95 is high enough high octane. 98 is yet better, but gear shift won't depend on fuel.
Now the question of whether you should sell the car or not. .. primarily it depends on what it means to you. If you are the sort of guy who mentally communicates with his car, you might want to keep something that talks sweetly back to you.
If it's just a means of transport, then you might as well accept it as it is.
If you make up your mind about changing it, you'll find plenty of better options in the uae. You could go for either a 3.5 Camry, or an I or E Lexus 250. Older 2.4 Camrys also have DBW related slow throttle response issues, but they are not apparently noticeable.
Anyway a V6 is a V6. You'll LOVE driving one. I'd say, make hay while the sun shines.... while you're in the UAE, forget four bangers!
And yes, before you make your next purchase, do give it a thorough test drive before buying it.
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