Best Used Car Dealers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

When you move to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you will most likely need your own car to be able to move freely around the city and country, including for your daily commute. A new car may prove to be an unwisely large expense at this stage, and many Indians moving to Dubai or Abu Dhabi opt to buy used cars first. 

Before you make a purchase, do ensure that you either have a valid International Driving Permit issued in India, or a Driving License issued in UAE.

This blog post will take you through the process of buying used cars in Dubai. 

Benefits of buying used car in Dubai 

1. Well-maintained used cars that are reliable: Owing to strict UAE regulations with respect to the general maintenance and roadworthiness of cars, pre-owned cars tend to be well-maintained and reliable performers. They also often look like new cars, with no major difference in most cases. As long as you check the previous history of the car and its fuel efficiency and take a test drive, the car you buy is likely to last you for quite some time.
2. Economical prices for used cars: It is naturally cost-effective for you to buy a used car compared to a new one. Particularly in situations where the car owner has to relocate urgently and chooses to sell their vehicle (referred to as ‘a distress sale’), you may get an amazing deal for a very good quality car with just a little bit of negotiation. The money saved could then be used to cover other moving expenses of yours, such as buying furniture and home appliances.
3. Lower depreciation rates on used cars: The rate of depreciation (a measure of how the resale value reduces over time) on used cars is less than that on a new car. You may not only enjoy your car but may also get a good price if you plan to sell your car after some time. This helps reduce your overall cost of ownership over the lifetime of the car.
4. Thorough quality checks and great after-sales service for used cars: If you are planning to buy a used car from its manufacturer, rest assured that the car has been inspected rigorously and thoroughly and only after that does a manufacturer provide a warranty on it. Many dealers of pre-owned cars also offer coverage for maintenance and contracts for service on used cars.
5. It is easier for you to own a luxury car: It is a dream for most people to own a luxury car. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the highly active used luxury car market makes this dream a reality for many. You may be able to buy a used luxury car at very affordable prices, as compared to a new one.
6. Availability of a large variety of cars: The high demand for used cars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi means that the manufacturers, dealers, as well as individual owners have a ready market of buyers to sell to. You’ll have a variety of brands, models, specifications, variants and colours to choose from.
7. Decreased chances of being given a defective car: You may go through the reports of the service history of the car and insurance records to be assured that you are not getting a defective or faulty car. You may also cross-check the car records at the Abu Dhabi Police website, Emirates Vehicle Gate website (a one-stop shop for vehicle-related govt services in UAE) or the official website of the Ministry of Interior for any outstanding fines or other violations reported against the vehicle.

Things to consider when choosing a used car dealer

Choosing a right car dealer becomes important when you are buying used. You should consider the following while choosing a used car dealer: 

Reputation and reviews: Conduct a thorough research on the dealer’s online. You should read through customer reviews to understand the dealer’s reliability and customer satisfaction. 

Vehicle history reports: Make sure that the dealer provides the vehicle's history covering the car ownership, service records and accident history.  

Pre-purchase inspection: Look for dealers who have the cars inspected and certified by a mechanic to identify potential issues. 

RTA Compliance: The dealer must be compliant with Dubai Road Transport Authority (RTA) regulations for selling used cars. 

Warranty Options: Dealers offering warranty against the defects on used cars will bring you peace of mind. 

Good customer Service: The customer service and the sales team of the car dealer should be responsive and help you in every step of car purchase journey. 

Top used car dealers in Dubai

Let’s look at the best used car dealers in the region, now that you have an idea of what to buy.

Avoiding scams when buying a used car in Dubai

Scams particularly are very common when you are buying a used car in Dubai. You need to exercise extra precautions while going in for a used car. Here are some of the common scams listed below: 

Deals that sound too good to be true 

When you see an advertisement which sells you a car in good condition at a low price without going into the details of the car, you should exercise extra precautions. Call the advertiser and do the required diligence in verifying the details mentioned on the advertisement. 

Odometer tampering

The number of kilometres travelled is a metric to decide on the pricing of the car. Scamsters frequently tamper with the odometer to show reduced distance travelled in the car. Ask for the last service report which shows the details of distance covered. 

No test drive scam

Scamsters try to sell you a car without doing a test drive. Make sure to test drive a car before purchasing it. Better still get the car checked by a mechanic to verify the condition of the car. 

Conclusion

It is important that you select the right car dealer when you are buying a second-hand car in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Proper dealers will only sell those cars that they have thoroughly inspected and whose condition is satisfactory. Select used car dealers on the basis of the quality of the customer service they offer as well as the coverages and warranties they provide for the second-hand cars they sell. Carry out your research in advance and in detail, and select the car dealers who specialise in or at least possess a sizeable inventory of the type of second-hand car, from the point of view of brand, model, variant, engine type and specification that you are looking for.