How to Buy a Used Car in the UAE

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Things you Should be Aware of when selecting a used car

One of the main things while buying a used car in the UAE is ensuring that the car has not reached the end of its lifetime. It is difficult to gain insurance for a vehicle that is more than 7 years old. This is because the climate is harsh on old cars and the insurance providers are reluctant to offer full insurance on such vehicles. 

Many vehicles arrive in the UAE from the US because they are damaged by flood, engaged in an intense accident, can not be registered for the roads there, or were simply written off. But since these cars get fixed quickly, it is not easy to detect these faults. However, the simple fix to this problem is requesting the seller to see the vehicle identification number. The buyer can check if the vehicle was a part of a crash through this number online. And as always, a pre-purchase inspection is crucial. These inspections cost AED 500 and can be done at credible garages or used car dealerships. If you have a used car and would like to sell car in Dubai, head over to the CarSwitch website. 

Check its warranty

While purchasing a car from the dealership, it usually comes with a warranty or guarantee. However, do not forget to check the small print. Having a warranty is definitely better than not having any but you should check what it covers. Most people usually have this misconception that with a warranty, everything will be covered. 

The truth is that specific parts of the vehicle are covered, not all. For instance, the warranty might cover the engine but not the windows. This is why everyone should do an inspection before buying. A pre-purchase inspection brings all the defects of the vehicle to light. 

Negotiate the price

When it comes to buying used cars, haggling is inevitable, especially if you are buying from a private seller. The seller comes with the expectation that the buyer will definitely negotiate. Its success lies in the cultural lines. However, it is essential that both the seller and buyer remain in respectful boundaries. After negotiating, the final decision is usually in the middle of the cost. 

Payment for the used car

Most dealerships provide assistance by proposing a payment plan. This plan is sent to the bank for approval. Afterward, banks perform a credit check before giving the loan. Banks usually offer loans covering 80% of the vehicle’s cost. 

How to get insurance

The price of insurance in the UAE depends on a number of factors such as driving history, age of the vehicle, experience, and car model. One should not be hasty in this matter and buy the insurance giving the lowest premium. It is advised to search for maximum advantages in an insurance provider. Moreover, do not abruptly settle for third-party liability coverage. If you want abundant protection, you should opt for a comprehensive insurance plan. After receiving the policies, you should go over the terms and conditions in order to know the exact coverage. 

How to register the vehicle in your name

The change of ownership needs to be registered in the UAE with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Both the seller and buyer have to submit the documentation to the authority in order to finalize the transfer of ownership. This process usually costs between AED 350 to AED 800. The exact price depends on the size of the vehicle. 

Best tips for purchasing used cars in UAE

  1. In case it is an imported vehicle, do your research and make sure you know the exact driving history of the car. This is because it might have been in a road accident in another country.
  2. Check the age of the vehicle. Cars older than 7 years will be difficult to get insured or have expensive insurance.
  3. Choose the suitable insurance having a comprehensive coverage plan.
  4. Pay for a pre-purchase inspection in order to know all the defects of the vehicle. This is even more important if you have bought from a private seller.
  5. Negotiate with the seller and decide on a fair price. Do not lose respect and courtesy during negotiating.
  6. See the fine print of the warranty because not everything is covered. 

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