Question 1

What is CRU?

Accepted Answer

CRU helps buyers in the Middle East find, assess, secure, import, and receive classic and collector cars from around the world. We were built for people who want the car, but do not want the uncertainty, guesswork, and blind trust that often comes with buying overseas.

Question 2

What makes CRU different?

Accepted Answer

Many overseas buying arrangements require the buyer to pay the full amount upfront and then wait, hoping everything goes smoothly. CRU works differently. We help you understand what we know about the car, let you decide, secure the vehicle, manage the process, and bring it home. You pay a small advance to secure the car, with the balance payable only when the vehicle is delivered, subject to the terms of the individual sales contract.

Question 3

Is CRU a car dealer?

Accepted Answer

CRU is a specialist classic car sourcing and import service. Depending on the transaction, CRU may source, facilitate, purchase, import, or arrange the sale of a vehicle. CRU may also assist with or manage repair, restoration, rebuild, or restomod projects where separately agreed. The exact structure and scope will be set out in the individual sales contract or separate project agreement.

Question 4

Does CRU hold physical vehicle inventory?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Some vehicles may be physically held, controlled, or available through CRU, but most vehicles are sourced from trusted dealers, private sellers, auctions, collectors, specialist platforms, or other external sources. Unless a listing clearly states otherwise, buyers should assume that CRU is presenting a sourced vehicle opportunity rather than a vehicle already held in CRU’s physical inventory.

Question 5

Do you only deal in classics?

Accepted Answer

CRU focuses mainly on classic, modern classic, collector, and enthusiast cars. We are not a general used car dealership.

Question 6

Do you only serve buyers in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Our main focus is buyers in the UAE. We can support buyers in other GCC countries depending on the vehicle, destination, and import requirements.

Question 7

Can CRU find a specific car for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you know what you want, we can help search for it. This may include a specific make, model, year, color, engine, trim, or condition.

Question 8

What if I do not know exactly what I want?

Accepted Answer

That is fine. If you have a budget, general preference, or dream car category, CRU can help narrow the options and explain what each route may involve. We can also work with you to determine which classic best suits your budget, intended use, maintenance expectations, ownership goals, and appetite for restoration or modification.

Question 9

Where do you source cars from?

Accepted Answer

CRU may source vehicles from overseas dealers, private sellers, auctions, collectors, specialist platforms, and trusted contacts. Availability depends on the vehicle and market.

Question 10

Can you source cars from the US?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The US is one of the key markets for classic and collector cars, especially American classics, restomods, muscle cars, Corvettes, Mustangs, trucks, project vehicles, and modern classics.

Question 11

Can you source cars from Europe or Japan?

Accepted Answer

Where practical, yes. The feasibility depends on the vehicle, documentation, seller credibility, export process, shipping route, and import requirements.

Question 12

Can I send CRU a car I found online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have found a car, send us the listing or details. We can review it and tell you what we can reasonably assess before you decide whether to proceed.

Question 13

Do you inspect every car in person?

Accepted Answer

Not always. It depends on the vehicle location, seller, budget, and availability of inspection support. Where possible, CRU may coordinate seller verification, video checks, additional photos, documentation review, specialist input, or a third-party pre-purchase inspection through its inspector network at the buyer’s cost.

Question 14

Can I inspect a car before committing?

Accepted Answer

Where practical, yes. CRU strongly encourages buyers to arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection before committing to any vehicle. Depending on the vehicle location and seller cooperation, CRU may help coordinate inspections, video checks, additional photos, documentation review, or specialist input before the buyer decides whether to proceed. The cost of any such inspection must be paid by the buyer upfront, is non-refundable, and remains payable regardless of whether the buyer ultimately decides to purchase the vehicle.

Question 15

What is a pre-purchase inspection and why does CRU recommend it?

Accepted Answer

A pre-purchase inspection is an independent inspection of the vehicle before purchase. It may cover the body, paint, interior, engine, drivetrain, underbody, rust, mechanical condition, visible repairs, and documentation. CRU recommends pre-purchase inspections because classic and collector cars can have hidden issues that may not be visible in photos, videos, seller descriptions, or online listings. Where practical, CRU can organize the inspection through its network of reliable inspectors at the buyer’s upfront, non-refundable cost, and share the inspection report with the buyer.

Question 16

Will CRU guarantee the condition of the car?

Accepted Answer

No classic car can be guaranteed like a new car. Older cars may have hidden issues, prior repairs, rust, mechanical wear, electrical faults, cosmetic defects, or undocumented history. What CRU aims to do is reduce blind faith by showing you what we know, highlighting visible or disclosed risks, and helping you make a more informed decision.

Question 17

What condition information has CRU independently verified?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the vehicle and the information available. CRU may review seller disclosures, photos, videos, title information, documentation, inspection reports, visible condition indicators, mileage records, VIN information, and other available evidence. Where information has been independently checked or supported by documentation, CRU will say so. Where information is seller-represented, unverified, or subject to inspection, CRU will also make that clear.

Question 18

Do you provide a full mechanical warranty?

Accepted Answer

No, unless specifically stated in the individual sales contract. Classic and collector cars are generally sold based on age, condition, availability, and disclosed information.

Question 19

Can you check if the car has rust?

Accepted Answer

We can help identify visible rust concerns from photos, videos, seller disclosures, inspections, or available reports. However, hidden rust may not be visible until the car is physically inspected or dismantled.

Question 20

Can you verify mileage?

Accepted Answer

We can review available documents, listings, title records, service history, odometer readings, and seller statements. However, mileage on older cars may not always be independently verifiable.

Question 21

Can you verify if a car is matching numbers?

Accepted Answer

Where documentation, engine stamping, chassis numbers, VIN data, or specialist verification is available, we can help assess this. However, matching-numbers verification depends on the quality and availability of records.

Question 22

Will you tell me if a car is not worth buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If we believe a car has serious concerns, poor value, unclear documentation, unrealistic pricing, or excessive risk, we will say so.

Question 23

How does CRU pricing work?

Accepted Answer

CRU provides an all-inclusive price for the vehicle and agreed services. This means you know the total amount you are expected to pay for that transaction, instead of being surprised by multiple separate charges later.

Question 24

Do you provide a cost breakdown?

Accepted Answer

No. CRU does not usually provide a detailed cost breakdown. We provide an all-inclusive price, so the buyer knows the total commitment upfront.

Question 25

Are there hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

CRU’s model is built around avoiding hidden charges. The agreed price, inclusions, exclusions, and payment terms will be set out in the individual sales contract. Any exception, unusual cost, or buyer-specific requirement should be clearly addressed in that contract.

Question 26

Are there any costs beyond the listed all-inclusive price?

Accepted Answer

CRU provides one all-inclusive price for the vehicle and agreed services, so the buyer knows the total payment commitment for that transaction. Unless clearly stated otherwise in the individual sales contract, the all-inclusive price will cover the agreed vehicle purchase, sourcing support, shipping, customs clearance, import duties, port handling, and CRU’s service fee. Costs not included may include optional pre-purchase inspections, UAE registration, insurance, repairs, servicing, restoration work, storage caused by buyer delay, or any buyer-specific requirement not agreed in writing.

Question 27

How much advance do I need to pay?

Accepted Answer

The advance depends on the car, seller requirement, transaction structure, and risk profile. CRU’s model is built around a small advance to secure the car, with the balance payable on delivery, subject to the contract.

Question 28

How are advance payments protected or managed?

Accepted Answer

CRU’s model is built around a small advance to help secure the vehicle, with the balance payable only when the car is delivered, subject to the individual sales contract. Where the buyer wants additional protection, CRU can arrange for the advance payment to be held through an escrow arrangement, at an additional cost and subject to the terms agreed for that transaction. The exact payment structure, escrow process, refund position, and release conditions will be set out in the individual sales contract for that vehicle.

Question 29

When do I pay the balance?

Accepted Answer

Once the vehicle has arrived in the UAE, cleared the required customs and port release formalities, and is available for delivery, CRU will issue a Delivery Availability Notice to the buyer by email and/or WhatsApp. The remaining balance must be paid within the period stated in the individual sales contract. Under CRU’s current sales agreement structure, the buyer is given fourteen calendar days from the Delivery Availability Notice to pay the balance.

Question 30

What happens if I do not pay the balance on time?

Accepted Answer

If the buyer does not pay the balance within the period stated in the individual sales contract, CRU may issue reminders and apply the consequences set out in that contract. Under CRU’s current sales agreement structure, if the buyer fails to pay the balance within the payment period and any applicable grace period, the buyer may be treated as being in default, and the advance payment may be released to CRU in accordance with the contract terms.

Question 31

Is the advance refundable?

Accepted Answer

Refund terms depend on the individual sales contract. CRU does not use a generic refund rule for every transaction because each vehicle, seller, and sourcing arrangement may be different.

Question 32

Can I pay in installments?

Accepted Answer

Usually, the payment structure is advance plus balance on delivery. Any different payment structure must be agreed in writing.

Question 33

What currency do you quote in?

Accepted Answer

CRU may quote in AED or another agreed currency depending on the transaction. The applicable currency will be clearly stated before you proceed.

Question 34

Does CRU arrange shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CRU arranges international shipping as part of the agreed transaction, unless otherwise stated in the contract.

Question 35

Do you handle UAE import clearance?

Accepted Answer

CRU arranges import, clearance, and delivery support in the UAE through suitable logistics and clearance partners, unless otherwise stated in the contract.

Question 36

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Shipping timelines vary depending on the country of origin, inland transport, export procedures, port schedules, vessel availability, customs clearance, and UAE delivery arrangements.

Question 37

Will the car be shipped in a container?

Accepted Answer

Many classic cars are shipped in containers, but the exact method depends on the vehicle, route, cost, availability, and agreed logistics plan.

Question 38

Can I track the shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CRU provides customers with access to a customer portal where key milestones in the vehicle journey are clearly marked. These may include pre-shipment inspection, loading at the origin port, unloading at Jebel Ali, customs and clearance updates, and final delivery to the customer. At each relevant milestone, CRU uploads available photographs and documents so the customer has visibility of where the vehicle is, what stage it has reached, and what has been completed. This gives the customer a clear view of the process from shipment preparation through to delivery in the UAE.

Question 39

What documents do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

CRU manages the import process on behalf of the buyer, including the required vehicle, shipping, customs, and delivery documentation. At the time of entering into the sales contract, the buyer will generally only need to provide a copy of a valid Passport or Emirates ID, along with any other information specifically required for that transaction. CRU will advise the buyer if any additional documents are required.

Question 40

What documents will I receive during the process?

Accepted Answer

CRU manages the vehicle documentation, import, customs, and delivery process on behalf of the buyer. For buyers in the UAE, the key final document provided will be the Possession Certificate issued by the Ministry of Interior, showing the buyer as the owner of the vehicle. For buyers outside the UAE, CRU will provide the relevant Vehicle Clearance Certificate or equivalent documentation applicable to that destination.

Question 41

Who is responsible for customs duties and VAT?

Accepted Answer

Unless agreed otherwise, these costs are included in the all-inclusive price quoted by CRU. Any exception must be clearly stated in the individual sales contract.

Question 42

Can every car be imported into the UAE?

Accepted Answer

No. Import eligibility depends on UAE rules, vehicle age, documentation, condition, compliance requirements, and registration requirements. CRU will assess this before proceeding where possible.

Question 43

What happens if my car is damaged or lost during shipping?

Accepted Answer

International shipping always carries some risk, even when handled through professional logistics providers. CRU will use suitable shipping and logistics partners and will keep the buyer updated using available information. If the vehicle suffers damage during transport, CRU will document the damage and coordinate the applicable claim or resolution with the relevant logistics provider, shipping company, insurer, or other responsible party in accordance with the shipping arrangements and the individual sales contract. If the vehicle is lost, destroyed, seized, rendered irrecoverable, or becomes legally impossible to export or import before arrival in the UAE due to circumstances beyond CRU’s reasonable control, the outcome will be handled in accordance with the individual sales contract, which may include termination of the agreement and refund of the advance payment where applicable.

Question 44

Who owns my car while it is being transported?

Accepted Answer

CRU acquires the vehicle before shipping and remains responsible for managing it through the export, shipping, import and delivery process. Once the vehicle arrives in the UAE and the agreed delivery and payment conditions are completed, CRU will transfer the vehicle documentation to the buyer. For UAE buyers, this is done through the Possession Certificate issued by the Ministry of Interior, showing the buyer as the owner of the vehicle. For buyers outside the UAE, CRU will provide the relevant clearance or ownership-transfer documentation applicable to that destination.

Question 45

What happens if my car is unable to clear UAE customs?

Accepted Answer

CRU reviews import feasibility before proceeding and manages the import, customs, and clearance process through suitable partners. However, if the vehicle is unable to clear UAE customs for reasons beyond the buyer’s control and the transaction cannot be completed, CRU will initiate a full refund in accordance with the individual sales contract.

Question 46

What exactly does “delivered” mean?

Accepted Answer

“Delivered” means the vehicle has arrived in the UAE, cleared the required customs and port release formalities, and is physically handed over to the buyer or the buyer’s authorized representative at the agreed delivery location, in accordance with the individual sales contract. Under the current sales agreement, delivery is completed when the vehicle is physically handed over and the buyer, or the buyer’s authorized representative, signs the Delivery Note confirming receipt of the vehicle.

Question 47

Where will the car be delivered?

Accepted Answer

Delivery location will be agreed before the transaction is finalized. This may be your home, storage location, workshop, or another agreed delivery point in the UAE.

Question 48

What happens if I refuse to accept delivery?

Accepted Answer

If the vehicle is available for delivery and the buyer refuses to accept delivery, fails to pay the balance, or does not complete the required delivery steps, the consequences will be governed by the individual sales contract. Under the current sales agreement structure, once a Delivery Availability Notice is issued, the buyer must pay the remaining balance within the agreed period. If the buyer fails to pay within the payment period and any applicable grace period, the buyer may be treated as being in default, and the advance payment may be released to CRU in accordance with the contract terms.

Question 49

What happens if I pay in full but do not collect or accept the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

If the buyer has paid in full but does not collect or accept delivery of the vehicle within the required period, the consequences will be governed by the individual sales contract. CRU may continue to store the vehicle for a limited period and storage charges may apply. If the vehicle remains uncollected beyond the period stated in the contract, CRU may have the right to deal with the vehicle in accordance with the contract terms.

Question 50

Is registration included?

Accepted Answer

No. CRU does not guarantee UAE registration or passing RTA inspection. CRU’s role is to source, secure, import, clear, and deliver the vehicle in accordance with the agreed sales contract. Registration, insurance, roadworthiness testing, RTA inspection, repairs, modifications, or compliance work required after delivery are the customer’s responsibility. Where practical, CRU may guide the customer on the registration process or connect the customer with suitable workshops or service providers, but final registration approval remains subject to the relevant UAE authorities.

Question 51

Will my car pass UAE registration inspection?

Accepted Answer

CRU cannot confirm or guarantee that a classic or collector vehicle will pass UAE registration or RTA inspection after delivery. Older vehicles may require repairs, adjustments, tires, lighting changes, emissions-related work, mechanical attention, or other compliance work before they can be registered or driven legally in the UAE. CRU will deliver the vehicle in accordance with the agreed sales contract, but any post-delivery work required to meet UAE registration, or roadworthiness requirements will be for the customer to arrange and bear.

Question 52

Can CRU help with repairs after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CRU has a network of garages and specialists in the UAE that can support repairs, restoration, rebuilds, restomods, servicing, and post-delivery work. Where required, CRU can also help the buyer assess what work may be needed based on the vehicle’s condition, the buyer’s budget, intended use, and long-term ownership goals. If the buyer wants CRU to manage a repair, restoration, rebuild, or restomod project after delivery, this will be treated as a separate engagement and will require a separate agreement.

Question 53

Can I drive the car immediately after delivery?

Accepted Answer

That depends on registration, insurance, roadworthiness, and inspection status. Some cars may need work before they can be safely or legally driven.

Question 54

Why is buying a classic car overseas risky?

Accepted Answer

Buying a classic car overseas can require a lot of trust before the buyer has seen the vehicle in person. Seller claims may be incomplete, photos may not show every defect, documentation may be unclear, and shipping or clearance issues can arise. The bigger risk is financial: many overseas buying arrangements require the buyer to pay the full amount upfront and then simply wait, hoping the car is as described and that the seller or agent delivers.

Question 55

How does CRU reduce the risk?

Accepted Answer

CRU reduces risk by helping the buyer understand what is known, what is not known, and what should be independently inspected before a decision is made. CRU also manages the sourcing, transaction coordination, import, logistics, clearance, documentation, and delivery process, so the buyer is not left to deal with sellers, shippers, customs agents, and multiple third parties alone. Most importantly, CRU does not ask the buyer to pay the full amount in advance. The buyer pays a small advance to secure the vehicle, with the balance payable only on delivery, subject to the individual sales contract. Where the buyer wants additional protection, CRU can also arrange for the advance payment to be held through an escrow arrangement, at an additional cost and subject to the terms agreed for that transaction.

Question 56

Does CRU eliminate all risks?

Accepted Answer

No. No one can eliminate every risk when buying a classic or collector car, especially when the vehicle is overseas and may not be seen in person before purchase. What CRU does is work to reduce the risks that usually make buyers anxious: unclear information, vague seller claims, hidden costs, payment uncertainty, and the fear of entering into a transaction on blind faith. CRU helps the buyer understand what is known, what is not known, what should be independently inspected, and what protections are available before committing. The process is designed to make overseas classic car buying clearer, safer, and more controlled, while still recognizing that classic cars are old machines and may carry age-related risks.

Question 57

What happens if my car is not as expected?

Accepted Answer

CRU shares all material information available to it before the buyer commits, including photographs, videos, seller disclosures, documents, inspection information where available, and CRU’s own observations. If the buyer needs additional photographs, videos, or clarification before making a decision, CRU will try to obtain them from the seller or relevant third party where practical. CRU strongly encourages buyers to opt for a pre-purchase inspection before committing. The inspection cost must be paid by the buyer upfront, is non-refundable, and remains payable regardless of whether the buyer ultimately decides to purchase the vehicle. CRU can organize the inspection through its network of reliable inspectors and will share the inspection report with the buyer. The photographs and available vehicle information forming part of the transaction will be included or referenced in the sales contract. The vehicle is sold on an as-is, where-is basis, based on the information available at the time of purchase. Unless the delivered vehicle materially differs from the photographs, documents, disclosures, or condition information included or referenced in the sales contract, CRU will not be responsible for buyer dissatisfaction arising from age-related conditions, defects, wear, restoration quality, mechanical issues, or matters that could have been identified through inspection.

Question 58

What happens if the seller backs out?

Accepted Answer

If the original seller backs out before the vehicle is secured, CRU will inform the buyer and may discuss alternative options. Generally, the vehicle is considered secured only once it has been physically collected from the original seller by CRU’s appointed logistics or transport provider and photographic or documentary evidence of collection has been provided to the buyer. If CRU is unable to secure the vehicle after receipt of the advance payment, CRU will either refund the advance directly or instruct the escrow agent to refund the advance, depending on the payment structure used for that transaction. The agreement will then terminate without further liability to either party, unless the individual sales contract states otherwise.

Question 59

What happens if shipping is delayed?

Accepted Answer

Shipping and import timelines can be affected by matters outside CRU’s direct control, including inland transport, shipping schedules, port handling, customs clearance, documentation issues, carrier delays, weather, or other logistics factors. CRU will keep the buyer updated using available information and will continue to manage the shipping, import, clearance, and delivery process. However, delays in shipping, transit, port handling, customs clearance, or transport do not by themselves give the buyer the right to cancel the agreement, claim a refund, or seek compensation, unless the individual sales contract expressly provides otherwise.

Question 60

Can CRU source project cars?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if the buyer understands the risk. Project cars can involve unknown mechanical, body, rust, parts, and cost issues.

Question 61

Can CRU source fully restored cars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, “restored” can mean different things to different sellers. CRU will help review the available evidence and explain what is known.

Question 62

Can CRU source restomods?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Restomods are possible, but they require careful review because modifications may affect reliability, safety, value, registration, and future maintenance.

Question 63

Can CRU source concours-level cars?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where available. For high-value concours or investment-grade cars, specialist inspection and documentation review are strongly recommended.

Question 64

Can CRU source rare cars?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but rare cars may take longer to find and may require quicker decision-making when the right car appears.

Frequently Asked Questions