Choosing to buy a used vehicle in the United Arab Emirates can be a smart decision for various reasons. First, it is a budget-friendly way to own a car since second-hand cars are more affordable than brand-new ones.
With the country’s stringent regulations on vehicle maintenance, many used cars are in excellent condition, allowing you to own a safe, reliable set of wheels without breaking the bank.
The local market offers a diverse range of models, which means buying a used car in the UAE allows you to find the perfect vehicle that suits your needs and preferences.
Purchasing a second-hand car also allows you to reduce your carbon footprint since you are already buying a currently existing one. You help lower the demand for new vehicles and promote reusing existing resources.
When you opt for a used car, you embrace cost-effectiveness, variety, eco-friendliness, and the assurance of owning a well-maintained vehicle.
Ensuring the Smooth Purchase of a Good Used Car in the UAE
Enjoying the benefits of owning a used car starts with ensuring you buy one in excellent condition that can give you many years of reliable, stress-free service.
You can achieve this by avoiding these mistakes when purchasing a used car.
1. Rushing to buy your car.
Regardless of how much you need a car, avoid rushing to buy one. When you do, you are likely to skip crucial steps that will prevent you from owning a vehicle you like and worth your investment.
These steps include researching the best used car dealers, brands, models, and prices and having trusted mechanics inspect your potential vehicle.
Keep in mind that even if you are buying a pre-owned vehicle, there is a high chance that you can find the perfect one. However, you need to spend a lot of time in your search, which can be a long process.
To ensure you’re buying the best pre-owned vehicle you can find at the right price, avoid rushing. Research thoroughly and go through all the steps in purchasing a road-worthy car you can drive for years.
2. Not setting and sticking to a budget.
Finding the perfect used car without setting a budget first can make the process more time-consuming and stressful.
Setting your sights on a car outside your budget is not a good use of your time. It can cause you to feel unsatisfied with the options within your reach.
Without a budget, you can also end up buying a car that you can’t afford, which can lead to a lot of problems in the long run.
To avoid money problems and other issues, set a budget before shopping for a used car. This helps you be more financially responsible and keeps you from spending more than you should on your vehicle.
Make sure your budget includes the down payment, taxes and other charges you have to pay at the outset. Consider the maintenance expenses, fuel costs, insurance and other expenses you have to shoulder as a car owner as well.
3. Failing to check the vehicle’s history.
The vehicle’s accident history is something you need to look into when buying a used one. This information can help you decide if the car you are interested in is safe and in good condition.
Checking the accident history is easy; you only need its vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number. You can get this from the dealer or find it on the car’s registration card.
Do not buy the vehicle if the seller refuses to give you the VIN number or it has been removed or altered.
Once you have the VIN, you can use the websites of the Emirates Vehicle Gate and the Ministry of Interior to check the vehicle’s accident history. You can also ask the Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police and Roads and Transport Authority for help getting this information.
If the vehicle has been involved in several accidents or a big one, get details from the seller on how they repaired it. Have a mechanic check it as well. Once you have all the pieces of information and a professional evaluation, you can decide if the car is still worth buying.
4. Not knowing what vehicle you want.
Knowing the type of vehicle you want from the start can help you hasten the purchasing process and spend more time on the other parts of the car shopping journey.
First, think about the main purpose of your vehicle. Do you need it to go to work and get around the city or shuttle your children to and from school? From here, you can narrow down your options based on size and focus on compact cars, sedans, SUVs and station wagons, among others.
You can factor in the other features you want your car to have, such as automatic transmission, onboard navigation, remote start and a sunroof. You can also start considering the brand, model, color and manufacturing year of the vehicle you want to purchase.
5. Skipping the test drive.
Test driving your potential vehicle is a vital part of buying a car, whether you’re opting for a used or brand-new one.
When you don’t test drive your potential car, you run the risk of owning a vehicle with problems that may be irreparable or expensive to fix. You may also end up having a set of wheels you may feel uncomfortable driving.
To avoid these problems, take your potential car for a test drive before buying it. When doing this, bring a friend or family member so you can ask them for their opinion about the vehicle. Your companion may also share their observations or experiences with the car that you may not notice as the driver.
6. Not having the car checked by a mechanic.
Unless you’re an automotive expert, you need to have the used car checked by a trustworthy mechanic before buying it.
A mechanic will check the car’s parts and features, including the engine, undercarriage, air conditioning system, doors and windows. They will look for signs of corrosion, leaks and damage in the vehicle’s interior and exterior to ensure it is still in good condition.
Once they’re done assessing the car, they can tell you its overall condition and share their opinion on whether it is worth buying.
Although hiring a mechanic means paying for additional expenses, it can save you a substantial amount of money since their assessment and recommendation can help you make the right decision.
Whether you’re buying a used car for the first time or have already purchased one in the past, ensure you make the right decision by avoiding these mistakes.
