DUBAI 16 September 2018: Buying a second-hand or new car is arguably the second largest transaction you’ll make in your lifetime (after an apartment). Therefore, this is not a purchase you want to make lightly.
So, how to do it right? Experts at CarSwitch.com share their top tips for what to look out for:
1) Read the reviews
When it comes to cars, there are plenty to choose from. Once you look beyond the models, features, power, space, and technology, every car model still offers varying degrees of quality. From the overall build of a car, to the individual choice of materials across the dash and stitching of the leather- cars have a million makes and models! Fortunately, there are even more reviews for every model out there, and browsing through the more popular sites can give you an insider view of the pros and cons you’re likely to face. So we always suggest you do your research.
2) Test drive the car
What we call ‘outside in research’ is also critical to prioritising what cars are most likely to make the cut. However, they’re unlikely to look like how they feel unless you actually drive it! Make sure you take the car out for a spin, and note how smooth the ride is, its receptiveness to sharp turns on the wheel and brakes, and how it tackles speed bumps. Most importantly, how it will hold up on the high speed freeways of Dubai.
3) Get it inspected!
No matter how prudent you may be, unless you’re a qualified mechanic, there are several elements you’re likely to miss that could cost you thousands of dirhams down the road. CarSwitch has inspected over 4,000 cars in the last two years and can tell you that 50% of the cars have had repainted panels! This indicates that the car has had an accident in the past, and is only detectable with certified paint meters that test the density of the paint. Some 10% of cars needed brake pads and disc replacements which would easily cost you over Dh1,000. Another 5% have had engine or transmission leaks which are even more costly. So, definitely get the car inspected!
4) Review the service history
As moveable objects with complex components, cars require regular servicing and maintenance. Without this, they will undoubtedly break down thus resulting in higher repair costs. Whenever you buy a used car, be sure to ask for its service record. After that, you need to review when the services were last completed in on time according to the owner’s manual guide (typically every 5,000 or 10,000 km. Higher-end cars do have onboard monitors that report when service is required). In addition, check where the service was conducted, the official agency is always a better bet than the local petrol station.
5) Verify the warranty and service contract
Those of us who are less risk-averse will search for a used car that still has its manufacturer warranty or service contract. It is important to note that the warranty is void if the car has been serviced or repaired outside of the agency. Also, some agencies do not allow the transfer of the warranty or contract once ownership is transferred. Always make sure to ask the used car seller for the chassis number, take the initiative to call the agency and validate the warranty and service contract end date to ensure it is transferable.
6) If it an American import, dig deeper
Some used cars in the UAE are imported from abroad, as opposed to being purchased for the local franchise agency. The downside of buying an imported used car is that have less transparency on its history. The quality of American imports appears to be quite poor as they are often salvaged or flooded cars that have been repaired (and it’s unclear what the quality of that repair is). These cars are often sold at a 20-30% discount in comparison to their UAE purchased counterparts which can make them quite tempting. We recommend you get these types of cars inspected, or at the very least collect the chassis number and purchase the Carfax report online to try and assess its history (these reports are not always 100% accurate, but often do catch salvage or flooded statuses).
7) Benchmark the price
Finally, you certainly don’t want to be overpaying for your next used car. Fortunately, a quick online scan will often display several similar cars that can help you identify the fair value for the car. Be mindful to make apple-to-apple comparisons, as the mileage, features, and condition may lead to price variations.
With these 7 points thoroughly reviewed, you’re all set for your used car purchase journey. Stay safe!