Buying a used car in Ireland guide

macadam

Is this deal too good to be true, seller seems very secretive??
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3985061

L-M

Esel wrote: »

My opinion is that generally it should be possible to negotiate at least 10% off any asking price.

Occasionally, though, you may decide to bite the bullet for a particularly attractive car. Things like genuine low mileage, full main dealer service history, extra options and relative rarity/desirability would be some of the factors in this situation.

When most cars are priced down to the wire now, 10percent is definitely way too much. Of course it is do able but theres no way you could call it an average.

MidlandsM

+1, to be fair to most sellers, many have their price down to the min to sell quick and to garner interest.

macadam wrote: »

Is this deal too good to be true, seller seems very secretive??
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3985061

just ring them and chat with them and politely ask them for the reg to do a data check, if he/she does'nt give you it, then end the call, end of.

Deedsie

Hi, really useful thread. Does anyone have a link to a page where you can see which cars are in which of the tax bands? Ill be buying a car this year and I want to try get something on the lower level of motor tax! Should I wait till after the budget to invest?

renofan

Deedsie wrote: »

Hi, really useful thread. Does anyone have a link to a page where you can see which cars are in which of the tax bands? Ill be buying a car this year and I want to try get something on the lower level of motor tax! Should I wait till after the budget to invest?

Here is a link to the government's motor tax website.

https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/menu.do?page=motortaxrates

L-M

Deedsie wrote: »

Hi, really useful thread. Does anyone have a link to a page where you can see which cars are in which of the tax bands? Ill be buying a car this year and I want to try get something on the lower level of motor tax! Should I wait till after the budget to invest?

That depends.

If you're going to spend a few thousand more initially just to say a couple of hundred a year, it's a silly idea.

Deedsie

Limerick man wrote: »

That depends.

If you're going to spend a few thousand more initially just to say a couple of hundred a year, it's a silly idea.

I have a budget between €10000 & €12000. Not really sure what to go for! I currently drive a 06 VW Golf. Ideally i would either upgrade to another Golf or get an Audi A4.

They both seem very pricey though, hold there value. Any other suggestion greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the link Renofan

MidlandsM

Deedsie wrote: »

I have a budget between €10000 & €12000. Not really sure what to go for! I currently drive a 06 VW Golf. Ideally i would either upgrade to another Golf or get an Audi A4.

They both seem very pricey though, hold there value. Any other suggestion greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the link Renofan

I'd hold yer horses till next month OP....see what the budget says on motor taxation .

Deedsie

MidlandsM wrote: »

I'd hold yer horses till next month OP....see what the budget says on motor taxation .

Ya, I think I will. December 3rd or 4th it will be announced hopefully! Ill stay looking in the meantime.

forevertwisted

This is fantastic. First time buyer, don't have a clue about cars. Was toying with the idea of buying an old Porsche Boxster, seemingly that's a tad unrealistic for an every day runabout in our weather, ha. Will be using this when I go look at some motors though. Great!

boystarone

Hi LM

I've been using your tips over the last while ( which are amazing ) its depressing how many ads on the surface look ok! , but when you delve even a little the they turn out to be lemons!

so taking your advice " that good cars are price accordingly"
i've change my tack,increased my budget ( once the car loan comes in) and going to a dealer. My budget's around 8000, needs to be diesel cos of the miles I do, any recommendation


been looking at ford focus, 1.6. 06/07/08 theres a lot of them around but with quite high milage from 100,000 to 150,000. whats your thoughts on high milage on this car

any advice with dealing with dealers? should I still have the car checked by my mechanic? should I ask for the car to have a new NCT from time of purchase? should I do a cartell check or ask the dealer to do one. ( i feel like i already know the answers here.... yes,yes,yes)

last

http://carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=842629&

what do you think of this car

MidlandsM

boystarone wrote: »

Hi LM

I've been using your tips over the last while ( which are amazing ) its depressing how many ads on the surface look ok! , but when you delve even a little the they turn out to be lemons!

so taking your advice " that good cars are price accordingly"
i've change my tack,increased my budget ( once the car loan comes in) and going to a dealer. My budget's around 8000, needs to be diesel cos of the miles I do, any recommendation


been looking at ford focus, 1.6. 06/07/08 theres a lot of them around but with quite high milage from 100,000 to 150,000. whats your thoughts on high milage on this car

any advice with dealing with dealers? should I still have the car checked by my mechanic? should I ask for the car to have a new NCT from time of purchase? should I do a cartell check or ask the dealer to do one. ( i feel like i already know the answers here.... yes,yes,yes)

last

http://carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=842629&

what do you think of this car

do not buy a 1.6tdci focus...............DO NOT - seriously sh1t engine..........only buy a 1.8tdci focus....

boystarone

Thanks MidlandsM

in your opinion would a 1.8 be heavy on juice, I do a lot of miles, work for myself and travel the length of the country. if it is heavy, would I be better looking at different models something in a 1.4 or 1.6

what would you recommend in a diesel

thanks again for your help on this, bank just called to say its a goer or the loan! thats part of the problem solved!

B

MidlandsM

boystarone wrote: »

Thanks MidlandsM

in your opinion would a 1.8 be heavy on juice, I do a lot of miles, work for myself and travel the length of the country. if it is heavy, would I be better looking at different models something in a 1.4 or 1.6

what would you recommend in a diesel

thanks again for your help on this, bank just called to say its a goer or the loan! thats part of the problem solved!

B

the 1.8tdci will give you the exact same mpg as the 1.6, but is a much better robust engine.

If i were you, I'd consider a kia pro-ceed 1.6 crdi .....

like this.....part leather, great engine, still lots of warranty left....
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3900864

boystarone

MidlandM

thanks , looks v nice but unfortunately a bit out of my range ( though i'm going to ring her to see how she's fixed on price), what other models would you recommend, my max price is 8000. what else in your option has a good solid diesel engine with good Mpg

thanks again for your help on this

b

MidlandsM

Same engine, slightly different body, in price range, low tax, very good on fuel... and a haggle there to be had, so maybe it'd come in a few hundred cheaper......and still warranty left over....all good in my book......

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4011413

L-M

Op sick of people having trouble with the 1.6 TDCI's, and sick of hearing about it. Lots of lads on here say they're fine but in real live averages, they're far from it.

Mc Love

Never have any problems with my 1.6TDCI - and havent heard many problems with them either, had looked up what was the best option and from my research the 1.6 was better than the 1.8

MidlandsM

Mc Love wrote: »

had looked up what was the best option and from my research the 1.6 was better than the 1.8

....feck, I hope i never look up the places you look up.:rolleyes:

SRFC

Quick question,Im looking at a car in a garage so done a check on the tax website said there hasnt been a change in ownership in 3 months yet on the ad its for sale from the garage 3 weeks the owner of the garage says he drives it home at night so am I right to presume its his car an he's trying to flog it or have I got it wrong?

Esel

SRFC wrote: »

Quick question,Im looking at a car in a garage so done a check on the tax website said there hasnt been a change in ownership in 3 months yet on the ad its for sale from the garage 3 weeks the owner of the garage says he drives it home at night so am I right to presume its his car an he's trying to flog it or have I got it wrong?

A motor dealer (don't know if there is a legal definition of same) does not appear on the registration cert. The car is their 'stock in trade'. So either they took it as a trade-in, or else they are selling it on behalf of the owner.

Afaik, there is a separate 'transfer of ownership' form that the seller is supposed to have signed by the dealer on trade-in and then forward to Shannon. This ensures that the seller (now the previous owner) is not responsible for any future use of the car (e.g. parking / speeding / toll / tax / Road Traffic Act offences etc. ).

L-M

Esel wrote: »

A motor dealer (don't know if there is a legal definition of same) does not appear on the registration cert. The car is their 'stock in trade'. So either they took it as a trade-in, or else they are selling it on behalf of the owner.

Afaik, there is a separate 'transfer of ownership' form that the seller is supposed to have signed by the dealer on trade-in and then forward to Shannon. This ensures that the seller (now the previous owner) is not responsible for any future use of the car (e.g. parking / speeding / toll / tax / Road Traffic Act offences etc. ).

It'll still show a notification of transfer to a Dealer on the website.

The Dealer obviously hasn't transferred it into his name. If you're buying off him make sure you get a sales receipt etc. and you'll be fine!

L-M

Example,

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus-C-Max/ACTIV-1./201235209815578/advert?channel=CARS

VEHICLE
Vehicle Registration Number 08D 6721
Vehicle Details FORD / FOCUS C-MAX
Change Of Vehicle Ownership
Purchased by a Dealer on : 13/08/2012

Notified on : 13/08/2012
Vehicle Registration Certificate
No Vehicle Registration Certificate issued in the last 3 months

beckman

I'm on the lookout for a new car as my NCT will expire on my current car next month.I am interested in getting a focus, an 09 or 10 but other than that, what I know about cars would fit on the back of a stamp......

My brother in law has advised me to get diesel, but as I don't do a lot of driving, 15 minute commute to and from work I'm not sure if a petrol would be just as good.There is also the tax to consider , is it pretty much the same for both?

Also what mileage should I be lookng out for, as at most, the car would be 3 years old ?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I don't really know where to begin.....Thanks

L-M

Do not buy a diesel at that mileage!

Buy a 1.4 petrol, get a Zetec and don't buy a low spec ex rental.

beckman

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/1.6-TDCI/30213444233471070/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks a mill for your response, say hypothetically I were to get a diesel , what are your thoughts on this?

Thanks again in advance

L-M

Looks good, price seems a little high? Maybe I'm wrong.

My neighbour across the road bought the very same car off them and hasn't had any bother, not that that makes any difference!

beckman

In the photos for the above car, the reg has been removed /blocked out , is this common practise among dealers/For what purpose would the reg be hidden, should I be suspicious about this, I can't complete the online check with out the number or am I being paranoid now?

L-M

It could be english, ring them and ask them for the reg and the mileage.

SRFC

Quick question,Is a deposit refundable from a garage if for example you cant go through with the purchase?

beckman

I've done an estimate of my annual mileage at 14,000 miles /22,000 km per year...In your opinion does this justify getting a 1.5 diesel car....on the otherhand I've read numerous posts where its been said the 1.4 petrol is very sluggish and not very powerful and to not even think about overtaking in them unless you have a death wish.....I wouldn't be doing mostly city driving as i take the motorway to work and am not from the city myself so do venture out in the country sometimes...would you still recommend the 1.4 petrol?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks
Beckman

Esel

SRFC wrote: »

Quick question,Is a deposit refundable from a garage if for example you cant go through with the purchase?

In general, afaik, a deposit is not refundable. You would be depending on the goodwill of the dealer.

If you specify when placing the deposit is conditional (e.g. on getting finance or on your mechanic's report, or even on you being able to get insurance) then that's a different matter. In this scenario, I would get the seller to sign a statement you have written out to that effect.

SRFC

Bit of advice needed,looking at a car priced 7000e,seen it last week dealer said he'l do it for 6000 cash so went out got mechanic everything checked out bar it needing some tidying ie tires an brake pads,so go to make an offer an he says 6500 said he never said 6000 last week so doesnt budge off 6500 one bit so I walk out of principal,I want the car I think its worth 6 because the work it needs the car is for sale weeks now with no service history and im willing to take a risk on it an he's not budging :mad: what shall I do leave it completely or ring tomorrow saying the offer is still there for 6,thanks

akelly02

just my opinion here, walk away. Plenty more fish and all that. That dealer has now lost ot on 6k because hes trying to be a gangster. You will get a beauty of a car for 6k. What are you looking at by the way?

SRFC

akelly02 wrote: »

just my opinion here, walk away. Plenty more fish and all that. That dealer has now lost ot on 6k because hes trying to be a gangster. You will get a beauty of a car for 6k. What are you looking at by the way?

I'll text today 6 grand offer is still there until close of business today see if he gets back to me,its a 7 series bmw diesel bit disgusted after him saying 6 last week an now 6500 I couldnt swallow my pride an pay that extra 500 it wouldnt feel right imo

akelly02

if hes that stubborn i personally would take my business elsewhere. but if your mad after the car then laying a final offer of 6k on the table, take it or leave it job, wont do any harm.

SRFC

akelly02 wrote: »

if hes that stubborn i personally would take my business elsewhere. but if your mad after the car then laying a final offer of 6k on the table, take it or leave it job, wont do any harm.

Yeah nothing to lose I suppose ill get onto him now,its just the fact that he said 6 so i sorted mechanics an all an then the price changes then again maybe its not meant to be

Esel

SRFC wrote: »

Yeah nothing to lose I suppose ill get onto him now,its just the fact that he said 6 so i sorted mechanics an all an then the price changes then again maybe its not meant to be

Insist on a written warranty if buying from him. Personally, I wouldn't buy from someone who is effectively dishonest - there are loads of good cars out there....

socster

What you think of a Audi 05 1.9 tdi @ 6500?

heres the link http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4074028

SRFC

socster wrote: »

What you think of a Audi 05 1.9 tdi @ 6500?

heres the link http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4074028

Cant comment on the car engine wise but the only worry is nct is out in 3 months time which you could use as a haggling tool on price.

Esel

SRFC wrote: »

Cant comment on the car engine wise but the only worry is nct is out in 3 months time which you could use as a haggling tool on price.

NCT can be done 3 months in advance of expiry. I would insist on this being done if going ahead with purchase.

MidlandsM

insisting on the nct will be a waste of time, as it'll delay the sale/purchase, even longer if she fails, which can easily happen....walk away...


OP, spend your money on a lower milage freshly tested, unmolested one .......that one was remapped etc .... you'll get a beeter one if you wait and watch....

newportlad

Just wondering people's opinions on this car.

Very little info to go on i know but just wondering in general is it a fair price given the year, mileage, nct etc.

They are looking for 2,000, original asking price was 2,500

http://www.adverts.ie/car/volkswagen/golf/2003-volkswagen-golf-for-sale/2056998

Thanks a mill in advance

chalkie 501

Looking for some advise from the learned folk on here....
have been thinking about buying a Hyundai tuscon around 07/08 but have come across a few Nissan xtrails for similiar money,like the look of both, what would peoples opinions be on these?
cheers:)

MidlandsM

chalkie 501 wrote: »

Looking for some advise from the learned folk on here....
have been thinking about buying a Hyundai tuscon around 07/08 but have come across a few Nissan xtrails for similiar money,like the look of both, what would peoples opinions be on these?
cheers:)

the tucson is a much more reliable suv in diesel anyways.

chalkie 501

MidlandsM wrote: »

the tucson is a much more reliable suv in diesel anyways.

Thanks,i was kinda leaning more towards the tucson ,but im only basing it on looks alone as i know flip-all about cars!!

L-M

Are you going to be using it for towing?

Alot of those Tuscons are 2WD.

chalkie 501

Limerick man wrote: »

Are you going to be using it for towing?

Alot of those Tuscons are 2WD.

No,just need something with a bit of room

L-M

chalkie 501 wrote: »

No,just need something with a bit of room

Would you not be better off buying an estate?

I wouldn't touch an X trail anyway, the Tuscon to me looks awful dated with a 08 plate on it, and they're fairly horrible to be in/drive.

I honestly can't see the attraction with buying a 08 of either to be honest.

gnfnrhead

Is their anything I need to be on the lookout for with Lancer's? Looking at two used one's in the next few days (00 and 98) so want to know if their is anything specific that I should check on when I'm looking at them.