Without any doubt, buying a new car is something that can burn a hole in your pockets. Buying a pre-owned car is usually quick and convenient, and of course more affordable than buying a brand new car. Moreover, the auto insurance policy you purchase doesn't have to be full-coverage, saving you more money. The unfortunate side of buying a pre-owned car is that you don't get the reliability of a brand new car which means you have to be prepared for unexpected breakdowns while on the road. This isn't the case with all used cars by any means, but if you don't do your homework, you could end up buying a below-average vehicle. This is the major reason why they look for pre-owned or used cars for sale in Dubai. These cars are economical and allow the new drivers to learn the ropes of driving in the UAE.
Since pre-owned cars come cheap, they are the preferred option for most. Data from RoadSafetyUAE reveals that 78.1% of residents said they would consider buying a second-hand set of wheels. However, there are a few risks involved in buying a used car. The main one being the condition and how the previous owner used it.
Here are a few tips for you so you can ascertain if a used car is worth buying:
Ponder over the Resale Value
Getting the vehicle’s history is a must. It would be wise to get a professional inspection done by a mechanic. Having said that, as a buyer, you should also do your due diligence by researching its market value and its resale value. See that the engine, VIN, and chassis number matches with the documents of the vehicle.
The Condition of the Car
When it comes to cars, the looks matter as well as the performance. Look for any dents or scratches. If you find any, you can use them to bring down the price. Why? Because fixing dents and car paint is expensive. Then, examine the brakes and tires. See that they are in working order and tires are now worn down. All of them should be of the same brand.
Get the Engine Checked
As said earlier, bringing along a certified mechanic with you is going to do you good. They will check the machinery of the car and ensure that the engine doesn’t leak any fluids or the chassis is not rusty. If the car smoke is black, it means that the engine is consuming too much fuel. In the case of blue smoke, the engine is burning oil. See any of these signs, ditch the car.
Take a Look at the Interiors
Now it’s time to get inside. Are the seats damaged? Refurbished? Check the radio, lights, and indicator. Also, see that the mileage of the car matches that are mentioned in the documents. Check all the switches inside the car and see that they work. Turn on the AC and wait for five minutes to see if it works. It has to be in excellent condition to survive the sweltering desert heat.
Take a Test Drive
Sure, doing all this could help you in forming an opinion. At the end of the day, the test drive is the determinant. See that the gear change is smooth and there aren’t any weird sounds. Also, with a test drive, you get a feel of how the car drives. If you find it comfortable, then you can start negotiating with the seller.
If not, there is no shortage of cheap used cars in Dubai. You can always find another one!
