Questions & Answers
False promises and hidden defects: Can you sue Dubai's top used car dealer?
Dear Sir/Madam,
I purchased a car from Dubai's largest second-hand dealership with full faith in their claim, on their website, that all cars on sale are thoroughly inspected and free from any material defects.
Eleven months later, I decided to sell the car privately and received a matching offer.
However, I was unable to sell it despite passing the RTA test because I discovered that the car had undergone chassis repair, with evidence that such repairs took place before the car was sold to me.
The dealership must have been fully aware of these defects when they completed the RTA registration on my behalf.
I had no doubt that the car was defective as its VIN number did not return any history of accidents. I feel extremely disappointed and let down because the car is now worth 50k less.
Could you please advise me on my legal options?
Am I in a position to sue them for compensation?
Dear questioner,
The Federal Civil Code has protected your absolute legal right with serious and strict measures. You can get your money back within a maximum of three months.
But also according to civil law, if you are late after six months from the date of purchasing the car, unfortunately, you will not have the right to sue him or get your money back and you will be obligated by law to pay the remaining amount of the car that you stopped paying before then.
It is your responsibility to inspect the car before buying it. You have no right to claim anything if it has already been transferred to your name.
Sorry for your situation.
The best possible legal recourse is to file a criminal case against the used car dealer and subsequently raise a civil compensation claim for recovery of damages.
You can file a complaint with the consumer protection in your emirate.
