What Is The Difference Between GCC Specs And American Specs?

When shopping for a car in the UAE, one common dilemma is whether to choose a GCC-spec or an American-spec vehicle. Understanding the differences between these specifications can save you from unexpected issues and help you select a car that suits your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the meaning of these terms, compare their features, and provide practical advice for prospective buyers.

GCC specs refer to vehicles specifically manufactured for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. These specifications address the extreme environmental conditions of the region, such as high temperatures, frequent sandstorms, and high humidity levels in coastal areas.

American-spec vehicles are cars built for the U.S. market. These vehicles comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, which focus on emissions, safety, and technology standards. While American specs offer a variety of advanced features, they are not tailored to handle the GCC’s unique environment.

Car manufacturers modify cars to suit the environmental condition of each region, although all cars are tested in high and low-temperature conditions. The main difference between American and GCC specs is the maintenance history. If you’re buying an American spec in the UAE, there’s a high chance you’re buying an imported car that went through a big accident before being repaired.

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

American and imported cars are slightly more affordable because the competition in the US market is high. Unlike the UAE, in the US each model has an official dealer controlling the price.

When car showrooms import cars from the US, they buy them for cheap and then fix them if an accident occurs. They then resell them for a higher price that is still lower than GCC specs cars.

American-spec cars may be worth considering if you’re looking for specific models not sold as GCC specs. Vehicles like the Toyota Tundra, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Titan are examples of US-spec cars popular in the UAE. However, these cars come with their own set of challenges:

If you’re unsure whether a car is GCC or American spec, here’s how you can verify:

If American-imported cars seem to have a better value, then why do people buy GCC specs at all?

Many continue to buy GCC spec vehicles because they are designed to survive this region and therefore are likely to last longer with fewer trips to the mechanics and a higher resale value.

It’s well known that GCC cars have higher resale value than US specs, so it will be much easier to sell your used GCC car, especially if it’s still within the five-year warranty period from the dealer.

If you are considering buying a car imported from the US or overseas, take note of the VIN (a.k.a. the Chassis number) and run it through an online database to have the number checked. This will tell you if the vehicle had any previous accidents — minor or serious.

Dubai has an extra layer of assurance for buyers. Since 2018, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai have offered a ‘Vehicle Condition Certificate’. By obtaining one of these, buyers can authenticate the mileage, previous owners, how many times it has been impounded, its condition during its previous annual test and much more information about the vehicle.

Perhaps you’ve decided to buy an American-spec car because they’re more affordable. Or, perhaps you had no choice, as not all cars are available in GCC specs. There are several new and used cars that are not sold officially and have been imported into the country by dealers. Finding spares for these vehicles might be difficult if the issue being faced is uncommon. 

However, as many of these vehicles share the same platform, their components are often interchangeable with one another so finding 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 which can easily be delivered to you.

DubiCars is the UAE’s favourite online car marketplace. Find new and used cars for sale in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman, including GCC spec and US spec vehicles.

GCC-spec cars are specifically designed for the region’s climate, ensuring better performance, durability, and resale value.

Yes, American-spec cars are often cheaper initially. However, they may incur higher long-term costs due to maintenance and climate-related issues.

Verify through the VIN, inspect the AC system, radiator, and rust protection, or consult the seller for documentation.

GCC specs typically have higher resale values due to their regional suitability and local warranties.

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