The UAE's used car market is substantial and growing, projected to reach $48.14 billion by 2030, up from $20.15 billion in 2022. This growth brings opportunities but also complexities. A recent (June 4, 2025) article in The National highlighted a case where a buyer purchased a "clocked" Mercedes with 145,000km dialed back, underscoring the very real risks involved. In that same article, Ryan Hughes of RMA Motors described the market as a "minefield" and stressed the need for buyer vigilance, particularly with imported vehicles.

Ryan Hughes' Top 5 Essential Checks for Your Used Supercar Purchase

Navigating the purchase of any used car, especially a high-value supercar, requires a sharp eye. Here are five critical checks Ryan Hughes of rma motors advises every potential buyer in the UAE to undertake:

• 1. Scrutinize the Vehicle's Origin – GCC Spec or Import? Many desirable used cars for sale in Dubai are imports. However, as Ryan has highlighted, the history of imported vehicles (especially from North America or Europe) can be much harder to trace than GCC-spec cars, potentially hiding major accident repairs or even theft. While not ruling out imports, prioritize GCC-spec models for clearer provenance, and significantly intensify your due diligence if considering an imported supercar.
• 2. Verify Mileage Meticulously – Go Beyond the Dashboard Display. Odometer tampering, or "clocking," remains a serious concern with second hand cars, particularly some imports. Ryan advises going beyond the dashboard reading. "On some cars," he suggests, "you can access what is called a service reset counter to make sure that the amount of service resets match the kilometres recorded." A mechanic can also check the car’s control units against the chassis number to ensure consistency.
• 3. Demand Comprehensive Service History & Paperwork. A supercar's heart beats strong with consistent, specialist maintenance. Missing or incomplete service records for any used car are a red flag, potentially masking neglect or recurring expensive issues. Ryan emphasizes that "due diligence" through a thorough review of all service invoices and vehicle paperwork is as vital as any physical inspection.
• 4. Invest in a Specialist Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). While any reputable used car dealership will have its own checks, an independent PPI by a marque specialist is your best safeguard. Standard inspections might miss nuances specific to supercars. This is a non-negotiable step before committing to a vehicle from any used luxury car list dubai, providing an unbiased assessment of its mechanical and structural integrity.
• 5. Assess for UAE-Specific Wear and Climate Impact. The UAE's demanding climate – extreme heat and fine dust – can take its toll if a car isn't meticulously cared for. Ryan has also cautioned buyers to be vigilant about potential past flood-damaged vehicles entering the market. Inspect for signs of heat stress on components, sand ingress, and ensure the cooling system is in top condition. This is crucial whether you're buying or if someone wants to sell exotic car dubai to a dealership.

The RMA Motors Approach: Transparency in a Challenging Market

These essential checks, championed by Ryan Hughes, aren't just valuable advice for buyers; they are foundational to the rigorous standards upheld at rma motors. As a trusted used car dealership in Dubai, we apply this same meticulous scrutiny to every high-performance vehicle we consider. Whether it's a supercar we purchase from an individual looking to sell exotic car dubai, or a model we meticulously source for our inventory of used cars for sale, our process is designed to ensure clarity and quality. Our commitment is to navigate the complexities of the market for you, aiming to transform what Ryan terms a potential "minefield" into a transparent and confident supercar buying experience for every one of our clients.

Conclusion

Venturing into the UAE's used supercar market doesn't have to feel like navigating a "minefield." Armed with Ryan Hughes' expert checks, you're now better equipped to sidestep potential pitfalls and make an informed decision. At rma motors, this level of diligence isn't just advice—it's integral to how we select every used car for our discerning clients. So, pursue your supercar dream with confidence. Whether you're looking to buy from our meticulously inspected used luxury car list dubai or wish to sell exotic car dubai, connect with the trusted team at rma motors today.