Buying a pre-owned car can be a smart financial decision. However, finding a reliable and trouble-free one requires lots of research and investigative skills.

Whether you are dealing with a private seller or a used-car dealer, there are many things to consider. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a used vehicle.

Remember that selling a car in Dubai is easy if the vehicle is in good condition.

Ask The Right Questions

Before you go through the technical aspects of inspecting the car, get personal with the seller. Think of questions that can help you make up your mind. The seller could mention something that you might not notice with your own eyes.

Before asking, start your research online, and look for the car model, original tire brand, and original paint color. This information will be useful when you ask the seller if they’ve made any modifications to the car outside of its original specification.

Always ask if the car has been in an accident, if so, ask what repairs were made and how extensive was the damage.

While it’s important to ask about the car mileage, the condition of a used vehicle is often determined by its maintenance history and how it’s been driven, not just the numbers on the odometer.

Take It For A Test Drive

Going for a test drive is a key factor when considering buying a used car.

Find a route that offers a variety of driving conditions, including hills, rough roads, winding turns, and a stretch of highway.

Keep the following in mind while test driving:

Test things like the brakes, lights, and horn to ensure they are in proper working condition.
Notice if any light on the dashboard goes on. This could indicate a problem that needs fixing.
How is the visibility? Check the rearview mirror and the side mirrors. Look for potential blind spots.
While on a test drive, keep —not only your eyes— but also your ears open. Listen to any unusual engine or brake noises.

Have The Car Inspected

Before you close the deal, have the car inspected by a mechanic you know and trust.

A full car inspection can help discover hidden problems that the seller might intentionally or unintentionally forget to mention. Ask the mechanic for a written evaluation that details the car’s condition, any problems, and repair costs. This report can be valuable when negotiating with the seller.

Check The Exterior

Do a full inspection yourself, look for scratches, paint jobs, and rust. Check carefully for any cracks in the glass, a crack in the windshield could lead to costly repair if left unfixed.

Test the functionality of the lights, and inspect all light lenses and reflectors for damage, including cracks, fogging, and missing pieces.

Don’t forget to look at the tires –even the spare one–. You can tell a lot about a car from its tires. Make sure that all four tires are the same brand, if not, ask the seller why they were replaced.

Don’t Overlook The Interior

It’s essential to examine the interior of the car as well as the exterior because that’s where you will be spending the majority of your time.

The condition of the car seats can indicate its age and usage. Try out all the seats, even if you won’t be sitting in them regularly. Test every seat adjustment to ensure it’s working, and search for lumps in the padding or uneven support.

Open and close the windows slowly to check whether they function properly or not. Pay attention to the roof, if there are stains or sags, it means that there might be a water leak through ill-fitting doors or windows.

Keep in mind that you can cash your car in UAE quickly and for a fair price as long as the car you want to sell is in good condition.