For families, a car is more than just a means of transportation — it’s a trusted companion that makes everyday life easier for every member.
A family car offers the versatility and comfort you need to keep things running smoothly as you drop off and pick up your children from school, go to work, run errands, and enjoy weekend getaways. Since these vehicles have spacious interiors, ample legroom, and trunk space, they can accommodate groceries, strollers, school projects, sports gear, and luggage for road trips.
Many family cars are equipped with advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist, collision avoidance, and rearview cameras. Because of this, they give parents assurance that they and their passengers can stay safe on the road.
When you follow the best tips on how to buy a car in the UAE, you can own a vehicle that meets your and your family’s needs.
Choosing the Best Used Car for Your Family
Buying a used family car can be a smart, practical choice. This option allows you to select from several vehicles that have already proven their performance while saving a significant amount of money.
Many pre-owned family cars come with modern features like advanced safety systems and entertainment options without the hefty price tag of newer models. As such, they are the perfect choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Used cars often have lower depreciation rates, which means they retain their value better over time. You won’t have to worry about losing a lot of money when you decide to sell it in the future.
But to enjoy these benefits of buying a used family vehicle, you need to purchase the best one.
Below are the best tips to keep in mind when shopping for and buying a pre-owned family car in the United Arab Emirates:
Ensure the vehicle can accommodate your family.
The ideal family car should be big enough to accommodate your regular passengers comfortably.
If you have one or two kids, a sedan or compact SUV has enough space to accommodate your family and cargo. A minivan or larger SUV with third-row seating is the best option if you regularly transport six or more family members.
Aside from the seating capacity, ensure the vehicle has ample legroom and headroom. It should also have sufficient space in the trunk for your kids’ school bags, strollers, luggage, sports gear, and other items your family will place here.
If you have a baby or toddler, make sure you can install a baby seat securely in the backseat.
If you’re planning to expand your family, think about how many children you want to have so that you can choose a used vehicle that can accommodate everyone in the future.
Check the vehicle’s safety features.
Keeping your family safe on the road should always be your priority. Because of this, you need to choose a vehicle with a good safety rating.
Go online to check your preferred models’ safety ratings. Study and compare their child occupant protection scores and ANCAP ratings and read reviews to narrow down your options for the ideal family car.
Additionally, look into the vehicle’s safety features, which include:
- Airbags
- Seatbelts
- Anti-lock brakes
- Headlights
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
If you’re interested in newer models, ensure the vehicle’s reversing camera, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and other safety features are working properly.
Consider the car’s fuel efficiency.
Fuel expenses can quickly add up since you’ll use your vehicle for daily commutes, school drop-offs, weekend outings, and road trips. Choosing a car with good mileage can help you manage this cost.
If you want an eco-friendly vehicle, fuel-efficient cars are the ideal options since they use less gas, release fewer carbon emissions, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
When checking a car’s fuel efficiency, read the official ratings and reviews since they can give you a good idea of how the vehicle performs in everyday driving situations.
Keep in mind that the UAE’s hot climate and varying driving conditions mean that a fuel-efficient car can help you save money on both your daily and long drives.
Look into the car’s tech and entertainment features.
In addition to safety features, check the vehicle’s tech and entertainment components as well since they make driving and riding more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Check if the car comes with a navigation system and built-in smartphone connectivity. These features can help you navigate thoroughfares and avoid traffic, making driving more convenient and efficient.
Rear seat entertainment or a touchscreen infotainment system can help keep your kids entertained during long drives. You can also use the smartphone integration feature to play your little ones’ favorite songs or audiobooks to keep them from getting bored and restless.
Run a VIN check.
The VIN (vehicle identification number) is like a car’s unique fingerprint. When you check it online, you can get important details about its history, such as previous accidents and ownership records. You can also find out if it has been reported stolen or written off.
Running a VIN number check in the UAE also allows you to uncover potential hidden issues that may not be obvious during a physical inspection. Additionally, it can confirm whether the vehicle’s description matches its actual history, which can help you make a smart decision.
You can be sure you’re buying a safe and reliable car for your family by including a VIN check in the car shopping process.
Remember to take your time when buying a used family car. Make sure the one you choose meets your requirements and can keep you and your loved ones safe wherever you go.
