FAQ

Why ALBA CARS

Why should I buy a vehicle from Alba Cars?

Since its conception in 2015, Alba Cars has paired thousands of people in Dubai and the UAE as a whole with their dream cars. Alba Cars are specialists in the used car niche. Every car undergoes rigorous tests and inspections to ensure both safety and longevity. Having been named as the 'Best Used Car Dealership' in Dubai by the MEA Business Awards, along with winning Dubizzle’s title for ‘Showroom Of The Month’ for December 2020 - Alba Cars reputation speaks for itself. It is now the place to buy in Dubai.

How can I get in touch with Alba Cars?

It is simple and easy to get in touch with the Alba Cars team. Simply click on the 'Contact Us' link at the top of the Alba Cars website. From here, you can select from a variety of different contact options.

How can I benefit from promotions?

Alba Cars constantly offer an array of promotions and deals. Enquire in-store or browse the promotions section of our website so see what is currently available.

Buying A Car

How can I reserve or buy a car?

Simply tap the 'Buy Car' link at the top of the Alba Cars website. From there you can browse Alba Cars inventory of premium used cars. You can refine your search by selecting your make, model and year preferences along with your budget range.
Once you have refined your search, you can click on any car listing to find out more information.
Once you have found a car you like, you can reserve or purchase it quickly and easily by clicking ‘Book Car’ to the right of the listing. Next, you’ll be asked to select how you intend to purchase the car, either by cash or finance. Once you have made your selection, you will be asked to pay a deposit to reserve the car. Alternatively, there’s also the option to purchase the car outright.

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Alba Cars team who are on hand to provide assistance and answer any questions that you may have.

Can I apply for finance for a used car?

Yes. Alba Cars has a team of in-house finance specialists who can assist you and guide you through the entire process.

Do I need a good credit score to apply for car finance?

Not necessarily. Alba Cars’ in-house finance specialists can recommend tailored financing strategies depending on your situation.

Why opt for a used car over a new car?

There are many reasons why opting for a used car is the common-sense option. Most people choose to buy a used car because of the savings that can be made. A typical new car will lose a large percentage of its value from the moment you drive it off the forecourt, making it a bad financial decision for many.
Often a higher spec car is available second-hand for the same price as its brand new counterpart, meaning you get more for your money. What’s more, it is also a more environmentally considerate option.

How can I book a test drive with Alba Cars?

Once you have found a vehicle you like, you can easily book a test drive by clicking the 'Book a Test Drive' option that is located to the right of every listing on the Alba Cars website. Alternatively, you can give us a call or get in touch via social media to request a test drive.

Do I get a warranty on my car?

Yes. We provide warranty in most brands and models, and optional warranty on others. This is a way for us to demonstrate the level of confidence in the longevity of our cars, along with the importance of providing our clients with peace of mind.

If I buy a car, will it be delivered to me?

Yes. Alba Cars does offer a delivery service. You can have your new vehicle delivered to your front doorstep at a time and date of your convenience.

Which locations do you service?

We service Dubai and the greater GCC area. Special arrangements can be made to export vehicles to other locations. Enquire instore to find out more.

Are used cars unreliable?

No. The right premium used car can be a great investment that can serve you for years to come. It is a sad fact that the Middle Eastern used car marketing is riddled with malpractice and it can be hard to know how reliable a car is unless you know what to look out for. This is why it is so important to opt for a trusted, reputable dealership.

What type of vehicles do Alba Cars specialise in?

Alba Cars specialise in premium used cars. Typically these are European or American vehicles such as BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Maserati, Bently, Ford, Range Rover, Mini and many more.

Selling A Car

Why sell your car with Alba Cars?

Alba Cars are specialists in the used-car niche. Our reputation and network allow us to promptly pair premium used vehicles with buyers. We take care of all of the formalities on your behalf to create a smooth and headache-free process from start to finish.

If I sell my vehicle to Alba Cars, how long will it take to get paid?

Alba Cars offers same-day cash, so you’ll get your money straight away. We also offer an array of different payment methods to suit your requirements.

How can I improve the resale value of my car?

It is simple and easy to boost the resale value of your vehicle. Ensuring it is clean, well- maintained and dent-free is the best place to start. Ensuring you have all of the car’s documentation along with a warranty certificate is another way to ensure your vehicle is attractive to buyers.

I can get more for my car than what Alba Cars have offered, is there an alternative?

Yes. There is an alternative option. We can sell your car on your behalf via a consignment. This allows you to display your car in the Alba Cars showroom and benefit from our online advertising. Enquire to find out more.

How can I sell my car?

Simply tap the 'Sell Car' link at the top of the Alba Cars website. From here you can input all of the necessary information about your vehicle including make, model, colour, year and mileage. In addition, you may also attach photos.
Once this has been submitted, a member of the Alba Cars team will be in touch with you in due course.

Can I trade-in my car?

Yes. Alba Cars does offer trade-in services to those wishing to buy a car with us. All you need to do is provide us with the make, model, year and mileage of your vehicle. You’ll be asked to bring the car in for an inspection. This is typically done when you view the car you intend to swap it in for.

Do you consider buying cars that are registered outside of the UAE?

Yes. At Alba Cars we do consider such cars on the condition that it was originally registered in a GCC country.

Can I sell my car on behalf of someone/a company?

We do not accept representative sellers, meaning we can only consider buying a car from the named driver personally.
We do consider purchasing cars from companies however we require some specific documentation. Please enquire in-store or online for more information.

Can I sell my car if it is still under finance?

Yes. This is easily possible and something that we deal with frequently. Alba Cars’ in-house team of finance specialists will be able to assist you and guide you through the entire process.

Other Car Questions

I am from another country, how do I convert my driver’s license to be compliant with the UAE?

With regards to Dubai specifically, this process differs between those who are visiting and those who are residents and citizens.
If you are visiting Dubai and wish to rent a vehicle, it is advisable to apply for an International Driving Permit.
If you are a resident in Dubai, the process of converting a pre-existing driving license issued in another country varies depending on your nationality. There is no requirement to take a driving test if you are a license-holder from one of the following 35 countries to attain a UAE driver’s license.
Australia, Belgium, Spain, France, United States of America, Italy, Germany, Denmark, China, Switzerland, Latvia, Romania, The Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Ireland, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Luxembourg, Poland, Singapore, Canada, Turkey, Norway, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Finland, Hungary, Portugal, Lithuania, Hong Kong, Korea, UK.
It is worth noting that Canadian citizens require a letter from the consulate. Also, licenses from the following countries will need to be translated:
Greece, Canada, Poland, Turkey, Japan and Korea will also be required to get a translated copy of their driving licence.
If you are not from one of the countries mentioned above then you will be required to complete a driving test to get a UAE driving license.

How can I get a driving license in Dubai?

Getting a valid driving license in Dubai is typically a straightforward process.

Requirements to get a Dubai driving license:

The applicant should be over 18 years of age.
The applicant should be medically fit.

What you need to do to get a Dubai driving license:

Opening a traffic file in one of the registered driving centres in the related emirate.
Conducting an eye test at any centre approved by the traffic department.
Completing all required driving classes.
Passing all tests set by the related traffic department.
Obtaining a driving licence from the traffic authority.

What documents you need to get a Dubai driving license:

Copy of passport and residence visa page.
Copy and original emirates ID card.
2 photographs.
Eye test report.
No objection letter from the sponsor (if required by the related traffic department).

What does ‘Salik’ mean and how much is it?

'Salik' is an Arabic word that translates directly to ‘clear and moving’. It is also the name assigned to Dubai’s digital toll system. This automated infrastructure utilises toll gates that automatically deduct a fee when passed. This is used as a means to reduce congestion on certain roads in Dubai.

What is the maximum speed limit in Dubai?

The maximum speed limit varies depending on where you are in Dubai and which road you are driving on. There is some leeway if you go slightly over the speed limit however it is strongly advised that you always stick as closely to the speed limit as possible at all times. There are many speed cameras so if you do speed, you are very likely to get caught and automatically fined.

Is Dubai congested?

Just like any major city, Dubai can at times and in places become congested. Congestion levels are mitigated by things such as the Salik toll.
It is advisable to avoid travelling during rush hours, which are typically between 7:00 am-9:00 am and 5:00 pm-7:00 pm in the evenings due to commuter traffic. You can also steer clear of parts of the city that are prone to congestion, along with checking ahead of your journey for any road traffic accidents.

How much are the speeding fines in the UAE?

The cost of fines can change frequently so it is advisable to keep an eye on the RTA for any updates.

What is the stance on ‘drink driving in the UAE?

The UAE maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to driving under the influence. If you are found to have any alcohol in your system at all you may face serious penalties. Drivers should have a 0.00 blood alcohol reading at all times.

Is it common for cars to get vandalised/stolen in the UAE?

No. Crime levels in the UAE is relatively low compared to many other developed parts of the world and car crime is no exception to this. However, reasonable precautions should still be taken to safeguard your vehicle.

Which car models are popular in the UAE?

Mercedes G-Wagon
Mercedes E-Class
Nissan Patrol
BMW X5
Mercedes Benz S-Class
Mitsubishi Pajero

Alba Cars offers many of these popular models. Enquire online or in-store to find out more.

Does the weather impact drive conditions in the UAE?

Although the UAE’s weather is typically consistently clear and sunny, at times weather conditions such as fog, rain and sand storms can reduce visibility. As a result, it is important to take extra care whilst driving in such conditions. This can include reducing your speed and maintaining a greater distance between your vehicle and the car ahead.

What driving distance should I maintain in the UAE?

It is advised to maintain a 3-second stopping distance for normal driving conditions and a 5- second stopping distance for adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog.

Can you tint your car windows in the UAE?

Yes. It is legal to tint your vehicle’s windows up to 100% opacity in the UAE. This is a popular option due to the sunny weather conditions.
Window tinting is available as an extra for all Alba Cars vehicles.

What is parking like in the UAE?

Parking in Dubai and UAE as a whole is relatively abundant in most areas. The amount you pay can depend on which parking zone you are in. There are an array of ways to pay, including by cash, prepaid card, via the ‘MParking’ SMS and also via the RTA Smart App.

What happens if you drive on the hard shoulder in the UAE?

The hard shoulder should only be used in emergencies. Not only is it incredibly dangerous to drive/stop on the hard shoulder without good reason, but it is also a criminal offence and you could be fined Dh150. The local authorities are currently clamping down on the misuse of the hard shoulder.

Is it mandatory to wear seatbelts in Dubai?

With the exception of children up to four years of age (who should use a child safety seat), all passengers in Dubai are required by law to wear a seatbelt at all times whilst in a moving car. Failure to do so can result in a penalty of Dh400 along with four ‘black points’ on the license of the driver.

Are you allowed to use your mobile phone whilst driving in Dubai?

No. Using a mobile whilst driving is a criminal offence and should not be done under any circumstances. Dubai recently installed special cameras to detect those committing this offence and automatically issue a fine of Dh800, in addition to gaining four ‘black points’ in your driving license.

Can I hire a driver in the UAE?

Yes. It is simple and easy to hire a driver in Dubai. It is a popular option for those who do not feel confident to drive on the roads. There are an array of driver services available to suit an array of budgets and requirements.

What are GCC cars?

'GCC' cars have a range of region-specific attributes. These include features such as suitable air conditioning, radiators, corrosion protection and air filters. These equip a car to cope with the harsh temperature conditions and sand storms of the Gulf region.

Should I buy an American/Japanese (Non-GCC) car in the UAE?

Although they can sometimes be cheaper to purchase, American/Japanese cars do not typically meet GCC specifications as standard. This means they can be more predisposed to breaking down or experiencing technical issues. All Alba Cars vehicles are GCC-compliant.

How can I know if a car is Non-GCC?

There are a few small details that you can look out for to help ascertain whether or not a car is Non-GCC, such as:

Check the car’s wing mirrors. If the text on the mirror is in Arabic, the car is likely GCC- compliant. If it is in English or another language, it is likely Non-GCC.
GCC-compliant cars are required by law to have details about the vehicle such as car model and year on the driver’s seat door.

How can I keep my car in good condition in the UAE?

Several things can be done to maintain and protect your car in the UAE. These include:

Regularly checking the tread on your wheels. The hot temperatures that the UAE can experience throughout the year can erode them.
Regularly getting your brakes inspected.
Replacing your windscreen wipers regularly to avoid scratching your windshield.
Protect your paintwork with car-wrapping.
Ensure your vehicle gets serviced regularly.

Alba Cars can assist you with these services. Enquire online or in-store.

Are imported cars reliable?

This can be entirely dependent on the spec, model and history of the vehicle. Aspects such as whether the car is GCC-compliant or not or if the vehicle has previously been involved in a road traffic accident can all have a bearing on this. It is also noting that exporting such cars may void any warranties or service contracts.
It is commonplace to find both American and Japanese imported vehicles in the UAE. For peace of mind, many opt for a GCC-compliant car. All Alba Cars vehicles are GCC-compliant.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why ALBA CARS

Buying A Car

Selling A Car

Other Car Questions