Discussion
Hello all
Moved to Dubai in early Nov and now have to buy my 1st car as Visa, Bank A/C, house, etc are sorted. Only problem is I haven't bought a car in over 12 years! and now I've just got too much choice and I can't make my mind up! Hoping you guys can help or at least point me in the right direction!
1st Dilemma - new or used? New means piece of mind and warranty's etc, but comes with monster depreciation! Used means a great deal, but I'm not confident enough to spot a ringer/dud. Also, where to buy used? Does anyone to a similar thing to the AA's vehicle inspection?
2nd Dilemma - what to buy... Everyone drives Japanese out here (well not everyone!) and whilst they may be the most reliable, I just don't like them. I convinced myself that I should buy the Honda Pilot as it had good cabin space (got 3 kids and will need the extra space when family visit) however, when I went to put pen to paper I test drove it again and I just didn't like it, therefore buying because I should and not because I wanted to!
Wife loves the Dodge Durango, but I think she loves the luxurious interior more than anything else we've seen, however, I'm just not that big on American cars - probably more to do with historic views than experience! I love the Audi Q7, whilst not the biggest cabin, I love the looks and it's German. Always drove VWs in the UK.
Apologies for the long winded 1st post, but hope you guys can help.
Halloumba
Moved to Dubai in early Nov and now have to buy my 1st car as Visa, Bank A/C, house, etc are sorted. Only problem is I haven't bought a car in over 12 years! and now I've just got too much choice and I can't make my mind up! Hoping you guys can help or at least point me in the right direction!
1st Dilemma - new or used? New means piece of mind and warranty's etc, but comes with monster depreciation! Used means a great deal, but I'm not confident enough to spot a ringer/dud. Also, where to buy used? Does anyone to a similar thing to the AA's vehicle inspection?
2nd Dilemma - what to buy... Everyone drives Japanese out here (well not everyone!) and whilst they may be the most reliable, I just don't like them. I convinced myself that I should buy the Honda Pilot as it had good cabin space (got 3 kids and will need the extra space when family visit) however, when I went to put pen to paper I test drove it again and I just didn't like it, therefore buying because I should and not because I wanted to!
Wife loves the Dodge Durango, but I think she loves the luxurious interior more than anything else we've seen, however, I'm just not that big on American cars - probably more to do with historic views than experience! I love the Audi Q7, whilst not the biggest cabin, I love the looks and it's German. Always drove VWs in the UK.
Apologies for the long winded 1st post, but hope you guys can help.
Halloumba
welcome to the forums! as resident ditherer, i heartily congratulate you on your indecisiveness! 
the durango looks decent inside and out for a yank motor. i think for what they cost though, i'd be looking at a second hand range rover or maybe a new shape cayenne.
claire [gaffer] runs the workshops at saluki motorsport, owned by a very experienced 4x4 racer/builder who is also on these forums. they can assist with pre purchase inspections if you decide to go used/nearly new.
the durango looks decent inside and out for a yank motor. i think for what they cost though, i'd be looking at a second hand range rover or maybe a new shape cayenne.
claire [gaffer] runs the workshops at saluki motorsport, owned by a very experienced 4x4 racer/builder who is also on these forums. they can assist with pre purchase inspections if you decide to go used/nearly new.
Another dogberry here!
I'd never buy second hand again given the s
t I went through with the X5. It would have worked out cheaper to buy new, despite being bought from a friend of a friend and thoroughly checked over. There wasn't a month went by that I didn't have a problem with it, one month the bill was 30k.
Hence I'm now waiting till I can afford the car I want!
Be careful with something that has been owned by a local as they tend to abuse and not maintain, IME.
I'd never buy second hand again given the s
t I went through with the X5. It would have worked out cheaper to buy new, despite being bought from a friend of a friend and thoroughly checked over. There wasn't a month went by that I didn't have a problem with it, one month the bill was 30k.Hence I'm now waiting till I can afford the car I want!
Be careful with something that has been owned by a local as they tend to abuse and not maintain, IME.
Chilli said:
Another dogberry here!
I'd never buy second hand again given the st I went through with the X5. It would have worked out cheaper to buy new, despite being bought from a friend of a friend and thoroughly checked over. There wasn't a month went by that I didn't have a problem with it, one month the bill was 30k.
Hence I'm now waiting till I can afford the car I want!
Be careful with something that has been owned by a local as they tend to abuse and not maintain, IME.
And there's my case as to why I can't decide I'd never buy second hand again given the s
t I went through with the X5. It would have worked out cheaper to buy new, despite being bought from a friend of a friend and thoroughly checked over. There wasn't a month went by that I didn't have a problem with it, one month the bill was 30k.Hence I'm now waiting till I can afford the car I want!
Be careful with something that has been owned by a local as they tend to abuse and not maintain, IME.
Chilli said:
Another dogberry here!
I'd never buy second hand again given the st I went through with the X5. It would have worked out cheaper to buy new, despite being bought from a friend of a friend and thoroughly checked over. There wasn't a month went by that I didn't have a problem with it, one month the bill was 30k.
Hence I'm now waiting till I can afford the car I want!
Be careful with something that has been owned by a local as they tend to abuse and not maintain, IME.
And there's my case as to why I can't decide I'd never buy second hand again given the s
t I went through with the X5. It would have worked out cheaper to buy new, despite being bought from a friend of a friend and thoroughly checked over. There wasn't a month went by that I didn't have a problem with it, one month the bill was 30k.Hence I'm now waiting till I can afford the car I want!
Be careful with something that has been owned by a local as they tend to abuse and not maintain, IME.
Buying a second hand car that is 1 y/o is your best bet. Still under a warranty, already had the first hit on the depreciation - and if you buy it cash: well, you can get good deals.
As said above - stay away from cars owned by Locals - do not tend to look after the cars (90% of them anyways).
I would stay away from older BMW's too - there is a reason why most people get rid of them after 2 years of ownership i.e. out of service contract and warranty.
Also, DO NOT buy a car that you will need for family who come out once a year - you will regret it. Buy a car that is right for you and the family.
PS: what is your budget - will it be a cash buy or finance with a Bank?
As said above - stay away from cars owned by Locals - do not tend to look after the cars (90% of them anyways).
I would stay away from older BMW's too - there is a reason why most people get rid of them after 2 years of ownership i.e. out of service contract and warranty.
Also, DO NOT buy a car that you will need for family who come out once a year - you will regret it. Buy a car that is right for you and the family.
PS: what is your budget - will it be a cash buy or finance with a Bank?
yorky500 said:
Buying a second hand car that is 1 y/o is your best bet. Still under a warranty, already had the first hit on the depreciation - and if you buy it cash: well, you can get good deals.
As said above - stay away from cars owned by Locals - do not tend to look after the cars (90% of them anyways).
I would stay away from older BMW's too - there is a reason why most people get rid of them after 2 years of ownership i.e. out of service contract and warranty.
Also, DO NOT buy a car that you will need for family who come out once a year - you will regret it. Buy a car that is right for you and the family.
PS: what is your budget - will it be a cash buy or finance with a Bank?
Thanks York, some great advice - Budget is up to 200k which will have to be financed.As said above - stay away from cars owned by Locals - do not tend to look after the cars (90% of them anyways).
I would stay away from older BMW's too - there is a reason why most people get rid of them after 2 years of ownership i.e. out of service contract and warranty.
Also, DO NOT buy a car that you will need for family who come out once a year - you will regret it. Buy a car that is right for you and the family.
PS: what is your budget - will it be a cash buy or finance with a Bank?
Shirt - have you bought anything yet? If not, why are you're reasons for not buying? Or should I not ask!
for 200k on an SUV i would def. be in a rangerover. the ride is suitably wafty and has one of the best looking interiors of any car currently on sale.
i have bought yes, a jeep wrangler and a gts clubman. a month after i arrived i passed up on a nice porsche 964 because i thought cars like that were commonplace. i was wrong, and took a while to work out which direction i wanted to go thereafter.
v. happy with what i've got now though.
i have bought yes, a jeep wrangler and a gts clubman. a month after i arrived i passed up on a nice porsche 964 because i thought cars like that were commonplace. i was wrong, and took a while to work out which direction i wanted to go thereafter.
v. happy with what i've got now though.
shirt said:
for 200k on an SUV i would def. be in a rangerover. the ride is suitably wafty and has one of the best looking interiors of any car currently on sale.
i have bought yes, a jeep wrangler and a gts clubman. a month after i arrived i passed up on a nice porsche 964 because i thought cars like that were commonplace. i was wrong, and took a while to work out which direction i wanted to go thereafter.
v. happy with what i've got now though.
You'd buy a rang over a Q7? I yr old go for circa 200ki have bought yes, a jeep wrangler and a gts clubman. a month after i arrived i passed up on a nice porsche 964 because i thought cars like that were commonplace. i was wrong, and took a while to work out which direction i wanted to go thereafter.
v. happy with what i've got now though.
halloumba said:
Thanks York, some great advice - Budget is up to 200k which will have to be financed.
Shirt - have you bought anything yet? If not, why are you're reasons for not buying? Or should I not ask!
I would defo look at an SUV that is 1 year old. As it is 2nd hand you should get 100% finance (unless the Banks have changed their rules again?).Shirt - have you bought anything yet? If not, why are you're reasons for not buying? Or should I not ask!
The process is fairly simple but the Seller will be a little worried when you have transferred the car into your name and the Bank has yet to pay him the money for the car! hahaha
PS: you will need to speak to whatever Bank it is to find out who they will accept to give you a Valuation on the car (this is a requirement of the Bank)
yorky500 said:
I would defo look at an SUV that is 1 year old. As it is 2nd hand you should get 100% finance (unless the Banks have changed their rules again?).
The process is fairly simple but the Seller will be a little worried when you have transferred the car into your name and the Bank has yet to pay him the money for the car! hahaha
PS: you will need to speak to whatever Bank it is to find out who they will accept to give you a Valuation on the car (this is a requirement of the Bank)
Thanks Yorky500, now have to find an SUV that fits the bill!The process is fairly simple but the Seller will be a little worried when you have transferred the car into your name and the Bank has yet to pay him the money for the car! hahaha
PS: you will need to speak to whatever Bank it is to find out who they will accept to give you a Valuation on the car (this is a requirement of the Bank)
shirt said:
i passed up on a nice porsche 964 because i thought cars like that were commonplace.
You utter bh- they are actually the epitome of good taste.Good to meet bert on Thursday. I hope he felt better than I did on Friday morning?
ie- not cleaning vomit out of the window mechanism on his wifes car when he should clearly have still been asleep
Dusty964 said:
Good to meet bert on Thursday. I hope he felt better than I did on Friday morning?
ie- not cleaning vomit out of the window mechanism on his wifes car when he should clearly have still been asleep
We met? ie- not cleaning vomit out of the window mechanism on his wifes car when he should clearly have still been asleep
I have a large blank in the details of Thursday night from sitting down to have a quiet beer to the phone going off on Friday sometime to remind me I'd agreed to head out and stand right next to some very loud race cars in bright sunshine. At least with the amount of Gin and Tonic we drank, we are unlikely to catch malaria for a while.
On reflection, I think I'm fitting into Dubai quite well..
halloumba said:
You'd buy a rang over a Q7? I yr old go for circa 200k
Q7s are awesome if you just want a massive, heavy car that never goes off road. I wouldn't take one over 30m of sand for fear of getting stuck; they're a road car through and through. The FFRR is amongst the most suitable cars for Dubai, though my money would be going on a new shape Nissan Patrol.
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