Job Discussion Forums

[Muscateer]

Hello everyone.

I have a few questions about 2nd hand 4x4's and would appreciate some advice. (I have looked at the online adverts pertaining to the UAE.)

Here goes:

What quality of Isuzu/Pajero/Prado would 20,000 Dirhams get me? I am interested in doing desert 4 wheeling but would like to economize.

What car problems seem to be most common in the UAE?

Is it easy to find a 2nd hand dealer when I arrive? How about private sellers?

Do you have any other words of advice?

Thank you in advance,

Muscateer

[veiledsentiments]

General advice... can't talk about specific models...

Probably the riskiest used car purchase in the Gulf is the 4X4. One can just imagine the abuse that it may have been given. To buy one off a lot... can't say that I would do it. You want to know who owned it... the locals are famous for doing NO maintenance at all on any of their vehicles and these guys really put meaning to the term 'wadi bashing.'

The trick is to have patience until you can find one being sold by a departing expat. If they are leaving in a hurry, you 'might' get a decent deal, but expat driven cars sell for a premium. You make sure everyone knows that you are looking... watch the boards at the supermarkets... and wait. (it never took me more than a day to sell my passenger cars when I left... everyone seems to want a car that was owned or driven by a western female)

VS

[stoth1972]

[Wigwam]

If you are buying in the UAE try Spinneys Supermarket notice/bulletin boards as mostly expats sell there and normally are more honest in their information. There are also a number of second hand dealers on Airport Road between 15th and 19th streets.

[stoth1972]

I think you'll find the Hyudai Galloper or the Toyoya Pradoo(Short wheel base) to be good value for the performance, particularly the Hyundai.

[hurricane]

For 20K you'll get something old and worn out which will cost you a fair bit in repairs/maintenance. You can't afford to break down in the middle of the desert.

Greatest problems in general are tires, engine cooling system and poor customer service at many garages.

2nd hand and private dealers abound. Don't trust anyone, expat or local alike. After your initial visual and test drive, if you still think you are interested, then take the vehicle to a shop that specializes in engine and mechanical analysis (I used one called Sheikh Car Computer Testing and they did a fine job for 150 dirhams). This saved me from a couple of lemons before I found a suitable vehicle.

Don't trust ANYONE trying to selling a used car. Expats are just as "bad" as anyone else when they want to unload their old junkers. Take the time to look around and properly inspect the vehicle. Depending on how long you plan on being here, think about spending more money up front to avoid constant repairs (though off roading will lead to more wear and tear in general).

[veiledsentiments]

This is the reason that I always just bought a new car and avoided these risks. But one 'advantage' of living in Al-Ain is that 'disadvantage' that everyone knows everyone. That is where the patience part comes in... the grapevine can often let you know how they used or abused their vehicle.

Great to have a recommended testing place...

VS

[turtlepi1]

and don't forget the yearly registration inspection....

They will fail you for things like
your car is dirty
the paint is faded
your tires are past the expiration date...apparently they have one (regardless of the wear)

So an older car presents challenges.
And there is the latest rumour they will not be renewing cars over a certain age. Though it isn't enacted yet the discussion is 14 years. (fair enough I say)

[DesertStar]

20k isn't much to get a decent-enough ride... instead of off-roading, you'll likely spend your time at the repair shop.

I agree, don't trust anyone!

BTW, locals could be careless but expats are the greediest of all, they always want to sell real junk for real money!

[veiledsentiments]

I've found selling real junk for real money isn't restricted to any one nationality.

VS

[Muscateer]

Thank you all for being so helpful.

About how much do new Isuzus/Prados/Pajeros cost? I haven't been able to garner that info from the web (perhaps due to my poor research skills?).

I appreciate all the comments.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

Between 20 & 30,000 Dh would get you a decent enough (7 yr old or older) 4x4 for the desert ... most of the people I've been driving with in the desert have not had a car any newer than that ...

In fact, many of the people who buy a 2 or 3 yr old motor (at an agency for a premium rate) never take it in the sands for fear of getting it dirty!

My mechanic tells me you can pretty much tell how it's been driven by looking at the condition of the body work and the interior ... some look like they've been picked up and shaken like a rattle ... you then take the good ones to have their engines etc inspected ...

Dubai has the greatest 2nd hand market though if you're not based there, it can be a pain going up to check out a VGC 4x4 only to find a tatty old contraption resembling an old Carrefour trolley ... still if you want one in good condition without paying the agency premium (as much as 30%) ... then that's what you have to do ... importing them to your Emirate is a piece of cake and only costs around 150 Dh all in ...

You say you've seen the Gulf News and the Khaleej Times Classifieds ... have you checked out www.4x4motors.com (look at those prices!!)

[Muscateer]

Thanks Sheikh,

Would you be able to recommend a mechanic to check it out?

M

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

One not too distant from the seller geographically, but very distant genealogically ...

I'm sure someone on the ground will be able to help when the time comes ...