So, you're sitting in a car that has seen better days, and you're probably asking: "Will a dealer accept my car in bad condition as a trade on a used car?" You're not alone. Many car owners in the UAE are driving around in older cars with scratches, dents, or simply cars that no longer perform like they used to. The good news is that most of the time, yes -- dealerships accept cars that may not be in perfect shape, as a trade.
But, whether or not it's a smart move for you financially could depend on your car's condition, dealership policies, and how much value you want to obtain from the transaction. At WeBuyCars.ae, we have helped thousands of UAE car owners consider whether to trade in a car in bad shape or sell a car privately for cash instead. Let's go through what you need to know so you can make the best decision for your wallet.
What Constitutes a Car "in Bad Shape"?
To clarify, "bad shape" can mean different things to different people. In the dealer-buying world, a car in bad shape is either, or not limited to, one of the following:
- Significant body damage due to an accident
- Mechanical failures, such as a blown motor or transmission
- High mileage, with excessive wear and tear
- Interior damage (i.e., ripped seats, missing pieces)
- Failing or expired (RTA) registration tests
- Old age and little to no resale value
The more broken a car is, the less a dealer is likely to offer you for it. But that doesn't mean you have no options.
Will a Dealer Accept It? Sure, Maybe — But Read The Fine Print
In the UAE, if you are looking to trade in a used car, chances are every new and used car dealer is going to take your old car regardless of condition. Why? Because in the dealers' eyes, a used car will always be better than no sale at all (i.e., they can always resell, auction, scrap, or junk the car).
However, keep in mind that trading in a junky car often means that you will likely get lesser value at trade-in than selling to a specific car buyer (e.g. WeBuyCars.ae). To protect their profit, the dealer assumes they will incur the cost to fix, recondition, or landfill your trade-in vehicle and factor this into the reduced value of the trade-in vehicle.
Some larger dealerships have working relationships with scrap car buyers or auction bids and could directly send your car to auction at a reduced price, which alone diminishes the value of your trade-in.
Trading In vs. Selling for Cash: Which Makes You More Money?
When your car is in excellent condition, you will find that, as a general rule, trading it in for a used car or new car is both convenient and reasonable for your finances. However, when you are driving an old piece of junk you give the dealer a very easy chance to screw you on the value.
Specialized used car buyers in Dubai, like WeBuyCars.ae, are different. We only buy cars in all conditions — accident-damaged, non-running cars, or even dead cars. Our entire process is built to allow you to get a fair, market-based cash offer for whatever value is still left in your car, whether that is in parts or in scrap.
Sometimes, selling for cash will leave you with more money in your pocket rather than using the car as a trade-in. Now with that cash in hand, you are in a better negotiating position to obtain a more favorable deal on your next used car, as you are now a cash buyer.
What Do Dealers Consider When Accepting Trade-Ins?
When you bring in a car to be traded in, the dealer will look at a few things to determine what it is worth:
- Current market value: They will look up the average, taking into account make, model, year, and mileage.
- Cost of repairs: They will estimate what it will cost to repair the obvious, so they can resell it.
- Demand: If your car's parts or model are in demand, you can expect to get a slightly better offer.
- Legal issues: Any outstanding fines, loans, or problems with registration can affect your trade-in value.
One final note, dealers are always looking to minimize risk by maximizing profit. If your car needs any major repairs, you can expect this deduction from what they are offering you.
The Underrated Cost of Trading in a Bad Vehicle
It's so easy to trade in a vehicle when simply doing so is more convenient than managing to sell a used car or worrying about being comfortable with all the negotiations around selling a vehicle. You just give the keys, sign some papers, and drive off in your new vehicle. But sometimes the convenient route can be the more costly option.
A dealer arranging a trade on a deal that offers you less than an acceptable trade-in amount is simply offering you less equity towards the next vehicle. Since you are paying with credit, either the higher interest rate or more compounded interest through the next vehicle. If you take delivery of a vehicle feeling like you just got a good deal, sometimes that can only be recognized in the thousands lost by selling the vehicle separately for cash.
Why Selling to WeBuyCars.ae is Best for You
At WeBuyCars.ae, we focus on buying used cars that dealerships don’t want to invest time or money into fixing up. Whether the car is dead, junk, or has been in an accident, we want to buy the car! This is why car owners in the UAE trust us when it comes to selling their car, even when everything has gone wrong:
- You receive an instant valuation online: It means you get a reasonable estimate in a matter of minutes with our free online car valuation.
- No Offerring & Haggling: We simply offer you a guaranteed cash offer based on the market.
- We buy cars in ANY condition: From still driving to completely dead.
- Free car removal: You do not pay anyone to tow away your junk or non-driving car.
- Same-day payment: Once we have collected your car, we will give you cash.
- Comprehensive paperwork assistance: We handle the RTA formalities and deregistration to keep you protected.
Ultimately, you will walk away with more money, no fees, and you can shop for your next used car as a cash buyer - this often gives you an even better deal from private sellers or dealerships.
Should You Trade Or Sell Your Car For Cash?
If your car is in reasonably good shape, trading it is probably the easiest choice. But if your car is in poor shape - accident damage, major repairs, or it won’t even run - you will usually get more value selling your car for cash to a specialist first.
Dealers like easy cars that they can quickly resell. If you are trading a car that shows wear and tear or dollars in requires significant repairs, the more work they see with your car, the less they will give you for it. By selling it for cash first, you'll take any leftover value from your car and sell it with negotiating power for your next purchase.
Final Thoughts
So, will a dealer accept a car in poor shape for a trade on a used vehicle? Yes, most dealers will - but that is a different conversation on getting you the best deal possible. Before you accept this low-ball value, get a free cash quote at WeBuyCars.ae.
You can turn your old or accident-problem car into real money without the hassle. We will offer you fair value, pay you on the same day, provide free towing, and there are no hidden fees, so you can feel confident that you got the best deal possible for your next used vehicle.
Are you ready to learn what your car is actually worth? Obtain a quote now!