Cariva, the forward-thinking multi-brand pre-owned vehicle retailer supported by A.A Al Moosa Enterprises, has officially launched its state-of-the-art showroom on Damascus Street in Dubai. The new facility promises a more transparent, reliable and seamless route for customers purchasing used cars.
Spread across 30,000 square feet, the centre features a carefully selected line-up of more than 100 vehicles spanning various makes and models. Its opening aligns with the surge in demand for trustworthy, tech-driven buying experiences in the UAE’s fast-growing pre-owned car market.
The UAE’s used car sector, valued at US$20 billion in 2022, is projected to expand to US$48 billion by 2030 at an 11.5% CAGR. SUVs and sedans continue to be the most sought-after options among all segments. Yet the market is seeing a notable increase in demand for hybrid and electric vehicles as consumers adapt to fuel trends and embrace sustainability. The data also indicates heightened interest in luxury used cars equipped with technologies such as IoT connectivity, artificial intelligence, autonomous features and enhanced safety systems—signalling a strong preference for smarter and more efficient mobility.
However, despite its growth trajectory, the market faces several pain points including limited vehicle availability, rising costs, pricing inconsistencies and lack of standardised quality checks. These challenges have kept overall customer satisfaction at 65%, considerably lower than the ideal benchmark of 85%. Buyer behaviour varies significantly across groups: Western expatriates (60%) and UAE nationals (43%) tend to replace their pre-owned vehicles within three years, while Subcontinental Asian customers have the lowest replacement frequency.
Buying a pre-owned car can be complex, as every vehicle comes with its own unique history and uncertain past usage. To provide transparency and peace of mind, Cariva takes a comprehensive, customer-focused approach to bridge these gaps:
- “Drive Now, Buy Later” services for flexible ownership
- Manufacturer-backed warranty – An industry first and only by a pre-owned car dealer
- Government-authorized inspections for complete transparency
- End-to-end support, including finance, insurance, and registration
Cariva’s consumer behavior insights also show that most consumers buy pre-owned cars every 4 to 5 years. Buyers who prioritize quality and prefer tried-and-tested vehicles tend to replace their cars more frequently, while the majority purchase vehicles that are 2–5 years old, prioritizing factors such as vehicle condition, dealer reputation, age of the car, test drives, and value for money. First-time buyers focus heavily on price, brand reputation, warranty, and service history. Additionally, auto loans are the most common financing method for 49% of consumers, while 60% are interested in trading their vehicles if the option were available.
“Car buyers today are looking for a seamless, transparent, and digitally-enabled experience they can trust,” said Harshvardhan Singh, Business Head at Cariva. “Cariva combines technology, transparency, and premium service to meet the diverse needs of UAE consumers, from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking luxury vehicles. Our goal is to make pre-owned car ownership as simple and confident as possible.”
The UAE’s car-friendly infrastructure, high-income demographics, and diverse expatriate community create an ideal environment for Cariva’s approach. Rising interest in EVs and luxury vehicles, coupled with digital adoption and immersive purchase experiences, positions Cariva to lead the next generation of pre-owned car retailing.
Cariva’s Damascus Street showroom offers a curated selection of verified, single-owner vehicles at fair value, supported by comprehensive services that ensure trust and transparency throughout the buying journey. The launch underscores Cariva’s commitment to transforming the pre-owned car market and enhancing the consumer experience in the UAE.
