New vs Used: Which Is Right for You?

New cars come with manufacturer warranty (3–5 years), free servicing, and the latest features. Prices for popular models:

• Toyota Corolla: AED 75,000–95,000
• Nissan Patrol: AED 180,000–280,000
• Toyota Land Cruiser: AED 220,000–350,000
• Honda Civic: AED 85,000–120,000

Used cars offer significant savings (30–50% off new price). The UAE used car market is excellent because of the rapid turnover — many expats sell their cars when leaving. Browse used cars on 58.ae for the best deals.

Where to Buy

Dealerships: Official dealers for new cars. Authorized pre-owned dealers (like Al Futtaim Automall) for certified used vehicles.

Private sellers: Often the best deals for used cars. Use 58.ae to find private listings with direct WhatsApp contact.

Auto markets: Sharjah Auto Market and Al Awir Auto Market (Dubai) have hundreds of dealers in one location.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Always get a used car inspected before buying. Options include:

• RTA/Tasjeel test centers: Basic mechanical and safety inspection (AED 120–200)
• Third-party inspection services: Comprehensive 200+ point checks (AED 300–600)
• Authorized service centers: Brand-specific diagnostics

Check the vehicle's history: ask for service records, check for accident history, and verify the odometer reading matches service log entries.

Financing a Car

Banks in the UAE offer car loans with these typical terms:

• Down payment: 20% for new cars, 20–30% for used cars
• Interest rate: 2.5–4.5% flat rate (varies by bank and salary)
• Tenure: Up to 5 years for new, 3–4 years for used
• Minimum salary: AED 5,000–8,000 (varies by bank)

The bank holds the car's registration card until the loan is fully repaid. You'll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank to sell the car before the loan is completed.

Car Insurance

Car insurance is mandatory in the UAE. Two types:

Third-party liability: Minimum legal requirement. Covers damage to other vehicles/property. Costs AED 600–1,500/year.

Comprehensive: Covers your car too (theft, accident, natural disaster). Costs 2–4% of car value per year. Required by banks for financed cars.

Registration Process

To register a car in the UAE (Dubai):

1. Pass RTA vehicle testing (if used car)
2. Purchase insurance
3. Pay registration fee (AED 350–420 for new registration)
4. Present Emirates ID, passport copy, and insurance certificate
5. Receive registration card and number plates

Registration renewal is annual. Total cost: approximately AED 1,200–1,800 including testing, insurance, and fees.

Top Tips for Expats

• Japanese brands (Toyota, Nissan, Honda) have the best resale value and cheapest parts
• European cars are cheaper to buy used but expensive to maintain
• Check Salik (toll) and traffic fine history before buying a used car
• Consider fuel costs — petrol is approximately AED 2.50–3.00/liter
• GCC-spec cars are better suited for the climate than non-GCC imports
• Plan to sell your car? List it on 58.ae in 15 languages to reach the widest audience