CONNECTOR.AE 42 LIFESTYLE Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Used Car In Dubai Buying a used car in Dubai can be a smart move, if you know what you’re doing. The market here is vast and diverse, offering everything from nearly new luxury sedans to budget-friendly daily drivers. However, just like anywhere else, the process of purchasing a preowned vehicle requires caution, due diligence and an understanding of common pitfalls. To help you navigate this journey with confidence, Connector spoke with Jibin Janardhanan Kollamparambil, Senior Sales Manager at Speed, a used car dealership showroom based in Dubai. With years of hands-on experience in the UAE’s automotive sector, Jibin shared his expert insights on the mistakes to avoid, key red flags, and tips to ensure you get good value for your money. Common Mistakes Buyers Make Many used car buyers fall into the same traps, usually due to a lack of awareness or over-reliance on a seller’s promises. One of the biggest issues is buying from the wrong source. Buying cars froman Lastly, always check for accident history and previous usage, as these can drastically affect both value and safety. You can check the accident history using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number from police websites. Crucially, don’t forget to explore service history outside the emirate you’re in. Finally, check with the showroom whether the car was first purchased at rent or by tourism companies. Former rental cars often enduremuch more wear and tear than privately-owned vehicles. Key Checks Before You Commit If you’re serious about making a wise investment, having a solid checklist is essential. Used cars can offer great value, but only if you take the time to verify their condition and history. Here are the most important pre-purchase checks every buyer should go through: 1. VIN Or Chassis Number Verification Start by checking the car’s VIN or chassis number. This unique code allows you to trace the car’s accident history, ownership records, and legal status. You can verify this information through the showroom or by entering the number on the Dubai Police website. 2. Registration And Mileage History Find out which emirate the car was first registered in. If the vehicle has changed hands or moved across emirates, be sure to conduct the passing test in the original emirate. This helps confirm the car’s mileage history and ensures it hasn’t been altered or reset. CONNECTOR.AE 43 LIFESTYLE unauthorised or freelance car dealer is a common mistake. These sources often lack proper accountability, making it hard to verify a vehicle’s history or condition. Another easily overlooked factor is not checking the small details, including the last oil change or the next service indication sticker. It might seem minor, but regular oil changes are essential for engine health, and neglecting this could point to poor maintenance. Buyers are also frequently misled by sellers claiming to be the car’s first owner. Failure to check the vehicle’s registration card, or Mulkiya, to see if the seller is registered and on which date, is a common pitfall. Some dealers may tell you that the vehicle was owned by a close relative to charge a higher price. Mulkiya clearly states when the ownership changed, and it’s an essential piece of documentation to review. Another red flag involves the transmission, especially in certain models. Failure to check when the last gear transmission oil was changed, especially for models like Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) vehicles can be a costlymistake. Gear oil, particularly inCVTvehicles, plays a vital role in performance and longevity. Additionally, skipping a Technical Vehicle Status Report is a major oversight. This optional service enables you to receive a report indicating the data of the used vehicle that’s registered, including the total distance covered by the vehicle in use.
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