Buying a used car in Dubai - the steps?

[XB70]

Hi all

Ok, so have agreed on a price on a luxobarge (a Cadillac!) and due to do the deal on Thursday.

It is from another expat returning home.

As I understand the steps:
- I take out an insurance policy
- we both go to the RTA centre
- they inspect the car
- if it passes, they register it in my name (when I show them ID and the comprehensive policy)
- I hand over the purchase price
- I drive away, take photos and do a posting in Reader's Rides and Barges 1-5K threads

Is there anything I have missed/traps for the unwary etc?

Thanks in advance

[rabailey]

Pay the extra (150 AED?) and get the VIP service !
If you go to the main Al Qouz / Al Barsha branch by Maul of the Emirates the VIP desk is just as you go in on the left.

Also watch for Ramadan hours !

[jason90]

Check on the dubai police website to make sure you don't have any pending fines. You can do this either by car registration or driving license number

This is Dubai, don't assume you dont have any just because you have arrived


Good luck

[dxbtiger]

Your post pretty much sums it up as long as there is no outstanding finance on it?

VIP is much quicker yes.

Cadillac what?

[XB70]

Thanks all and will definitely look at the VIP option.

A Cadillac SLS - essentially, a stretched STS that was only made for the Middle East and Chinese markets (actually built in China) and loaded with leather, wood, DVD etc etc.

Needs a wheel alignment desperately and also the rear brakes to be done but otherwise seems to be in good condition (famous last words!).

Looks like this



and interior like this



4.something V8 with 320hp or so. Did not feel hugely quick but I am sure the Camry rental I have has some sort of Thrifty Special Operations Division tuning as it feels pretty quick and likes to rev!

If the SLS had the STS-V engine that was in the US and EU sedans, XLR roadster (I really want one too!) and the CTS-V coupe, then I would be laughing.

Edited by XB70 on Monday 28th July 11:48

Edited by XB70 on Monday 28th July 11:51

[XB70]

jason90 said:

Check on the dubai police website to make sure you don't have any pending fines. You can do this either by car registration or driving license number

This is Dubai, don't assume you dont have any just because you have arrived


Good luck

Just renewed the rental last week and nothing - I tend to drive at or below the speed limit (touch wood)

[XB70]

Thanks for the comments and advice.

Did the deal this morning and a leisurely hour (!) at the Al Bashra station opposite MOE. The inspection did not seem anywhere near as detailed as would occur with the MOT back in the UK.

Will give it a good clean and post some photos.

Cheers

[Rachie]

Dumbest question ever, but does one pay with a bundle of cash? Cheque? Bank transfer?


Also what car for 50k?! :P

[XB70]

Rachie said:

Dumbest question ever, but does one pay with a bundle of cash? Cheque? Bank transfer?


Also what car for 50k?! :P

I paid with cash - lots and lots of visits to the various ATM's as it all became very urgency very suddenly as he was leaving.

50K? Depends on the sort of car you are looking for I suppose - some seem very overpriced and others more reasonable. If you are looking on Dubizzble, put the phone number into Google and it will bring up historical ads - if it has been for sale ages, then room for negotiation?

Loving my Caddy!

[Rachie]

Thanks for the phone no tip! Fancying some muscle, prices do seem to vary wildly.
No rush though, hopefully something will pop up.

[K50 DEL]

Rachie said:

Dumbest question ever, but does one pay with a bundle of cash? Cheque? Bank transfer?


Also what car for 50k?! :P

Paid for all mine with cash, even the Ferrari was bought with a bundle of notes.

[shirt]

cash is easiest and gives you better buying power, nowt like a stack of notes.

for 50k you could get a decent v8 mustang. are you wanting manual or auto?

[Rachie]

V8 'stang would be awesome. Probably auto, manual doesn't seem common here. I hired a manual to pop over to AD and had a bit of a 'mare, being so rusty driving and backwards car.

[dxbtiger]

Manual Mustangs will be poverty spec, no demand for them.

I've only missed changing gears twice in 6 years, on the road to Kalba and when I tracked it.

50k should get you a decent one (or mine )

[shirt]

didn't mean manual for the mustang, that would be pointless. just wanted to know your preference. there'sa z4m coupe on sale for a tad over 50k at the moment but it's manual. honda s2000's and good 350z's are also around that price.

for auto and 50k there's endless options.

[Rachie]

So tempted with another z4 or an s2000, but could do with something slightly more practical.
I do really fancy a Mustang though.

[shirt]

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/audi/tt...

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/audi/tt...

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/bmw/m3/...

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/bmw/m3/...

http://sharjah.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/chevr...

literally 100s of mustangs in budget, would seem a sensible buy.

[shirt]

http://alain.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/jaguar/...

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/alfa-ro...

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/acura/r...

[yorky500]

shirt said:

http://alain.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/jaguar/...

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/alfa-ro...

http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/acura/r...

Corrrrrrr, I fancy that Alpha.

[Rachie]

There are some really nice cars there!