The used car market in the UAE is a vast and diverse landscape, offering an array of choices to those in search of a pre-owned vehicle. With so many options available, buyers can easily find a car that suits their preferences, budget, and transportation needs. Buying a used car is an intelligent choice now that we face global inflation and market meltdown.
However, buying a used car can be a risky decision, and it is essential to make the right choice. To help you with your purchase, we have created a detailed guide that includes a comprehensive procedure and checklist for buying a secondhand car. This guide will ensure that you have all the information you need to make a wise decision and select the best-used car for your needs.
Things to Look Out For When Buying a Used Car
There are several things that you should be sure of when purchasing a used car. Determining your budget and the kind of automobile you want—a sedan, SUV, luxury vehicle, or fuel-efficient used car—are some of the most crucial variables. Research the trends in the used car market in the UAE thoroughly. Another critical factor is whether to buy a car from a dealer or a private owner. So, before buying a used car, it is necessary to do your math and get fully prepared.
Do your Research
In a wide variety of used cars in the UAE, it is pretty hard to find the perfect fit for your needs. But with the right strategy and research, you can make an excellent purchase. Firstly, it is essential to create a mind map of your travel needs. Ask yourself these questions, which will help you research the right car. What need has led you to buy a secondhand car? What type of car do you need? Are you looking for a luxury or an affordable family car? What specifications are you particularly looking for in a vehicle, and what is your maximum budget?
By doing so, you will be able to narrow down your research and make a more informed decision. Additionally, when finalizing the budget for buying a used car, make sure to consider extra costs such as car maintenance, ownership transfer, and registration fees.
Best Way to Buying a Used Car
When buying a used car, you have two options: a car dealership or a private dealer. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to determine which one is best for a transparent process.
Car dealerships offer a wide range of car models with detailed specifications and deals, but they are more expensive than private dealers. In fact, they can cost 20% to 30% more than purchasing from a private dealer.
Buying a car privately, on the other hand, requires you to be careful about the authenticity of the car’s papers, the mileage, the warranty, and other damages. Private dealers may hide records or issues with the car, but they are easier to negotiate with and may sell the vehicle for at least 25% less than a car dealership.
In summary, it’s essential to consider these factors when making a sound decision to avoid fraud or future problems.
Meet the Seller
Once you find a car that matches your preferences, take a moment to read the advertisement carefully and verify that the seller has provided accurate information. Ensure that you examine the car images supplied by the seller. Avoid ads that do not include clear photos, contain incorrect information, or seem suspicious.
After that, contact the seller and arrange a meeting to discuss things further. Meeting the seller is essential to avoid misunderstandings. It is recommended that you take a friend with you to help you notice any terms you may have missed.
Negotiate with the Seller
Effective bargaining can help you make a profitable purchase with a substantial discount. Therefore, it is essential to negotiate with the seller and not settle for less. Suppose any faults are identified during the inspection. In that case, you can use them as leverage to negotiate the price with the seller further and get the desired used vehicle within your budget.
Transfer Car Ownership
Once you’ve chosen the car you want to purchase, the next step is to transfer ownership to your name and make it officially yours. Before doing so, ensure that the vehicle has no unpaid fines or outstanding loans. Once that’s sorted, take the car and the seller to the Road and Transport Center (RTA) to register the vehicle in your name. You’ll need to provide essential documents to renew the car’s registration:
- UAE residence permit
- Copy of passport
- Copy of driving license
- Inspection certificate
- Copy of car insurance
After submitting the required documents, you’ll need to pay the registration fee of approximately 420 AED and the transfer fee of AED 350 to complete the car registration process. The RTA will transfer the car ownership to you along with a new vehicle number plate, and you’ll receive a registration card.
Read More: All about Car Registration – A Comprehensive Guide
Payment Method
Not everyone can afford to buy a used car with cash payment, even if it’s a pre-owned vehicle. If you want to finance your purchase, you can opt for a car loan from the bank and pay monthly installments. Alternatively, you can also consider private loans to buy a used car from the seller. Additionally, some dealerships offer a trade-in option that allows you to buy a car by exchanging your current vehicle.
It’s recommended to avoid paying in cash and instead transfer the money through the bank. This way, you’ll have proof of the car purchase slip.
After completing the process, you will be the proud owner of a car with a hassle-free purchase experience in the UAE.
Also Read: The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car – Dubai
Checklist for Buying a Used Car
Here is a checklist you should consider when buying a used vehicle.
Mileage and Warranty
In the UAE, a new car’s warranty is up to 5 years. So, consider looking for a vehicle that falls within five years. Otherwise, make sure to take it to an auto shop for detailed inspection. According to the UAE RTA guidelines, the healthy car’s mileage should be between 10,000 and 15,000km.
To get complete details on the car, enter the car identification number on the state’s RTA website. Also, make sure that you have car insurance, as it is essential to get a transparent record of the car’s service history.
Condition and Maintenance
It is necessary to inspect the car from the inside out so that you know what you are getting for your money. Check the interior, including seats and electronics. Check the body for any damage and accidents and paint color differences. Also, make sure there are no mechanical faults in the vehicle.
Most of us are not expert technicians, so you are advised to take your car for inspection to a trusted party for a complete inspection service.
Documents Required by the Seller
After the car has been inspected, the seller requires some documents.
- UAE residence permit
- Passport copy
- Driving license copy
- Inspection certificate
- Car insurance copy
- Old Registration card from an approved center
Test Drive
A test drive is the most vital part of buying a used car. Ensure you get a test drive of the vehicle you buy before purchasing. Sometimes, you leave out some things in the inspection, which you can find through a test drive. It is a significant component of the process of buying a car.
By following this checklist, you can ensure a smooth car purchase in the thriving world of used cars.
Conclusion
The pre-owned vehicle market in the UAE is vast and caters to the diverse needs of individuals. With thorough research and careful comparisons between cars, you can find a vehicle that perfectly suits your preferences. Buying a car can be an exciting process as you explore the vast used car market and discover the vehicle that’s meant for you. This guide takes you through the rollercoaster ride of the process, making it easy for you to find the car that’s waiting for you just around the corner.
Also Read: Risks of Buying a Used Car in the UAE