Why do UAE Residents Prefer Used Cars Over New Ones?

Published
03/13/2025

Meta-Description: The UAE offers a range of options for used cars. Check out the best buy second hand luxury car Dubai from OneClickDrive - the leading used car buying platform in Dubai. 

The United Arab Emirates is a country known for its love of luxury, high-performance cars, and cutting-edge automotive technology. While many would assume that the locals in this well-off nation would certainly go for brand-new cars, the opposite is true for a large part of the population. More and more UAE residents are opting to buy used cars instead of new ones, and there are a few major reasons behind this shift in preference. From financial benefits to the wide variety available, the option to buy second hand luxury car in Dubai has evolved to be both a wise and popular option for many. 

 

How are Used Cars Beneficial than New Cars in the UAE?

Here's a look at why UAE residents prefer used cars over new ones:

Substantial Savings

One of the obvious reasons people in UAE prefer used cars is that it saves them a lot of money. New cars, especially those in the luxury and high-performance segment, can be quite pricey. Besides the purchase price, new cars involve high registration fees, insurance premiums, and higher maintenance costs during the early years.

Another added advantage to buying a used vehicle is the savings from the steep depreciation in the first few years. A new car can lose as much as 20-30% of its value in the first year alone and that devaluation will go on for at least three years. A smart buyer can purchase a used car that is only a few years old, allowing him or her to have a high-quality vehicle at a fraction of the price without the immediate drop in value that comes with buying new. Compare a list of used cars from different sellers and get the best prices at OneClickDrive. 

Lower Depreciation Rates

As noted, depreciation is the biggest chunk of the expense of owning a new car. The new car loses half of its value in an instance—when it rolls out of the dealership's premise. That is even truer in UAE, with high demand for new vehicles and frequent updating of models with new features and designs.

With a used car purchase, major depreciation has already taken place. While all cars depreciate over time, the rate of depreciation for used cars tends to slow down significantly after the first few years. This means that the vehicle retains more of its value over time, which is very attractive to many residents who view the car purchase as an investment.

Wide Variety of Options

The used car market in UAE is wide enough to satisfy every need and budget. Be it a luxurious sedan, a practical family car, or tough SUVs, the variety of second-hand vehicles available in the UAE is gigantic. Dubai and Abu Dhabi house countless well-maintained used cars from both dealerships and private sellers.

The used car market in UAE can be a goldmine for people looking to invest in a luxury vehicle. Most of the luxury car owners in UAE take good care of their vehicles, and one may even find premium brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, or used BMW M4 Dubai at a fraction of what it costs when bought new. Besides, high-end cars generally hold up well over time, which actually makes them more accessible and desirable when bought pre-owned.

Lower Insurance and Registration Costs

In the UAE, insurance premiums and registration fees are typically calculated based on the value of the car. New cars are generally more expensive to insure due to their higher market value and the cost of replacement parts. In contrast, used cars often come with lower insurance premiums and registration fees, which can lead to significant savings over time.

For those residents who are trying to reduce their ongoing costs on automobiles, purchasing a pre-owned one can be the wisest choice. Savings in insurance and registration make owning a used car more affordable than buying a new one.

The advantages of purchasing a used car in the UAE, with its high savings and lower depreciation rates, go all the way to the chance of getting different well-maintained vehicles. Thus, the UAE used car market is pretty much an intelligent and practical alternative to the purchase of a new car for a wide customer base.