{
  "id": 5474123,
  "title": "Buying a used car in the UAE? How to spot a good deal and avoid a bad one",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/buying-a-used-car-in-the-uae-how-to-spot-a-good-deal-and-avoid-a-bad",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/transport/used-cars-uae-checks-before-you-buy-1.500662693"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Buying a used car in the UAE can be an attractive option, as new vehicles depreciate quickly. However, finding a good deal requires more than just locating the lowest price. With numerous used cars advertised online and through dealerships, determining whether a car is worth its asking price requires some diligence.\n\nBefore purchasing, it is crucial to have an independent inspection of the vehicle. Athina Doyle, General Manager of I Service Any Car, advises, \"For me, the biggest piece of advice when buying any used car in the UAE is to always have an independent pre-purchase inspection carried out before handing over any money. Never rely solely on what the seller or dealer tells you.\" These inspections cover the car's mechanical, internal, and external condition, as well as checking for signs of previous repairs or accident damage. The cost of a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection typically ranges from Dh199 to Dh400.\n\nWhen examining the car, buyers should look for signs of accident repairs. Doyle highlights inconsistencies in bodywork as red flags, such as uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint, and unusual welding. While not all accidents result in a deal-breaker, the severity of the accident, damaged parts, and repair quality are important factors. Flood-damaged cars, in particular, can pose significant problems due to hidden damage that may not be immediately visible. Warning signs include damp or musty smells, corrosion in unusual places, and electrical issues.\n\nAnother major warning sign is a seller's reluctance to allow an independent pre-purchase inspection. Doyle states, \"The biggest red flag for me is a seller who does not want you to take the vehicle for an independent pre-purchase inspection. If somebody is confident in the car they are selling, there should be no reason to prevent you from having it professionally checked. If a seller refuses, my advice would be simple: walk away.\"\n\nIn addition to physical condition, buyers should also consider the car's history. Anand Kumar Nallasamy, Business Head at Service My Car, recommends checking the vehicle's complete history, including accidents, ownership, mileage, and major repairs. A vehicle history report can provide valuable information about a car's past, which can help buyers identify potential issues and negotiate a fair price. By thoroughly inspecting the vehicle and reviewing its history, buyers can make an informed decision and potentially save thousands of dirhams on future repairs.",
  "summary": "Dubai: For many motorists in the UAE, buying a used car comes down to one major advantage – value for money. New cars can lose significant value in their first few years, meaning buyers can often get a newer, higher-spec or more expensive model for less than its original price. But getting a good deal is about more than finding the lowest price. With thousands of used cars advertised online and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}