What UAE car buyers now look for first in a four-wheeler may surprise you

Dubai: When it comes to buying a new car in the UAE, flashy looks and horsepower are no longer the only things turning heads. A new survey reveals that most UAE residents now care more about warranty coverage, fuel savings, and environmental impact than brand prestige or sheer performance.

The study, commissioned by Volkswagen Abu Dhabi and conducted by YouGov, polled over 1,000 UAE residents and uncovered what’s really driving car purchase decisions in 2025.

A solid warranty and low servicing costs topped the list for 40% of UAE car buyers – the strongest factor influencing trust in a car brand. This is hardly surprising in a country where long commutes, summer heat, and resale value are part of the car ownership equation.

“This shows that buyers aren’t just thinking about the upfront cost,” said Jordan Walker, General Manager at Volkswagen Abu Dhabi. “They’re factoring in how much it will cost to own and maintain the car over time – and rightly so.”

The second-most important priority? Environmental sustainability and fuel efficiency, cited by 34% of respondents. With rising fuel prices and growing eco-awareness across the UAE, it’s clear that drivers are looking for greener ways to get around – and they're paying attention to what brands are doing about it.

This trend is even more relevant now that hybrid and electric vehicle options are expanding in the UAE market, with incentives sweetening the deal for buyers who want to cut their carbon footprint.

While value and sustainability lead the way, 33% of survey respondents also highlighted advanced features and technology as a top concern. Whether it's driver-assist functions or smartphone integration, tech-savviness is becoming a must-have rather than a nice-to-have.

Local after-sales support (32%) and resale value (31%) followed closely, proving that buyers want peace of mind both during ownership and when it's time to sell.

The survey also uncovered a generation gap. Drivers aged 45 and above were laser-focused on practicality: half of them chose warranty and servicing as the most important factor. Meanwhile, younger buyers (18–24) showed more interest in a brand’s legacy (30%) and peer reviews (20%).

In short: older drivers want reliability, younger ones are swayed by reputation and buzz.

If you're in the market for a new car, this survey is a timely reminder to look beyond the sticker price. Prioritising long-term value, service costs, and fuel efficiency could save you more than a few dirhams down the line – and might just help the planet too.

As the UAE continues to shift toward smarter, more sustainable mobility, car brands that offer practical perks and planet-friendly performance will likely win the trust – and business – of local buyers.