Buying a car is one of the biggest financial investments you can make, and is usually second only to buying a house. The age-old problem for motorists is that, unlike houses, cars don’t retain or improve their value. It’s estimated that as soon as you drive your new car off the forecourt, it loses about Dh20,000 from its original price in depreciation. On top of that, it can lose a further 20% to 30% of its starting value in the first two years of ownership. However, after that, the rate of depreciation drops to between 10% and 15% each year.
For those looking for used cars to buy, it’s ideal: skip the initial devaluation and buy used cars that are between one and two years old. If you’re thinking ‘it might be time to sell my car,’ then you’ll need to factor that loss into your asking price. We’re going to look at the top best value for money cars from both ends of the telescope: those that are good to buy and those that are good to sell.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is known for its reliability, durability, and suitability for those off-road trips. However, with remote parking, a rear camera, front, and back parking sensors, the GXR 2016 model is our pick for value for money. Not only has it got all the extras for the driver, but it includes an upgraded formidable rear-entertainment system, which is ideal for those with youngsters. Great boot-space and four-wheel drive make this an all-round winner. It’s also an aspirational car, making it incredibly easy to sell on at a good resale price if you ever grow tired of it.
With a 3.5Ltr engine and 20-inch alloy wheels, the Pathfinder certainly looks the part. However, this car isn’t for hard-core off-roaders and is far better suited to city driving or long journeys. It’s long-legged and comfortable thanks to that powerful engine, and its sensitive steering comes into its own on the tarmac. It boasts an outstanding climate control system, making it a cool drive both inside and out. When it’s time to sell, the Pathfinder tends to be particularly popular with city families who want a spacious and reliable car that has a little bit more character.
One of the larger SUVs, the Honda CRV LX 2019 offers space, refinement, and rugged reliability, all rolled into one. While the 2.4Ltr engine might be on the smaller side, it more than makes up with it with all the little extras. With Xenon headlights, keyless entry, agile handling assist, and a built-in Bluetooth connection, it makes for a smooth ride. It holds its value well, and when it comes to selling the CRV is a perennial favourite and highly aspirational, so you won’t have any problem getting a great price for yours, as long as it’s been looked after well.
If you’re looking to sell your car, then it’s worth knowing how much you can expect to sell it for. As a rule, Japanese cars tend to hold their value well and are extremely popular among those who like to buy used cars because of their exceptional build quality and reliability. They’re also easy to repair and service, which makes them even more attractive.
At Al Futtaim Automall, we like to make the process as simple as possible. We offer a free car valuation online service that’s easy to use and will give you an accurate idea of what yours is worth.
To use our car value estimator, simply enter your car’s make, model and year, the mileage, and your mobile number. We’ll get back to you with the amount you can expect from your sale. There are no hidden fees, and we always offer the best market price and instant cash payment.
Whether you’re looking to sell your car or for used cars to buy, drop into your local Al Futtaim Automall for friendly, efficient, and reliable service.