Mira.
A used engine can save you thousands of dirhams — or cost you a second repair. The difference is the 20 minutes you spend checking it before paying.
The 10-point checklist
- Engine & VIN numbers — must match the donor vehicle's documents
- Cold compression test — do it yourself with a compression tester, don't take their word
- Timing chain / belt noise — cold start and listen for 5 minutes
- Visible leaks — oil, coolant, head gasket area
- Vehicle history — kilometres and why the car was scrapped
- Written warranty — 30–90 days is standard for premium units
- Dated photos & video — ask for a video with today's date before you travel
- Official invoice — needed for export and for warranty claims
- Installation cost — budget the labour before you commit
- Return policy — ask exactly what the warranty covers and what it doesn't
Red flags — walk away
- Price more than 30% below market
- Seller refuses inspection
- Welds or sealant visible on the block
- Engine number filed or unreadable
- "No warranty, no returns, final sale" with a suspiciously low price
Where to buy, by part type
| Part | Best hub |
|---|---|
| Premium engines (Mercedes, BMW, Porsche) | Al Quoz or Souq Al Haraj |
| Japanese engines (Toyota, Nissan) | Souq Al Haraj |
| Gearboxes & half-cuts wholesale | Ajman IA2 |
| Body panels & lights | Any hub — compare prices |
Save the drive
Every part on PartsMarket UAE comes from a listed vendor with WhatsApp contact — send the checklist, get the video, then decide. And if you're buying for a client, post a WANTED order and let vendors compete.
Bien.
20 minutes of checks beats 2,000 AED of regret.
Gran día.