In the UAE, we love our cars. From Nissan city runabouts to American muscle cars, SUVs, and pickups to sleek sedans, we're a region that's passionate about horsepower. Buying a used car in Dubai is easy, and there are plenty of ways to get your hands on a real bargain. It can cost less than you think, too, especially with some outstanding finance deals and special offers available at dealerships like Al-Futtaim Automall. But before we get to the dealers, are there any other ways of buying used cars in the UAE?

Private Adverts

Newspapers may be 'old school' in the digital age, but you'll still find used cars advertised in the classified sections. The only issue with private adverts is that you don't get very much information on the vehicle itself, other than the make, model, year, price and a general (and usually very short) explanation of the condition. That means you need to take the time to go and see the vehicle in person. If you love driving but don't know much about the technical side of engines, you could be taking a risk that the car you buy is a breakdown risk.

If you are going to use private adverts to buy a used car, take a friend who knows their stuff when it comes to cars and engines. Be prepared to haggle on the price, and do a little checking before you buy to ensure there's no outstanding finance on the vehicle. And if it doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to walk away.

Searching Online

The digital marketplace is far easier than hunting through the classified section of the local paper. Used cars for sale in Dubai are regularly advertised on the internet. The advantage is that you get much more information and plenty of pictures, so you can see the vehicle before you contact the seller. Again, you'll need to be cautious about issues such as outstanding finance and those hidden problems that may be lurking underneath the bonnet. Searching for used cars in the UAE online also allows you to compare prices, so you can see if the vehicle you're interested in is priced correctly.

Abandoned Cars Auctions

According to Gulf News, around 2-3000 cars are abandoned in Dubai every year. And we’re not just talking about low-value cars either – some of these gems are supercars or even hypercars that are worth more than the average house! These cars are recovered (usually from desert roadsides) and held in pounds. They are then auctioned off, allowing true petrol-heads to buy a used car for a fraction of its market value.

However, this is very much a case of ‘buyer beware’ as you are purchasing the vehicle blind. You could end up with a real treasure, or you could find that the cost of repairing that Ferrari you bought for practically nothing is more than the price of a showroom condition car. Be very careful with abandoned car auctions, as it’s all too easy to make a very costly mistake if you buy with your heart rather than your head!

Head to the Dealers

If you want to buy a used car in Dubai with no fuss, no hassle, and total peace of mind, the best plan is to head to the dealers. At Al-Futtaim Automall, our technicians thoroughly inspect every used car before it goes onto our forecourt. We ensure that all outstanding finance has been taken care of, and we offer a warranty on all used vehicles we sell. That reassures you that you're getting a quality used car at the right price so you can buy with confidence.

We’ll even take your old car off your hands, giving you the true market value. Use our online valuation tool, and we'll give you an instant estimate based on current market prices. You could then trade in your car, giving you the chance to upgrade to something a little more luxurious.

Take all the hassle out of buying a used car in Dubai with Al-Futtaim Automall. Go online and book a test drive with us today.