Whether you’re buying a new or used cars in Dubai, you’ll want to take it out for a quick test drive to ensure that it’s the right car for you. For new vehicles, there’s not much you have to look out for, seeing how comfortable it is, the technology and how fuel-economical it is are the three highest factors when it comes to buying new.

For used cars in UAE, it’s an absolute must to test drive the car. No matter how old it is, it’s better to be safe than sorry as you never know what could go wrong later on.

Test driving a car gives you an indication of what the car feels like to drive and offers you the opportunity to look and listen for anything that doesn’t seem right.

Pro Tip: If A Seller Or Dealer Does Not Let You Test Drive The Car, Do Not Buy The Vehicle.

Exceptionally rare and expensive cars are not usually available for test drives due to their value. Cars that are not in the country are also hard to test drive for obvious reasons.

This guide is for buyers first and foremost. If you are selling a used cars in Dubai, this guide will assist you in a few things you might want to check before selling.

Before You See The Car

Before rushing out to test drive that used car for sale you found at a great price, do your homework and do a little research on the car/s. We recommend you look for;

• Known Problems Of The Vehicle
• Where To Get The Vehicle Serviced
• Where To Find Parts
• Reliability
• Fuel Economy

Now that’s been covered, organize a time to test drive the car with the seller. Once organized, head over to the location organized and check out the car.

Before You Start The Engine

Before you get behind the wheel for a test drive;

Walk around the vehicle and make sure all lines are straight. Pay close attention to the door panels. If any part of the vehicle does not match, the vehicle was poorly repaired. Small dings and dents are nothing to worry about and are common on cars.

Check the paintwork. Sun damage is one thing, a different shade is another. 

Look under the car and look for imperfections. And by that we mean damage or rust.

While looking underneath, look for oil stains or other leaks. It’s not a big problem, but something to be aware of.

Check the tires for wear. Also check the date as test centers in the United Arab Emirates are very strict on tires older than three years.

If the tires are worn unevenly, the wheel alignment must be corrected.

Check tires for flat spots. This is a clear indication that the vehicle has been sitting for a while. This can also be a sign that worse things are yet to come.

Open and close the doors slowly. If they don’t close properly or don’t line up with the frame, this is an indication of chassis damage or a poor repair. That’s a big no go.

Pop the hood and check the oil. Pull out the dipstick and check the color. If the oil is clear, there is nothing to worry about. Solid black or dark brown, the oil needs to be changed as soon as possible. Muddy grayish, the engine has either a cracked head or a blown gasket. Both are expensive to repair.

Check other fluids and make sure they are at the correct level while used cars for sale in Dubai.

Start The Engine

• After checking the exterior of the vehicle, it’s time to start the car and inspect the engine, electrical system, and other parts of the car.
• By far the most important thing is to check the air conditioning (AC). Make sure it blows cold and doesn’t run after a few minutes.
• Press, click, or tap any buttons you see to make sure they still work. Those that don’t need repairing.
• Lift the hood and listen to the engine. If there is an unusual noise that is not the noise of the engine, then there is a problem. Listen for rattling, squeaking, or grinding noises.
• Check what comes out of the exhaust. Have someone rev their engine a little and see what comes out. If smoke does come out, it should be minimal and either white or light gray. Black, gray or blue is not a good sign. Place a tissue over the exhaust outlet (don’t do this when it’s hot). If oil stains appear, then there is a problem.

Look At The Technology

You won’t find the latest technology in older cars, but you will find them in newer cars. They are a hot commodity when testing driving as it can make or break a sale.

Check that the navigation is working and up to date. Sellers with an older car will say the vehicle has navigation, but it may not be a current version. It is very easy to get lost while driving in the UAE.

Connect your phone via Bluetooth and check clarity and for pairing issues.

Adjust the seats. Older cars have manual seats, make sure they can be adjusted at least on the driver’s side. Most modern cars have power seats, and while power seat failures are not a common problem, you adjust the seat in all directions.

Time For A Ride

Now that you’ve had a good look around inside and out, it’s time to finally take the car for a test drive. Note that anyone testing a used cars in Dubai will be asked for a valid driver’s license, which is required by law.

• Turn off the radio/infotainment system/CD player and listen for unusual noises. Pay particular attention to grinding, howling, rattling, or squeaking noises. Drive in a straight line and around corners for full effect.
• If you hear a howling noise, it could be a drive shaft, differential, transmission, or tire problem. The latter is an easy replacement, but the other three require more attention.
• Plug it backwards and backwards for 100m. If possible, back into a parking space to get a feel for rear vision. Gives you the opportunity to test the rear cameras if the car has one.
• Stop the car without holding the steering wheel. The vehicle should stop in a straight line. Do this on an empty street with no one behind you.
• Test the handbrake, footbrake or electric brake. Whatever they are, make sure they work. If you can, find an inclination and apply it.
• Drive in all gears. This applies to both manual and automatic cars. If gear changes are stiff on an automatic or jerky on a manual, something is wrong.
• Apply the brakes gently while driving. Listen for grinding noises and make sure the brakes are not soft.
• Don’t drive recklessly. Remember that the car you test drive does not belong to you; Any fines incurred during the test drive are your responsibility.

FINAL TIP FOR TEST DRIVING A USED CAR IN DUBAI

If you have a friend or relative whose knowledge of cars far exceeds yours, bring them along as they can point out anything you may have missed.

If you can’t find anyone with prior knowledge, bring someone along as they’ll be a second pair of ears on your side. They will also sense if the car is a good deal as they have a different mindset and keep you focused.

That covers everything. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share, comment below.