Once you have resolved the dilemma of whether to buy a car, you will face the next ‘mental’ hurdle: ‘Should I buy a new or used car?’ With hundreds of options available, purchasing a second-hand car can save you a significant amount of money.

Many expats in the city consider buying a car essential and often upgrade, resulting in a wide selection of used cars. “There has been an increase in the purchase of used cars this year, and we have exceeded our target by more than 100 percent in the first quarter,” says Syed Ali, a sales executive at Galadari Automobiles.

However, only about 2 percent of sales are finalized in the first week after a buyer walks in, as most buyers take weeks to contemplate their decision before taking the car home. Once a decision is made, it typically takes no more than a week to have the car ready for you.

Buying a second-hand car can be tricky, so consult our detailed list before making your purchase:

1. Research Your Needs

With an abundance of information available online through websites like Buzzon, familiarize yourself with the car models available within your budget. If you are buying from an authorized dealer, check their reviews to understand their service reputation. Stay informed about the range of used cars and their depreciating value so you can make an educated decision rather than walking into the showroom unprepared.

2. Choose Authorized Dealers

While it might be tempting to buy a car at a competitive price directly from a seller via newspaper ads or social media, exercise caution to avoid being deceived. There is a risk that proper safety checks have not been conducted, and the mileage may have been tampered with. Additionally, authorized dealers offer benefits such as warranties of 30,000 km or one year with your purchase, and you may even receive the first year’s insurance for free. For instance, Galadari Automobiles provides a one-year or unlimited km warranty on the purchase of a pre-owned car.

3. Multiple Checks in Place

Before purchasing a used car, there are 145 checks to perform, covering everything from transmission to engine health. “Buyers have two options for checks. They can choose a Dh250 checkup at the workshop, and if they’re not satisfied, they can opt for a Dh350 checkup at the RTA,” says Syed Ali. It’s also advisable to take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure it meets your performance expectations. Additionally, you may want to hire an independent professional to assess the car’s condition to avoid any regrets later.

3. What’s the Mileage?

This is an obvious yet important question; check the car’s mileage before making a decision. One of the first things to do is examine the odometer to gauge the vehicle’s age. A car with mileage below 130,000 km can be considered in good condition. This also helps indicate whether the previous owner maintained the vehicle with regular servicing.

4. Look Out for Fluids

Inspect for any dark brown stains on the engine block to avoid purchasing a car that will require mechanical work shortly after the sale. Brake fluid should be clear or a yellowish color, but it’s often light brown. Transmission fluid should also be clear. Additionally, check the vehicle for rust, as this could mean that the radiator, heater core, or water pump will need repairs in the near future.

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5. Transfer of Ownership

Once payment has been made, it will take just over a week to transfer the vehicle into your name. Your registration and car insurance will depend on your purchase. The dealer will also handle the transfer of your Salik tag for an additional fee.

Will Prices Drop?

Due to a constant supply of cars in the used segment, prices tend to fluctuate. In the coming months, attractive Ramadan offers on new cars might impact the sales of pre-owned vehicles.

“Sometimes, the total cost of the used car, including registration and insurance, is comparable to the price of a new car. If the difference is only Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 between a used and a new car, why choose the older one?”