Before you pay for a used car in the UAE, have it inspected where it is: at the seller’s home, office or a car park. A QARO pre-purchase inspection checks 23 points, including an OBD scan of fault codes and a full road test, takes about two hours and is starting from AED 325, in any emirate. You get a report listing what needs attention, to negotiate with the seller or to walk away.
Buying a used car in the UAE: the steps
- Check the paperwork. Ask for the car’s registration card (mulkiya) and its service history, and make sure the seller is the registered owner.
- Book an inspection before you pay. A QARO inspection happens where the car is, so neither of you has to drive anywhere.
- Read the report. It lists each item checked, the fault codes read and the repairs recommended. Use it to agree a price, or to walk away.
- Transfer the ownership at an authorised registration and testing centre, such as Tasjeel in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
- Insure the car before you drive it away.
What the QARO inspection checks
Engine condition and performance, oil and coolant, leaks, the gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes, tyres, the battery and charging system, AC, electrics and warning lights, an OBD scan of engine and module fault codes including airbag and ABS, the 4WD system where fitted, the exhaust, the underbody and chassis, and a full road test. See the full 23-point list.
Prices
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle inspection (23 points, at the car) | Starting from AED 325, VAT included |
| Engine diagnostics (OBD scan only, for a warning light) | Starting from AED 100 |
The price is the same in every emirate. Compare it with other inspection options in the best vehicle inspection services in the UAE.
What a QARO inspection is not
It is not the RTA test. Only an authorised testing centre issues the pass needed for registration. A QARO inspection is the check before you buy, or before the test, so you find the fail items first.
FAQs
- Can I book an inspection for a car in another emirate? Yes. Book it at the seller’s address in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman or any other emirate.
- How long does it take? About two hours at the car.
- Do I get a report I can show the seller? Yes, a digital report listing what was checked, the fault codes read and the recommended repairs.
- Can QARO give me the RTA pass? No. That comes from an authorised testing centre.