GCC vs Non-GCC Used Cars: Which Should You Buy?

The days when one had to reserve overwhelming amounts of money to secure his dream car are a thing of the past. This is due to the explosive amounts of imported non-GCC used cars brought by dealers or imported by affluent individuals aiming for an opulent ride. Upon browsing used cars on websites, it is often revealed that two cars with identical specifications and odometer readings can have a significant price gap.

GCC alternatives typically turn out to be the more expensive option when compared. This price difference sparks a mental debate: Which Used Car to Buy: GCC or Imported? In this article, we provide a succinct explanation of both categories of cars and summarize which option is the better and safer choice.

GCC Vehicles

If you have explored used car websites, you might have come across a column labeled ‘Regional Specs.’ If it mentions ‘GCC,’ it indicates that the car complies with regulations set by UAE authorities concerning vital matters such as:

• Emission standards
• Prohibited features
• Engine specifications allowed

These yardsticks are regulated by the government in each country and are frequently amended. This ensures that cars launched in their respective regions by companies or authorized dealerships are safe, can withstand the typical climate, and do not offer features or modifications that may be illicit for the region.

GCC vehicles are generally safer compared to their non-GCC alternatives, as driving them won’t attract fines related to the mechanicals and electricals of the vehicle. Additionally, these cars often come with warranty packages, service provisions by the manufacturer, and easily available spare parts.

UAE's hot and humid climate has led manufacturers to rigorously test their vehicles and provide better air conditioning systems before market launch. However, such attention is often lacking for imported vehicles, as they are not introduced by OEMs, but rather by pre-owned car dealers.

Non-GCC Vehicles

In the specifications column, any mention other than GCC refers to Non-GCC. If you see terms like ‘American,’ ‘Japanese,’ or ‘Korean,’ it indicates that the model has been imported to sell in the region.

An advantage of Non-GCC models over GCC ones is the range. Manufacturers typically maintain an extensive portfolio of cars, but all are launched based on their suitability for the region. However, any car can be imported as long as it hasn’t been blacklisted by authorities due to significant issues.

Moreover, these vehicles, primarily imported from the USA and Japan, are known for having a wider array of features compared to their GCC counterparts. Such features include:

• Seat ventilation with memory function
• Massage options
• Panoramic sunroof
• 4-zone climate control
• Infotainment screens for rear passengers

Certain engine options with more power can also be found in imported derivatives of a model.

However, the fact that these machines must be exported from another market to the UAE raises concerns for potential car buyers. Every year, many cars get submerged in snow in some countries, significantly plummeting their value.

After purchasing one of these models, if it becomes defunct, the owner is unlikely to receive support from the official distributor, as it wasn’t sold by them. Spare parts availability for a model that has never been inducted also remains a serious concern.

Dealers may sometimes mislead customers by claiming that the model conforms to GCC specifications, which may not be true. There are clear signs to indicate if a model is based on UAE mandates:

1. Examine the car’s design and search for images of its GCC counterpart. If you notice any design elements that weren’t part of the OEM product, it indicates that it is not a GCC-bound model.
2. If the car has analog dials on the instrument cluster marked in mph, it has been imported, as all vehicles here follow Km/h markings.
3. Conduct brief research on the car to find out the features and trim levels available in the country. If these aspects don’t match, it likely means the car wasn’t imported by the official dealer.

Which One Should You Buy?

Simply put, GCC cars, even if they are more expensive, are the ones we recommend. These cars are tested for reliability, can be serviced at the distributor’s garage, and spare parts availability isn’t a concern. They tend to perform well over time.

However, non-GCC cars shouldn’t be completely disregarded. If you’re reasonably convinced that the car is made of durable materials, has a reliable engine, and offers longevity, these can be considered.

You might acquire more features at a much lower price. The scale tips towards purchasing non-GCC models where spare parts are also easily available. Many times, imported models arrive in regions where their demand is extremely high. In such cases, the cars can turn out to be trustworthy and free from defects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Imported Cars are Highly Recommended?

There are certain imported cars that can be recommended for purchase, such as the Toyota 4-Runner, Volkswagen Jetta, and the Japanese-spec Lexus LS. These cars have a good public image and can be expected to serve their owners well for the foreseeable future.