American Specs Vs. GCC Specs: Know The Differences

If you are in the market for secondhand cars, you will encounter an array of factors that will affect your purchase decision and determine how well you can get the most out of your investment. One of these factors is the vehicle’s specifications (or specs, for short).

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you’ll encounter American specs and GCC specs in cars. But what do these terms even mean?

In this guide, we will help you understand the main differences between the two and answer your most important questions so you can make an informed decision when buying used cars in the UAE.

What Is the Difference Between American Spec and GCC Spec Cars?

Cars with GCC and American specs don’t have much difference; if there are some, they usually vary for different brands. But that’s not to say there aren’t any variations at all.

The key differences between US and GCC spec cars revolve around the following features:

• Suspension
• Climate control
• Emissions
• Air conditioning system
• Safety features

What Is a GCC Spec Car?

GCC specs are focused on automobile features that are tailored for Gulf Cooperation Council countries, namely:

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Bahrain

These specifications ensure that the vehicles are engineered to withstand the unique road and climate conditions in the region. That means:

• GCC specs include higher radiator and cooling system capacity to adapt to the extreme heat in the desert, especially in the summer.
• Compared to American specs, GCC specs cars have AC compressors that are more effective in air conditioning.
• GCC cars also have better air filters to protect the engines from potential damage, especially during sandstorms.
• GCC specs also include enhanced rust protection to adapt to the humidity in the UAE and other coastal areas in the region.

Cars with GCC specs are also designed to conform to the region’s safety standards and efficiently use the readily available fuel types there.

How to Tell if a Car Is US Spec

US cars are also designed with the American climate in mind, meaning the air conditioning is designed more for heating than cooling. The suspension is also closer to the international standard, whereas the GCC specs have been modified to adapt to uneven road surfaces.

American specs generally follow car manufacturing standards and regulations in the United States (US). You can tell that a vehicle has US specs by looking at the sticker located by the driver’s door and under the hood. You can also verify this by checking if the vehicle identification number (VIN) starts with 1, 4, or 5.

How Do I Know What Spec My Car Is?

Aside from the key features mentioned above, you can also determine whether your vehicle has American specs or GCC specs by:

• Performing a VIN check: You can perform a VIN check in the UAE using trustworthy platforms like the Vehicle Report, and get a full report on your car. We also provide detailed information about the vehicle’s accident history.
• Looking at the chassis plate: If it is written in Arabic or has a GCC-area code phone number, it has GCC specs.
• Checking side mirror inscriptions: Like the chassis plate, mirror inscriptions are Arabic for cars with GCC specs. On the other hand, American specs cars include “USA” as the “Country of Origin” or “Final Assembly Point.”

Note that vehicles with GCC specs come in fewer models than American-spec cars, so you may find more US-made models even when you’re buying within the UAE. However, US cars are imported and may require specialized service once used in the GCC.

Why Are American Cars Cheap in Dubai?

American cars have lower price tags than GCC-spec vehicles because the latter are manufactured with enhanced features to adapt to the region’s unique road and climate conditions.

However, maintaining American cars in Dubai may be trickier and inadvertently more expensive, given the additional modifications and specialized services they require.

Is it Okay to Buy an American Spec Car in the UAE?

Yes, buying and driving a US-made vehicle in the UAE is legally permissible. However, doing so may come with potential issues, including:

1. Incompatibility to Climate Conditions

As mentioned earlier, American cars are built for the climate in the US, which means you will need to have them modified to ensure a smooth and comfortable drive in the UAE.

2. Different Standards

Because they are built based on US standards, vehicles with American specs may have issues with inspections and registrations unless modified accordingly.

3. Serviceability

Cars with American specifications may not be as serviceable in the UAE. Because they are manufactured abroad, parts and repair or maintenance services may prove more challenging than those for cars with GCC specifications.

4. Resale Value and Insurance

US-made cars may have lower resale value. While this can be a good thing for buyers, it may not be as ideal for people who eventually want to sell their used car.

Moreover, insurance providers tend to offer lower coverage for American cars because of concerns about their suitability for the local terrain and climate in the UAE.

Maximize Your Used Car Investment

Understanding the key differences between American and GCC specs empowers you to make a smarter purchase. Therefore it is important to get a full car report before you make any decision. You can also opt for a free report for a quick overview of some key facts.