Dubai/Sharjah: How to safely buy a car? | FerrariChat

Dubai/Sharjah: How to safely buy a car?

Discussion in 'Middle East' started by DriveAfterDark, Jul 7, 2013.

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  1. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    I am going to Dubai/Sharjah after Ramadan to help with my father's business, and intend to stay there for about 2-4 months depending on the work.

    I just googled some used car for sale websites and am thinking that I should rather just buy a car down there instead of a rental/taxi every time. My budget will be around 30.000 AED (8000 USD).

    - Can a foreigner buy a car or do I need the help of a local? I have a Norwegian passport.
    - What websites for used cars do you recommend?

    Any car recommendation for the mentioned budget appreciated, as long as it's not boring to drive (MX-5, 350Z, Z3/Z4 etc. type of car wanted).
     
  2. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,625
    Dubai / Bologna
    You will need a UAE residency visa and a local driver's license to get a car registered in your name. A local license is required just to drive anything other than a rental car.

    Be careful buying a used car - dubizzle is likely the best source, but get it checked out at the local importer or specialist before buying as scams such as odometer tampering and hidden crash repair abound. As well, with all the speed bumps, pay close attention to the front suspension, oil pan, etc.
     
  3. Rex71

    Rex71 Formula Junior

    Mar 24, 2007
    349
    Jeddah,Saudi Arabia
    Full Name:
    Majd B.
    I would look for a 2008 or later model vehicle with a dependable air conditioning system. Getting stuck in traffic in hot & humid weather is not a pleasant experience.
    This means that you might need to raise your budget a little.
    Regards.
     
  4. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    Superb advice. However I am seeing here (Convert a foreign driving license to drive in Dubai) that I can transfer my Norwegian license to an UAE license if I can provide a residence permit, an eye certificate from an optician and other misc. documents. Fair enough.

    I also have the impression of high-end cars being far less looked after than for example in Europe... Lots of dents and dings and extremely poor car descriptions in ads (1/100 will have decent car pictures)...

    Any particular reason for a 2008+ model?
    I have learned that cars with the "GCC spec" have the Gulf market package with better cooling.

    Yes I can stretch to 45.000 or maybe even 50.000 AED. So far I like the thought of BMW Z4 best, as I imagine the cities would be very nice to experience in the evenings :)
     
  5. mseals

    mseals Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Sep 9, 2007
    24,468
    Kuwait
    Full Name:
    Mike Seals
    I don't know the time frame in Dubai, but in Kuwait, it takes from 60 to 90 days to get a residency.

    But, as said above, once you get your residency, it shouldn't be an issue to get your license transferred over. Until then, however, you'll probably be limited to rentals or taxis.

    Mike
     
  6. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    Yes, seems like it.

    UAE isn't messing around, very strict policy on everything... Including an STD test for all new applicants!

    Can't wait for my trip!
     
  7. Rex71

    Rex71 Formula Junior

    Mar 24, 2007
    349
    Jeddah,Saudi Arabia
    Full Name:
    Majd B.
    No, just meant to say that it is better no to buy a car more than 5 years old. Otherwise you might end up spending a lot of money on repairs.
    Enjoy your trip.
    Regards
     

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