Process of Buying Used Cars in Dubai, UAE - A Complete Guide

However, the process of purchasing a used car requires careful planning. From researching the right car and checking its condition to verifying documents and completing the registration, each step ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether buying from a dealer, an online platform, or a private seller, understanding the process helps you make an informed decision.

Are you currently in the market for a car in the UAE but feel overwhelmed by the vast array of second-hand options at your disposal? You're not alone. 

The past few years have seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of pre-owned vehicles in Dubai, as pragmatic buyers strive to strike a perfect balance between luxury and affordability. With a plethora of opportunities to choose from, it's essential to approach this realm with both caution and astuteness.

• Test Drive - Test drive the car and check its functionality. It is suggested that you drive it on different terrains to get a feel of its performance in different conditions. Pay close attention to its handling while making turns, changing gears, evaluating the brakes, and every other function of the car. Evaluate the car for its overall performance. 
• Mechanical Inspection - Once your car passes the basic test, the next thing is to take it to a professional for a physical inspection. They will look at the car for any unusual defects and abrasions or signs of suspicious activities. You should also get the car’s exterior tested by a paint inspector and make sure there are no hidden scratches or unrecorded paint corrections. 
• Check for Recalls - Another thing to check before buying a used car in the UAE is whether the car has been recalled by the manufacturer to fix some issues. When such a thing happens, it gets recorded in the vehicle’s history. So, use the chassis number to access these recalls. 
• Review Maintenance Records - Make sure you look into the car’s maintenance record. Ensure it has been maintained regularly and is in good shape. 

3. Negotiate the Used Car Price

After thoroughly inspecting the used car, the next step is to bargain the price. Remember, there is a great difference between the price of a used car and that of a brand-new car despite being the same model. Understand the market value of the car: For this, do extensive research about similar car options and check the cost of each of these options. This will help you reach an approximate cost of your preferred model. Negotiate the price: Do not settle for the first price the seller offers you as it is usually a higher price than the actual price for which they want to sell the car. Haggle the amount and get the best deal!

How to Determine the Right Price? Determining the right price for a used car can be challenging for buyers. Even after selecting a vehicle and inspecting it, the lingering question remains: "Is this the correct price?" To ensure a fair deal, consider these key factors — Brand & Model – Choose a specific brand and model, as resale values vary. Popular brands like Toyota and Nissan typically hold their value better Number of Owners – A car with multiple owners may have a history of poor maintenance, lowering its value. Single-owner cars usually have a higher price Market Comparison – Research prices from different sellers to get an idea of the car’s average market value Depreciation – Some brands depreciate faster than others, affecting resale value Year of Manufacture – Older models are generally cheaper due to outdated features Mileage – Higher mileage often lowers a car’s price, though exceptions exist for durable models Documentation and Condition – Complete paperwork, service history, and a well-maintained exterior increase a car’s value

4. Prepare for the Purchase

Now that you have fixed the price, the next part of the process of buying a used car in Dubai is to prepare for the purchase. Here’s what you need to do. 

• Verify the Documents - Check the car documents, including its Mulkiya, any pending fines, and passed inspection certificate before purchasing the car. 

• Get a Loan (If Required) - If you need a loan to buy the car, make sure you have it in place on time so that you can pay the amount as and when needed. 

5. Transfer Ownership

The next step in the process of buying a used car in Dubai is to get the ownership papers. This is the last and the most crucial step. And let us tell you that the process is easy and can be handled online as well as offline. Now for the car ownership transfer, as a buyer, you would first need to insure the car and then take it for an inspection. 

Once this is done, you need to visit the RTA centre with the required documents and get the ownership papers. 

Get Your Car Insurance from Policybazaar.ae To get the used car registered, it is important to insure it. This is why the moment you buy the car, get the best motor insurance plan in UAE from Policybazaar.ae and complete the registration process. We also offer an array of used car insurance plans for different car models at an affordable rate.  So, don’t go any further than Policybazaar.ae for all your car insurance needs. Click here to buy now!

6. Schedule Maintenance

Once you own the car, the first thing to do is to schedule maintenance. Begin with a quick tune-up session once you buy it. During this session get its oil, oil filters, and air filters changed. 

Chassis Number Check UAE

Also Read :- 10 Luxury Cars to Buy in the UAE

Top 5 Tips For Buying a Used Car in UAE 

Here are some additional tips to remember while buying a second-hand car in UAE – 

1. Understand the Market: The second-hand car market in the UAE is quite diverse. As a result, it's important to have an idea of what kind of car you want and research the average prices of that model in the local market. Remember, the price will also be affected by factors such as the age, condition, mileage, and model of the car.
2. Check Vehicle History and Documentation: This is critical in the UAE — ensure that the car has all the necessary documentation with respect to its service history, registration papers, and any accident history. 
3. Professional Inspection: It's wise to have the car professionally inspected before you make any purchasing decisions. The intense heat in the UAE can accelerate wear and tear on a car, so there may be more issues than meet the eye. You can have inspections done at service centers like Tasjeel or ENOC, which will help you determine if the car is in good condition or if there are potential hidden problems.
4. Consider Insurance and Registration Costs: Insurance costs can vary widely based on the car's age, model, and history. It's always a good idea to get a few insurance quotes before finalising your purchase to avoid any unexpected costs. Important: Car registration in the UAE is done annually, so account for this in your budget too.
5. Negotiate the Price: Used car prices in the UAE are often negotiable. Don’t hesitate to bargain based on the car's condition, mileage, and the market value of the model. If you have done a thorough inspection and you know the market well, you will be in a good position to negotiate a fair price.

Documents Required to Buy a Used Car in UAE

The following is the list of documents you need to provide when buying a used car. These documents make the car-buying process simple and hassle-free. 

• UAE Residence Visa
• Emirates ID
• Copy of Passport
• Car Insurance Agreement 
• Valid Driving Licence

Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car in UAE

Before finalising the purchase of a used car in the UAE, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect it and consider the following factors - 

1. Vehicle's age and warranty: Start by assessing the car's age and verifying if any warranty coverage still exists. Understanding the vehicle's age will give you insights into its wear and tear, while a valid warranty can provide added peace of mind.
2. Look for Chassis or VIN Number: Locate and verify the Chassis or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car. This unique identifier ensures that the car's details match its documents and helps you check its history for any potential red flags, such as accidents or theft records. To get the complete details of the vehicle, you can visit the Ministry of Interior website, the Abu Dhabi police website, or the official RTA website. 
3. Check the body for damages: Conduct a meticulous examination of the car's exterior for any signs of damage, dents, or rust. Identifying visible damages is essential to negotiate a fair price and avoid unexpected repair costs.
4. Check the interior and the replaced airbags: Time to step inside the car! Inspect the interior for any wear and tear such as torn upholstery or malfunctioning components. Additionally, inquire about the history of the airbags — if they were ever replaced, make sure to confirm that the replacement was done professionally to guarantee your safety.
5. Check Mileage: Finally, assess the car's mileage as it directly influences its overall condition and potential future maintenance requirements. Lower mileage generally indicates less wear on critical components.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision while purchasing a used car in the UAE, ensuring that your chosen vehicle aligns with your requirements and offers a satisfactory driving experience.

Transferring the Ownership of Second-Hand Cars in the UAE

Once you have the car that you want to buy all sorted out and in your sight, it is time to initiate the ownership transfer process for the vehicle. This procedure will include a few steps and the presence of both you and the current owner of the car. Contact the owner vis the dealership or yourself and get the process started.

1. Check that the Fines and Loans are Paid off

First, make sure that the current owner has cleared all the fines and any outstanding loans for the used car in the UAE. If you are taking on the loan from the current owner under a mutual agreement, check that they have obtained a NOC from the bank to transfer the loan.

2. RTA Tests and Transfer of Registration

The registration transfer process of used cars in the UAE can be conducted at one of the RTA offices or Shamil and other authorised places. Find a branch and office that suits you and the current owner and take the vehicle there. An inspection will be conducted to check all the functionalities of the car first if the old registration has expired. After that, you will be required to submit the test clearance certificate along with the forms and documents required. The new registration card, other related documents and new number plate will be handed over at the spot only in a few minutes. Once all this is done, you can buy your chosen used cars in Dubai.

RTA/Driving License
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)	Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah	Transfer Car Registration
Driving License UAE	Driving License in Dubai

3. Document Required for the Transfer

• Passport copies – both new and the current owner
• Driving Licenses – both new and the current owner
• Insurance papers of the car
• Old registration documents of the car
• Test clearance certificate (in case of an expired previous registration)
• The original number plate of the car
• Salary certificate of the new owner (if getting the car financed)

How to Get Insurance for Your Second-Hand Car in UAE?

Obtaining insurance for your second-hand car in the UAE is a seamless and hassle-free process with Policybazaar.ae. The Policybazaar UAE platform provides a user-friendly interface and makes the entire process quite convenient for you. 

Follow these steps to get the best coverage for your vehicle - 

1. Fill Out the Form: Once you are on Policybazaar.ae, head to the car insurance section and complete the lead form. While filling out the form, make sure that you tick 'yes' for the question ‘Are you Buying a Second-Hand Car?’.
2. Submit the Form: After filling in the required details, submit the form to proceed with your insurance request.
3. Compare and Explore Plans: Once the form is submitted, you will be redirected to a page displaying various second-hand car insurance quotes. Here, you can compare different plans and explore coverage options that suit your budget and requirements.
4. Personalized Customer Care: Upon selecting the car insurance plan that aligns with your needs, a dedicated customer care representative will promptly get in touch with you. They will guide you through the process, answer any queries, and ensure a smooth and personalised experience.

Here are the key advantages of buying second-hand car insurance from the Policybazaar UAE website - 

1. Extensive Coverage Options: Policybazaar.ae offers a wide range of insurance plans from the leading providers in the UAE, giving you access to comprehensive coverage options tailored to your car's requirements.
2. Easy Comparison: The website's interface allows you to compare multiple insurance quotes at once, helping you to make an informed decision based on features, benefits, and costs.
3. Time-Saving: By utilising the Policybazaar UAE platform, you can save valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and contacting individual insurance providers.
4. Transparent Information: Policy details, terms, and conditions are presented in a clear and concise manner on our website, which ensures transparency throughout the process.
5. Expert Assistance: With the support of knowledgeable customer care representatives, you can easily navigate the complexities of insurance policies, select the best-suited option for your second-hand car, and ensure your peace of mind while driving on the roads of the UAE.

Related Links - 

Laws You Should Be Familiar with Before You Sell Your Car in The UAE

Buying/Selling your Car? Here's How Insurance Impacts your Deal!

How to sell a car with a loan in the UAE

Car for sale in UAE: Used cars for sale in Dubai, UAE

How to Sell Your Car in UAE

Second Hand Car Insurance: Types, Benefits and How to Buy

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Used Car

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