If you are reading this article, then chances are that you want to sell your car in the UAE. Luckily, there are several options available and in this article, I shall be taking you through the most popular methods, helping you decide the option most suitable to you.
Dealerships
If you plan on upgrading your vehicle or buying a new one, a trade-in option at a dealership can seem like an attractive choice at first. After all, the dealership would handle all the paperwork and legalities, and a few signatures later, you could be driving home a new car. But things aren’t all that simple.
As is the case with dealerships all around the world, you should be prepared to receive a lower price for your vehicle than if you were to sell it privately. While dealerships do offer convenience, they aren’t able to give sellers the highest value for their vehicles. It’s just what it is…
Having said that, there are new variety dealerships that have been springing up in the past few years – dealerships that offer instant cash for your vehicle. The advertisements look pretty interesting, with sellers reaching an inspection location, the dealership checking the condition of the vehicle, and offering instant cash for it. While it may seem like a great option for those who have to leave the country at very short notice, many of these dealers too are unable to give sellers the price they are looking for.
That’s where classifieds websites come in…
Classifieds Websites
Although there are several websites that will charge you to list your car for sale, there are a few great free options too – like YallaMotor. With the largest used car inventory in the country, YallaMotor has over 32,000 used cars for sale and what that means, is that it has even more buyers constantly browsing the website every minute looking to buy their next car.
Whilst listing with a classifieds website will almost guarantee you a higher value for your car than a dealership would, you should be prepared to deal with the multiple phone calls, numerous visits from potential buyers, and the occasional low-ballers too. Don’t be intimidated, it’s all a part of the process.
But what happens after a potential buyer has checked your car out, liked it, and has agreed to buy it? If you feel the buyer is serious, there is no harm in asking them to pay a small cash deposit to hold the car. Remember, any hesitation at this stage could be a red flag, so be wary.
Things To Keep In Mind
- If there is an outstanding loan on your vehicle, you will need to clear it before you are able to sell your car. All car loans are registered with the RTA and without clearing unpaid loans the RTA simply cannot transfer ownership of the vehicle to the new owner.
- You will need to ensure your car passes the annual roadworthiness test. This is a mandatory step before being able to sell your car. It is advised to do the test beforehand at any Tasjeel / Shamil facility and fix any potential issues with the vehicle beforehand.
- Finally, when it comes to accepting payment for your vehicle from the buyer, do not accept any personal cheques or bank transfer promises. Stick to completing the sale with cash as it is the safest option.
With plenty of options available in the market, selling your car has never been easier in the UAE. Should you opt to go through a dealer or sell it privately, both methods have their own pros and cons. We wish you all the very best and hope you receive a fair price for your vehicle.
