Imported Used Car Inspection
Many used cars in the UAE were first sold in the US, Canada, Japan or Europe and arrived through auctions. Some are excellent; others were salvaged after accidents or floods. Our imported car inspection checks the physical condition and looks for clues about the car's past.
From AED 299Standard AED 399 recommended for importsConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- About 45-60 minutes at the car
- Can be done at your location
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
How we do imported used car inspection
- 1
Share the VIN
Send the chassis number when you book. For US and Canadian cars, we recommend you also buy an online history report using it.
- 2
Structure and body
We check for structural repair, airbag replacement and paint work, and look underneath for corrosion and damage.
- 3
Scan and cooling test
Every module is scanned on Standard and Comprehensive plans, and we check engine temperature and AC performance during the inspection.
- 4
Written conclusion
The report covers the car's current condition and any signs of a troubled past, so you can weigh the price against the risk.
Why imports need extra care
- The car is listed as American, Canadian or Japanese spec
- The speedometer shows miles, or the dashboard has been changed
- The car is much cheaper than a GCC-spec equivalent
- The seller mentions that it came through an auction
- There are signs of new airbags, a replaced bonnet or new headlights
- You want to know if the car can handle UAE summers
What usually causes it
Accident and salvage repairs
Cars sold at salvage auctions abroad are sometimes repaired cheaply and exported. We check structural points, airbags, panels and paint for repair work.
Mileage questions
Speed shown in miles, swapped instrument clusters and missing records make mileage harder to trust. We compare wear on pedals, seats and the steering wheel with the reading.
Non-GCC specification
Cars built for cooler climates can have smaller radiators or AC systems than GCC-spec cars. We check how the cooling and AC perform on the day.
Corrosion from salted roads
Cars from snowy regions can have underbody rust from road salt, which is rare on UAE cars. We inspect the chassis, brake lines and subframes for corrosion.
By make and model
American-spec SUVs and pickups
Common imports such as Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Dodge and Jeep models are checked closely for structural repair and underbody rust.
Japanese imports
Older Japanese imports may have been converted or modified, so we check equipment, wiring and any non-original parts.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
The UAE imports a large number of used cars every year, and US auction cars are popular because of their prices. GCC-spec cars are built for heat, while some imports are not, and that difference matters in July traffic.
Questions about imported used car inspection
Can you tell if an imported car was salvaged?
We look for physical signs of major repair. A vehicle history report using the VIN gives you the paper trail, and the two together give the full picture.
Is a non-GCC car a bad buy?
Not necessarily, but it should be priced accordingly, and its cooling and AC should be checked in the heat.
Do you check mileage?
We cannot prove the true mileage, but we compare wear and records with the reading and point out anything that looks wrong.
Can you inspect a car still at an import yard?
Yes, if the yard allows access and the car is in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman.
What documents should come with an imported car?
Ask for the export and customs papers, the original title or deregistration document from the country of origin, and any repair invoices. Missing paperwork does not always mean a problem, but it should make you check the car more carefully.
Last updated
Get a written quote
Tell us about your car. You get an itemised quote before any work starts, and you choose OEM, aftermarket or used parts.