Blog

If you decide to own a car there are a few common things to consider such as, how old is the vehicle? What is the condition of it? Is it suited for your type of travel? And also getting car insurance in UAE and the procedures involved in it. However, one aspect often ignored by many is the vehicle’s maintenance cost. UAE's harsh climate, extensive road networks, and mileage demands mean that vehicles can quickly be a victim of wear and tear. Picking a car that offers reliability and low maintenance costs is crucial for long-term savings and ownership.

Why should you consider low maintenance cars in UAE?

In the UAE owning a car is a bit of a necessity when you take into account the expansive road networks and the importance of personal transportation. Regardless, the convenience of having a car comes with the responsibility of maintenance. If you are unsure what you are getting into it can be the reason for a huge financial burden in the long run. 

One aspect that influences this is the weather in the UAE, the extreme heat in the country tends to accelerate the wear and tear of your vehicle and thus require maintenance more frequently. In the instance you have bought a car for cheap but high maintenance cost then the most likely scenario is you will end up spending more than what you saved on the vehicle’s services alone. 

By considering maintenance costs in UAE when buying your car, can avoid unforeseen expenses. Along with that going for a car with lower maintenance needs also reduces the time and stress you might have to endure with frequent trips to the service center.

How can you evaluate maintenance costs?

There are a few things to consider to evaluate the maintenance cost of the vehicle you are about to get. 

Spare parts availability and price:

Your vehicle is only going to be as good as the spare parts available for it. You can only fix what’s broken when you have the necessary spare parts, and in some cases, the price also plays a huge factor in it. Brands with available and affordable parts tend to have lower maintenance costs. So before deciding, check how easy it is to get your hands on parts for the car and their price.

Service centers: 

Choosing a vehicle from a reliable manufacturer with various authorized service centers across the UAE can go a long way in prolonging the health of your vehicle. This ensures easy access to maintenance services for you, and the maintenance is performed by trained professionals using genuine parts, keeping costs down, while also helping you reserve the vehicle’s resale value if you decide on that later in the future.

Reliability and durability:

Many car manufacturers are known for their robust engineering and reliability, requiring fewer repairs. Researching the brand, their previous vehicles, and how they handle challenges and offer support can help you gain insight into how often your car might need maintenance and common issues that you might encounter. 

Warranty and packages: 

There are car manufacturers in the UAE who provide their customers with extended warranties and service packages covering maintenance for several years. These packages can significantly expense and assure that your vehicle in most likely cases will be properly taken care of.

Fuel efficiency: 

Even though not directly related to maintenance, fuel efficiency plays a role in the overall costs involved with your vehicle. More fuel-efficient vehicles tend to have lower running costs, helping to balance out some of the maintenance expenses.

Insurance costs:

One of the last factors you should take into account is the cost of car insurance in UAE. The insurance cost can vary based on the car’s safety features, reliability, and other risks. A vehicle with low insurance and maintenance costs is the ideal economical choice.

Bearing these things in mind can help you get a grasp of the maintenance cost that comes with your vehicle and choose what’s best for you. 

What is the average maintenance cost?

In UAE, manufacturers usually suggest their customers get their vehicle serviced every time the vehicle covers around 10,000 Km, either that or the minimum one can do is get the vehicle serviced once a year. Regarding the expense, it comes down to the vehicle model, manufacturer, and from where you get your vehicle serviced. Generally, it can range anywhere from AED 500 to AED 1,500 and this can go higher or lower depending on other factors as well. 

Top car brands in UAE with low maintenance costs

These are some of the car manufacturers and models that you can consider while looking at low maintenance cars in UAE. 

Toyota

Over the decades Toyota has grown into a name connected with reliability and affordability and that’s true to this day. Toyota’s vehicles are commonly known for their durable engines and straightforward mechanics making them one of the top low maintenance cars in UAE. They also have a wide range of options to choose from making them an ideal manufacturer to consider regardless of what type of car you are looking for and for what purpose. 

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris

• SUVs: Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Prado

Nissan

Nissan also stands out among other brands due to their low maintenance cost. Nissan's parts are easily available and are often inexpensive, helping it gain a reputation as a low maintenance car in Dubai. More than just being reliable they are also affordable when it comes to its insurance premiums, making Nissan a top choice for those who are on a tight budget.

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Nissan Sunny, Nissan Altima

• SUVs: Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Patrol

Hyundai

Hyundai gained the trust of consumers in the UAE market by offering vehicles that often combine modern technology with low maintenance requirements, also commitment to quality and customer satisfaction means that parts are readily available, and servicing costs are kept low. Moreover, Hyundai vehicles tend to come with extended warranties, providing additional assurance to owners. This makes Hyundai a great option for those seeking low maintenance cars in UAE.

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra

• SUVs: Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Tucson

Honda

Honda is well-regarded for its engineering excellence and long-lasting vehicles, the availability of affordable parts and the brand’s strong reputation for reliability make Honda a top brand to consider. 

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Honda City, Honda Civic

• SUVs: Honda CRV, Honda Pilot

Kia

Kia is another brand that has achieved an increase in their growth in recent years and they offer extensive warranty packages and the availability of affordable spare parts making it a smart choice for drivers seeking to minimize their maintenance expenses. Also, their vehicles are cheaper compared to some competitors.

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Kia Rio, Kia Picanto

• SUVs: Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento

Mitsubishi 

Mitsubishi is another brand that has a strong market in the UAE due to their vehicles being specifically suited for the terrain and climate in the country, Mitsubishi’s robust build quality and long-term reliability make them a cost-effective choice for many drivers.

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Mitsubishi Mirage, Mitsubishi Attrage

• SUVs: Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi ASX

Lexus

Lexus is accustomed to combining luxury with affordability amongst users in the UAE. Many of its models are designed with high-quality parts, thus cutting down the need for frequent repairs. Additionally, the widespread availability of Lexus service centers across the UAE ensures maintenance is convenient and efficient making them one of the best affordable high-end cars. 

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Lexus IS300, Lexus ES350

• SUVs: Lexus NX350, Lexus RX350

BMW

BMW is one of the premium manufacturers that does not require an introduction, their focus on innovation and durable materials contributes to lower repair bills over time. Also, BMW’s reliable service network in the UAE makes it easier to access parts and professional maintenance at affordable prices.

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: BMW 320i, BMW 520i sDrive

• SUVs: BMW X2 sDrive20i, BMW X3 xDrive30i

Suzuki

In UAE, Suzuki has grown into being synonymous with affordability and practicality, and the brand’s low maintenance costs are a major selling point. With readily available spare parts, Suzuki cars are suited for drivers seeking a budget-friendly vehicle that requires minimal maintenance.

Here are some models you can consider,

• Sedan: Suzuki Baleno, Suzuki Swift

• SUVs: Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki Jimmy

Ford

The vehicles from Ford are well known for their solid build quality and affordable maintenance. You add to that robust engineering enabling the vehicles to withstand tough driving conditions and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns. Ford’s widespread presence in the UAE also means you can find service centers and spare parts with ease.

Here are some models you can consider,

Sedan: Ford Taurus

• SUVs: Ford Edge, Ford Explorer

Conclusion 

Selecting a car in the UAE involves more than just considering the purchase price and fuel efficiency. Maintenance costs play a crucial role in the total cost of your vehicle in the long run. In addition to choosing a vehicle with low maintenance, finding the right car insurance in UAE is another step towards protecting your investment. 

At Policyhouse.com, you can compare and purchase a range of vehicle insurance options, so that you get the best coverage for your needs. Whether you are purchasing your first car or looking to upgrade, Policyhouse.com provides all the tools to help you find affordable and comprehensive car insurance, making owning your dream car stress-free.