Salvaged wrecks!

Regional websites are full of horror stories told by car buyers who opted to buy non-GCC specs cars, usually imported in the gray market from the US or Japan. Some of these vehicles are imported as salvaged wrecks and repaired locally by cheap labor and sold off with marginal discounts compared to the GCC-sourced used cars.
Buyers are unaware of the dangers of these cars, which can actually put them and their families at risk. Some burst into flames, as they are dangerous to drive at speed and overheat easily. They also have no service records and dealer garages refuse to service them while insurance companies decline comprehensive cover.
There are reports of some shady dealers who buy in bulk damaged and destroyed vehicles at auctions abroad, ship them in containers and work on rebuilding them in backstreet workshops before selling them off as second-hand cars to unsuspecting customers. The prices are not cheap, with discounts of about 15 percent compared to the price of good used car with a detailed service history.
Even with the best repaired salvaged cars a slight twist in the chassis would make the vehicle unstable at speed and the driver could easily lose control. The risk of fire is never far away, caused by poor workmanship; overheating or bad wiring combined with static sparks.
Even a higher-mileage GCC-spec used car is much safer than a newer low-mileage used imported car. GCC-spec cars have bigger radiators, heavy duty air-conditioning and heat-tolerant components. Exterior paints can tolerate the strong sun rays of the regional summers and batteries are upgraded for the extra power load needed for accessories.
Even though some buyers are happy with their imported vehicles, the sensible advice has to be: Avoid the gray market and buy used cars from reputable dealers. Have the car checked by a specialist mechanic and scrutinize its service history. The premium you pay to acquire a legitimate car may prove the best investment you have ever made for your and your family’s safety.
• Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist based in London.