAE?
The UAE has an excellent second-hand car market, which carries everything from economical sedans to premium brands. Perhaps the greatest advantage of the used car is that one saves money. Also, since used cars are not susceptible to the ‘new car slump’ three years after hitting the depreciation graphs and making headlines, they usually arrive with service packages or warranties in place. However, before signing on a used car deal, one needs to know what to look for to avoid pitfalls.
Step-by-Step Guide in Buying a Used Car in UAE
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Set your budget and what you need
Before heading out, get an estimate of how much you can spend and the type of car that suits your needs: it’s either a family-friendly SUV that can yield to your relatives or a fuel-efficient car for daily use. Some parameters that one would consider are:
Type of car: sedan, SUV, or luxury.
Vehicle mileage: old cars carry much mileage compared to a newer one. Time is taken to repair.
Fuel Efficiency: There is no bargain better than fuel prices; an economical fuel use car will save you in the long run.
Once you get a deal of what you need and what your budget can afford, start narrowing it down.
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The Age and Warranty of the Car
A relatively newer used car with a warranty is always a better option. Its peace of mind can only be majorly enjoyed just because the vehicle is still covered with warranty. But, if that vehicle would most probably always have some warranty coverage in case issues arise, then it should be taken to a trusted mechanic or service center to be checked thoroughly if it had already been over the warranty period. From such reviews, you will be guaranteed to get a car that is soundly mechanical and thus will know whether the price being demanded by the owner is true or not.
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VIN/Chassis number checking for car history
Before purchasing a car, it is obligatory to run through the history of a car through Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number. Today, it is an essential check while consulting for accidents, previous repairs and owner’s history of previous vehicles. Also, it can be cross-checked through legal forums like RTA or Ministry of Interior website. Besides saving the time while purchase of car, it saves from buying a car that has already been used in fatal accidents or owing pending fines.
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Exterior and interior car works
This means checking the car from the outside and in. Here is what to look for:
Exterior: Look out for scratches, dents, or even rust and paint that is not matched anywhere on the body to identify past damages that are repaired. Registration of doors, hood, and trunk should also be checked. Issues in wheel alignment and suspension appear as uneven patterns on the tread on the tires.
Interior: The interior should be in excellent condition with no cracks or stains. Check the electronic appliances-AC, sound system, navigator; check whether they are in working order and perfect. Look for any peculiar smell, even cigarette smoke or damp smell, this may indicate damage.
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Mechanical Problems
Probably one of the major keys in checking the used car is if the engine and transmission are good. Some of the mechanical checks include:
Transmission Fluid: Pull out the transmission dipstick and take a look at the fluid. It should be red or pink. Should it smell bad or look burnt, then perhaps something wrong with the transmission.
Engine Leaks: Check the car engine bay to see signs of leakage or damage. A leaking engine in a car can go pretty expensive to fix – money that you could save and put it away.
If you are not confident about checking all these mechanical parts, then you can have one of the pre-purchase checkup services.
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Check the Airbag System
Well, air bags are really a very important safety feature for a car. So, one should ensure that it works fine. One of the major ways is checking whether there is a functional air bag indicator on your dashboard. It is supposed to flicker for some time while you start the engine, and then it goes out. If it is steady or flickers, then something is wrong with the air bag system. Even look at the dashboard to check whether the indicators of new replacement are in the car. The airbag cover will be marked with the manufacturer’s logo and Safety Restraint System (SRS) logo.
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Estimate the mileage of the car
This is one of the best factors that will close the deal when selling a used vehicle. Cars with less than 130,000 miles in the UAE have a very good rating. On the other hand, a car with high mileage has to be serviced and repaired many times. The best example is that it is always preferable to have low mileage, but the service history of the car also has to be looked at. A car which is preserved in a better condition with slightly high mileage is preferred as against being well left alone and has lesser mileage.
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Service packages and Maintenance
This is offered by some car dealerships and makers in the UAE where you can buy old cars, and in addition, service packages are sold which will provide regular maintenance and repair of the old car. These will lengthen the life of the old car, too. Inquire with the old car owner if such a service package is available. Read the terms and conditions, as usual, before making a decision.
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Test drive
Never buy a car before taking it for a test drive. This is one of the most crucial procedures in buying a car. As you drive, listen to strange noises as the vehicle reacts to everything you do-from how it accelerates and breaks to accelerate as it stops. A test drive may reveal faults that an inspection might not reveal. These faults include suspension, steering, and transmission.
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Price Negotiation
After you have inspected and taken it out for a test drive, it is time to negotiate on the price. Any faults found either during inspection or while taking it out for a test drive will work as ammunition to knock down the selling price. Don’t be shy and ready to haggle around. Most of the prices of second-hand cars are negotiable, and the UAE is at its worst when it comes to competition.
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Fill the Paperwork
Once a deal is struck on a price, all of the papers that would be required would be in place such as:
- UAE residence permit
- Copy of passport
- Copy of driving license
- Copy of car insurance
- Copy of registration card
- Vehicle inspection certificate
All these are the paperwork’s that are required for transfer of ownership in RTA offices.
Conclusion
Buying a used vehicle can surely be quite economical in the UAE. However, there is a lot of homework to be done before buying a used car. This is a step-by-step guide that can help you avoid all those common mistakes that might land you with an unreliable vehicle sold at an unfavorable price. Be it a private seller or a dealership, inspection of a car is always important, checking of history, and taking it for a spin. Due consideration leads you to almost, pretty good car that meets requirements and budget.
