Dubai Forums Dubai Tech Discussions Dubai Auto

If you would be so kind, I am looking for some input from the Forum on the best type of car to have in Dubai.

I will either be working for a real estate and finance company or setting my own finance company up so regrettably, to a certain degree, the "image" is kind of important (2008 mercedes benz MB G55 or MB ML 63 or a newer aston martin DB9).

But from a practical standpoint, I'm bringing over my dog, the surfboards, and perhaps some sailing gear. I'd also like to actually get out of Dubai on a frequent occasion to see the desert and go on some treks. Also, who are we kidding, a car is a depreciating asset and i don't like wasting money--especially if I end up setting up my own company. Also, image isn't really all that important now that I think about it.

I can only own one car and typically I only keep a car for 6-12 months before selling. I drive my cars very hard, but don't enjoy spending of money on petrol. Given the US recession, cars are amazingly cheap here in the US (I can buy a 2006 Range Rover Super Charged Full size for $50K USD or a 2005 Aston Martin DB9 for $90K) and I am considering importing one. Also, my neighbor owns a Lexus Dealership and he said he would sell me a brand new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser at his cost so I could bring that with me....and just in writing this thread I wonder if that is the best idea?

Additional considerations:

Heat--are cars in UAE equipped with Heavy Duty cooling and AC systems? Is there a difference between US and UAE models?

Parking--is it better to have a car that is easy to park or is parking difficult and better if you have a smaller car?

Color--is there a color that makes a car easier to sell when you are ready? (Example, white vs. black)

Gasoline or Diesel--any preference?

Make and Model--what types of cars have the best re-sale value?

Maintenance--is there a make and model that has the best service reputation and dealer support in UAE?

If you have a moment to assist me in narrowing down my choices to "reality", it would be appreciated.

Thank you,

AL

frequent occasion to see the desert and go on some treks - astons wont do any good here. You got to have something like G or ML with an off road kit - prefer G. If you are looking at something rugged, reliable, dependable and not so expensive - Land Cruiser/Nissan Patrol.

Heat--are cars in UAE equipped with Heavy Duty cooling and AC systems? Is there a difference between US and UAE models?
All cars that come to GCC are made to stand up to the local conditions. A/C, sand storms, rubber parts and the works. So yes then are different than what you get elsewhere in the world.

Parking - Dubai is a mess. Smaller is convenient, not necessarily safer though.

Color - white is a safer bet though most colors can be seen on the roads.

Gasoline - has to be it.

Make and Model - Japs dominate the market - Toyota, Nissan

Maintenance - Japs - Nissan, Toyota

Useful reference - www.automiddleeast.com .

Cheers.

1. GCC specs for older cars have better ac. For newer cars may not be much different.
2. Parking easier with smaller car but it's not that big a deal.
3. Red for sport cars, black for limousines, metallic for better price. Black cars get hotter in sun.
4. Don't bother with diesel.
5. Japanese, Mercedes.
6. Maybe Al Futtaim (Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover).

Petrol cheap here - about US$1.70 per gallon.
Importing not usually a good idea.

More here - buying cars in Dubai.