19 Best Cars in UAE Under 10,000 AED

Right now, more than 1,300 used cars in the UAE are for sale for less than 10,000 AED. But most of them are either crap that is priced too high or hidden gems that smart buyers quickly pick up. On the other hand, first-time buyers often end up with costly problems because they don’t know what to look out for.

The best deals currently are on Toyota Camrys for about 9,900 AED, Nissan Altimas for 8,500 to 9,500 AED, and Honda Civics for 9,500 AED. Also, these types usually have between 180,000 and 250,000 km on them, which is standard for cars in this price range. Still, knowing what to look for before you buy is what separates a safe car from one that causes you a lot of trouble and costs a lot of money. Some sample cars available include:

• Toyota Camry 2009: 9,900 AED (180,000 km, Ajman)
• Nissan Altima 2008: 8,500 AED (228,000 km, Abu Dhabi)
• Honda Civic 2009: 9,500 AED (170,000 km, Dubai)
• Ford Escape 2008: 8,900 AED (172,000 km, Ajman)
• Nissan Tiida 2007: 8,000 AED (280,000 km, Dubai)

Quick Picks On The Best Cars Under 10,000 AED In UAE

You’ve got 10,000 dirhams, you need a car, and here’s what you can buy today.

These cars have between 180,000 and 250,000 km on them now, and that’s fine for this price range. The truth is that these types can easily go 400,000 km if you don’t abuse them. 

Which one should you pick then? Well, the best choice is the Toyota Camry, which just won’t die. Also, the Honda Civic makes sense if you mostly drive in town. But the Ford Escape is great if you have kids or need to move a lot of stuff.

Best 5 Family Cars Under 10,000 AED in UAE

You need something that works for the whole family and doesn’t break every week. So, the Camry is the way to go if you want something that just works. 

Car	Best For	Monthly Fuel Cost*	Maintenance Budget
Toyota Camry	Peace of mind	400-450 AED	200 AED/month
Nissan Altima	Daily comfort	420-480 AED	250 AED/month
Honda Accord	Long-term quality	450-500 AED	300 AED/month
Ford Escape	Family adventures	550-650 AED	280 AED/month
Hyundai Tucson	Budget conscious	500-580 AED	220 AED/month

But if ease on your daily drive is more important, the Altima is the car for you. In the meantime, the Escape is a great choice if you need more room for kids and other things.

1- Toyota Camry (2009) – 9,900 AED

This is the car your dad would buy. And honestly, he’d be right.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅✅	Runs 15+ years easily
Fuel Economy	✅✅	Around 12-14 km/liter in the city
Repair Costs	✅✅✅	Parts available everywhere
Comfort	✅✅	Acceptable but not luxury
Space	✅✅	Good for 4 adults

Why it’s smart:

• Runs for ages, and seriously, these things are like tanks that refuse to die
• Every mechanic from Dubai to Fujairah knows how to fix them
• Parts cost about 30% less than European cars

Warning when buying the best cars under 10000 AED in Dubai: 

• Make sure the air conditioner blows cold; some only need 150 AED of gas to work again.
• When you try to drive it, check that the CVT has smooth turns.
• Listen for any grinding sounds coming from the brakes because new brake pads cost about 200 AED.

Typical mileage: 180,000 – 200,000 km

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2- Nissan Altima (2008-2010) – 8,500 to 9,500 AED

It is great if you want something that feels a bit more upscale than the Camry without paying extra.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Good but not Toyota-level
Fuel Economy	✅✅	About 11-13 km/liter
Repair Costs	✅✅	Moderate – CVT can be pricey
Comfort	✅✅✅	Really comfy seats
Space	✅✅✅	Roomy interior and trunk

Why people love it:

• Super comfy seats, and it’s perfect for those 2-hour drives to Abu Dhabi
• Smooth ride that doesn’t shake your teeth loose on rough roads
• Big trunk that easily fits 4-5 shopping bags plus luggage

Watch out for:

• The CVT can get jerky after 180,000 km if not maintained well.
• Test drive it for at least 10 minutes and listen for weird whining noises.
• Check that all the electrical stuff works since window motors sometimes fail around this age.
• A budget of around 800-1,200 AED for CVT service is needed.

Typical mileage: 170,000 – 220,000 km

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3- Honda Accord (2007-2009) – 8,900 to 9,900 AED

Honda builds cars that last a lifetime. At this price, they’re hard to come by, so grab one if you see it.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅✅	Almost Toyota-level solid
Fuel Economy	✅✅	Around 11-12 km/liter
Repair Costs	❌	Parts cost 40% more
Comfort	✅✅✅	Premium feel inside
Space	✅✅	Good for 4 people

Why it’s worth it:

• Build quality is rock solid, and doors close with that satisfying thunk sound
• The engine barely needs any major repairs before 250,000 km
• Holds its value better than most cars in this price range

Be careful of: 

Honda parts cost more than those of Toyota or Nissan, so expect to pay around 400-500 AED for brake pads versus 200 AED for Toyota. However, you won’t need parts very often. Still, budget an extra 200-300 AED per year for maintenance compared to other brands.

Typical mileage: 160,000 – 190,000 km

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4- Ford Escape (2008-2011) – 8,900 to 9,500 AED

Need an SUV but don’t want to spend big money? This actually works pretty well.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅	Good but not amazing
Fuel Economy	❌	Only 8-10 km/liter
Repair Costs	✅	Parts widely available
Comfort	✅✅	Higher seating position
Space	✅✅✅	Great cargo room

Why families pick it:

• Higher seating makes it much easier to get kids in and out
• Enough cargo space for groceries, a stroller, and weekend trips
• 4WD actually works if you ever need it for camping or rough roads

Take care with:

• Some have problems with the engine after 200,000 km, so make sure that all 6 gears shift smoothly. Go for a test drive on both the highway and the city streets.
• Also, check that the 4WD engages properly since repairs can cost 1,500+ AED.
• These drink more fuel than sedans – budget around 500-600 AED monthly for gas.

Typical mileage: 190,000 – 240,000 km

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5- Hyundai Tucson (2007-2009) – 8,500 to 9,500 AED

It’s an SUV that most people ignore. But that’s actually good news for your wallet.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Powerful Korean engineering
Fuel Economy	✅	Around 9-11 km/liter
Repair Costs	✅✅	Cheaper than Japanese
Comfort	✅✅	Good but not luxury
Space	✅✅	Perfect for a small family

Why does it make sense?

• Reliable 2.0L engine that doesn’t give much trouble until 250,000 km
• More features than you’d expect, like power windows, good stereo, and cruise control
• Parts are about 25% cheaper than Ford or Nissan equivalents

Be wary of:

• Check the suspension carefully since some make clunking noises over speed bumps after 150,000 km.
• Make sure the AC compressor works well since replacements cost around 800-1,000 AED.
• Test all the electrical features since some switches can get flaky with age.

Typical mileage: 170,000 – 210,000 km

Top 5 Cars Under 10,000 AED in UAE for Daily Commuting

The Honda Civic gives you the best overall package if you can find a good one. Meanwhile, the Nissan Tiida offers the most space for your money. And, if fuel economy is your top priority, the Toyota Yaris can’t be beaten. 

1- Honda Civic (2008-2009) – 9,500 AED

This one’s perfect if you mostly drive around town because it parks in tiny spaces and barely drinks any fuel.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅✅	Honda quality speaks for itself
Fuel Economy	✅✅✅	15-17 km/liter in the city
Repair Costs	✅✅	Parts everywhere, reasonable prices
Comfort	✅✅	Front seats are good, but the back is cramped
Space	✅	Fine for 2 people, tight for 4

What makes it great:

• Incredible fuel economy, and you’ll fill up maybe twice a month with normal driving
• The engine is bulletproof and rarely needs anything beyond oil changes

Reality check:

• The back seat is pretty cramped, so don’t plan on squeezing tall friends back there regularly.
• Check that the AC blows ice cold since compressor replacements cost around 1,200 AED.
• These cars hold their value well, which explains why good ones are getting harder to find under 10,000.

Typical mileage: 160,000 – 190,000 km

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2- Nissan Tiida (2007-2010) – 8,000 to 9,500 AED

Surprisingly roomy inside for such a small car. Plus, they’re everywhere in the UAE, so finding parts is super easy.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Strong but not Honda-level
Fuel Economy	✅✅✅	14-16 km/liter consistently
Repair Costs	✅✅✅	Cheapest to maintain
Comfort	✅✅	More space than you’d expect
Space	✅✅	Best in class for interior room

Why people choose it:

• Way more space inside than any other small car in this price range
• Fuel consumption stays consistently low even in heavy Dubai traffic
• Parts are dirt cheap because these were popular as taxi cars

Heads up:

• Some have been driven pretty hard as taxi cars, so check the interior wear carefully, especially the seat fabric and pedals.
• Test the CVT transmission thoroughly since some can be jerky after 200,000 km. Still, even if you need CVT service, it only costs around 600-800 AED compared to 1,200+ for other brands.

Typical mileage: 180,000 – 250,000 km

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3- Toyota Yaris (2006-2008) – 8,800 to 9,500 AED

Probably the most reliable small car you can get for this money. Not fancy, but it’ll start every morning for years.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅✅	Toyota reliability legend
Fuel Economy	✅✅✅	16-18 km/liter possible
Repair Costs	✅✅✅	Rock bottom maintenance
Comfort	✅	Basic but functional
Space	✅	Small but adequate

Why it’s smart:

• Best fuel economy in this entire list
• Maintenance costs are almost nothing
• These cars regularly hit 400,000+ km without major engine work

Downside:

• Pretty basic inside, so don’t expect fancy features or luxury touches.
• Make sure the timing chain hasn’t been making noise since replacement costs around 800 AED.

Typical mileage: 190,000 – 230,000 km

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4- Ford Fiesta (2011-2013) – 8,500 to 9,900 AED

It is a good option if you want something that feels a bit more solid.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Good but not Asian-level
Fuel Economy	✅✅	13-15 km/liter typically
Repair Costs	✅	Parts cost more than Asian cars
Comfort	✅✅	Nice interior design
Space	✅	Compact but well-designed

What sets it apart:

• Feels more stable and refined than most small cars in this price range
• Interior design is actually pretty nice with high-level materials
• Handles well on highways and doesn’t feel flimsy at high speeds

Look out for:

• European parts definitely cost more than Japanese or Korean ones and need a budget of around 300-400 AED monthly for maintenance versus 200 for a Toyota.
• Check that the dual-clutch automatic (if equipped) shifts smoothly, since these can be finicky.
• Ensure all electronics work properly since window switches and sensors can act up after 150,000 km.

Typical mileage: 140,000 – 180,000 km

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5- Chevrolet Spark (2010-2015) – 7,500 to 9,000 AED

It’s the cheapest option that still gets you from A to B reliably and is perfect if your budget is really tight.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅	Basic but functional
Fuel Economy	✅✅✅	14-16 km/liter easy
Repair Costs	✅✅	Parts reasonably priced
Comfort	✅	You get what you pay for
Space	❌	Really small inside

Why does it make sense?

• Great fuel economy helps offset the cheap purchase price
• The simple engine that most mechanics can handle easily

Be realistic: 

• This is basically transport, not luxury. 
• The interior is pretty basic, and road noise is noticeable on highways. 
• Check that the manual transmission (if equipped) shifts smoothly since clutches can wear out around 180,000 km. 
• These are getting older now, so inspect everything carefully before buying.

Typical mileage: 180,000 – 220,000 km

5 Must-Choose SUVs and Bigger Cars in UAE Under 10,000 AED

We recommend the Murano if you care most about comfort and style. At the same time, families needing seven seats should really think about the Explorer, even though it costs more to fuel. However, the Kia Sportage has the best mix of features and low running costs.

1- Nissan Murano (2008) – 9,500 to 9,900 AED

Fancy SUV that looks way more expensive than it actually is. 

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	CVT can be temperamental
Fuel Economy	✅	8-10 km/liter in the city
Repair Costs	✅	Parts are available, but pricey
Comfort	✅✅✅	Premium interior feel
Space	✅✅✅	Lots of room everywhere

What’s cool about it:

• The interior feels genuinely premium with leather seats and nice materials
• Smooth V6 engine that sounds good when you step on it
• Tons of cargo space for family trips or moving stuff around

The reality:

• CVT transmissions on this car can start acting weird after 180,000 km.
• Fuel consumption is definitely higher than smaller cars, so budget around 600-700 AED monthly for gas.

Typical mileage: 165,000 – 200,000 km

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2- Ford Explorer (2006-2008) – 8,500 to 9,500 AED

It is an American-sized SUV with three rows of seats. 

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅	Transmission issues common
Fuel Economy	❌	6-8 km/liter typically
Repair Costs	✅	Parts widely available
Comfort	✅✅	Spacious and comfortable
Space	✅✅✅	Massive interior and cargo

Why families love it:

• 7 seats mean everyone fits, including grandparents, for family outings
• Huge cargo area behind the third row still fits shopping bags and luggage
• A high driving position gives you great visibility in traffic

Be prepared:

• These cars drink fuel like they’re always thirsty and expect 800-900 AED monthly gas bills with regular driving.
• Some develop transmission problems around 200,000 km that can cost 2,000+ AED to fix.

Typical mileage: 220,000 – 280,000 km

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3- Jeep Liberty (2006-2008) – 9,000 to 10,000 AED

This is real 4WD capability if you actually plan to go off-road or camping. 

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Solid when maintained
Fuel Economy	❌	7-9 km/liter maximum
Repair Costs	✅	American parts reasonable
Comfort	✅✅	Rugged but comfortable
Space	✅✅	Good cargo, tight rear seats

What sets it apart:

• A proper 4WD system that actually works on sand and rough terrain
• Built like a tank and can handle abuse that would break other SUVs
• Higher ground clearance than most SUVs in this price range

Consider this:

• Fuel costs will hurt your monthly budget since these barely manage 8 km/liter even with careful driving.
• Check that the 4WD system engages smoothly, since repairs can be expensive.

Typical mileage: 187,000 – 220,000 km

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4- Kia Sportage (2008-2010) – 8,500 to 10,000 AED

Sportage is a good middle ground between reliability and features at this price point.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Generally dependable
Fuel Economy	✅	9-11 km/liter possible
Repair Costs	✅✅	Korean parts affordable
Comfort	✅✅	Well-designed interior
Space	✅✅	Adequate for small families

Smart choice because:

• Better fuel economy than American SUVs while still offering enough space
• Korean cars from this era were well-built and generally reliable
• Features like power windows, a good stereo, and cruise control come standard

Keep in mind:

• Kias aren’t as common as Japanese SUVs, so finding a good mechanic who knows them well might take some searching.
• Always check the suspension carefully since some make noise over bumps after high mileage.

Typical mileage: 168,000 – 200,000 km

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5- Dodge Charger (2009) – 9,500 to 10,000 AED

It is not technically an SUV, but it is definitely a big car, and a V6 engine gives you some power while still being somewhat reasonable on fuel.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅	American reliability varies
Fuel Economy	✅	10-12 km/liter highway
Repair Costs	✅	Parts available locally
Comfort	✅✅✅	Really comfortable seats
Space	✅✅	Big trunk, roomy interior

What makes it interesting:

• Interior space rivals many SUVs with way more comfortable front seats
• The trunk is absolutely massive, which fits everything you can imagine

Reality check:

• Some electrical issues are common after 250,000 km, so test all the buttons and switches thoroughly.
• While fuel economy is better than V8 models, it’s still not as good as Japanese sedans.

Typical mileage: 220,000 – 276,000 km

4 Best Automatic Cars Under 10,000 AED in UAE

Most of these cars under 10000 AED will make your life easier if you’re a new driver or don’t like changing gears by hand.

1- Chevrolet Cruze (2015-2017) – 8,000 to 9,999 AED

Newer than most cars in this price range and surprisingly reliable for an American car.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Korean-built, better quality
Fuel Economy	✅✅	11-13 km/liter in the city
Repair Costs	✅	Parts are reasonable, not expensive
Comfort	✅✅✅	Really nice interior for the price
Space	✅✅	Good for couples or small families

Why it stands out:

• Much newer than other cars at this price – some are only 8-10 years old
• The 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive

Pay attention to:

• These are getting popular, so good ones sell fast.
• Check that the automatic transmission shifts smoothly through all gears during test drives.
• Make sure the turbo engine (if equipped) doesn’t make whistling sounds since turbo repairs cost 800+ AED.

Typical mileage: 150,000 – 220,000 km

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2- Mitsubishi Lancer (2008-2011) – 8,000 to 9,500 AED

Best choice if you want something that just works without any drama or surprises.

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Japanese engineering shows
Fuel Economy	✅✅	12-14 km/liter consistently
Repair Costs	✅✅	Parts widely available
Comfort	✅✅	Basic but functional interior
Space	✅✅	Adequate for most needs

Smart reasons to consider it:

• CVT automatic transmission is generally reliable when maintained properly
• A simple design means fewer things can go wrong compared to fancier cars
• Mitsubishi parts are cheaper than European brands, but still of high quality

Keep in mind:

• Check the CVT fluid level since some neglected ones can develop problems after 200,000 km.
• The interior is pretty basic and doesn’t expect luxury features or fancy touches.

Typical mileage: 180,000 – 240,000 km

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3- Renault Fluence (2013-2015) – 9,000 to 10,000 AED

Renault Fluence is a European engineering at Japanese car prices

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅	French cars need more attention
Fuel Economy	✅✅	10-12 km/liter possible
Repair Costs	✅	Parts are more expensive than Asian ones
Comfort	✅✅✅	Excellent seats and ride quality
Space	✅✅✅	Surprisingly roomy interior

European advantages:

• Ride quality is noticeably better than most Asian cars in this price range
• Interior design actually looks good with nice materials and a layout
• CVT automatic feels smoother than many competitors

French car reality:

• Parts definitely cost more than those of Toyota or Nissan, with a budget of around 400+ AED monthly for maintenance.
• Electrical crashes can pop up after 150,000 km, so test every switch and button thoroughly.

Typical mileage: 140,000 – 200,000 km

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4- Kia Cerato (2009-2012) – 7,500 to 9,500 AED

This is where Korean reliability meets affordable pricing. 

Feature	Rating	Notes
Reliability	✅✅	Korean quality has improved a lot
Fuel Economy	✅✅	12-15 km/liter in mixed driving
Repair Costs	✅✅	Cheaper than Japanese equivalents
Comfort	✅✅	Well-designed cabin layout
Space	✅✅	Good use of interior space

Korean advantage:

• Parts are significantly cheaper than Japanese cars and are often 30-40% less
• These models came with warranties when new
• Automatic transmission is a traditional 4-speed, which is simpler and more reliable

Underdog benefits:

• Most people overlook Korean cars, so you can often negotiate better prices than for Toyota or Honda.
• These cars were built during Kia’s quality improvement phase, and they’re much better than older Korean cars.
• The automatic gearbox is old-school reliable without fancy CVT complications.

Typical mileage: 160,000 – 210,000 km

Avoid These Mistakes When Buying Cars in UAE Under 10,000 AED

These mistakes cost people 1,000+ AED every single day. 

Mistake	Cost If You Make It	Prevention Cost	Smart Move
Bad AC	1,200 AED repair	0 AED	Test for 5 minutes
No maintenance	1,500+ AED repairs	100 AED inspection	Ask for records
Shady seller	Lost money + legal issues	0 AED	Meet at their house
Wrong insurance	800+ AED extra/year	30 minutes of calling	Get quotes first
Rush buying	Various expensive problems	1 day waiting	Sleep on the decision
Hidden costs	1,200 AED surprise	0 AED	Budget an extra 15%
Engine problems	2,000+ AED	150 AED mechanic check	Proper test drive

Most problems happen because people rush or skip basic checks. Spend 2-3 hours checking properly now, or spend 2,000+ AED fixing problems later. Your choice.

Car Inspection Checklist To Buy Cars in UAE Under 10,000 AED

Don’t buy a problem car. Here’s exactly what to check before handing over your money.

Warning Sign	What It Means	Repair Cost	Your Action
❌ Engine knocking sounds	Major internal damage	3,000+ AED	Walk away immediately
❌ The AC doesn’t work	Compressor failure	1,200+ AED	Find another car
❌ Won’t let you test drive	Hiding serious problems	Unknown but big	Don’t even consider
❌ Transmission slips badly	CVT or gearbox failure	2,000+ AED	Move to the next option
❌ Multiple previous owners	History of problems	Varies	Too risky to buy
❌ No original documents	Legal or loan issues	Could lose the car	Run away fast
❌ Seller seems nervous/rushed	Something they’re not telling	Unknown	Trust your gut

Test You Can Do Yourself

1. Engine Start Test: Turn the key, and the car should start immediately without grinding sounds. If it takes multiple tries or makes weird noises, that’s your first red flag.
2. AC Performance Check: Turn on the AC immediately when you start the car. It must blow ice cold within 60 seconds. Additionally, let it run for 5 minutes while idling, and it should stay cold even in traffic.
3. All Electronics Test: Try every single button and switch. Windows, radio, lights, indicators, everything should work smoothly. Plus, check that the dashboard doesn’t show any warning lights.
4. Tire Wear Inspection: Walk around the car and check all tires. They should wear evenly across the surface. Meanwhile, uneven wear means alignment problems or suspension issues.
5. Quick Drive Test: Drive for at least 10 minutes on different roads. The car shouldn’t pull to one side, brakes should work smoothly, and steering should feel responsive. Also, listen carefully for any strange noises.

What Needs a Mechanic (150-200 AED Total)

1. Engine Compression Test: Only a mechanic can check if the engine has good compression. This test costs around 100 AED but can save you thousands later. However, it’s worth every dirham for peace of mind.
2. Transmission Deep Check: Mechanics can properly test CVT transmissions and automatic gearboxes under load. This is especially important for cars over 180,000 km since transmission repairs cost 2,000+ AED.
3. Suspension System Review: A mechanic can spot worn parts that will need replacement soon. Or, budget around 50 AED for this inspection.
4. Brake System Analysis: While you can test basic braking, only a mechanic can check brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition, and their inspection typically costs 30-50 AED.
5. Computer Diagnostic Scan: Modern cars store error codes that reveal hidden problems. A diagnostic scan costs around 50 AED but shows issues you can’t see or hear.

Quick Decision To Buy Cars in UAE Under 10,000 AED

Spend 30 minutes checking properly now, or spend weeks dealing with expensive problems later. Trust your instincts, and if something feels off, it probably is. There are always more cars available, but getting your money back from a bad purchase is nearly impossible.

Decision	Signs	Action	Next Step
🟢 Green Light	Everything works properly – Service records available – Seller answers all questions – Price matches market value	BUY IT	Make an offer at the asking price
🟡 Yellow Light	Minor cosmetic issues – Needs small repairs (under 300 AED) – Price slightly high, but the car is good	NEGOTIATE	Reduce price by repair costs
🔴 Red Light	Major mechanical problems – Seller acting suspicious – Repair costs over 500 AED – Gut feeling something’s wrong	WALK AWAY	Find another car

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