When buying used cars in UAE, you may be tempted by the lower costs of imported cars as compared to those that have GCC specs. But before you let go of your hard-earned money, you may want to read through this article.
More Than Cheap
The low prices of these imported used cars are not the only temptation. These cars boast of features that are only available in high-end GCC specs cars. Both exterior and interior designs are also quite attractive. But there are risks that you may not know of if you buy one of these cars.
You Might Be Getting a Salvaged Car
This is the main reason why you should be extremely cautious when buying an imported used car. There are conspicuous dealers out there who are importing salvaged vehicles from the US and Japan and selling them in UAE as ‘good condition’. Some of these salvaged cars may have been involved in accidents which is why their value has significantly diminished. The accident may have cause unrepairable mechanical damage to the car and you may not be able to notice it through visual inspection alone.
They’re Not Meant for UAE Weather
UAE is known for extreme temperatures and climate. Those US or Japanese specs car might not be designed for these conditions. Here are some specifications of the car that you should check.
- The capacity of the radiator should be enough given the high temperatures in UAE.
- The air conditioning unit might not be designed for extremely hot temperatures during the UAE summer.
- Coastal areas of the UAE have high levels of humidity, so the car should have improved protection against rust and corrosion.
- Cars in UAE are exposed to dust and sand, so the filter should be designed to counter these elements; otherwise, you risk damaging the engine.
If the used car you are buying does not have the above specs, it will easily be damaged by UAE’s extreme weather and driving conditions. In the end, you might end up spending more due to repairs. This is also another reason why these imported cars are being sold at a cheaper price than GCC specs cars.
No Service Packages
When you buy a brand new GCC specs car in UAE, it usually comes with local offers and discounts. These offers might include free maintenance, service, and warranty. The same doesn’t apply for imported cars because they can only be serviced locally where they were originally sold. They might be cheaper but when the car needs repairs, you are on your own and the savings you got might not even be enough to cover the repair expenses.
Buy at Your Own Risk
With all these said, it’s obvious that the advantages of buying a GCC specs car is well worth the extra money you need to shell out. Imported cars might be cheaper initially but in the long run, you may run into more problems that will cost you a lot more money.
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