Hi
I've been trying to find 2nd hand and new car prices in Dubai. Tthey seem quite cheap. I will be looking for a 4X4 like a Discovery/Defender/Toyota etc. Any advice on buying new or 2nd hand? Also what are the insurance prices like?
I've looked at the Hummer H3, and in US Dollars it's quite cheap, but can u buy them in UAE?
Many thanks to all that gave advice for my last post, and hope someone can advise me on this.

Cheers

James  

2nd hand cars - if you are only looking at one or two years old you may be better off buying new (not that much cheapers for say a Toyota).

You need to ask about accidents and also if they have been driven offroad as these seem to be the two things that cause the most damage.

Also, try to get one that is still under warranty. Best place to buy them privately is from the community board at Park n Shop on Al Wasl Road (near int 2).

Insurance is about 4-4.5% of the purchase price, and you can't re-register your car without this in place.

Hummers are becoming more and more popular hear although they drive like beasts and are apparently too heavy to take off road easily in the sand?!?!?! You will be well respected on the road if you drive one of these - not so many people will cut infront of a hummer.

Most common cars to hold its value here tend to be Toyota, anything European losses its value reasonably quickly  

Many thanks for your reply Kiwiana. Your advice is much appreciated. I'll remember your comments about the Hummer, the H3 is my fav looking, although if it's too heavy for sand off road, I might get a toyota or Landy.

Cheers

James  

Hi James

Good advice above -

Trends vary accross the Middle East, American vehicles are popular in Saudi but Japenesse are more popular in the UAE (many of us still like our American trucks though!)

I'd agree with Kiwiana that european kit is usualy a tricky choice out here. both on values and sometimes on suitability to the environment.

It's worth making sure you are looking at an Gulf spec vehicle if you buy second hand. (virtually all new main dealer kit will be gulf spec excluding special imports) anything American is strangled with multi cat exhausts etc for US emissions, and european / Eastern vehicles may often have an engine cooling system and air con upgrade for the ME market compared to their own domestic specs - other bonus is Gulf spec quite often means certain options/toys come as standard compared with an equivalent domestic model.

With very low rates of any commercial tax, you certainlty get a lot for your money in the UAE and yes - many british expats especialy choose to run what would have been a 40- 50k vehicle back in the UK because they're likely to be 30 - 45% cheaper in the UAE.

Bear in mind car rental is also very cheap, many people would advise to rent a car for a month so you are not rushing into buying something because you need transport, then you can take your time and visit lots of dealers and look at trucks you may never have considered before Envoys, Landcruisers, Prados, Armardas, Patrols, Jeep, HRV's, Durrangos, Lexus, X5's .....There are just so many good vehicles to choose from and yes, as advised above you need to drive them to decide!

Good luck



www.tradingenterprises...fault.aspx  

Cheers Young & Foolish

Thanks for your reply, as ever full of good info. The more I read, the more I'm looking forward to comming out to UAE.

Your advice will be well used & followed once I'm out there.

Many thanks for the time you took in replying to my post.

Cheers

James.  

From a professional point of view - I would buy new.

You will find better finanace and if you like to haggle you could get a good deal.

One thing worth remembering that most company's don't set a RRP for their vehicles here - although that is changing with many big car companies posting list prices. Pick up a good motoring magazine - actually just ask me!!!

Also remember that you don't get your pick of dealers - one dealer per car here I am afraid. If you can't get on with your dealer - no matter how much you like the car don't buy it!

If you are looking for a 2nd hand car - look out for all the things you would look out for at home - a good dealer history etc.

Its also worth rememebering that you cannot insure vehicles over 5 years old here fully comp. Vehicles are insured NOT the driver which makes sence and the premium can vary between 8 and 15% of the vehicles value.

One last thing - Hummer H3 - all show and no go sorry. It will bug you after the first day and drive you insane after the first week. Pick up any of the decent impartial motoring magazines here and you will see.

Drive safely  

Are there any website similar to Parker's Car price guide and autotrader, for Dubai? The www.tradingenterprises.com, and www.automalluae.com website hardly has any cars.

Are the prices really 30-45% cheaper than the UK? Any idea on the price of a BMW 3 series, Boxster, or Land Rover?