In a market as large and fast-moving as the UAE's, most sellers are honest — but not all. Two risks come up again and again: cars with undisclosed accident history, and cars whose mileage has been wound back. Both can cost a buyer dearly, and both are avoidable.
The clocked-mileage problem
"Clocking" — rolling back the odometer to make a car look less used — inflates the price and hides wear. A car showing 40,000km that has really done 120,000km is a very different purchase. Low mileage that seems too good for the price is a flag worth checking, not celebrating.
The accident-history problem
A car that's been in a significant accident and repaired can look perfect on the surface while hiding structural or mechanical issues. Cosmetic repairs are easy; sound structural repairs are not always what they seem.
How to protect yourself
- Get an independent inspection. Not the seller's — your own. A proper inspection includes a diagnostic scan, structural check and mileage verification.
- Check the history. Service records, accident history and finance status can all be verified.
- Be wary of pressure. A seller rushing you past an inspection is telling you something.
- Never pay before you've verified — and before ownership transfers. Your money and the car should move together.
The bottom line
An independent inspection is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy. A few hundred dirhams spent checking can save you tens of thousands — and the verdict is only genuinely independent when it comes from someone who isn't the one selling you the car.
Want this handled for you — properly, on your side, in any language?
Talk to Kerb