Porsche in Dubai

[r_rich]

Thanks again guys

Its all seems a bit of a minefield! However, I'm quickly learning that things work a little differently out here!

I'm in no rush to buy at the moment but I'm definitely starting the hunt so I'll keep you posted.

Rich

[Harris_I]

will_968 said:

Harris_I said:

I'm currently in the process of buying a 15 year old Lancia

Not the Red 'Gerale that's been knocking around Al Aweer for a while? Looks in great condition. Price seemed rather steep when I inquired though...

I had a look at that one - it's nice and clean, but I am keen on Chris's giallo Evo 2 (he's the Dunlop guy who runs the team on race days at the Autodrome). That one needs a bit of work though.

[Callughan]

will_968 said:

r_rich said:

Harris, Batphink, Will

Do either of you know the laws regarding the age of cars over here? I was originally potentially interested in a 993 but a couple of people have told me that its soon going to be impossible to register a car over 10/15 years old?

Thanks

Rich

Yep - I do - as I bought myself a W124 E500.

They were going to introduce a law stopping you transferring the ownership of cars over 10 years old and also banning car's from the roads that are over 20 years old. Both rules would have exemptions if the vehicle was categorized as "classic". When asked what constituted a "classic" I read a quote from someone at the RTA stating "something like 40 or 50 years old maybe". Obviously completely useless.

However they didn't bring the rule in, so at present, there is nothing stopping you buying or registering older cars here. There's still rumors that the new law will be introduced, but no specifics as to when.

I personally have taken a view that is the car is sought after enough that it's collectible by the rich arabs, then it'll be exempt. So I'd guess a 993 would be. You'll have to decide yourself if you think that's correct or not.

The other safety net is to try and buy something that's worth more back in the UK or Europe than it is in Dubai. That way if they do change the rule and you want to sell, you can export it somewhere else and make a few ££.

When I was out there a few years ago, 993's were not in demand and not commanding a premium and they viewed it as just an old Porsche. I'm not sure if this has this changed?

[Harris_I]

Actually, I correct myself. Older Porsches *were* being exported to Europe, but now that there are fewer left here, I see some silly prices for 993s, especially when you do the conversion at the current AED:GBP rate.

[DubaiBeDo]

I am new to Porsche but have been in Dubai a while.

Does anyone know if the Porsche sold in Dubai have catalytic converters? I may need to import it to the UK when I return and don't mind LHD or changing the lights but I really don't want to mess with cats/emissions etc

Cheers

[will_968]

DubaiBeDo said:

I am new to Porsche but have been in Dubai a while.

Does anyone know if the Porsche sold in Dubai have catalytic converters? I may need to import it to the UK when I return and don't mind LHD or changing the lights but I really don't want to mess with cats/emissions etc

Cheers

I don't "know" they do, but there is an emissions test cars have to pass when they get their Tajeel (MOT) renewed, so I presume they all have cats. Easiest thing to do is call into the Porsche dealer and ask them. Or call Alex Renner - he'll know specifics about the older models too.

[Hespereus]

As ever PH is really Timely

Very, very, early stages but I have been approached about the possibility of moving to Dubai; I have visited the Gulf region over 30 times, and lived in Jordan for a while, but have never lived in Dubai. I also have a 993 Targa here in the UK. I would be really interested in getting some first hand thoughts from people who live there via pm - not just about Porsche but about general expatriate living - if anyone was amenable.

And, BTW, I have to say I agree with a previous poster .. how is it someone can post about Porsches in UAE and get a Daily Mail diatribe on migrant worker's living conditions? urban_alchemist, time and a place for eveything...... please.

THanks

Edited by Hespereus on Saturday 23 January 08:50

[Mattt]

Hespereus - there's a Middle East section down the bottom that will have most of the answers you need.

Check out posts by Chilli - he asked for advice about moving over and had the most recent advice given AFAIK.

[Liquid1]

Welcome to Dubai Rich

As mentioned by other locals, Alex Renner and HOC have a pretty decent reputation. Also ask Al Nabooda (the local OPC), especially if the warranty is still intact. Re sourcing a good car, Dubizzle is your best bet, with really good specimens on offer most of the time. Good luck finding a manual though (if thats your choice) as they are not popular in Dubai, and the used car prices reflect this odd phenomenon. I would shy away from Al Aweer unless you really know your stuff as there are too many snake oil sales going on there. Lastly, also check out the Abu Dhabi classifieds as IMHO cars from that emirate seem to be in better condition and drivers there seem to be less interested in posing.

Hope to see you at the local Porsche club meets, should your search be successful.

Cheers

[Harris_I]

DubaiBeDo said:

I am new to Porsche but have been in Dubai a while.

Does anyone know if the Porsche sold in Dubai have catalytic converters? I may need to import it to the UK when I return and don't mind LHD or changing the lights but I really don't want to mess with cats/emissions etc

Cheers

Yes, all 996 onwards sold with cats. There may be an emissions standard dating from the early to mid 90s so you may find 964s and possibly some 993s without.