Job Discussion Forums

[kurious]

I've searched and read the UAE postings to do with "cars" ... just wondering if anyone can tell me what I might expect to pay for a second-hand vehicle in RAK. I'll be using it mainly for the work commute, but expect I'll also want to take the occasional trip to Dubai, Oman, etc.

Any pricing/dealer tips for me anyone?

Kurious

[younggeorge]

Used car prices are very slippery objects anywhere in the world - it all depends what you're prepared to accept in terms of the car's condition and what you're prepared to pay to get something you could live with.

This site is a good starting point: I think they're based in Dubai but they probably have a branch in RAK and could certainly advise you anyway.

http://www.automalluae.com/english/default.aspx
.

[veiledsentiments]

kurious,

Personally I always purchased a new car because as a female, I didn't want to have to deal with breakdowns and repairs.

But, cars are VERY abused in the Gulf... especially by the locals. You do NOT want to buy just any old used car. I would suggest renting until you can locate a used car owned by a Westerner or at least someone you know or work with. I know that sounds rather racist, but... there is a reason that I was always able to sell my cars easily. All I had to do was to put on my little ad that the car had been owned by a Western female. If I put up the ad in the morning, when I got home from work my answering machine would be full and I usually sold it to the first caller.

The time to pick up a good used car is at the end of the academic year when leaving teachers are selling their cars. Or buy a supercheap junker for now and pick up a good one the next spring.

BTW... be sure to have a few years left before expiration on your home driving license and try to get a 'no-claims' letter from an insurance agency as that will cut your premiums by more than half.

VS

[kurious]

Thanks for the tips VS and YG.

I won't be arriving in RAK until August, which means I'll likely miss the expat sell-offs. But at least I now know what NOT to buy.

Cheers,

Kurious