Things to Know When Buying a New Car in the UAE
Buying a new car can be exciting. However, knowing how to navigate the buying process can ensure a satisfying experience. Fortunately, a wide range of makes and models are available in the UAE. Hence you have got a lot of options to choose from. Buying a new car requires sound financial planning, assessment and a lot of research. Before you head to a dealer, explore the following list of important things to know when buying a new one.
- Know what you want
- Research your options
- Test drive
- Negotiate
- Get your finances in order
- Keep your documents ready
- Maintenance cost
Let’s explore the things to consider while buying a car in detail, to ensure you get the best deal and the car you need.
Essential Things to Know When Buying a New Car
Here are some of the key aspects that you might need to consider when buying a new car in the UAE.
Know What You Want
Assessing your needs will define the entire buying process. Look for a type of car that will meet your needs. For instance, if you have kids, think about choosing a family car such as sedans, MPVs, SUVs and crossovers, or if you travel a lot, consider a larger trunk.
Also, those who do not want to spend much on fuel should opt for more economical cars. On the other hand, people who are interested in reducing carbon footprints can go for electric or hybrid cars. Moreover, knowing the difference between hybrid vs electric vs petrol cars can also help you to choose the type of car you want to buy.
If you are single then you can opt for a compact such as a hatchback. Hence, know what you need and define the type of vehicle before you begin the car hunt.
Research your options
Researching and investing a good amount of time before making a final purchase can help you get a good deal. You can check the prices and the car’s specifications by visiting the brand’s official websites.
Once you shortlist the desired cars, don’t forget to compare prices. Find out in which dealerships or multi-brand stores the new model is priced better. Also, don’t be afraid to get more details on the offers via call, you can also make an appointment and negotiate later on.
You can also check the list of official car dealers in Dubai who can be trusted when it comes to buying a new car. The list includes:
- Al-Futtaim Motors & Trading Enterprises: sells Toyota, Dodge, Volvo, Lexus, Honda, Jeep, and Chrysler
- Al Habtoor Motors – sells Mitsubishi, Chevy, Bentley and Bugatti
- Emirates Motor Company and Al Fahim – sell Mercedes-Benz and Opel
- Al Nabooda Automobiles – sells Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche
- Al Tayer Motors: sells Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, Lincoln, Maserati, and Ferrari
Test Drive
Once you finalise the list, the next thing you should do before buying a new car is a test drive. Test driving a car is essential to get a true feel. Take your time behind the wheel to test parking, and check visibility, car body type and brakes.
Pay attention to the details, check if the seat is comfortable, and all the features such as interior, exterior and Active and Passive safety systems. It may be that the model does not please you behind the wheel, and that is a determining factor for the purchase. Other things to check when buying a new car include:
- The model types, upgrades and trim level. You can also check which variant is going with your needs.
- Check standard features and what other features can be added later on.
- Manufacture warranty and additional warranty offered by the dealer (if any).
- Ask if the car has any add-ons such as free recovery etc.
Negotiate
After defining the model, research and test drive, it’s time to negotiate. The first thing that should be focused on is the discount. If you are buying directly from the dealership, ask them about any special promotional prices or offers they are running.
Sometimes you might not get a discount on a car price but can get possible freebies such as an extended warranty. If you are living in the UAE, then check out these Ramadan car deals. You can also check official websites for the latest offerings and car deals.
Get Your Finances in Order
There are two ways to finance a car lease or car buying. It is ideal to get all the money and buy it in cash, but not everyone can afford that. Thankfully, several banks offer car loans in Dubai. All you need is to pay a 20% down payment in advance and the rest will be taken care of by the bank. Here are some frequently asked questions by car loan in Dubai for your further assistance.
Keep Your Documents Ready
One of the important things to know when buying a new car is to have all the documents with you. The following are the documents required for buying a car in Dubai:
- UAE residence visa (original and copy)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Emirates ID
- Dubai car insurance
- Valid Dubai driving licence
Besides, you need the following documents to buy a car on finance:
- If financed through a bank, you will need a salary certificate or employer’s letter
- Bank statements for 3 to 6 months
Maintenance Costs
Even though the UAE petrol prices are relatively cheap compared to other countries, buying a new car has significant financial ramifications on your budget. You need to keep a note of maintenance costs. For instance, the maintenance of European cars tends to cost higher. However, Korean, Chinese and Japanese cars are easy to maintain. These car maintenance tips can help you reduce repair costs in future.
Besides general maintenance, make sure you follow the owner’s manual guidelines and take extra care of your brand-new car. Check out our guide on things you should never do with your brand-new car.
That’s a wrap of our guide to the important things to know when buying a new car. If you are planning to buy a car online, check out the listing at dubizzle. If you are someone who changes cars now and then, go through the listings of used cars in the UAE and buy a car that suits your budget.
Popular car models include:
- Second-hand Mercedes-Benz cars in the UAE
- Used Nissan cars for sale
- Second-hand BMW cars for sale in the UAE
- Used Toyota Corolla cars for sale in the UAE
If you find the guide useful, keep in touch with the UAE’s famous blog for more.