The Best & Easiest Way to Sell Your Car in Dubai

Found your dream car? About to transfer it? Stay calm and keep your head cool to prevent your dream from turning into a nightmare. To prevent unnecessary stress and stay on track, it’s crucial to prepare yourself and have a clear understanding of the procedures involved. Here are 5 tips and the correct procedures to follow for a smooth transfer so you won’t fall for unpleasant surprises.

1. Verify Mulkiya and Emirates ID

Before proceeding with the car transfer, it’s vital to establish transparency in your interactions. Take the time to confirm whether you are dealing directly with the vehicle owner or a middleman. Unfortunately, not all sellers may have your best interests at heart, making it even more crucial to carefully examine the following documents:

1. Mulkiya (Vehicle Registration Card): Thoroughly inspect the original Mulkiya document to confirm that it belongs to the seller and matches their Emirates ID. This helps ensure that you are dealing directly with the rightful owner and reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions.
2. Emirates ID: Request the seller’s Emirates ID and compare it with the information on the Mulkiya. Verify that the details, including the name and photograph, match those of the person you are dealing with. This step further strengthens the transparency and authenticity of the transaction.

By verifying both the Mulkiya and Emirates ID, you can minimize the risk of fraudulent activities and ensure a more secure car transfer process. It is always advisable to exercise caution and seek professional advice or guidance if you have any doubts or concerns about the seller’s identity or intentions.

2. Service records proof

When making a deal based on the car’s maintenance or servicing history from either the official dealer or a third-party garage, it is crucial to obtain sufficient proof. This evidence ensures transparency and validates the claims made by the seller.

1. Official Dealer Maintenance: If the seller states that the car has been serviced by the official dealer, ask for the service records, invoices, and receipts from the dealership. These documents serve as proof of the car’s maintenance history and validate that qualified professionals have performed the servicing. It’s important to note that the official dealer can provide a comprehensive overview of all services, including dates and mileage, upon the owner’s (seller’s) request.
2. Third-Party Garage Invoices: If the car has been serviced by a third-party garage, ask the seller to provide all invoices and receipts from those specific service providers. These documents will help validate the maintenance work performed by independent mechanics and provide transparency regarding the car’s service history.
3. Verification of Invoices: Carefully review all invoices provided by both the official dealer and third-party garages. Ensure that the invoices are legitimate and not pro forma invoices, as pro forma invoices may indicate that the services or repairs were not actually carried out. Verify that the invoices include details such as the garage’s name, contact information, specific services performed, parts replaced, and associated costs.

Important Note: The seller must provide these documents as they are selling the car and need to provide proof. Do not accept the seller’s claim that you can verify the service history yourself at a garage. If the seller cannot provide documented proof of the car’s servicing, it is reasonable to assume that the car has not been properly maintained.

3. Registration Test

Once you have completed your inspection and verified all the necessary documents, it’s time to take the car for a registration test at the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). This test serves multiple purposes:

1. Roadworthiness Declaration: The car will be thoroughly tested to ensure it meets the required roadworthy standards. This declaration confirms that the vehicle is safe and fit to be driven on the road.
2. Validation of Pre-Inspection: The registration test also serves to validate the pre-inspection you conducted yourself or with the assistance of an expert mechanic. It helps ensure that any issues or concerns identified during your inspection are addressed and resolved.
3. Identification of Defects and Structural Damage: During the test, any current defects or structural damage from previous accidents will be revealed. The critical areas, such as the chassis, bulkhead, radiator frame, and bumper frame, are thoroughly checked for repairs. This ensures transparency about the car’s condition and history, and you can find this information in the Inspection Remarks.
4. Potential Kilometer Rollbacks: The registration test can also uncover potential kilometer rollbacks, providing insights into the car’s true mileage. This helps prevent misleading information about the vehicle’s usage and wear.

As the buyer, it is crucial to personally view this test, even the seller is paying for it. It contains valuable information about the car’s condition. Beware of unscrupulous sellers who may suggest conducting the test beforehand to expedite the process or refuse to show you the results to conceal defects. To ensure authenticity, rely on reputable testing centers.

It’s important to note that the registration test is not a comprehensive examination, and its level of detail may be limited. However, it remains an important step in ensuring the car’s overall roadworthiness and detecting any significant issues before completing the transfer process.

Registration Test Explained: https://misterwheelz.com/car-buying-guide/cracking-the-code-understanding-the-rta-registration-test/

4. Car Insurance

A common mistake people make is getting the car insured before seeing the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) registration test. This commitment to insurance can pose problems as hidden defects may emerge during the registration test . Revelations can significantly influence your decision to purchase the car. Hidden defects discovered during the registration test may prompt you to reconsider your choice. In such cases, you might even have the opportunity to renegotiate the price based on the inspection findings. This flexibility ensures that you make an informed decision and secure a fair deal for the car.
To avoid such issues, it’s wise to wait for the registration test results before finalizing car insurance.

While you can obtain a car insurance at the RTA, it’s advisable to be prepared beforehand. Contact your insurance company before visiting the RTA and inquire about the premium and the procedure for closing the insurance at the RTA. Most insurance companies can finalize the insurance within just 10 minutes, and the updated information will be immediately reflected in the RTA system. Being proactive ensures a smoother process and saves you time and money at the RTA office.

5. Finally, the Transfer

After acquiring a car insurance, you are now prepared to transfer the car into your name. Here’s what you need to know:

Both the seller and buyer must be present. If the seller can’t be there and appoints someone else, ensure they have a POA from Dubai Courts authorizing them to handle the transfer.

If you’re making a cash payment, do it in front of an RTA employee during the transfer to avoid any misunderstandings or issues.