While everyone’s talking about buying the new Apple iPhone 17, smart car buyers in the UAE are thinking differently. Why spend almost AED 7,000 on the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max when you could get a reliable car for the same price?
In the UAE, a car isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re driving from Dubai Marina to Sharjah or just trying to stay cool in the desert heat. iPhones aren’t known for transporting people from point A to B. We found 7 solid used cars that cost less than Apple’s newest iPhone 17 Pro Max.
These range from small cars perfect for tight Dubai parking spots to family cars great for weekend trips to Fujairah. These budget-friendly options prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get around. Here’s how to turn your iPhone money into real freedom on UAE roads.
#7 2008 Nissan Altima
Slip into the driver’s seat of the 2008 Altima and you’ll see why it’s been a UAE favorite. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder delivers about 175 hp and 244 Nm torque. That’s more than enough for your daily Dubai to Sharjah run.
With fuel use around 9–10 km/L, this mid-size sedan is built for comfort and practicality. Spacious inside and smooth on highways, this is the Mike Ehrmantraut of cars; silent but effective.
Price
An average condition 2008 Nissan Altima can be found easily between AED 4,500 and AED 6,000, which is a bargain if you think about it.
#6 2005 Peugeot 307
Want something a little different from the endless sea of Japanese sedans? The Peugeot 307 is a charming option. Under the hood sits a 1.6L engine with about 110 hp and 147 Nm of torque. This is responsible for a fuel economy of 12–13 km/L.
Its hatchback body is easy to park in tight spots, and the interior feels surprisingly chic. It’s not a racer, but it adds a bit of French flair to UAE traffic.
Price
For the minimal price range between AED 4,500 and AED 6,000, you can own this budget-friendly car. Just look for a better-condition one, as this isn’t one of the most reliable cars on our list today.
#5 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
Few cars can make people smile like the 2000 Beetle. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder brings 115 hp and 170 Nm torque. It has a fuel economy of 10–11 km/L, which is, well, understandable. Compact and shaped like no other, this coupe is all about character.
It’s not about speed — it’s about showing up in something instantly recognizable, whether you’re in Jumeirah or Ajman.
Price
A well-kept and well-driven Volkswagen Beetle is going to cost you somewhere around AED 6,500.
#4 2005 Nissan Sunny
Say “Sunny” in the UAE, and most people will nod knowingly. The 2005 Nissan Sunny is powered by a 1.6L engine with 105 hp and 142 Nm of torque. It sips fuel at 12–13 km/L, making it one of the most economical sedans around.
Simple, sturdy, and everywhere, the Sunny is the compact sedan that built its name on reliability and affordability.
Price
The beauty of the Sunny is that you can buy one for upwards of AED 3,000. That means for the price of the new Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, you can buy not one but two of these Sunnys.
#3 2008 Nissan Tiida
If you’ve ever met a college student in Dubai, chances are they’ve driven a Nissan Tiida. The 2008 model offers a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 126 hp and 174 Nm torque. It gives about 12–13 km/L, and with its hatchback shape, you get good space without bulk.
Known for being easy to drive and maintain, the Tiida is a friendly, fuss-free ride for first-timers.
Price
A 400,000 + km driven Nissan Tiida is going to cost you north of AED 5,500. Still, this is one of the latest cars on our list of Used Cars in the UAE that costs less than an iPhone 17.
#2 2004 Toyota Camry
The Camry isn’t just a car; it’s practically a UAE institution now. The 2004 Camry has a 2.4L engine with around 157 hp and 218 Nm of torque. Expect 10–11 km/L, which is fair for a mid-size sedan that carries families, friends, or even half of your house.
Being a Toyota, the Camry’s reputation for durability makes it a legend on long drives in Abu Dhabi.
Price
You can easily pick a used 2004 Toyota Camry in the UAE between AED 4,500 and AED 6,500.
#1 2003 Honda Civic
The 2003 Civic is small, sharp, and still loved in tuning circles. It runs on a 1.6L i-VTEC producing 115 hp and 152 Nm torque, with great efficiency at 12–14 km/L. As a compact sedan, it’s light, agile, and easy to drive around city streets.
The real fun? Its tuning potential. You’ll see plenty of Civics in Sharjah workshops being given a sporty new life.
Price
A good condition 2003 Honda Civic usually sells between AED 5,000 and AED 6,500.
Conclusion
Finding a reliable car for the price of a new iPhone might seem impossible, but these seven options prove otherwise. The best part? You don’t have to spend weekends driving from dealership to dealership or arguing with sellers in parking lots. Arabwheels makes car buying as simple as ordering your morning coffee.
Browse thousands of verified listings, compare prices instantly, and connect directly with sellers, all from your phone or laptop. No more wasted time, no more runaround, just straightforward car buying that actually works.
Ready to trade your iPhone budget for real mobility? Head to Arabwheels now and find your perfect ride. Your new car is just a few clicks away.