Job Discussion Forums

JSM · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 10 Location: US

Approximately how much would you expect to pay for a second hand 4X4?

For example a 5 - 10 yr old Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Landcruiser or Nissan Patrol

Thanks
JSM

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

Check out the Gulf News or Khaleej Times online-classifieds .. that should give you an idea ...

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

also check out www.dubizzle.com

That is where I got my 94 landrover.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Adorability,

Do you mind sharing what you paid for yours?

JSM · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 10 Location: US

Thanks for that info and links.

It seems you can get a Land Rover Discovery for a reasonable price.

JSM

mandalayroad · Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 115

While we're on the subject of vehicles, isn't it better to buy a new car since any vehicle in the UAE takes more of a beating than usual due to the horrendous summer heat and humidity? I was told the price difference between new and used cars in the UAE was not big enough to make up for the extra costs that would be associated with the upkeep of a used car.

JSM · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 10 Location: US

Im not sure how the heat and humidity causes extra costs for a second hand car.

In my experience good second hand cars work out cheaper in the long run as you always lose the highest amount once your new car becomes second hand.

rocketchild · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 96

you are really thinking of buying a USED 4WD in the Gulf.

Do you have ANY idea what people do to those things or how they are driven and often not maintained.

The cost Possibly your life. You have been warned.

JSM · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 10 Location: US

Yup! People use them in the desert and thrash the gearbox. You can't do that in a Nissan Sunny.

Some people don't maintain their vehicles but many do.......you just have to check out the seller and choose your 4X4 carefully I reckon.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Hey JSM.

I need to point out that I am a shade tree mechanic, and I thoroughly check out any used vehicle that I am considering purchasing. I did compression checks on the engine, a driving test, and a comprehensive examination of the undercarriage, the transmission, the CV joints, etc... (with the tools that I have and the time I took).

I ended up paying 8,000 AED for a 1994 Land Rover. It has had to be in the shop 2x in the last year for things I cannot replace at home (both times for a day or less) , and so the total that I have spent on the vehicle is about 9,000 AED. It runs great. But again, I knew what I was looking at and for.

The real trick is to find a car that is being driven by an expat who is leaving and buy from them. I know of several people who are selling their vehicles now (a really nice older (1988) mitsubishi 4x4 with a rebuilt engine is going for 4,000, and I know a fellow who is selling his Tahoe for under 20K.)

My suggestion would be to rent and then look around to see what kind of deal you can swing, and see who is leaving and willing to part with their cars. Of course there are lots of folks who will tell you to buy new (and I can agree with them to a point. I would AVOID almost any used car lot here... they appear to be badly run, maintained, and very predatory)

mandalayroad · Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 115

JSM · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 10 Location: US

Adorabilly,

Thanks for that excellent advice. I have actually lived in the UAE before (am thinking of returning) and your information and advice matches my own experiences.

I bought a 4X4 from a colleague after I�d been there for about 6mths and had time to suss things out. I trusted the guy�s knowledge of cars and his attention to maintenance. I had a great time in the desert with my car over the years and ended up reconditioning the whole engine because it was the right thing to do. The teacher I sold it to got a good deal I think!

I would always buy from an expat and have the car thoroughly checked out. Generally I�ve not heard of people having big problems if they follow this route. And yes, stay away from the second hand car yards�..over priced and dubious maintenance records.

Mandalayroad, as for heart and humidity, I guess it does add to wear and tear but it�s the same for a new or used car. I think the key is to make sure you check out the car itself and the maintenance records. Most expats I knew were pretty good about maintenance unless they had no idea about cars. Buying new does cut down on all that work of looking around and having cars tested. And with kids I can see that safety is s real concern (and it should be in the UAE). But if you want to save money (esp. on a 4X4 ) it�s probably cheaper to do the work and buy used