Secondhand cars are a very good option for a lot of reasons. They are cheaper, and they are suitable for inexperienced drivers who want to buy their first car. However, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to buying a used car.
In this article from Lookinsure mag, we are going to provide our readers with some tips for buying used cars to help them make an informed decision. If you are thinking of buying a second-hand car and don’t know where to start or what things to pay attention to, this guide is for you.
Frequently Answered Questions
Where to buy used cars in Dubai?
To buy used cars in Dubai or other emirates you can use either online platforms, or car dealerships and auctions like Dubizzle, Cars24, or Al Aweer Auto Market.
Can I use a personal loan to buy a car?
Yes, personal loans can be used for buying cars but the rate will be higher than an auto loan. However, the good thing is that the car can be in your own name.
How to get insurance when buying a used car?
Buying insurance for a used vehicle is similar to insuring brand-new cars. You have to first compare quotes online, choose the best option for yourself, and provide vehicle details to your agent. They will take care of the rest.
What should I check before buying a used car?
Before buying a used car make sure to check its history and mileage first, and then test every function from the overhead light to the AC and stereo. Also, make sure you have a trusted mechanic run a complete array of tests on it if you yourself are not an expert.
Should I buy warranty on used car?
If it’s available and fits your budget a warranty can be a good thing as it offers peace of mind against unexpected repairs.
Research and Planning to Buy Used Cars
Rushing into purchases often leads to regret, but buying a used car without proper research and planning can result in serious financial and legal issues. As part of this Car Insurance Buying Guide, it’s crucial to consider the basics: choosing the right seller, checking the car’s technical and legal status, and reviewing its history to make an informed decision.
Where to buy used cars in UAE
One of my pieces of advice when buying a used car is to use online platforms like Dubizzle for your search. These platforms allow you to filter by car model, mileage, and other factors such as specs (GCC or American). You can even filter by price to find the Cheapest Second-Hand Cars in Dubai, ensuring you stay within budget. Knowing the Best Time to Buy Car Insurance can also help you save on costs after purchasing your vehicle.
One thing to remember is that popular cars on Dubizzle sell quickly, sometimes within an hour. Before scheduling an inspection, ensure the car is still available. Additionally, factors like car specs and mileage are crucial when evaluating the Factors That Affect Car Insurance Premiums. For real-time updates on new listings, you can use Telegram bots to stay informed. Understanding the Types of Car Insurance available for your selected vehicle will further prepare you for a smart purchase and better coverage options..
Check Vehicle History
The biggest concern when it comes to buying a used car is its history. There are cars out there that although in pretty good shape on the outside, have been in terrible accidents and are damaged beyond repair.
That’s why one of the most important tips for buying used cars is checking their history. In order to do that you can go to the EVG website, log into your account or sign up for one, and enter the car’s VIN or chassis number. After that, you can access the vehicle’s full history, including any reported accidents.
Research Car Models
Whether you are Buying a New Car in Dubai or a used one, getting the right model that best fits your needs is of the utmost importance. So it is crucial to search carefully between different car models.
Not only should you know about the car’s specifications such as its engine, fuel consumption, transmission type, and stuff like that, but you should also try to talk with people who have the same car and ask about the cost of its maintenance.
Inspecting the Used Car
After finding your pick, it is time to meet with the seller and get a good look at the car. This includes physical inspection and taking it for a test drive.
Physical Inspection
Physical inspection is not a substitute for showing the car to an actual mechanic. You just have to look the car over and see if it looks healthy. There are a lot of things to look for when buying a second-hand car, for instance, you should look for dents, scratches, discoloration, etc.
You should also check every function of the car. Here are my tips for buying used cars; a little checklist of the items that you might forget during the stressful process of inspection:
- Check every single button to make sure they work.
- Make sure everything that is adjustable moves with ease. This includes seats and mirrors.
- Turn on the AC, and then check the heater.
- Also, turn on the wipers, and make sure the washer nozzle works.
- Open and close the doors and windows and make sure they operate smoothly.
- Check the lights both inside and outside the car, such as headlights, blinkers and reverse lights.
- Keep the car running as long as you can and listen for any changes in its sound.
- Don’t forget to check out the trunk.
Test Drive
After checking all of this, take the car for a little ride and see if it drives how it should. Try different terrains and different speeds, make turns, change gears, check the breaks, and don’t be shy, you are there to test every little function of that car, not just drive it normally. So just floor it, and see how fast it goes, how well it turns, and how quickly it stops.
Evaluating the Car’s Condition
Mechanical Inspection
If the car passes your own test, you should then take it to a mechanic to give what’s under the hood an inspection. They will look for any unusual wear and tear or signs of other suspicious activities.
You should also have a paint inspector run a full test on the exterior of your car and make sure there are no hidden scratches or undocumented paint corrections.
Check for Recalls
Sometimes faulty models that somehow find their way into circulation are recalled by the manufacturer to fix the issues. Although these rarely happen, when they do they are recorded in the vehicle’s history which can be accessed using the VIN number as explained above. With your chassis number, you can Check Car Accident History in Dubai as well.
Review Maintenance Records
Regular maintenance is what keeps a vehicle in good shape. Although not everyone keeps a record of their car’s maintenance, like the dates for oil changes, for example, you should always look for cars that have been maintained regularly.
Negotiating the Used Car Price
After all of this is done, it will be time for haggling over the price. There is a great deal of difference between the price of used cars, even cars from the same model, and there is usually a reason for that.
Understand Market Value
It is important to do extensive research to reach an estimated valuation of your preferred model. You should check similar options and see how much each of them costs or Cost of Car Insurance and what the more expensive ones have that the cheaper options don’t.
Prepare to Negotiate
Every seller expects the buyers to haggle over the price, that’s why they usually list a higher price than the one they are actually willing to sell their car for. So don’t be afraid to haggle, they will let you! You can ask for them to remove things like stereo or custom rims if you are looking for a better deal.
Finalizing the Purchase of the Used Car
After all of this is completed, it will be time to make everything official.
Verify Paperwork
You will need to check the car’s documents as well and make sure everything is in order such as registration and inspection certificate.
Secure Financing
If you are getting a loan in order to buy a car, you will need to make sure everything is in order and that you can have access to the money whenever you need it.
Post-Purchase Tips for the Used Car
Transfer Ownership
This step is the last and also the most important part of buying a used car. Fortunately, the process is quite straightforward and can be done both online and in person.
In order to Transfer Car Ownership in UAE the car must be insured by the buyer first, and then go through an inspection. After these, you can visit any RTA center with the required documents and finish the job in less than half an hour.
Schedule Maintenance
As we mentioned above, regular maintenance is what ensures good performance and durability. Since you don’t know how your car has been treated by its previous owner, one of the tips you find in every guide for buying used cars is a quick tune-up session right after you buy it; this includes an oil change, changing the air and oil filters, etc.
Review Insurance Options on Lookinsure
Buying Insurance for a Used Car is a prerequisite for registering it, so you will need to look for an insurance plan is the first thing you need to consider after completing the transaction. After you manage to find yourself the perfect car with the help of our tips for buying used cars you can head over to our website and explore your insurance options.
You can take care of all your insurance-related needs with Lookinsure, whether you want comprehensive insurance or third-party liability. Just go to our website and put in your car’s information. You’ll receive a whole list of quotes from some of the best providers out there in no time.
Conclusion
In this article brought to you by our team of researchers at Lookinsure Mag, we address essential topics such as “Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Dubai?” and explore “Car Valuation for Insurance Purposes.” You’ll also find some of the most useful tips for buying used cars, including the best platforms for finding second-hand vehicles and a detailed checklist for inspecting a used car to ensure you make an informed purchase.
