5 Red Flags to Watch for When Purchasing a Pre-Owned Car in Dubai

Looking to buy used cars in Dubai? If so, do check out your car along with its features and paperwork carefully to save yourself from possible scams. 

The decision to buy used cars in Dubai can turn out to be a great deal to save some money and get hold of wheels that fit your needs. But one must pay attention to details to avoid some of the pitfalls. Although Dubai has a pretty well-regulated used car market, there will always be a few red flags that buyers need to watch out for. Here are five important warning signs for you to make the right decision.

5 Ways to Spot Suspicious Deals on Used Cars in Dubai

Listed below are some tips to get a transparent deal on second hand cars in Dubai: 

• Unclear or Missing Vehicle History

When purchasing a used car, the very least that can be done is demanding a clean and transparent history. If the seller is unwilling to give in to your demand for a clean record of the past concerning the vehicle, well, that speaks a million warnings. The history will provide details about its past ownership, accidents, and maintenance—everything in fact. 

If the seller is unwilling or unable to provide such details, beware. The car might have been in an accident or might have problems that are being hidden. Be sure to ask for the car’s registration papers and ensure they all match with the seller’s information.

• Odometer Fraud or Suspicious Mileage

Another red flag is low mileage that appears to be suspicious. One can find a used car with low kilometers, yes, but it really does matter if the odometer reading is legitimate. Few shady sellers will even tamper with an odometer so that the vehicle appears less used than it truly is.

If the mileage of the car seems to be very low for its age, review maintenance records and check for items on the interior that would point out high mileage, such as pedal wear and seat condition. Also, ask for an independent inspection. Avoid cars with spotty maintenance records as that probably means the car has just been underused and otherwise neglected.

• Poor Maintenance or Neglect

A used car in poor condition is more than just an aesthetic issue; it may also be a sign that the vehicle has not been well-maintained, which could bring about long-term mechanical problems. When inspecting the car, look for obvious signs of neglect, such as:

• Rust on the body or undercarriage
• Oil leaks or dirty engine parts
• Worn-out tires or uneven tire wear
• Deteriorating brakes or suspension
• Faulty lights or indicators

If the car looks dirty or neglected on the surface, it might have deeper mechanical problems that are expensive to fix. Ask the seller about the car’s service history and ask for any recent repairs done. If the seller seems evasive or can’t provide details, that’s a sign to proceed with caution.

• Unusually Low Price

While browsing through the competitive Dubai used car market, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. That might be tempting to get a deal, but an unusually low price could just be a ploy for the seller to offload a problem vehicle. Be extra cautious if the price is notably lower than that of comparable cars on the market.

• Unreliable Seller or Unclear Ownership

That is why it is important to buy from either a reputable dealer or a private seller with a verifiable track record. The most obvious warning signs when buying a used car have to do with an untrustworthy seller. Be wary of a seller who refuses to provide identification, does not have the proper paperwork, or appears evasive with your questions about the car’s history.

If you are purchasing a second-hand car in Dubai, take your time and do your homework. Just because the price is right, do not jump into a deal. For the best used Hyundai Sonata for sale in Dubai or any other model, check out OneClickDrive.