How to buy a new car in the UAE

Dubai: The UAE can be a delight for car enthusiasts – with a wide range of automobile dealerships in the country and almost every global car manufacturer marking their presence – there is no dearth of purchasing options.

There are over three million vehicles on UAE roads, according to World Health Organisation’s Global status report on road safety 2018. If you are in the market for a car, visit soa fewme dealerships and request for a test drive before deciding on the car you wish to buy.

Always go to an authorised dealer

Brand new cars should be purchased from authorised dealerships in the country as they provide the necessary warranty, which you can claim in case any repair is required in the long run. They also offer hassle-free transactions and make the purchase process as smooth as possible. Customers need to simply provide the necessary documentation and sign the paperwork, while the dealership offers a one-stop solution for all your requirements, from registration to financing.

What documents do I need?

Once you have selected the car of your choice, these are the documents you will need to provide:

For premium cars, some dealerships may require additional or more detailed documents. This varies across dealerships.

Where do I need to go for registration?

Most dealerships offer registration services within the showroom itself. A statement from Al Tayer Motors, one of the biggest dealerships in the UAE, said: “Reputed dealers such as Al Tayer Motors offer a wide range of in-showroom services such as registration through a Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) office after all the required documents have been submitted. They also provide options for insurance and financing through a panel of insurance agencies and banks.”

What are my financing options? Can I get a bank loan? Can I ask for a discount?

Most dealerships have seasonal sales, offering free service for a certain number of years, complimentary insurance, cash-back offers etc.

You can also speak to your sales agent to find out if there is any possibility of a discount.

According to Al Tayer Motors: “Customers usually have the option to finance their car through the bank in which their salary is credited. Alternatively, dealerships have a panel of banks with representatives operating from the various showrooms itself.”

How long will the process take?

The process can take anywhere between two to five working days, depending on whether you have applied for a loan or are a cash buyer.

What if I want to sell my car?

The UAE’s car market is thriving, with many car owners looking to switch cars because of convenient financing options and a wide variety of cars to choose from.

If you are looking to sell your car, you can approach the dealership that you purchased your car from. Most of them also sell approved, pre-owned cars and you can get a good deal for selling the car back, as it would be a single-owner vehicle. The dealerships, once again, offer hassle-free transfer of ownership and you would not need to go anywhere like your bank or the transport authority to complete the process.

You could also try getting a deal by selling to individual buyers. Post your car sale ad at websites like www.getthat.com or in the newspaper.

For transferring ownership to an individual buyer, you will need to visit the emirates' transport authority: