Cars and Driving Questions

[BALACOOL]

Originally Posted by mavzor

There's been alot of questions in the salary thread and in other places about buying cars, renting cars and other driving questions.
I thought a dedicated thread would encourage centralization of knowledge, and provide a decluttering of other places.




Do I need a car in dubai.
Mavzor: Yes. That is all.

Should I rent or Buy.
Mavzor: Do you enjoy cars? Are you going to be here for more than a year?

What sort of car should I buy?
Mavzor. Might be worth your time to make a post describing what your budget is, what your usage will be, and cars you used to own.

Should I buy a used car?
Mavzor: Are you accustomed to new cars? Do you or someone you know possess mechanical knowledge/awareness?

Should I bring my car to dubai?
Mavzor: Unless it's something special to you, no.

To provide context on my responses, a major reason I moved to dubai was for the price of cars, the quality of the roads, the car culture, and the price of petrol and repairs.

There are many more questions out there, and I'd be happy to include your questions and responses. In particular I'd welcome Jynxgirl's responses among other expat regulars.

Otherwise here's a new place

Yes you do need a car in Dubai, though there are quite few places easily accessible via metro and metro is good.

[ger0nimo1]

I am bringing my car and motorcycle from the USA to the UAE. What documents will I need to register my vehicles in the UAE, what is the process after I receive my vehicles at the port of Dubaia? Can you recommend someone to assist me?

[GThaman]

After using the buses and metro for a week, you DEFINENTLY need a car in Dubai!!!!!!!!!!

[Mickay]

Does anyone know how much is the penalty for registering your car late? I wanted to sell my car that's why i didn't register it and am too busy with work to have time do it. Been late for a month now :'(

[toneson]

Anyone had experience of a longer term car lease in Dubai from a company like Hertz?

Seems to be a price premium, but I guess
1. Don't run the risk of buying a car and having a problem if you or your contract expire!
2. it's basically worry free motoring with a new car
3. no maintenance worries to contend with (or insurance for that matter).

Was considering a Honda CRV.

[rsinner]

Originally Posted by toneson

Anyone had experience of a longer term car lease in Dubai from a company like Hertz?

Seems to be a price premium, but I guess
1. Don't run the risk of buying a car and having a problem if you or your contract expire!
2. it's basically worry free motoring with a new car
3. no maintenance worries to contend with (or insurance for that matter).

Was considering a Honda CRV.

Very informative post here Leasing Cars

[Ismailsaadeh]

Everyone needs a car in Dubai! There is no other option, the transportation system is effective, but due to the extreme weather (Humidity and temperature) it is very difficult to walk, even for a short distance.
Plus, cars and fuel are relatively cheap, you will be saving a lot comparing to using Taxis which have a very expensive fair.
There is a lot to do over here, and if you don't have a car, it will cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy the life style here.
Unfortunately, Dubai is getting very crowded, when i first came here back in 199, i used to drive from Dubai to Sharjah in less than 15 minutes. Now it takes an hour at least. Thank god i don't go there no more. Even when it comes to driving from Jebel Ali to Bur Dubai, it takes ages now.
A working couple in Dubai both own cars, and sometimes a single family have 5+ cars and i saw that with my own eyes.
There is no alternative for not owning a car, but if you do, don't get a second one.

[Descenter]

Originally Posted by ger0nimo1

I am bringing my car and motorcycle from the USA to the UAE. What documents will I need to register my vehicles in the UAE, what is the process after I receive my vehicles at the port of Dubaia? Can you recommend someone to assist me?

What I am sure of:
1- You must be a legal resident (they need a copy from your passport and UAE residence VISA).
2- You must have a valid UAE driving license to register any car under your own name.
3- The shipper company will notify you when the container has reached Dubai with its S/N number and Ship Name.
4- You go to the port to collect it.



Now at the port, what I am skeptic about (because 4 years ago a friend of mine brought his car from USA and that's what i roughly remember, also laws might have changed):

1- You head to the docks and collect the car from the shipping company using the paper they gave you in USA.

2- Next you need to clear it from customs in order for it to be officially inside UAE.
Basically when you checked-out the car from USA, they attached papers to it, you will need those papers for UAE customs to proof the origin of the car and the owner details (you).

3- After clearing the car from customs, it is officially inside UAE but not street legal yet. There is a DMV in the port its self where you can have it insured, checked, licensed and attach the plates on it over there.

Expect a minimum of 2 hours time needed to have the car road legal in UAE.

[FrankV]

Hi all,

Question: In the Netherlands (and other European countries) car insurance fees are reduced if you do not claim a damage against that insurance for a certain amount of time (so, no damage for 10 years, is a reduction in the cost of e.g. 50%). Does the same thing exist in Dubai? And if so, does anyone know whether my Dutch n-accident discount can be transferred to Dubai?

Thanks, Frank

[Descenter]

Originally Posted by FrankV

Hi all,

Question: In the Netherlands (and other European countries) car insurance fees are reduced if you do not claim a damage against that insurance for a certain amount of time (so, no damage for 10 years, is a reduction in the cost of e.g. 50%). Does the same thing exist in Dubai? And if so, does anyone know whether my Dutch n-accident discount can be transferred to Dubai?

Thanks, Frank

This concept of reducing insurance has been recently applied (about 2 years ago).
However because it is new and insurance companies are not happy with it (they are losing money), you need to read the fine print and conditions for you to be eligible for next year discount. Some companies here for example like the one i have my car insured at, if you file claim a hit-and-run accident, they will consider it a claim ON YOU and thus next year you won't be eligible for discounts.
Others go to the extent that one violation ticket regardless what it is, you waive your right for a discount. So time to be picky when choosing an insurance company.

Regarding transferring your record to Dubai, I am %99.9 sure it is not possible. I left %0.1 just for doubt because i have no source for this information. I never heard of it and I don't see a reason UAE traffic department would import any expat file from their country. But hey, i could be wrong.