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6 great tips for buying a new car in Dubai
Buying a new car can be stressful. It’s a big purchase, so making sure you get the best deal can be taxing on the brain. The dealerships may be different, but there are certain standard protocols that span the board, so we asked the good folk at GMC to give us six essential tips to make sure you don’t get mugged off when buying a new car.
Do your research
This may sound pretty simple, but make sure you do your research before even considering your next purchase. By doing this you’ll be able to eliminate any uncertainties, and become fully focused on your desired elements in terms of space, features, performance and technology. Go to the most trusted car dealerships in the UAE and take a look around the vehicles first. Make a shortlist of the top five cars that meet all of your needs to save you wandering around aimlessly.
Also, it’s a no-brainer, but if you have a child seat to fit, make sure the car has the correct fittings for the one you own.
Arrange a test drive
The fun and exciting part! It might be tempting to drive a top-of-the-range model, but if it’s above your budget you won’t be satisfied with the entry-level model that you can afford.
Be discerning and spend some time in the passenger seat, playing with the radio and other gizmos, and don’t be afraid to ask the sales person to take you round the block to experience the car from another perspective that lets you consider road noise and ride quality.
Check out all the features
Make a note of all the features that you want or need in the vehicle. It’s a headache to take a car for a spin and be wowed by things like parking assists, rear cameras and collision detectors, only to find out they don’t come as standard. Don’t be afraid to ask about these, either.
Also, be sure to test them all. By doing this you can learn how intuitive or not, each one is and decide whether you actually need it. Don’t feel rushed. Open and close all areas of the vehicle, check how easy it is to fold the seats down, and play around with the entertainment system and controls until your heart’s content. Remember, it’s a lot of money you’re about to hand over.
Check what’s included in your package
You really need to go armed with a bunch of essential questions. Things may arise from the test drive, or something might not work as expected, so remember which things are nagging at the back of your mind for when it’s time to sit down with the sales person.
Things you may overlook when you’re caught up in the moment of getting a new car are checking the comprehensive and extensive warranty, cost of maintenance/repairs or even price of registrations.
While most may fret over the actual price, it’s important not to overlook the running costs. For example, GMC offers a maintenance schedule starting at 10,000km and includes standard replacement of engine oil and oil filters. Make sure you get your answers before you sign anything.
Don’t Rush
Even during a frantic sales period like Ramadan, you shouldn’t feel rushed to complete a purchase for the sake of saving a few dirhams. Try all of the cars you’ve been mulling over, and go back to drive them again if need be.
There is a lot to consider when buying a new car, so you shouldn’t charge into a decision. After all, it’s an expensive mistake to make, but one that’s easily avoidable by following these tips.