The difference in price point between showroom-fresh and second-hand cars is significant. Yet, everyone has heard stories from friends and family about used-vehicle purchases that have ended in, at best, severe inconvenience and, at worst, complete disaster.
Don't let that put you off, however, as simply knowing the basic rules for buying a second-hand car can leave you confident in your purchase.
“Buyers are advised to closely examine the vehicle’s service history, mileage and overall condition – both mechanical and cosmetic,” says Karim Maksoud, managing director of Al Habtoor Motors, which deals in both new and used vehicles.
“It is equally important to verify that the car is free from any accident damage and has undergone a thorough, professional inspection,” Maksoud adds.
Dealer versus private owner
There are two options when looking for a used car – going through dealerships or sourcing a model directly from the previous owner.
In the main, you're likely to pay a little more to a dealership, but they invariably offer perks of one sort or another, and these can be highly attractive when it comes to having peace of mind when making your purchase.
Al Habtoor, for example, offers a 14-day exchange guarantee and a five-year top-up warranty, while Al Futtaim has roadside assistance and comprehensive inspections included with its Toyota and Lexus packages.
Carlos Montenegro, managing director of fleet strategy at Al Futtaim Automotive, another key player in the UAE used-car market, says transparency and trust are key, especially when buying from an individual owner.
“The most obvious red flags include inconsistent service history, signs of accident damage, unusually low pricing and unclear vehicle ownership or importation history,” he says.
Crunch the numbers
Once you find a car you fancy, one of the first things to do is track down its vehicle identification number.
VIN is a unique, 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every car that will help ascertain its legitimacy.
The digits show the motor's country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle type and attributes, the year it was built and the plant in which it was assembled.
This code allows interested parties to assess the vehicle’s registration, insurance status and, crucially, any history of accidents or theft.
There are multiple online options for checking the VIN, the easiest being the websites for Emirates Vehicle Gate, Ministry of Interior, Dubai’s Roads and Traffic Authority, Abu Dhabi Police or Tamm.
When checking the code's validity, Maksoud says: “It is essential to verify that the VIN matches all official paperwork.”
Both Maksoud and Montenegro stress the relation between a car's mileage and its overall condition.
Distance-wise, figures suggest drivers average about 19,000-24,000km a year, so you can tell if a vehicle is above or below what you might expect by multiplying how old the car is by those digits.
Looks can matter
Looking for dents, scratches or rust is a given, but it's also worth thoroughly examining the panels up close to look for inconsistencies in paintwork.
These could be an indicator that the car has had a DIY patch-up after being scraped.
If the car is low to the floor, getting down on your back is not strictly necessary. Instead, run your fingers along the underside to see if there is any scratching not visible from an upright position.
It is, however, worth getting down on your hands and knees to check for any pools on the tarmac under the car while it is stationary, though – leaks of any kind are never a good sign.
Tyres are another area to check for wear and tear, with tread length being the key issue. You can test by inserting a Dh1 coin into the grooves at various points.
In general, if you can twist the coin, the tyre is worn and needs replacing.
Montenegro also recommends asking for certifications such as a 99-point or 145-point inspection, as these are often provided by dealers.
Cabin comforts
Inside the car, make sure you press every button there is to check each is doing what it's supposed to.
It’s also worth tapping the dashboard in a few places to ascertain that it’s still solid – things can become loose with age.
Also check the seating – it isn’t just about whether it’s comfortable or not, but also how worn the material is and whether it might need replacing.
Air conditioning is a key area of concern in this region, so start the engine and sit there for a few minutes to check all is in working order.
If the chilling isn’t thrilling, it could just be a case of topping up the refrigerant, but you should also look out for odd noises, such as squealing or rattling, and be cautious of mouldy smells.
Any aircon servicing outlet should be able to cure this, but you should consider how much you might have to spend when it comes to what you’re finally paying for the vehicle. You can get a refrigerant top-up for as little as Dh100, for example, but an overhaul will be significantly more.
In the driver's seat
Both experts agree that a test drive is essential. It’s difficult to assess problems from the engine's sound alone, but you should be able to tell if it sounds clunky or lacking in power.
All cars lose grunt as they age, but it's worth checking out the specs of a particular vehicle to give you an idea of what it was capable of when it was fresh off the production line.
Whole nine yards
All this aside, if you want to be really thorough, it’s worth seeking the services of a qualified mechanic to give the car a once-over.
A good technician will not only be able to assess any potential problems, but also tell you how much it might cost to put them right and what impact that will have on price negotiation.
Maksoud says: “After-sales support and credibility of the seller play a key role in a safe and satisfactory purchase.”
Montenegro concludes: “A well-maintained used car should come with a verified service history, low to moderate mileage relative to its age, and a clean body and interior.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
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MATCH INFO
Qalandars 109-3 (10ovs)
Salt 30, Malan 24, Trego 23, Jayasuriya 2-14
Bangla Tigers (9.4ovs)
Fletcher 52, Rossouw 31
Bangla Tigers win by six wickets
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Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery
Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges
Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic
Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks
Ep5: Travel and tourism
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A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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EA%20Sports%20FC%2024
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4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
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Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Director: Jon M Chu
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Four stars
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
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Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
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Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Brief scores:
Everton 0
Leicester City 1
Vardy 58'
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Two stars out of five
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
WHAT%20IS%20'JUICE%20JACKING'%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Juice%20jacking%2C%20in%20the%20simplest%20terms%2C%20is%20using%20a%20rogue%20USB%20cable%20to%20access%20a%20device%20and%20compromise%20its%20contents%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20exploit%20is%20taken%20advantage%20of%20by%20the%20fact%20that%20the%20data%20stream%20and%20power%20supply%20pass%20through%20the%20same%20cable.%20The%20most%20common%20example%20is%20connecting%20a%20smartphone%20to%20a%20PC%20to%20both%20transfer%20data%20and%20charge%20the%20former%20at%20the%20same%20time%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20term%20was%20first%20coined%20in%202011%20after%20researchers%20created%20a%20compromised%20charging%20kiosk%20to%20bring%20awareness%20to%20the%20exploit%3B%20when%20users%20plugged%20in%20their%20devices%2C%20they%20received%20a%20security%20warning%20and%20discovered%20that%20their%20phones%20had%20paired%20to%20the%20kiosk%2C%20according%20to%20US%20cybersecurity%20company%20Norton%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20While%20juice%20jacking%20is%20a%20real%20threat%2C%20there%20have%20been%20no%20known%20widespread%20instances.%20Apple%20and%20Google%20have%20also%20added%20security%20layers%20to%20prevent%20this%20on%20the%20iOS%20and%20Android%20devices%2C%20respectively%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
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The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
PROFILE OF STARZPLAY
Date started: 2014
Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand
Number of employees: 125
Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners
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