
Following the renewal of a one-year partnership between iQ Cars and U-Select, both companies continue working together to support a more transparent and structured pre-owned car market in Iraq.
As part of this collaboration, iQ Cars interviewed Baker Dalawi, Pre-Owned Vehicles Department Manager at Toyota Iraq, to discuss current market dynamics, buyer expectations, and how higher standards, data, and digital platforms are shaping the future of used cars in Iraq.
How would you describe the current state of the pre-owned car market in Iraq, and what major changes have you observed over the past few years?
The pre-owned car market in Iraq is very active, but it also faces real challenges. The exchange rate is unstable, and many imported used cars come with unclear histories and different quality levels. This creates concern and uncertainty for customers.
What are the most important factors Iraqi buyers consider today when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle?
Iraqi customers today focus on trust first. They look for clear vehicle condition, verified history, and fair pricing. Customers prefer to buy from a strong and trusted outlet like U-Select, where quality and transparency are guaranteed.
How does U-Select work to build trust and transparency with customers in the used-car buying process?
U-Select sets the standard for used cars in Iraq. We are leading the change in this market. We provide customers with peace of mind through full transparency, high-quality 203-point inspection, Extended warranty, full refurbishment, and Used car history. With U-Select, there is no hidden information, and customers clearly understand what they are buying.
What challenges do dealers in the pre-owned segment face in Iraq, and how are these challenges changing over time?
Dealers face challenges such as exchange-rate fluctuations, inconsistent vehicle quality, and customer trust issues. Under the leadership of U-Select standards, dealers are gradually improving their processes, focusing more on quality control, transparency, and professional operations.
What role do data-driven insights from iQ Cars play in shaping pricing strategies, inventory planning, and demand forecasting in the pre-owned segment?
U-Select leads a strong collaboration with iQ Cars. Through this partnership, we use market data and digital insights to support fair pricing, smarter inventory planning, and accurate demand forecasting, strengthening the used-car ecosystem in Iraq.
What trends are you currently seeing in buyer demand—whether in specific brands, vehicle types, or price ranges?
We see growing demand for reliable brands like Toyota, especially SUVs and practical vehicles. Customers prefer U-Select certified used cars that offer low risk, verified conditions, and strong value.
In your opinion, how are digital platforms like iQ Cars influencing the way customers search for and evaluate pre-owned vehicles?
Digital platforms such as iQ Cars support U-Select’s leadership by giving customers easy access to vehicle information, pricing, and condition details. This has increased transparency and raised customer expectations across the market.
Looking ahead, how do you see the pre-owned vehicle sector in Iraq developing over the next few years?
The pre-owned vehicle sector in Iraq will become more structured, more transparent, and more customer-focused. U-Select will continue to lead this transformation, raising market standards, protecting customers, and setting a new benchmark for used cars in Iraq.
How many U-Select branches are currently operating, and across how many cities in Iraq?
U-Select is currently operating in 13 Toyota branches across 8 cities in Iraq: Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Kirkuk, Najaf, Fallujah, and Diwaniyah. This wide presence allows us to bring certified used-car standards closer to customers across the country.
How many points does the car go through for the check?
Every U-Select vehicle goes through a 203-point professional inspection. This inspection covers exterior, interior, frame, engine, and vehicle functions, ensuring high quality and full transparency.
For how long does it has warranty?
U-Select vehicles come with an extended warranty of 1 to 2 years, depending on the vehicle. Our goal is to ensure that when a customer buys a U-Select Certified Used Car, they feel the same confidence and peace of mind as buying a new Toyota.
This conversation highlights how structured standards, transparency, and data-driven decision-making are reshaping Iraq’s pre-owned car market. As iQ Cars and U-Select continue their collaboration, the focus remains on building trust, improving buyer experience, and raising market expectations across all Iraq.