How to Inspect a US Car Before Shipping It to the UAE

When my cousin first told me he was shipping a car from Houston to Dubai, he thought the hard part was finding the right model. He had his eye on a Dodge Charger, imagining the thrill of cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road with that deep engine growl. But the truth is, the actual purchase is just the beginning. The inspection stage—checking the car before it even boards a ship—is where a lot of buyers trip up. Skip it, and you could end up with a car that looks great in pictures but costs you a fortune in repairs once it hits UAE soil.

Over the years, I’ve helped a few friends and acquaintances go through this process, and I’ve picked up lessons the hard way (some of them expensive). Here’s what I’ve learned about inspecting a U.S. car before it makes its journey across the Atlantic.

Why an Inspection Really Matters

Let’s be honest: buying a car overseas already feels risky. You’re relying on online photos, dealership descriptions, and the occasional video walk-through. And while many U.S. sellers are legitimate, there are always cases where vehicles are dressed up for quick sales. Sometimes that means a fresh coat of paint covering rust. Other times it’s odometer tampering or minor accident history brushed off as “just a scratch.”

The UAE market expects cars in top condition. Repairing flood-damaged wiring or replacing a transmission in Dubai is not only stressful but far more expensive than catching the problem early in the U.S. I once knew someone who skipped the inspection and ended up importing a car that had been in a minor flood. By the time the electrical issues showed up in Sharjah, the repair bill had ballooned to almost a third of the car’s original price.

So yes, inspections matter. They aren’t just about peace of mind—they’re about protecting your wallet and making sure your car arrives ready to hit the roads.

Step 1: Get the Vehicle History Report

Before you even touch the car, start with its paperwork. In the U.S., this usually means pulling a Carfax or AutoCheck report. These documents track the car’s ownership history, accident records, service visits, and sometimes even mileage discrepancies.

I always tell people: if the seller hesitates to provide a history report, that’s your first red flag. It doesn’t guarantee the car is flawless, but it does give you a trail to follow. For example, if you see the car lived in Florida during a hurricane year, it’s worth asking whether it was exposed to flooding. If it spent years in northern states like Michigan, you’ll want to check for rust from salted winter roads.

Step 2: Do a Thorough Exterior Check

Walking around the car is simple, but it can reveal a lot if you pay attention. Look for paint inconsistencies—slightly different shades on the bumper and door could suggest previous repairs. Check for uneven panel gaps; if one side of the hood sits higher, it may indicate the car was in a front-end collision.

I once inspected a Ford Explorer in Chicago, and from a distance, it looked pristine. But when I ran my hand along the lower doors, I felt small rough patches hidden under fresh paint. A magnet test confirmed my suspicion: body filler from a previous accident repair.

Don’t forget to inspect the tires. Uneven wear can signal poor alignment or suspension issues. If one tire looks much newer than the others, it could mean the owner replaced just the damaged one after a mishap—again, a small clue worth noting.

Step 3: Check Under the Hood

Pop the hood, even if you’re not a mechanic. A lot can be spotted by eye. Look for oil leaks around the engine block, cracked hoses, or corroded battery terminals. Pull out the dipstick and check oil color. Dark, sludgy oil suggests poor maintenance, while clean golden oil shows recent servicing.

Coolant levels and color also tell a story. If the liquid looks rusty or oily, that’s a sign of deeper issues. Transmission fluid should be pinkish, not burnt brown.

During one inspection in New Jersey, I noticed a slight burnt smell when checking transmission fluid on a Dodge Durango. The seller downplayed it, but I advised my friend to pass. Later we found out the car had a history of transmission problems. Catching it then saved him thousands.

Step 4: Look Underneath

This is the part many people skip because it’s messy. But trust me, crouching down and peeking under the SUV or sedan is worth it. Check for rust, leaks, or fresh undercoating (which could be hiding damage).

If you see drips on the ground after the car’s been sitting, that’s another warning sign. In some snowy U.S. states, you’ll notice corrosion on the exhaust system or frame. In the UAE’s hot climate, rust doesn’t progress as quickly, but shipping a rusted car only sets you up for long-term headaches.

Step 5: Inspect the Interior

Climb inside and check more than just how comfortable the seats feel. Turn on the electronics—AC, radio, windows, lights, and navigation system. In Dubai, where summer heat can fry weaker systems, having a functioning AC is non-negotiable.

I once sat in a Jeep Grand Cherokee where the air conditioning blew only lukewarm air. The seller shrugged it off as a minor fix. Anyone who’s spent July in Dubai knows that’s not minor—it’s survival.

Look closely at the odometer too. If it reads suspiciously low for an older vehicle, that might hint at tampering. Compare the mileage with the wear on pedals, steering wheel, and seats. A 5-year-old SUV with only 20,000 miles shouldn’t have a faded steering wheel.

Step 6: The Test Drive

This is the part where the car tells you the truth. A test drive reveals issues that no photo or sales pitch can cover. Start by listening—any rattles, squeaks, or knocking sounds are clues. Pay attention to acceleration: does it respond smoothly, or does it hesitate?

Check the brakes. A pulsing pedal could mean warped rotors. A grinding noise might suggest worn pads. Steering should feel responsive, not overly loose or heavy.

One time, while test driving a used Dodge Charger, I noticed a faint vibration at highway speeds. The dealer said it was “probably just the tires.” Turned out it was a suspension issue, which would have cost over $1,500 to repair. That’s the kind of detail you want to catch before the car crosses an ocean.

Step 7: Professional Inspection

Even after your own checks, it’s wise to hire a professional inspector in the U.S. There are companies that, for a few hundred dollars, will do a full report with photos, diagnostics, and even videos. It’s money well spent, especially if you’re not physically there to see the car.

I used one for a friend buying a Chevrolet Tahoe in Texas. The inspector found minor leaks and a misaligned hood latch—issues the seller hadn’t disclosed. My friend renegotiated the price and ended up saving nearly $1,000, which covered shipping insurance.

Step 8: Verify Compliance with UAE Standards

This part often gets overlooked in the excitement of buying, but it’s crucial. The UAE has specific regulations on vehicle imports. Cars must meet emission standards, and certain modifications (like tinted windows or aftermarket exhausts) might not pass inspection.

I’ve seen cases where buyers had to spend thousands modifying their cars in Dubai just to make them road-legal. Always check beforehand whether the U.S. model you’re considering aligns with UAE road regulations. If in doubt, ask a shipping company or clearing agent who specializes in UAE imports.

Step 9: Document Everything

Once you’re satisfied with the inspection, make sure you have all necessary documents in order: the title, bill of sale, and any inspection reports. Scan and back them up. Shipping agents and UAE customs will want these on hand.

When I shipped my first car, I thought keeping photocopies wasn’t necessary—until the shipping company misplaced one of the invoices. Luckily, I had scanned it on my phone. That small step saved me days of stress.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Even with a solid inspection, budget for hidden costs. Shipping insurance, customs duties, and clearance fees in the UAE can stack up. Some buyers forget to factor these in and end up scrambling. A friend once joked that his Toyota Camry cost him two prices: the purchase price and the “landing in Dubai” price.

Planning ahead with a cushion of at least 15-20% beyond your budget can help soften the blow of unexpected expenses.

Final Thoughts

Inspecting a U.S. car before shipping it to the UAE isn’t glamorous. It’s time-consuming, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally makes you feel like you’re nitpicking. But every small check—the tire tread, the AC, the smell of the transmission fluid—adds up to peace of mind when your car finally rolls onto Jebel Ali port.

I’ve come to see inspections as less of a chore and more of a filter. They separate the dream cars that are worth shipping from the shiny lemons that will drain your bank account. And while it’s tempting to rush through the process when you’re excited about owning that Dodge Charger or Chevy Tahoe, slowing down and doing it right pays off every single time.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say this: trust your gut, but back it up with evidence. Whether it’s a professional inspection report, a careful test drive, or simply crouching down to spot rust under the bumper, those details matter. By the time you’re driving through Dubai, with the AC blasting and the city skyline ahead, you’ll be glad you took the time to do it properly.

Published on: Sep 08, 2025

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