It can make a great deal of financial sense to purchase a used car in the United Arab Emirates in the event that you are operating on a relatively tight budget.
However, finding the right such vehicle in the UAE is far from easy.
There are a number of pitfalls that could end with you driving off with a car that will cause you nothing but problems and is not really worth what you paid for it.
Those who decide that they still want to buy a used car should be on the lookout for signs that the vehicle they are intending to buy has been involved in an accident.
A vehicle history report can be obtained in the UAE but takes both money and time, and even then it is not a complete guarantee.
It is no use trusting that the person selling the used car to you will be honest about any such incidents as sellers just want to take your dirhams.
The good news is that there are a number of tips that can be used to ensure that you do not waste your money on a bad used car.
One good tip is to look for signs that the vehicle has been repainted.
This can be done by looking at the paint’s reflection.
When looked at straight on, the surface of the car may appear to be smooth and clean, but certain unevenness may be visible when seen from the side of the vehicle.
If this is the case, then it is likely that body repair has been performed on the car.
Walking around the vehicle in order to check that the colour on all its panels match is also a good idea.
If the colour on the separate panels does not exactly match, then the vehicle may have had patchwork done.
Another sign that the vehicle may have been involved in an accident in the UAE is panels that are misaligned.
When the bonnet, boot and doors have all been closed, they should be aligned perfectly with the other panels.
If this is not the case, then the car may have been involved in a crash.
The front and rear bumpers should likewise be a straight fit, and if they appear to be at a little bit of an angle, then it is highly likely that the car has experienced a shunt.
It is also a good idea to check the tyres on any used car you may want to buy in the UAE.
Do not be afraid to bend down and feel the tyres.
In the event that the tread appears to be uneven, damage done to the chassis may have caused a misaligned wheel.
It is also a smart move to check the wheel wells and underbody to look for fresh applications of any kind of rubber undercoat.
The rubber undercoat could be there because this is a good way to quickly cover up structural repairs.
Anyone intending to buy and drive a used or new car in the UAE will need to take out car insurance.
Car insurance offers financial protection against numerous unexpected occurrences such as accidents or the theft of your vehicle.