Buying a Car in Dubai

For expats, owning an automobile in Dubai seems to be an unwritten rule. Not only do most foreign nationals possess a vehicle, but overall cheaper prices often encourage expats to buy a car in Dubai that will be more of a status symbol than a functional necessity. Still, modes of public transit are limited, and when it comes down to it, whether you choose to ride in style or stay small, having a car in Dubai is a must.

To buy a car in Dubai it’s necessary to have a residence visa; without this document, your dreams of driving your very own 4x4 will remain little more than fantasy. If you plan to make your purchase without a driver’s license, it is necessary to go to the police to explain the circumstances and receive approval.

Cars in the UAE are slightly cheaper than in the UK or US, and as an added benefit of living in an oil-rich nation, expats will find that petrol is inexpensive and maintenance costs are affordable.

There are plenty of new and used car dealerships in Dubai, not to mention a host of expats constantly coming and going – creating a large network of private sellers.

Before you buy, it’s best to do as much research as possible and to note the following:

• Read the service history record, and bring the vehicle to a mechanic – even if it looks to be in mint condition
• Buy a car with Gulf specs; this will make maintenance for the engine, gearbox cooling and air conditioning easy to access and affordable

Buying a new car in Dubai

For expats who have their heart set on buying a new car in Dubai, nearly every make and model you would expect to find in the monstrous car culture of the States, or any other western nation for that matter, exists within Dubai. Japanese and American brands are especially numerous and are sold at various franchised dealerships - most of which can be found on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Popular models do tend to be pricier than those less coveted; but overall, most car dealers can be convinced to give buyers quite a good deal, which often includes one year of insurance and a service warranty period.

Dealers may work with a specific bank, and offer help arranging financing. Do be mindful that bouncing cheques in Dubai is a criminal offence, so be sure to arrange financing well within your means. Sometimes, it is possible to get better rates from your personal bank, so do some research beforehand.

The depreciation rate in Dubai can be as high as 30%, so if buying a new car don’t expect to sell it for anything close to the price of purchase.