Essential Tips for Buying a Luxury Used Car in the UAE

The UAE is an automotive haven where there is always a tempting deal awaiting everyone. It’s a place that lets even those on a diminutive budget purchase wheels that command a terrific snob and aspirational value by providing them access to an umpteen variety of cars from used car dealers and private sellers who regularly list second hand cars for sale in the UAE.

However, as rosy as it may appear, the process to select and finally strike a deal that quenches the thirst of both the opposites, head and heart, is operose. A major reason behind this is that luxury cars are extremely intricate machines that need to be inspected by someone with hawk eyes so that the dream of owning one doesn’t transform into a nightmare once it migrates to its new owner. Here’s a checklist for all those looking to buy a luxury second hand or pre-owned car in the UAE.

1. Research About the Car

If you’ve set out to purchase a luxury used car in Dubai, chances are you’d have given it a brief thought on the model that etches you and brings about a grin on your face. It is crucial to research the car’s various aspects such as:

• Reliability rating
• Production years
• Spare parts availability
• Common problems faced by other consumers
• Average estimate of the value for a decently maintained car

Luxury cars usually suffer from electrical or mechanical problems, and hence, should be meticulously dabbled with for peace of mind in the future.

2. Test Drive the Vehicle

A conspicuous task to perform is taking the vehicle for a comprehensive test drive on serpentine roads, bumpy asphalt, rough terrains, and freeways. Such tests will allow you to effectively appraise the car’s:

• Suspension and bushes
• Chassis
• Gearbox shifting
• Braking
• Engine’s efficiency

Do note if any eerie sounds are produced from the suspension, while braking, rapidly changing gears, under hard acceleration, or from the interior trims when moving with normal gait.

3. Experience Most of Its Bells and Whistles

Luxury cars are bound to come laden with comfort features to pamper their occupants. The more expensive these exotic machines are, the more nannies they would be loaded with. However, consensus has it that these features, operated using sensors, tend to give up after a few years. Hence, features such as:

• Massage function
• Ambient lighting
• Sunroof opening and closing mechanism
• Electric recline for the seats
• Sunshade
• Keys on the dashboard to access menus

should be tried. It is for these features that people give predilection to luxury cars when buying a used car over mainstream ones. If these gadgets are out of order, the car will automatically vilipend in its value.

4. Pay Heed to the Car’s Documents

Special attention must be imparted to the car’s documents such as accident history and service history. This will unfold not just whether the car has been involved in any serious accident, but also if it has been maintained gingerly. Poorly maintained cars are easy to recognize from their profusion of faults, but many times, accidental cars are atoned to their original shape to launder explosive amounts of money from innocent buyers. In this case, the picture may seem beautiful but often remains reticent in revealing vital details. So beware!

5. Take the Car to Your Trusted Mechanic

Our vision only extends till the tip of the iceberg, not beyond it. The examination which an experienced mechanic will be able to carry out simply won’t be our cup of tea. Hence, it is recommended to take the second-hand car for sale to a mechanic you have utmost fidelity for. Once he connects the car to his devices to rummage for faults, an exacting post-mortem report can be acquired. The device will provide a substantial picture of mechanical and electrical flaws and will strengthen your inkling towards reaching a desirable conclusion.

6. Ask the Owner the Reason to Sell

While many owners don’t provide the exact reason behind putting their car up for sale, if he’s believed to be genuine, this question should be asked. If his response is logical and satisfactory, there shouldn’t be much reason to relinquish the purchase. However, if from his expressions, tone, or answer, there arises a certain magnitude of apprehension, it is advisable to refuse the purchase using diplomatic language. If the used car in Dubai is in acceptable condition, the outgoing owner is likely to remark, ‘I am looking to upgrade,’ ‘I am migrating,’ or simply want to make a distress sale. Such conditions are normal.

In a nutshell, the life of a luxury car owner can be a two-edged sword. On one side lies the sublime experience of something extraordinary that dares to stand out in a crowd and gives a feeling of utmost gratification, while on the other lies the struggle to earn its overwhelming upkeep costs and being constantly wary of components breaking down anytime. However, most luxury car purchase decisions are driven by emotions rather than reasoning, and when it is the maiden attempt at owning one, the seesaw would certainly tilt towards the purchase side.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Cars from which luxury brands are relatively affordable to maintain?

Over the years, Japanese cars have earned an undisputable reputation for being reliable. This testifies the plying of a plethora of Lexus and Infiniti cars on the roads. However, other brands such as Genesis and Volvo might also be considered as they radiate a feeling of uniqueness while offering dependability and luxury quotient of their German counterparts.