Thanks to major used-car retailers and used car markets in the UAE, buying a second-hand vehicle is pretty common. There is no stigma attached to buying used cars, owing to the great quality of second-hand vehicles. Plus it saves you money. However, you must check the vehicle before making the final purchase. Go through this checklist for buying a used car to be sure you’re making the right decision.
Checklist for Buying a Used Car
Following are some important things to check before buying a used car in the UAE:
- Check the car’s age and warranty
- Check the VIN/ chassis number
- Check the interior
- Check body for damages
- Check for mechanical faults
- Check for replaced airbags
- Check mileage
- Check service packages
- Evaluate your options
Check the Car’s Age and Warranty
The first thing on any buyer’s checklist is to determine the age and warranty of the used car they wish to purchase. If you have the budget, go for relatively new cars that have a warranty. Such cars are available at competitive rates in great condition. Buying a car with warranties also enables buyers to get a transparent record of the vehicle’s service history.
On the other hand, if you are going for a vehicle without proper insurance, make sure you take it to an auto shop and get it inspected thoroughly. Also, find out if the price asked by the seller is actually worth it.
Check the VIN/Chassis Number
To get the complete history of the car you are about to buy enter its Vehicle Identification Number or Chassis Number on the official EVG website, Ministry of Interior website, RTA website or the Abu Dhabi police website, depending on your emirate and get an extensive record on the car’s history.
Check the Interior
Make sure the cars’ interior is in perfect condition. Smell the interior for smoking or flood damages. Both are notable stenches. Make sure the seats are in proper condition and the interior electronics are working properly. Press some buttons to ensure the air conditioning, music system, Bluetooth and other electronic components in the car are working.
Check Body for Damages
Another important thing to do when buying a used car is checking for car body damages. Check the vehicle’s paint. If the paint on the door is different in colour from the rest, it means it has been replaced. Moreover, don’t settle for a car that has major scratches and rusty spots on its body.
Then, check the condition of the tires, a vehicle with uneven tire tread and wear often leads to poor wheel alignment.You must also check the body panel alignment. Make sure the doors, hood and trunk are all properly aligned.
If the car’s body is damaged, make sure the seller gets all the problems fixed before you buy the car.
Check for Mechanical Faults
One wouldn’t ever want to buy a car with a faulty car transmission and engine problems. To be sure, you’re not spending your dirhams on a problematic vehicle, check the transmission. Just pull out the transmission dipstick and check the fluid’s colour. It should be pink or red or can be a little dark too in used cars. However, if it looks burnt or smells, there is something wrong with the car transmission.
As for engines, make sure they do not leak. Cars with damaged engines shouldn’t be considered because the cost of repairing engines is generally too high.
If you wish to get a car inspected and evaluated, use dubizzle Cars for a pre-purchase inspection and buy the used car with complete peace of mind.
Check for Replaced Airbags
Check the airbag indicator light to figure out if it has been deployed. Normally, the light comes on for a moment and then goes back off, but if it stays on for long or starts to flash, it means there is a problem with the airbag.
Moreover, if the dashboard of the used car you are about to buy appears to be more furnished than the rest of the vehicle, there is a chance that the airbags have been replaced. Check if the airbag cover has the vehicle manufacturer’s emblem and the Safety Restraint System logo, cosmetic airbag covers do not have the emblem or the SRS logo. Here is a complete guide on testing the airbag’s of a car.
Check Mileage
Before you decide on any used car to purchase check its mileage. To determine the car’s age, check its odometer. If the car of your choice has a mileage of under 130,000 km that is healthy.
However, if it is more than that, it’s best to go for another used car model, because the performance of any car that has driven over 130,000 km will be below average. A vehicle with fewer kilometres driven generally lasts longer before it needs major repairs.
Check Service Packages
Several carmakers and car dealerships in the UAE offer service packages for used cars. It makes sense to check out these packages because a used vehicle will face issues, which is where regular maintenance comes in handy. With regular maintenance, you can lower the frequency of issues.
Evaluate Your Options
Naturally, the used car market in the UAE is huge. From pre-owned cars that have manufacturer warranties to used cars, buyers have several options. Therefore, evaluate all your options, before making the final selection.
Think of the mileage, the features and the overall quality of the vehicle when surveying the car market or looking for options online. Don’t think that a limited budget can’t get you a good car. In the UAE, the used car market is pretty massive and pretty impressive.
Go through this list of used cars in the UAE and after evaluating all your options, buy the car that suits you best!
Popular car models include:
- Used Mercedes-Benz cars in the UAE
- Used Toyota Corolla cars for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Nissan cars for sale
- Used BMW cars for sale in the UAE
When not to Buy a Used Car
Now that you’ve gone through a checklist for buying a used car, let’s go through situations when not to buy a used car.
- Don’t buy used cars that have been in severe accidents. Such vehicles might get problematic in the long run, even if the seller gets it fixed before selling.
- Don’t settle for a used car if the seller doesn’t want you to take a test drive. This means, there are more damages in the car and the seller doesn’t want them highlighted.
- Don’t buy a car based on looks only. No matter how beautiful the exterior is, check for the car’s strength, durability and fuel economy before making the final purchase.
- Don’t overpay for a vehicle that isn’t worth it. Make sure you negotiate the price.
FAQs
What is a good mileage to buy a used car?
10, 000 to 15,000 kilometres per year is the average mileage for a used car in the UAE. If you don’t plan to change your car for a few years, look for one that is less than 5 years old.
What to inspect when buying a used car?
When buying a used car in the UAE, check the vehicle’s exterior and engine condition, documents and car maintenance records. You can always request a test drive to make sure it drives smoothly.
Please follow the aforementioned checklist when buying a used car in the UAE.
If you liked what you read, stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more information on buying and selling cars in Emirates.
