Your car needs to stand out from the rest and be in the best condition possible. Alamy Stock Photo
Your car needs to stand out from the rest and be in the best condition possible. Alamy Stock Photo
Your car needs to stand out from the rest and be in the best condition possible. Alamy Stock Photo
Your car needs to stand out from the rest and be in the best condition possible. Alamy Stock Photo

How to secure the best price when selling your car in the UAE


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Selling a used car doesn’t have to be a complicated or frustrating process. It’s all about timing and making your car stand out from the rest.

The major factors that devalue a car are high mileage, not servicing regularly (as recommended by the manufacturer), repainting and accidents. Although accidents are out of your control, it does help to think twice about how and where you park to avoid scratches and dents. You could, however, make quick fixes and get a deep clean at a car-detailing garage before putting your car up for sale. Presenting your car in the best possible condition will ensure you have buyers lining up for it. Here are five top tips to help you secure the best possible price on the second-hand market:

Fix its flaws first

If you are not happy about the smell in the car or the scratches and dents on the doors from the car park, the buyer won't be either and they won't miss the chance to highlight flaws. There's no doubt the buyer will find the tear in the seat leather and use it to negotiate a lower price. Make sure the service and tyre check are conducted before the sale and that you fix as many faults as possible. Getting a car detailed and cleaned is cheaper than you think, coming in at a few hundred dirhams in some cases. The money spent on preparing the car will ultimately be recovered by the amount you eventually sell it for.

Sell it while the warranty is still valid

Most new cars come with a five-year warranty, or the possibility to extend a shorter-duration warranty to five years if needed. If you bought your car brand new from the showroom, the best time to sell is after four years. At that point, you would have owned the car past the worst period of depreciation (the first 18 months), and enjoyed hassle-free motoring for four years. The average car will rack up about 20,000 kilometres a year, the distance that manufacturers use to determine the standard warranty coverage. A car that’s been driven for 60,000km to 80,000km would have a full year of warranty remaining and would therefore still possess good value and appeal to buyers looking for a used car. A perk of selling the car in that period is that you miss the period of higher expenditure on the car, post warranty or 80,000km, when most cars need a major service and a second set of tyres.

Time your sale with the age of your car

If you bought your car second-hand, the best time to sell depends on the age of the car, and how many kilometres the car had at the time of purchase. A car generally drops in value at eight, 10 and 15 years. Selling it before it gets to 100,000km, 150,000km or 200,000km would secure the best value. In the UAE, Japanese cars fare better than their more luxurious German counterparts when it comes to higher kilometres. For example, the selling price of a Toyota Prado is less likely to be affected if it's been driven for 200,000km than an Audi Q7. Studies have found Japanese brands dominate the UAE's second-hand marketplace because the entry price points are quite affordable, the cars are very reliable and service and maintenance costs are much lower compared to German brands.

Spread the word

Listing your car with online portals to ensure it gets thousands of views every month is a natural first step, but to boost your chances of a sale, take advantage of your network. Tell your colleagues, friends and family, who know you and trust you, that your car is for sale. Extend your reach to your local community groups and the neighbour who always compliments your car. When using different channels though, remember to keep your price consistent.

Market your car's super powers

Highlight special features such as navigation or cameras in the description and only share complimentary images of the car. Nobody wants to buy a dirty car or one strewn with rubbish. Present it with the same passion and excitement that made you want to buy it in the first place. Explain the key features and benefits and the things you love about it.

Keep your test drivers legal

Let potential buyers take a short test drive, but check they have a valid UAE licence first, as in the event of an accident you want to be legally covered. The key is to take a short test drive on minor roads. If the buyer wants a longer test drive for peace of mind, suggest a full vehicle inspection before purchase. And stay with the driver in the car to avoid being caught out by theft.

Stick to your guns

Always conduct the transfer of the vehicle in an authorised traffic centre such as Tasjeel. If, at the time of transfer, the buyer tries to renegotiate or change the deal in any way, prepare to cancel the arrangement and walk away. Usually, they are just trying their luck. By then they would have purchased car insurance and tested the car for registration, so they are as committed as you are.

Clear your debts

As a seller, make sure you have cleared any outstanding bank finance and traffic fines. Also, remove your Salik tag, and keep your original Emirates ID, driving licence or passport handy to ensure a seamless transfer of ownership when transferring the vehicle.

Matthew Davidson is the head of motors services at dubizzle

While you're here
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.6-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 285bhp

Torque: 353Nm

Price: TBA

On sale: Q2, 2020

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The bio

Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.

Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SHAITTAN
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The Year Earth Changed

Directed by:Tom Beard

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Stars: 4

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Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20flag%20was%20first%20unveiled%20on%20December%202%2C%201971%2C%20the%20day%20the%20UAE%20was%20formed.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIt%20was%20designed%20by%20Abdullah%20Mohammed%20Al%20Maainah%2C%2019%2C%20an%20Emirati%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMr%20Al%20Maainah%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20with%20%3Cem%3EThe%20National%3C%2Fem%3E%20in%202011%20he%20chose%20the%20colours%20for%20local%20reasons.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20black%20represents%20the%20oil%20riches%20that%20transformed%20the%20UAE%2C%20green%20stands%20for%20fertility%20and%20the%20red%20and%20white%20colours%20were%20drawn%20from%20those%20found%20in%20existing%20emirate%20flags.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Kibsons%20Cares
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Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

COMPANY PROFILE

Company: Bidzi

● Started: 2024

● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

● Industry: M&A

● Funding size: Bootstrapped

● No of employees: Nine

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

House-hunting

Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove

  1. Edinburgh, Scotland 
  2. Westminster, London 
  3. Camden, London 
  4. Glasgow, Scotland 
  5. Islington, London 
  6. Kensington and Chelsea, London 
  7. Highlands, Scotland 
  8. Argyll and Bute, Scotland 
  9. Fife, Scotland 
  10. Tower Hamlets, London