The recent heavy rains in the UAE have raised concerns for car buyers regarding the condition of vehicles that may have been affected by the floods. Automotive industry executives have advised residents to purchase vehicles from trusted and regulated sources to ensure the quality and reliability of the cars they are buying. To address this issue, car service centres in the UAE are offering 360-degree health check-ups for vehicles, which can help prospective buyers determine if the vehicle has been damaged in any way. The cost of these pre-purchase checks is around Dh150, making it a worthwhile investment for buyers looking for peace of mind before making a purchase.
Carlos Montenegro, managing director for Fleet & Pre-Owned Division at Al-Futtaim Automotive, emphasized the importance of buying pre-owned cars from trusted distributors to avoid purchasing damaged vehicles. Sebastian Fuchs, managing director of digital products and services at Auto Data Middle East, recommended that car buyers utilize vehicle tools to identify potential damage or accidents in imported or locally owned vehicles. Fuchs also suggested opting for pre-purchase checks that cost around Dh149 for a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s condition to ensure that buyers are getting a quality car.
In response to the increased demand for new cars as a result of the recent rains, Carlos Montenegro noted a surge in demand for both large SUVs and budget-friendly models, indicating a diverse range of preferences among buyers. Abhinav Gupta, CEO of the Gulf region at Cars24, observed a shift towards SUVs among buyers due to their perceived superiority in handling rainy conditions. Gupta also mentioned that demand for new vehicles is high and prices have slightly increased, reflecting pent-up demand as consumers delayed their car-buying decisions.
For customers looking to buy pre-owned cars, there are several tips to consider to ensure they are making a good investment. These include checking seat belts for watermarks or dampness, inspecting for corrosion in various parts of the vehicle, ensuring all electrical components are functioning correctly, checking external lights for watermarks, and conducting a test drive to assess the overall condition of the car. By following these guidelines and conducting thorough pre-purchase checks, car buyers can make informed decisions and avoid purchasing vehicles that may have been affected by the recent heavy rains.
