Most export buggeration-free UAE marques
Discussion
Hello PH, Am new on here - got advised to join-up by a good mate and PH lifer.
Just moved to Dubai with the family and in a moment of madness promised The Missis that I'd buy her some form of Chelsea Tractor. Roughly 50/50 chance that the project I'm working on here goes nowhere and we need to move to Blighty or Euro area within a year or two hence am looking to future-proof the purchase by going for brands/models which are more amenable to the transition. i.e. where buying the GCC spec is a viable proposition in the west (read: doesn't bankrupt me on fuel cost), doesn't require a quadruple bypass operation to make it UK/Euro roadworthy and is dealer-friendly. Beyond the obvious things like limiting size, maximizing fuel efficiency stats etc etc, does anyone know of any solid rules of thumb? Anything along the lines of an authoritative, "Beemers or VeeDubs need no work to go from GCC to Euro" would be utopia. Failing utopian outcomes, any tips of who might know this stuff would also be much appreciated.
Shall make future posts less wordy, in the meantime looking forward to hearing from anyone out there.
Cheers, NS
Just moved to Dubai with the family and in a moment of madness promised The Missis that I'd buy her some form of Chelsea Tractor. Roughly 50/50 chance that the project I'm working on here goes nowhere and we need to move to Blighty or Euro area within a year or two hence am looking to future-proof the purchase by going for brands/models which are more amenable to the transition. i.e. where buying the GCC spec is a viable proposition in the west (read: doesn't bankrupt me on fuel cost), doesn't require a quadruple bypass operation to make it UK/Euro roadworthy and is dealer-friendly. Beyond the obvious things like limiting size, maximizing fuel efficiency stats etc etc, does anyone know of any solid rules of thumb? Anything along the lines of an authoritative, "Beemers or VeeDubs need no work to go from GCC to Euro" would be utopia. Failing utopian outcomes, any tips of who might know this stuff would also be much appreciated.
Shall make future posts less wordy, in the meantime looking forward to hearing from anyone out there.
Cheers, NS
Edited by NapoleonSquid on Monday 31st July 19:38
'GCC-spec' doesn't really mean much on most cars, except for the 120km/h warning sound. Most cars here are slightly down on power due to the crummier fuel quality, but a few tanks of decent petrol in Europe would see the ECU adjust accordingly.
Any European brand vehicle would easily work in Europe, just the LHD issue to overcome if you went back to Blighty. They all have the correct fog lights, indicators etc.
Avoid the US brands if you want to take to Europe - they'll need the most work to convert over, especially for the UK. And would be the most ruinous on fuel costs.
If you're returning to the UK, bear in mind you need to be outside the country for at least 12months before importing a vehicle, have owned said vehicle for at least 6 months before returning the UK and won't sell it for another 12months - all if you want to avoid import duties and tax. See here for official info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-...
Any European brand vehicle would easily work in Europe, just the LHD issue to overcome if you went back to Blighty. They all have the correct fog lights, indicators etc.
Avoid the US brands if you want to take to Europe - they'll need the most work to convert over, especially for the UK. And would be the most ruinous on fuel costs.
If you're returning to the UK, bear in mind you need to be outside the country for at least 12months before importing a vehicle, have owned said vehicle for at least 6 months before returning the UK and won't sell it for another 12months - all if you want to avoid import duties and tax. See here for official info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-...
Cars are generally more expensive here v Uk for European brands, plus the cost of shipping not sure it would be worth it.
Possible some LHD cars might go for more, G wagons, F-150 raptors (popular in Europe esp germany) ot LHD top spec AMG and 911 seem cheaper her.
Or just buy an older patrol/wrangler/FJ cruiser as they seem low on depreciation.
Possible some LHD cars might go for more, G wagons, F-150 raptors (popular in Europe esp germany) ot LHD top spec AMG and 911 seem cheaper her.
Or just buy an older patrol/wrangler/FJ cruiser as they seem low on depreciation.
My 911 will be coming back with me to the UK. So just going through what I need to change. Seems simply enough! But the view is I can use it in Europe and then sell in Europe later if needed.
Stuckmojo is currently shipping his G55 back to the UK as well.
Stuckmojo is currently shipping his G55 back to the UK as well.
Edited by Rich_AR on Wednesday 2nd August 06:26
Thanks both, very helpful and nice to get a couple responses to my first ever PH post. It looks like it's heading towards a Touareg for the wife. With whatever is left of my budget (not much) I quite fancy taking a chance on a very high mileage Range Rover. Anyone know of any trustworthy Dubai garages who can give you an honest opinion before you buy?
Cheers, NS
Cheers, NS
NapoleonSquid said:
Thanks both, very helpful and nice to get a couple responses to my first ever PH post. It looks like it's heading towards a Touareg for the wife. With whatever is left of my budget (not much) I quite fancy taking a chance on a very high mileage Range Rover. Anyone know of any trustworthy Dubai garages who can give you an honest opinion before you buy?
Cheers, NS
Saluki or AAA. Popular with the LandRover guys and I use Saluki myself. They can inspect it for you before you buy (for about 500dhs).Cheers, NS
Rich_AR said:
My 911 will be coming back with me to the UK. So just going through what I need to change. Seems simply enough! But the view is I can use it in Europe and then sell in Europe later if needed.
Stuckmojo is currently shipping his G55 back to the UK as well.
Thanks Rich_AR, wondering what model your you 911 is and what is it looking like you'll need to change?
Cheers, NS
Stuckmojo is currently shipping his G55 back to the UK as well.
Thanks Rich_AR, wondering what model your you 911 is and what is it looking like you'll need to change?
Cheers, NS
Edited by Rich_AR on Wednesday 2nd August 06:26
It's just a 997.2 C4S. I've swapped the rear fog light to the right side and I just need to flip the headlight switch to the right as well. Speedo is a small change to MPH via the PCM to give digital MPH readout. I'll remove the x-pipe I have and refit the standard centre exhaust box. Other than that, it should be fine (fingers crossed!) for the IVA and MoT.
Jases suggestion of fj cruiser is a good one. Friend had one for 4 years cost her peanuts to run. They're not as big inside as they look and uninspiring to drive but they're capable and bulletproof.
For yourself, rent until you know your way around (figuratively). If you don't mind twirling spanners there are can be some interesting cars turn up on the classifieds.
For yourself, rent until you know your way around (figuratively). If you don't mind twirling spanners there are can be some interesting cars turn up on the classifieds.
Good to know, thanks. In terms of classifieds, I have the dubizzle app and autotrader.ae (the former seems to have much more on); are there any others worth considering?
Incidentally, I just bought tickets for a few chums and I to visit the AD GP. As the Americans amongst them would say, 'Pumped'!
NS
Incidentally, I just bought tickets for a few chums and I to visit the AD GP. As the Americans amongst them would say, 'Pumped'!
NS
Desert Dog said:
I'm sure that there are two sides to every story.
Hi..I sent the car and asked for a full report and service. I was told that all it needed a new AC compressor and the cats needed replacing. I had to chase and chase the service advisor. He could not source the parts.. I found and supplied an alternative compressor on the same day and this was fitted and the car was 'ready'. He promised to look into the loose steering too but the part could not be found...ditto the cats..
I got the car back and contacted a parts specialist..they had the box in stock (in Dubai!!) and the cats were available within 7 days...all at UK equivalent prices
In addition the car had a really bad drive line vibration. This was not even noticed on the 'test run' - i am not sure how it could be missed it was that bad (note that I had sent the car straight after registration and so hadn't driven it).
When later asked to look at this I was told that it would be too complicated and they didn't want to work on the issue.
So in summary..no effort to get parts, missed serious issues with drive train and even the work done on the AC needed fixing as the belts were too tight and made the AC compressor howl. Not interested when asked to do something beyond an oil change.
All a bit short sighted as the chaps I work with are Land Rover mad and have just placed an order for some serious modified Defenders which will require careful support once they land in the UAE
My obvious response is buy a G Wagon. Very good prices in Dubai and depreciation is minimal if you buy well.
I reckon I could use mine in UK for a year, then sell it for way more than I paid for it. (Not that I plan to)
If your wife wants a Chelsea tractor, the G is the most obnoxious, she'll love it
I reckon I could use mine in UK for a year, then sell it for way more than I paid for it. (Not that I plan to)
If your wife wants a Chelsea tractor, the G is the most obnoxious, she'll love it
Corso Marche said:
What's the deal with the fuel ? Only moved here earlier this year and am always interested in discovering things like this and gaining an understanding of them.
UAE fuel is one of the better quality fuels in the region. In terms of octane, there is no difference to Europe with Special being 95 RON/85 MON and the super being 98/88. Most notable differences in specification are sulphur content (a max of 150 ppm allowed here vs 10 ppm in Europe) and benzene content (1.5%vol here and 1.0%vol in Europe). Note that these are maximums allowed, the actuals are often lower (because a lot of the imported fuel often comes from Europe). Another notable difference is ethanol content, ethanol is not allowed in UAE fuel but can be blended up to 10% (?) in Europe. Corso Marche said:
What's the deal with the fuel ? Only moved here earlier this year and am always interested in discovering things like this and gaining an understanding of them.
Additives are generally not used here by the oil companies, so the fuel is more 'pure' but doesn't have the cleaning agents etc you'd find in Shell in the UK for example.91/95/98 Octane is the standard here, which is a lot better than some countries in the region. Pricing is fixed by the govt and is updated monthly to follow market rates.
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