In the UAE, where people don't bat an eyelid when an embellished and modified luxury car roars by, buying one, let alone modifying it, is considered super expensive for most people. The next best option to us was a second-hand luxury car - one that was pre-loved and probably best for transitional cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
We decide to consult someone with automotive expertise and Nithul Lakshman, Managing Director at PAL Auto Garage came through to talk about eight things to consider when buying a second-hand luxury vehicle.
Used luxury cars are affordable
On an average, a new vehicle will lose 20 per cent of its value in the first year of ownership and around 15 per cent each year after that. After 10 years, the vehicle is only worth around 10 per cent of what it originally cost.
When it comes to luxury cars, the depreciation value is even higher. The first owner has already taken a huge depreciation hit. Make sure to keep this mind when considering buying a used car and make an approximate calculation for yourself.
Driving it is costlier
Be sure to consider all additional costs. High-end used cars typically cost more in other areas such as insurance, as insurance companies usually have to pay out higher claims for luxury cars in case of an accident.
Fuel is often more expensive for luxury cars because they have bigger engines. Replacement costs for items like brakes, tires, suspension components and lighting provisions will also be more expensive. Spare parts may also be hard to come by making them more expensive.
A car is never an investment
Purchasing a car, especially a used luxury car, must not be considered an investment. Cars are a depreciating asset and buying a used one may not yield returns, so this must not be your objective.
Steer clear of modified cars
It is best to avoid vehicles that have been modified in any way, be it a change in the exterior colour, over-sized wheels or an added turbo engine. It may look fancy, but the modifications may have negative effects on the internal wiring that might not make themselves visible until it is too late.
Warranty period is of paramount importance
Luxury cars that are less than five years old are likely to still be under warranty. Some manufacturers offer extended coverage of the car’s powertrain, rust protection, and other aspects of the vehicle for a certain period or mileage. This proves to be an advantage in the case of extended repairs and maintenance.
Always compare prices
Compare the price of the used luxury car on different reliable portals such as GetThat or other such e-commerce and classifieds websites. This helps you understand the going market rate for a similar vehicle and gives you an upper hand during negotiations.
Run a system and tech diagnostic
If the used luxury vehicle you are considering is high-tech with numerous sensors, controllers, computer systems and modules, be sure to run a full computer diagnostic scan, preferably at a garage. A diagnostic scan is cheap, fast and can reveal a multitude of potentially concealed issues.
Pre-Purchase Inspection:
A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) of the vehicle you are considering is highly recommended. During the PPI, a trained technician familiar with the vehicle can inspect it from rims to roofline for signs of problems or potential issues. Buying a used luxury ride without a PPI is not advised.
It is always better to be safe and take the vehicle to a garage for an inspection. Honest dealers will be open to a complete check before the actual purchase.
PAL Auto Garage is a one-stop solution for automobiles, offering varied services from routine maintenance checks, RTA approved inspection, safety and emission tests to body repair and service.
