The best way to get around the UAE is by car. Your vehicle choice will have an impact on the quality of your trips, from getting to and from work to adventure excursions on the weekend.
When you’re new to the emirates, you’ll notice how most people drive behind luxury vehicles, like sports cars and SUVs. But not all vehicles on those wide open roads are posh, even in ritzy Dubai.
Efficient and affordable cars are also popular. Even better, the diversity of new cars in the UAE gives you an abundance of options on make, model and price.
Where do you start?
To help you out, here are some tried-and-tested tips when choosing a new car in the UAE:
Your driving needs will differ if you have kids; a high-performance sports car will not likely make your shortlist. A family car must be spacious, especially when you plan to go on off-road adventures or go camping.
Besides your usual destinations, consider how you’ll use the car. If you own a business, will you use it for deliveries or meeting clients? Will you use the vehicle mainly for family activities?
Safety is paramount whether you cruise along UAE highways or prefer taking casual drives along side streets and lesser-known roads. With today’s automotive technology, expect intelligent safety features in most cars. Beyond the standard airbags, driver-assist technologies like panoramic parking assist, adaptive cruise control and lane departure systems are built into new cars for added safety and convenience.
Long drives can be relaxing, but only when you have enough legroom, ventilated seats and even soft lighting to prevent intrusion while passengers sleep. Think about the entertainment system, too. After all, what’s a leisurely cruise along Emirates Road without your choice of music? The finest sound system can make all the difference when you’ve been on the road for a long while.
The UAE is home to many car dealerships. You can also shop for and buy a new car online, and even import a vehicle. But seeing the car you’re considering up close is always better. You’ll want to look, touch and test drive.
Opt for a trusted car dealer who will give you the best financing options, after-sales support and competitive market prices. Car dealerships that have strong partnerships with global manufacturers and international brands provide you with access to expertise.
Another key factor to consider is a specialization of the dealership. For example, The Elite Cars focuses on every segment of the automotive market, from service centers to spare parts. So everything is done under one roof.
Every car depreciates as soon as you drive it out of the showroom. But not all vehicles lose their value at the same rate. In general, a less expensive car will lose about 20% of its value over its lifetime. If you buy the added features, those extras may also affect the depreciation of your car.
So, before you decide on a particular make and model, ask the dealership about each vehicle’s depreciation rate.
It’s easy enough to buy and keep a car in the UAE. Although fuel costs have increased over the years, it’s still affordable compared to other countries. But fuel isn’t the only cost to vehicle ownership. Insurance, maintenance and off-roading equipment are all expenses you can expect.
If you want a car that’s affordable to maintain, you may want to consider Chinese brands because they’re economical to keep, unlike European cars.
Once you’ve decided on the particular car and the budget for it, learn about the buying process and required documents.
Start with getting your documents together.
You’ll also need to get insurance for the car, which is typically about 3% of the vehicle’s value. After you’ve settled on insurance, register your new car. You can do your vehicle registration online or in person.
Car dealerships offer discounts during holidays. If you’re looking for a good deal, schedule your purchase on national holidays. You may get free insurance and pay low down payments, in addition to substantial discounts.
Summer is also a good time to consider buying a new car since demand is low. Dealerships will want their inventory to move, giving you an opportunity to purchase your dream car at a good price.
Some dealerships may also offer big discounts at the end of the year. Many manufacturers may be introducing new models to the market. To make room for those new cars, dealerships may sell older models at lower prices.
You need a car to get around the UAE.
Although the roads on most days seem like an ad for luxury vehicles, affordable cars are still popular. Fortunately, you have plenty of options, from high-performance SUVs to affordable sedans.
