misspinkcat

Hi there,

Despite having browsed cars on Dubizzle for the first few weeks of our stay, we had made up our minds that we'd buy through a dealer for the warranty and general peace of mind.

Now we're leaning back towards a private purchase via Dubizzle or similar.
What's been clear to us this week as we visit showrooms is that the prices dealers ask for cars at 2-3 years old is much closer to new price than the equivalent Dubizzle price. For example, a Pajero, 4 years old, dealer price 78k dhs, new price 108k, Dubizzle price for same age car, 50k.

So we're wondering, who here has bought privately, and what's your view of the risk involved - especially buying from someone who's just about to leave the country?

Thanks for your help,

Miss Pink Cat and husband...

The Dean

Buy from a dealer. Seriously.

You may pay (general estimate) up to 20 pct more, but the warranties, etc, are worth it.

CeeBee

Totally agree. You just don't know what you're buying out here. You can send cars to the main dealers to have a full health check but they often charge fairly large sums and they won't take responsibility if they miss a major fault that later costs you thousands to repair.

I wouldn't personally own a car out of warranty out here.

Blue Cat

there are some genuine decent second hand cars out there, I sold my Pajero recently, try the expatwoman classifieds you might be lucky and get a good deal.

misspinkcat

Thanks for your replies. The dealer prices are still reasonable by UK standards, so we probably should stick with this. I do feel there are also many genuine private sellers but on balance we can do without the potential hassle if something goes wrong. Off car-shopping right now, let's see what we get...

Miss P Cat

fezzer

It's reasonably pain free to buy a car secondhand in Dubai. The previosu owner has to come to the RTA to prove all outstanding debts have been paid, and at the same time you can be much more confident it isnt stolen than the UK system.

Remember dealers warranties on second hand cars can be very stingey and only cover a few big items. Bring a friend who knows a bit about cars and take advantage of the better prices!

Bahtatboy

That sounds ridiculous compared to a brand new Pathfinder with 2 free services and 5 years warranty for 94k:

http://www.cobone.com/deals/dubaipre...athfinder/1178

misspinkcat

HI Bahtat Boy,
Yes, that Pajero with the dealer seemed dead expensive, didn't it. Some of the new car deals are really good, as you say. The Ford Explorer is on at 100k with some good extras too, because there's a model change due at the end of the year. The Pathfinder is a bit smaller (we need to fit three carseats in a row ideally) but must show my husband that, maybe we'll have another look. Thanks!

CeeBee

Shame, you could have bought a Pajero with 0% interest back during Ramadan, if i recall correctly.

Read the 'Which car' thread if you haven't already. Most people would suggest sticking with Japanese. http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=702710

MacScot

..plus many of the dealers are giving free comprehensive insurance (UAE onoy) when you buy a second hand car at the moment. They also do all the paperwork, registration, insurance etc for you..

Blue Cat

I sold my 4 year old low mileage, one lady owner Pajero for 52k