GCC Specs a Comparison with Imported Specs Cars

You’re probably here now because you were looking for a car for sale but you heard those terms in the market, GCC specs car and imported specs car. We’ve made this comparison article to guide you through buying your next car.

What’s different in GCC Specs

There has been a debate whether there’s anything new or different in GCC cars or it’s just a name tag; the truth is car manufacturers do modify their cars to suit the environmental condition of each region, although all cars are tested in high and low-temperature conditions.

The main thing that differs between imported and GCC is the maintenance history, there’s a high chance you’re buying an imported car that went through big accident then repaired.

1. Radiators: the capacity of GCC cars radiators has to be more than imported cars to adapt to the extreme heat during gulf summer.
2. Air Conditioning: the AC compressor in GCC cars is able to work more effectively than non-GCC ones, and air conditioning can be one of the reasons why you don’t want to buy an imported car.
3. Air Filters: You know how dusty it can get in Dubai right? Sandstorms can occur anytime exposing the mechanical system of any car to sand and dust, GCC specs air filters are modified to protect your engine.
4. Rust Protection: Due to the high humidity and vast coastal areas surrounding the UAE, GCC spec vehicles feature improved rust protection.

There are also a few other differences regarding the options, radio, drivetrain and engine.

See Also: How to renew driving license in Dubai.

Price difference

Imported cars are, of course, a bit cheaper because the competition in the American market is really high, unlike UAE, for example, each make has an official dealer controlling the price.

When car showrooms import cars, they are buying it for cheap then fix it if it faced an accident then resell it for a higher price but still that high price considered lower than GCC specs cars.

Arabic writing on a GCC specs car mirror. Photo Credit: Rajitha Perera. Thumbnail photo credit: readersdigest.ca

Should I buy GCC or imported specs?

If imported cars seem to have a better value then why people buy GCC ones? Because those cars are designed to survive this region and more likely to last longer, fewer trips to the mechanics and the resale value is higher.

It’s spread across the nation that GCC cars have higher resale value and it will be much easier to sell your used GCC car especially if it’s still in the five years warranty from the dealer.

If you are considering buying a car imported from overseas, before you even consider buying it, take note of the VIN number (Chassis number) and run it through an online database and have the number checked. This way you can find out if the vehicle has had any previous accidents minor or serious.

As of 2018, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in the Dubai have launched a new service called ‘Vehicle Condition Certificate’ by obtaining one of these buyers can authenticate the milage, previous owners, how many times it has been impounded, its condition during its previous annual test and much more.

What about a car that isn’t officially sold in the UAE

Take the Toyota Tundra for example. We’ve got many for sale online, and you’ve no doubt seen one on the road. Did you know that no Tundra is GCC spec? And that they are mostly US spec! So what does this mean if you require spare parts or the vehicle needs to go in for a service?

As the Tundra and 4Runner (a car not sold in the UAE officially) share the same platform, many of their components are interchangeable with one another and finding Toyota parts in the UAE is incredibly easy. If there is a part of the car that is unique, many spare parts dealers across the globe stock parts for these and can be delivered to you.

The Tundra is not the only vehicle not officially sold anyway in the Emirates, the Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Titan are also not officially sold in the UAE as are a handful of other models that can be found scattered around the country.

Featured Photo credit: readersdigest.ca

The information in this post were researched and collected from various experiences and different opinions around the country, and there’s no official statement of an upgraded or different mechanical parts in GCC cars.