Why should you buy a used car when you move to Dubai? Which are the 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 a burdensome 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.

Why should you consider purchasing a used car in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

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 end up getting an amazing deal for a very good quality car with a little bit of negotiation. The money thus saved could then be used to cover other initial moving expenses, such as buying furniture and home appliances for your new home.

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 globally 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 luxury car at hugely 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 Getting 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.​

Which are the top 5 second-hand cars you should consider in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

The main factors to consider when buying a used car are the brand, model, specifications (engine capacity, power, fuel efficiency, etc) and variant, the availability of spare parts for the brand and model and the overall reliability and reputation of the brand and the model. The condition of the car vis-à-vis the interiors and exteriors, as well as thorough expert inspections, are common to all brands.

First-time buyers of used cars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi usually consider the following 5 cars as they provide long-term value and reliability along with low maintenance costs:

1. Toyota Corolla:

This is a Japanese car and the high resale value it commands makes this compact sedan one of the top choices when purchasing a used car in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Toyota Corolla has a 4-cylinder 1.8-litre engine with modern features such as an automated emergency braking system, LED DRLs integrated into the headlight and lane-keep assist functions.

2. Toyota Camry: 

This is another mid-sized sedan from the Japanese manufacturer Toyota and is a flagship car of the manufacturer. The Camry deserves its reputation for being a reliable and secure car and is high on fuel efficiency in spite of having a 4-cylinder 2.5-litre engine with an 181hp power output.

3. Nissan Altima: 

Another Japanese car, the Nissan Altima, is very popular and highly sought after in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, primarily for the comfort it provides when compared to similarly priced competing brands and models. The engine has two variants – a 4-cylinder 2.5 litre and a 3.5 litre V6. The design of the car is sturdy and stylish, and it offers features like a paddle shifter and adaptive cruise control, all of which contribute to a sportier feel.

4. Honda Civic: 

This Japanese-manufactured car from Honda is one of the safest and best pre-owned cars to buy in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Honda Civic has received many more awards for safety in comparison to its competitors. The Honda Civic has two engine variants – 2 litre and 1.5 litre. Although the spare parts for this car are slightly higher priced than those of Toyota's counterparts, this region has sufficient mechanics and garages who are proficient in the few issues this car faces.

5. Mitsubishi Pajero: 

The final car on this list is a super comfortable SUV, once again Japanese, manufactured by Mitsubishi, the Pajero. The Pajero has two variants of highly fuel-efficient engines – 3.5 litre V6 and 3.8 litre V6. The Pajero is huge and is equipped with a 4x4 drive system and is very comfortable.

Now that you have an idea of the top 5 used cars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi let us look at the best-used car dealers in the region.

Best Used/Pre-owned Car Dealers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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.