Image via WikipediaOk, now that I have got a license, the next logical step was obviously to buy a car.
In Dubai, you need a car to buy a car. There is no point in hopping around from one showroom to another in a taxi. You are better off renting out a vehicle and use that for your search.
That’s exactly what I did.
I rented out a car to get rid of the taxi menace, and also to make my search for an ideal car economical.
So over the weekend I visited showrooms of five car companies, and looked at new SUVs and sedans.
Below are the major makes and models that grabbed my attention (in no particular order of preference)
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Camry
Honda CR-V
Honda Accord
Nissan Murano
Nissan Altima
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Out of these, I liked Nissan Murano the best, but it is also the most expensive of all. I have yet to figure out how much I can afford per month on a car. If Murano comes under my budget then I’ll definitely go for that.
Another important factor is that I want to avoid Korean cars for their lack or resale value. I admit Sportage is a good quality vehicle but it’s a little hard to sell one after using it for a couple of years.
Next step: Look at used models of same cars and see if buying a used vehicle is a better option or not.
Wow, those are all pretty good cars! Personally, I’d love to drive my own Accord some day!
I would suggest that you consider the re-sale value and the after sales costs before buying a car, 4WDs have comparatively less re-sale value and 40-60% higher maintenance costs than sedans.
If you still want to buy a 4WD I would suggest a Mitsubishi Pajero, 3.8 V6 GLS (an all option package will come cost you around 140-150k AED - 260-270 bhp), and I think the Murano falls in the same category, but if you want to go off-road then I would suggest the Pajero as its off-road ability is much better than of Murano (130-140k AED - almost 235-240 bhp).
As far as sedans are concerned, I would opt a Nissan Altima, it’s more futuristic, has more power than an Accord and fits the same price bracket. Besides the platform for Accord is outdated (2000-2002 platform) where as the Altima Platform is comparatively new (2006-present).
Hope this will help you in choosing a better car!
Sabih » thanks for the suggestion… those are all valid points… however i am not a big fan of mitsubishi… and i wont be going off-road a lot… i liked murano because of its style and luxury features. but currently its a little out of range… and you are right about altima… its a great car, and its even cheaper than accord and camry… if i end up buying a sedan then i will certainly go for altima
Nissan cars are really good - especially Altimas and Maximas. If you get the Murano, please don’t get the orange one (hideous color!).
Sara » haha… thats my favorite color in murano… the copper metallic!
Did you try Mazda CX9? I think Imran S has it. Looks too good, mate.
Ammar » thanks ammar… i have yet to look at mazda… will do it next weekend.
Yeah man get Mazda CX9. It will cost you less than Pajero and Murano but is more powerful and more spacious, and Mazda has a good resale as well.
And guess what I was considering Murano and CRV before I had seen CX9 but once I test-drove CX9 I just left everything else and booked one next moment.
Cheers
IS