Your Quick Guide To Buying a Used Car in Dubai

1) Do your homework first

Before you do anything, you need to do some good research to determine which make, model, and year meet your needs. Yalla Deals is an advanced classifieds platform that lists thousands of used cars. With powerful filters at your disposal, you can find the car of your dreams in no time. You'll also be able to see the vehicle's specs, including details and options. You can also compare other cars from the same class or category, read car reviews, and check gas consumption before making your decision. Finally, determine if want American, Japanese, German, or GCC specs. We strongly recommend going for GCC specs for several reasons, but that's entirely up to you. For instance, the radiator, chassis, and AC are modified differently for GCC models so that they're more suitable for the hot climate. 

2) Check your budget and financing options 

Once you discover your dream car online, it's time to visit the used car dealer. 

However, avoid falling for this common mistake. 

Don't bother visiting the dealership if you don't have your bank loan pre-approved first. So before you even set foot into the used car market, check your finances first. If you're going down the financing route, you need to contact your bank first to get preapproval for a car loan. This can save you a lot of time and headaches as you'll understand how much you can afford. 

You'll also know more about your creditworthiness and its underlying interest rate and whether the bank will agree to approve your loan in the first place. So check with your bank first before closing any deals and ask for the best interest rate possible from your bank. Never approach unknown lending or credit institutions online as they may be fraudsters trying to prey on unsuspecting buyers. 

3) Inspect the car IN PERSON 

We can't stress this enough. Don't rely on pictures when buying a used car, even a new car, for that matter. New rides might disappoint you if they don't meet your expectations regarding performance or features, especially interior specifications. Personally inspecting a used car means that you thoroughly look for signs of excessive wear, tear, and deterioration. Check if any part is broken, scratched, dented, nicked, suspicious-looking, or in need of a repair.  

When you inspect the car, take a good look at its interior. What is its condition? Does it show signs of graceful aging, or does the interior have grimy, stained, or torn seats with buttons that don't work? Better find a clean car with an interior that has been well taken care of than buying one that has seen better days. Trust your instincts. They're there for a reason.

4) Go for a comprehensive inspection

If you're purchasing a used car, we strongly recommend obtaining a Technical Vehicle Status Certificate and a Comprehensive Vehicle Test from an RTA-approved vehicle test center such as Tasjeel. RTA's test is an optional service that enables you to receive a certificate indicating the status of the used vehicle and all the essential data and dates related to it before buying it. Tasjeel's comprehensive test costs about 500 Dhs and can reveal potential defects. It consists of a detailed vehicle inspection followed by a road test to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive. Tasjeel's inspectors will thoroughly evaluate the car and advise you of any defects which may need addressing before the used car is sold or purchased.

This way, you can help prevent nasty surprises when buying a used car, such as faulty or flood-damaged vehicles. 

5) Check the vehicle's service history 

If possible, ask for the vehicle's service history. This is where approved pre-owned cars shine since they have a clean service record that can show you all the servicing done. However, keep in mind that they may be more expensive than other, non-approved, used cars. 

6) Check for fines 

Although this step is a no-brainer, you'd be surprised how many people forget to do this crucial step. Make sure there are no fines or circulations on the vehicle. 

7) Purchase the car 

Once you know your financing options with your bank, the next step is to purchase the car. RTA recommends not to pay the entire amount if there is a mortgage on the vehicle before completing all the procedures. Remember that the responsibility of selling or buying cars falls on the contractors only, and RTA holds no liability to third parties. You can buy the car either in cash or through your bank's financing. 

8) Get Good Insurance

The next step is to get your car insurance renewed. Always have a digital copy of your Motor Renewal Policy Schedule. Read the Policy Handbook to understand your insurance policy and its coverage. Remember this: 

Don't skimp on car insurance. Cheaper doesn't necessarily mean better. 

Many drivers may not realize this: If you don't have proper car insurance, you may suffer in the long run. So whether you're going for comprehensive insurance or third-party car insurance, don't let cheaper insurance rates fool you. Instead, get your car insurance from a reputable insurance company to avoid problems in the future, or at least from a company with good benefits. 

For instance, reputable insurance companies can provide you with 24/7 roadside assistance and recovery services as well as car loss or damage compensation to your vehicle, including personal belongings. Additional benefits may include the option to repair your vehicle at the agency/ dealership or with reputable garages affiliated with the insurance company's network. Some policies also provide replacement cars if your car is being repaired and free pick-up and drop-off when your vehicle is in service. Overall, the systems, processes, and customer service associated with reputable insurance companies will give you peace of mind and convenience whenever you need it. 

9) Make sure you have all the documents and transfer ownership 

This checklist will help you get ready for the transfer of ownership. Here are RTA's requirements:

For individuals:

• From the seller: original Emirates ID (If the Emirates ID is not valid it can be replaced by the passport)
• From the buyer if he is a citizen or a GCC citizen: Original Emirates ID + copy of the valid passport to update the information
• Electronic car insurance
• Adding or redeeming the mortgage electronically at the bank (if the vehicle is under mortgage) 
• Vehicle Technical Inspection Certificate
• Plate numbers to be delivered to the center if the seller desires to keep them
• Report from the police if one or both plates are lost
• For classic vehicles: Vehicles technical inspection at the Automobile Touring Club Technical Center

Service fees are 350 Dhs + 20 Dhs Knowledge and Innovation Fee for a light vehicle (private/public). 

Once you have all these documents, you can apply for the service, and RTA will transfer ownership to your name. You'll also get a new license plate and a new Salik tag.  

Congratulations, you've bought your car! Now, take it for a spin and enjoy. 

We wish you all the best.