Its Official!!!

[cairogal]

I 'leased' long term from a number of mom and pop rental companies in Karama w/o any restrictions. I've also leased from United Rental, Thrify, Hertz...I would advise against renting from cheaper places long-term. It only takes a neglected timing belt conking out on the Sheikh Rashid road ONCE to remind me that we get what we pay for.

The advice about leasing for a couple months before buying is VERY sound. I leased a zippy Tiida for 2 months while I settled in. You need to be sure that things will work out w/ your employer, that things feel stable, etc. It will also give you time to find the right car for your needs.

Good luck!

[Cape Chick]

Originally Posted by vincetruong

You might want to lease for a few months first until you get a feel for the stability of your job and have a better idea as to whether and how long you're really going to stay out here. If you buy and take out a loan, just know that not repaying a loan can land you in prison with the lender freezing your bank account.

It's best to do your personal banking with one bank and take out the loan from another. If you do your personal banking and take out a loan with the same bank, and then lose your job or something, your account will be frozen, you might not be able to repay the loan and you end up in jail.

You will also need a Dubai driver's license before being able to drive a car that's not leased. Getting the license depends on getting your resident visa. It all takes time. So again, you may want to lease for a few months, though you fork out a decent chunk of change for economy class cars.

You can find used cars easily enough on Dubizzle or at auto shops like AAA Service Center. AAA will at least tell you the mechanical condition of the car and I would trust them. If you buy used, expect to put in extra money for maintenance. Buying used from a dealer will often come with a basic 1 yr warranty. I got a 2003 Pajero with 71k km from 4x4 that was top of the line and in mint condition for AED55k.

Lastly, bring a lot of cash or money orders with you.

Thanks, i havent thought about it that way. Thats really great and detailed advice! Do you mind if i contact you sometime if I need anything once Im in Dubai?

[MikkiD]

Firstly, welcome in Dubai Cape Chick! I hope you are enjoying your new job. Did you find a place to stay yet?
Secondly, to Bubbles, we are looking for a furnished apartment and I didn't even consider the Greens. Is it really green? We have a 9 month old and I don't want her growing up in a high rise with nowhere to go for a walk or no parks for her to play in. Is it a nice place to raise a baby. Missing my house in Cape Town a bit.