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Real cost of car ownership

Buying a car is a very big decision and one should fully take an educated decision rather than shooting in dark by considering only the purchase price of the car. Many time we think some car brand is cheaper than other then why not settle with a cheaper one and save a few thousand in the car buying process eventually we regret our purchase due to expensive insurance, maintenance and fuel mileage.

I have bought many cars in Dubai in the last 7 years that I feel below checklist and key points are very important for any person to understand, plan and act on before buying any new/used car in Dubai and UAE.

  1. Requirement: Planning a car should definitely start with the need and the real requirement off course. If you require a four-seater car then don't go looking for a 7-seater. 
     
  2. Allocate budget:  Fix your budget first and then decide to spend 90% of the total set budget, as the remaining 10% roughly will be required for insurance, registration, tinting and other minor accessories.
     
  3. New vs Used: Both have their own pros and cons depending on the budget you decide and you should work around it.
     
  4. Insurance: Usually insurance in Dubai and UAE float around 2-5% of the sale value, but it may vary depending on your car segment: Sports and Luxury cars have higher insurance premium. The new driver will have a higher insurance premium. An old driver can save on insurance premiums by submitting a no-claim certificate from their previous insurance company.
     
  5. Financing cost: If your bank finances the car then do factor the total interest paid overtime, as it will rock the overall budget set for a car. If you looking for new cars then look for a few dealers in Dubai who offer zero percent interest during mid-year car sales.
     
  6. Registration: Although very small like less than 1000 dirhams for testing, registration, plate number etc. but worth counting.
     
  7. Maintenance: Japanese, Korean and American cars have reasonable maintenance costs as opposed to European and British cars. Super compact cars have higher maintenance than a normal sedan or saloon car. Luxury cars have higher maintenance as opposed to regular cars. Sports cars and performance cars have higher maintenance as well.
     
  8. Fuel mileage: Smaller the car size and car engine capacity lesser the fuel consumption. Big 4x4, Sportscar and performance cars have higher fuel consumption as well.
     
  9. Re-sale value: In order of best to worst - Japanese, American, Korean, German, British and French.

 

Real cost of car ownership = (Cost of the car + Insurance + Registration + Finance cost + Fuel consumption + Maintenance) - Re-sale Value.

 

Hope it helps many new car buyers in making an educated decision.





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