Dubai: There is nothing like a good offer — or even a hint of one — to get the Dubai shopper's attention. This year's DSF has its fair share of them.

A marked increase in footfall is evident at local car dealerships as potential buyers size up the various promotions and bundled offers.

"I have been waiting for the DSF to buy a car because of the discounts and freebies," said Vajira, a Dubai resident. Accompanied by her two teenage children, she was checking out a four-wheel drive at a showroom on Shaikh Zayed Road. She has visited three showrooms during this shopping jaunt, and was determined to check out the rest.

"It's difficult to choose, because there are so many offers," she said.

Indeed, consumers are spoilt for choice this time of the year.

Free insurance

At Al Tayer Motors, a Ford Explorer purchase comes with a five-year warranty and roadside assistance. Other dealerships are offering free insurance and free services for up to 30,000 kilometres.

There is even one offering a raffle draw in which the winner has no monthly instalments for the first 12 months.

"I have been thinking of buying a new car, but I think this time I can get a cheaper or a better rate because of the deals," said Dubai resident Subair Chooriyot.

Does he think the deals are worth it? "Yes, because you get more than what you pay for during ordinary days. They offer raffles, gifts and services."

Chooriyot is still cautious about committing to a big purchase this year. He said he checks advertisements for good offers before making a short list of the dealerships that he would like to visit.

This time he has his eyes set on a new sedan at one dealership. "I hope they'll offer me a better deal," he said.

During DSF the idea is to give consumers more in terms of value for purchases. On top of extended services, dealerships are giving away shopping vouchers, electronic items and other gift bundles to persuade customers to part with their money.

At Nissan, every vehicle purchase comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty plus a scratch card for shopping vouchers of up to Dh25,000 and a raffle draw to win a 370Z Roadster. At Renault, customers get a free Sony Bravia LCD TV, a Sony PSP or an iPod touch.

Bonuses

Mitsubishi is offering vouchers of up to Dh3,000 and Honda is giving away a 32-inch flat screen TV and laptop for any purchase.

Sharjah resident John Rivero said he checked all options and visited several dealerships before deciding to buy his vehicle during the DSF. He received a free five-year warranty and registration on his purchase, and the option to make his first car loan payment after three months.

"It had become a necessity for me to buy a car because I live in Sharjah but work in Dubai, so it was just a matter of waiting for the DSF to get more value for my money," Rivero said.

"I checked this car before the DSF and the price was Dh49,900 without any extra offer. Now it's Dh47,900 with the bonuses, which brings my monthly instalment to a manageable Dh860."