What is the process of buying a used car in the UAE?

In the UAE, the used car market is buoyant and provides thousands of people the opportunity to buy a car at an affordable price. If you’re looking to buy a luxury car such as a Lexus, pre-owned deals give you the chance to purchase a quality used car at a great price.

But how do you buy a used car in the UAE? Is there any specific process you have to go through? And should you buy privately or through a dealership? At Al-Futtaim Lexus, we’re here to answer your questions about buying and selling cars in the UAE.

First things first – private or dealership?

If you’re scanning the market for the best pre-owned cars, the obvious choice is to talk to a dealership. Not only do they sell new cars, but the vast majority of them also buy and sell used cars too. At Al-Futtaim Lexus, we have an extensive inventory of premium-quality used cars on offer, from SUVs and Crossovers to sedans and coupes. Every pre-owned car on our list has been meticulously checked for safety and performance, so you can buy with confidence. You also have the benefit of a car warranty for total peace of mind.

Unfortunately, buying privately means that there’s no warranty, and while you may be able to get a cheaper deal, the truth is that you’re effectively buying a car ‘as seen’, with no guarantee as to its roadworthiness or safety. Our top tip: Buy from a dealership to ensure you’re purchasing a pre-owned car that has been properly inspected by qualified technicians.

The process of buying a used car in the UAE

Buying a used car in the UAE through a dealership also makes the administration process much more straightforward, as the dealership will carry out most of the process on your behalf. However, you will still need to provide a certain amount of paperwork before you can buy a used car, including:

• A current UAE Residency Visa
• An up-to-date Emirates ID card (please note that if you applied for but have not yet received a renewed ID card, you will not be able to buy a used car until you have the new card)
• A copy of your passport
• Car insurance documentation
• A valid driving licence that must match the Emirate where you are registering the car
• An inspection certificate to prove that the car is roadworthy if it is over three years old (this will normally be supplied by the dealership)

How to pay for a used car

Buying a used car is still a considerable financial investment, so you’ll need to make sure that you have the funds for your purchase. A more flexible way of paying for your used car is to look for dealership offers and 0% finance deals that can really cut the cost of your purchase into easy-to-manage monthly payments.

If you have a car in good condition, you may also be able to sell your car to the dealer and offset some of the cost of your next purchase. If you go for a loan then do bear in mind that banks will only offer up to 80% of the car’s value. So you will need to have the finances to pay for the outstanding balance to secure your purchase.

Other costs to factor include the fees for transfer-of-ownership documentation (which again, if you’re buying from a dealership may be included in the price of the car), and your insurance.

If you want to buy a high-quality pre-owned car in the UAE, talk to Al-Futtaim Lexus. Not only do we sell used cars, but we’re always looking for top-quality used cars to buy too. Based on the condition, mileage, model and year, we offer the full market value of your car, and the finances can be in your bank account or used to buy your next pre-owned car from Lexus almost instantly.

Book a test drive online today, or call in and talk to one of our professional advisors who will be happy to take you through the process and answer any questions you may have.