Buying a used car in Ireland guide

bazz26

Reliability will depend on the individual car at this stage of it's age. Better off getting a BMW indy to inspect it as there are many tired old dogs out there. Mileage is stored on the car's ECU, the odometer and the key on later models.

Hi all, would you find it suss if someone is selling on a car they only purchased back in March? The Cartell report shows everything else is in order but I'm a bit worries that they've only owned it for a short time. I'd be getting it checked out by a mechanic.

bazz26

Do you have a link to the car advert? There could be a number of reasons why they are selling it so soon after buying, some legit, others maybe not. Could be a case of not liking the car, emigrating or they are a part time wheeler dealer type. What reason has the seller given?

bazz26

bazz26 wrote: »

Do you have a link to the car advert? There could be a number of reasons why they are selling it so soon after buying, some legit, others maybe not. Could be a case of not liking the car, emigrating or they are a part time wheeler dealer type. What reason has the seller given?

Hi Bazz, I can't post a link but it's a 06 Jetta based in Wexford selling at €2,700 1.6. The seller hasn't given any reason for why they're selling. I've queried them on the mileage and NCT as they hadn't listed that info and it all matches up. NCT is up next year and mileage is 190,000km.

bazz26

That's a bit on the cheap side even for a 06 Jetta so tread very carefully when looking at it and make sure to do thorough background checks. If something is cheap then it's usually cheap for a reason.

bazz26

bazz26 wrote: »

That's a bit on the cheap side even for a 06 Jetta so tread very carefully when looking at it and make sure to do thorough background checks. If something is cheap then it's usually cheap for a reason.

I've been thinking that myself. He's dropped the price from €3k to €2700. When I search under private sale, the ad doesn't come up. I'd have everything checked thoroughly though.

Thanks Bazz

chan6

I got caught out a few years ago buying privately, even though I had the car (07 passat) checked out at a garage! Because I bought privately I had no comeback... had I bought through a garage or dealer I could have looked to get my money back.... I would always pay the extra few quid and go through a dealer, just for peace of mind!

newbuild06

Going to look at a car tomorrow and if I like I will do the car and finance check but before I go just a quick query. I googled the car reg and it came up under a trade sales company who must have sold it to the garage where I am going to look at it. Should I be worried about this and is there anything I should be looking out for or any questions I should be asking?
Thanks in Advance great post by the way

NB

bazz26

It's not unusual for dealers to sell/buy cars from other dealers. I'd still ask the selling dealer about it though.

newbuild06

bazz26 wrote: »

It's not unusual for dealers to sell/buy cars from other dealers. I'd still ask the selling dealer about it though.

Thanks bazz will do

Wanderer2010

Im looking to drop 12k on a used car, preferably one with low enough mileage and NCT sorted for a year or so? Im new enough to the process but I dont want a private deal as I have heard too many horror stories. If i buy one from a garage, am I entitled to any warranty or free service or is it mostly a case of "try it out, if you like it pay the money and hope for the best"? Im looking for a 1.3L at least, just something reliable to get me to work and back each day (30Km round trip) and the odd trip up the country. I wouldnt be doing massive mileage per year.

Any advice?

bazz26

If you are spending that sort of money on a car from a dealer then you should be getting a decent warranty with it. I'd also expect the car to be serviced as part of the sale.

Best stick to petrol if you are doing low mileage. Just remember that on your budget you will probably be getting a car that is on the newer emissions based motor tax system so in most cases the engine size doesn't matter but rather the car's Co2 figure, so no need to limit yourself to 1.3 litre.

gaz wac

Hey,
Im interested in buying a car but I have contacted three mechanics and three of them are too busy to go check the car. Its 2012 and im getting 6 months warrant but I was just looking for the peace of mind really.
Just wondering if there is anything I should look out for ? I know its an import from NI/UK so im just a bit anxious around that as I wouldn't have a clue about cars! anyone got any opinions?
Cheers

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/peugeot/3008/used-2012-peugeot-3008-active-e-h-dublin-fpa-161914315239799220

R.O.R

gaz wac wrote: »

Hey,
Im interested in buying a car but I have contacted three mechanics and three of them are too busy to go check the car. Its 2012 and im getting 6 months warrant but I was just looking for the peace of mind really.
Just wondering if there is anything I should look out for ? I know its an import from NI/UK so im just a bit anxious around that as I wouldn't have a clue about cars! anyone got any opinions?
Cheers

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/peugeot/3008/used-2012-peugeot-3008-active-e-h-dublin-fpa-161914315239799220

That's an "Automatic", with the worst gearbox known to mankind. If you are taking it for a test drive, take a neck brace to minimise whiplash.

Unless you really need an auto, search a manual version out.

I'd be fairly confident buying from Charles Hurst if they are giving a 6 month warranty, without the need for a mechanic to check it out. Charles Hurst are a long established dealer group in NI, which is also part of the massive Lookers group in the UK.

gaz wac

R.O.R wrote: »

Unless you really need an auto, search a manual version out.
.

yea, the missus is stuck to an auto. thank for the heads up

byrnem31

gaz wac wrote: »

Hey,
Im interested in buying a car but I have contacted three mechanics and three of them are too busy to go check the car. Its 2012 and im getting 6 months warrant but I was just looking for the peace of mind really.
Just wondering if there is anything I should look out for ? I know its an import from NI/UK so im just a bit anxious around that as I wouldn't have a clue about cars! anyone got any opinions?
Cheers

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/peugeot/3008/used-2012-peugeot-3008-active-e-h-dublin-fpa-161914315239799220

There is a fella called matt on adverts
Ie. He has an add titled mechanic available evenings and weekends. There is a picture of a spanner on a yellow sign on his add. Ask him to check it out for you. Sound and works in a Peugeot garage.

sunflour

Hey all

Going to look at a car tomorrow at a dealers. 2010 Ford Focus, 1.6 diesel, asking for €9750, but think he'll go down a little. Have viewed it already, but didn't get to test drive it yet as the garage was doing a full valet on it and had all the seats etc out.
We'll be asking about the timing belt, any accidents, etc, everything that was in the OP, just wondering if there's anything else we should be on the lookout for? We're a little bit green about this kind of thing! Any help greatly appreciated. :-)

Ivefoundgod

Hi all

Just looking for opinions, viewed a car last Saturday and agreed a price with dealer and paid deposit on condition of nct and a few other small details. Arranged to collect this Saturday, tomorrow, and after contacting dealer to confirm was told nct not passed and no date for test but that car was ready for collection. Upon asking why the delay and pointing out nct was condition of sale was told earliest appointment is the 24th of August. Had arranged for insurance to switch over already.

Am extremely annoyed about this, not over the nct but lack of communication of this and that I was told the car was "ready" for collection, this is a main dealer and yet they seemed to think it was acceptable for me to drive a car for almost a month with no nct and then bring car to nct test centre which is around an hour away. Car under 10k but Am I missing something here or is this the standard of customer service when buying a used car from a main dealer?

bazz26

Some dealers have no problem getting priority or cancelled bookings for NCT testing "unofficially". Afterall they are probably their best customers. :P

If you don't want to collect the car without a NCT then I'd tell them you will wait until it's tested before handing over the money and collecting it. Don't be surprised if you then get a phone call at the end of the week saying it's tested and ready to go.

Ivefoundgod

bazz26 wrote: »

Some dealers have no problem getting priority or cancelled bookings for NCT testing "unofficially". Afterall they are probably their best customers. :P

If you don't want to collect the car without a NCT then I'd tell them you will wait until it's tested before handing over the money and collecting it. Don't be surprised if you then get a phone call at the end of the week saying it's tested and ready to go.

Thanks bazz. Yeah the impression i was given after viewing the car was the dealer would easily get an appointment so wasn't concerned. What has me worried is the lack of communication and being told the car was ready for collection with no nct.

bazz26

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

Thanks bazz. Yeah the impression i was given after viewing the car was the dealer would easily get an appointment so wasn't concerned. What has me worried is the lack of communication and being told the car was ready for collection with no nct.

Yep, it's something some dealers are piss poor at while others are great at. If you are not happy with taking the car until the NCT is done then stand your ground. It can be alot easier to get things sorted if it fails before you hand over your money than after.

Ivefoundgod

They've said they hope to get a cancellation early this week and will contact me Monday, they've also apologised and said they will arrange to have the car delivered to me. Yeah i don't plan on taking it until its NCTd. Car I have is running fine and plenty of tax and NCT on it so no rush on me and would be far too awkward to get the car to the garages nearest NCT centre as its an hours drive away. Thanks for advice.

otterj

Why would trade in price be higher advertised price ?

bazz26

otterj wrote: »

Why would trade in price be higher advertised price ?

Because usually the advertised price is a straight deal asking price without a trade-in. The straight deal usually includes a discount for having no trade-in.

otterj

Still dont understand! wouldnt they get money for the car you trade in by selling i on again?

bazz26

otterj wrote: »

Still dont understand! wouldnt they get money for the car you trade in by selling i on again?

They have to go to the trouble of preparing your old car for resale which can included cosmetic/mechanical repairs, valeting and giving a warranty with it. This costs a dealer money too.

This is why it nearly always works out cheaper if you sell your car privately and buy the new car with no trade-in.

El festino

Looking to get a HL line Passat 2011/2012.

Does this one look cheap/good deal:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/passat/used-2013-132-volkswagen-passat-hl-1-dublin-fpa-157814295413322900

Compared to this one:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/passat/used-2011-volkswagen-passat-highl-dublin-fpa-171614346526460200

Woudl expect the VW dealer to be more expensive but am I missing something obvious?

bazz26

The 2011 is ridiculously overpriced even for a main dealer. You'd buy a Passat CC for nearly the same money.

username?!

Best and quickest way to get a VRT quote for a car that is not listed on the calculator?

I have dropped them an email but still no reply.

bazz26

Revenue do not deal with the public anymore around VRT queries.

If it ain't on the calculator then it's not on their system. They will tell you that you will need to present the car for VRT inspection and then they will send a query off to Revenue who will come back to them in a week or two. You will not get even a rough figure off them before that.

username?!

bazz26 wrote: »

Revenue do not deal with the public anymore around VRT queries.

If it ain't on the calculator then it's not on their system. They will tell you that you will need to present the car for VRT inspection and then they will send a query off to Revenue who will come back to them in a week or two. You will not get even a rough figure off them before that.

Thanks for the info. That is some pain.

bit of a bogey

Car tax is obviously a big thing. Are there any good websites that will tell you the car tax per year by imputing the model, engine size or reg number? The motor tax website is a bit time consuming when comparing various car makes and looking up what emissions band or category they fall into.

bazz26

Motor tax is a very small part of the car's ownership cost yet some people make it a deal breaker and will spend thousands extra to buy a car in the cheapest tax bracket.

And the motortax website has a page where you can enter the car's registration and it will give you the motor tax rate.

bit of a bogey

bazz26 wrote: »

Motor tax is a very small part of the car's ownership cost yet some people make it a deal breaker and will spend thousands extra to buy a car in the cheapest tax bracket.

And the motortax website has a page where you can enter the car's registration and it will give you the motor tax rate.

Thanks. I obviously did look at the website but don't know how I missed this search option

https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/motortaxinforeg.do

Gavin1

Off to look at a 2011 520d Touring.

It has a FSH. Any pointers to keep in mind?

Thanks

bazz26

Listen to the engine at idle for metallic type noises, timing chains stretch on these cars and it's expensive for them to be replaced. Also ask the owner if the chain has been replaced as BMW are replacing some free of charge under a quality enhancement program. Ring the dealers that serviced it as they will have a record that they can verify with you.

Is it manual or auto? Manuals tend to be less desirable so are worth a good bit less. Really you should be looking for features such as automatic, adaptive xenon headlights and the pro widescreen sat nav.

Gavin1

No metallic noise. It is a May 2011 build, I think that there was an improvement done in March 2011. But I will get it checked out

It is an M-Sport with Sport Auto box. Got Nav, folding mirrors and electric tailgate.

Nice bus.

bazz26

Sounds nice, I've a similar spec car myself except it's a SE.

sandydan

i would really appreciate any advice on the following issue.

I purchased a 131 toyota avensis , while washing car i found water comes in at frame in front of window of both driver and passengers door, ie if you direct the hose at top of short bar that separates the moving glass from the small pane of glass it gets into car, garage who supplied wants to repair the issue themselves probably by using sealer or whatever, however a mechanic who services my car prior to this tells me its covered under toyota warranty and should be seen and repaired by toyota main dealer only.

dr.kenneth noisewater

Just wondering would people be put off a car if its been advertised for a couple of months at a decent price?

Also wondering why do garages not include a number plate on pictures online? Will most give it out if you call and ask?

portusedcars

Very informative
Thanks

socmonster

Looking at an '06 Accord 2.0 litre Petrol.

€4.5k from a car dealer.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Glebee

Looking at a car at the minute and all looks in order except that 3 of the alloys are badly scuffed/marked. Would this put you off buying????

colm_mcm

Glebee wrote: »

Looking at a car at the minute and all looks in order except that 3 of the alloys are badly scuffed/marked. Would this put you off buying????

If it bothered me to own a car with scuffed wheels I'd try and negotiate the price of a refurb or new wheels off the figure in my head that the car is realistically worth.
If you can't get it for that price, then look at another or just spend the money on getting them fixed.
It all depends on what else you can get for the money. It certainly wouldn't make the car a bad car.

Glebee

colm_mcm wrote: »

If it bothered me to own a car with scuffed wheels I'd try and negotiate the price of a refurb or new wheels off the figure in my head that the car is realistically worth.
If you can't get it for that price, then look at another or just spend the money on getting them fixed.
It all depends on what else you can get for the money. It certainly wouldn't make the car a bad car.

That's exactly what I have hoping to do , either get them to fix or get price off and I fix

greenwicklow

Hi,
Is it better to buy from a car dealer or direct in Ireland?
What are all the costs that will be incurred hence?
From reading here is what I found
1- motor insurance (what % is this?)
2- motor tax (what is this amount?)
3- vehicle registration plates (how much)
4- nct cert (how much)

Have I missed any other costs ^
Please advise.
Thank you.

Redgirl82

Hi, I know this has probably been asked 100 times on here. Is there anyway to guard against clocking of cars?

I might be buying second hand and one of my friends recently, went to proper car garage, got cartell etc. Bought car and luckily another friend checked into it and found out it was clocked.

From an Irish point of view I have checked a few cars and the majority say full service history but most of them are not with actual manufacturer so how do you check if it is actually correct? I know about cartell etc but I also know they can be useless so what is the best route?

Or is there any way to guarantee a car mileage if not serviced via main manufacturer dealer?

colm_mcm

Verifiable service history is probably the best one, but some cars store their true mileage internally and this can be accessed with a diagnostics tool.
The key is verifying it. I was looking at an Accord earlier in the year that had a full stamped service history from Belfast. I saw the UK reg and it wasn't a northern reg did a motorcheck report and there was a massive amount of miles taken off. Most people wouldn't have copped the stamps on the book didn't match where the car came from.
There's no one easy thing you can do, but there are lots of smaller things you can do to get an idea. For UK cars you can get a free report of previous MOTs before you go spending money on a paid report.

Of course, someone could click their car before the first nct, and then on all ncts after that. If they stay away from dealers workshops then there's no way the true mileage would be known by a report.

People put a lot of importance on mileage though. It isn't a guarantee of a good car.

greenwicklow

colm_mcm wrote: »

Verifiable service history is probably the best one, but some cars store their true mileage internally and this can be accessed with a diagnostics tool.
The key is verifying it. I was looking at an Accord earlier in the year that had a full stamped service history from Belfast. I saw the UK reg and it wasn't a northern reg did a motorcheck report and there was a massive amount of miles taken off. Most people wouldn't have copped the stamps on the book didn't match where the car came from.
There's no one easy thing you can do, but there are lots of smaller things you can do to get an idea. For UK cars you can get a free report of previous MOTs before you go spending money on a paid report.

Of course, someone could click their car before the first nct, and then on all ncts after that. If they stay away from dealers workshops then there's no way the true mileage would be known by a report.

People put a lot of importance on mileage though. It isn't a guarantee of a good car.

very useful

thegeezer

Looking to buy a Ford Ka second hand for the missus. Looking for advice to explain some discrepencies, and general advice. The guy selling it is a car salesman, but this is one of a selection of high mileage cars which don't make it to the forecourt. Have to say thus far, most of what he advertised and told us when spoke to him seem to tally, but a couple of things I wanted to know if anyone here had ideas on why there would be a discrepency ? Also have to say having driven the car and looked over it, it does seem to be a good runner. I am going to use the guide to go over a few checks but I cannot find a reasonable mechanic in South County Dublin to either drive it to for check, or for them to come and check. So going to have to go through my own checks unless someone here can suggest ?

OK so the car is advertised as NCT due 01/16 (verified), and with 149,334 miles (240,330km), 17 days ago this was advertised. The actual mileage checked today 14/11 was 243,000KM (around 151,000m). So in 17 days it has seemingly done 2,500KM - that is strange enough but the car was last taxed in June 2014 ?? I have not asked him directly (yet) about this, but he has intimated that the car has been off-road since he acquired it. Can anyone think of a reason why there would be this discrepency ? He also does not have the last NCT report, and the so-called "Full Documented Service History" only takes up to 2010. Since the lady owner had until that time taken the car to the same dealer every year, until 2010, when the stamps mysteriously stop. The report also shows that the car had been taxed every six months up to Dec 2013, then taxed March 2014 and then June 2014. The intimation there is that she sold it to the dealer in early 2014, and he only taxed it for 3 months. So what has the car been doing until now in an untaxed state ?
I am thinking of offering to pay for him to NCT it and see what he says - what do you think ?
The car was imported from Spain in 2006, do I need to get any kind of vehicle registration cert from him ?
Lastly, I have zero experience with alloy wheels so is there anything I need to be aware of there ? Do I need to ensure I get any keys and/or paperwork for these ?
Any other advice ?
Appreciate this is lengthy and in-depth, but I have tried to be as accrate and succinct as possible.

Thanks to all who respond.