Buying a used car in Ireland guide

trishawisha · 08-11-2013 9:06pm

Ok, what about a 02 Volkswagen Bora? 1.4 petrol, 100k miles? Anything to look out for? Its priced at €1850, is this a good price? Are these solid reliable cars compared to Seat? Thanks for help in advance, husband has been on nights all week and hasnt been able to help with the search

L-M · 08-11-2013 10:16pm

Those 1.4s were notorious for burning oil etc. But as far as I know it was well improved by 04. That said, 1850 sounds very cheap for a 04 withjust 100k on it

colm_mcm · 08-11-2013 11:56pm

trishawisha wrote: »

I would love opinions on this - I did search forum and found a thread on Seat Cordobas,they are only for chubby middle aged people- Im not middle aged!
Thanks in advance

That sounds like something I said

road_high · 12-11-2013 12:02am

Hi guys,

Going to give this the once over and interested in buying (for ma). When is the timing belt due on those? Has an 01 Civic for years so it's Civic all the way.
Price?:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-1-4/5829304

colm_mcm · 12-11-2013 2:02am

Its got a timing chain, so as long as the oil has been changed regularly you'll have no worries.
Seems a little expensive.

Good colour, nice wheels, 2 owners in 6 years is good.

road_high · 12-11-2013 11:50am

colm_mcm wrote: »

Its got a timing chain, so as long as the oil has been changed regularly you'll have no worries.
Seems a little expensive.

Good colour, nice wheels, 2 owners in 6 years is good.

Thanks Colm. Yes, nice clean car I reckon. Pricey enough but hopefully that's not set in stone.

colm_mcm · 12-11-2013 1:39pm

The models without the panoramic roof can have surface rust where the weather strip on the top of the windscreen meets the roof. Basically the plastic could be loose and rubs the paint off. Can get nasty.

road_high · 13-11-2013 9:40pm

Had a good look at this car today and a good long drive. Appears stright enough, no major issues I'd say. If interested could get it for 6.5k.
Car was clean and all but clearly not had a full prfessional valet before sale i.e. streaks on the dash, bits of briquettes in the sprea wheel area

road_high · 13-11-2013 9:43pm

Had a good look at this car (Civic) today and had a good long drive. Appears straight enough, no major issues I'd say. If interested could get it for 6.5k.
Car was clean and all but clearly not had a full professional valet before sale i.e. streaks on the dash, bits of briquettes in the sprea wheel area

I guess I just haven't been blown away is what I'm trying to say and the mileage is high (I do accept it's an 07 car). No real service history bar word of mouth as well.
The 1.4l would not blow the world away but i won't be driving it

. Noisy at 120kmh which i found surprising; would like to drive another to compare.

mrmrmr · 14-11-2013 5:47am

Hi, I am planning to buy a fairly new car of 3k-20k mileage so I have to buy it from a dealer.

1. I am travelling about 10,000km per year. Should I look for a diesel engine or stick to a petrol car?

2. Could you recommend it when is the best time to buy, before or after the end of the year?

3. Does anyone have an idea of how much could I negociate with the dealer from the asking price of the car. The car is priced at around 20k.

Thanks!

colm_mcm · 16-11-2013 2:30pm

mrmrmr wrote: »

Hi, I am planning to buy a fairly new car of 3k-20k mileage so I have to buy it from a dealer.

1. I am travelling about 10,000km per year. Should I look for a diesel engine or stick to a petrol car?

2. Could you recommend it when is the best time to buy, before or after the end of the year?

3. Does anyone have an idea of how much could I negociate with the dealer from the asking price of the car. The car is priced at around 20k.

Thanks!

Re petrol or diesel, its been widely discussed here, you'd want to be doing a few long journies every so often to regenerate the dpf if going diesel. My gut says go petrol but you may not find that many new petrols and resale will prob be lower. 10,000 km is very low mileage per year.

As for the discount, you need to establish what similar cars will sell for by shopping around and getting final prices, only then will you know whether you're getting it right. Its easier to give €2000 off if the car is €3000 to expensive.

mrmrmr · 16-11-2013 5:29pm

Thank you colm_mcm.

I am planning to buy a 2013 Honda civic with low milleage and after a few weeks of research I decided to go for 1.4l engine (petrol). Going to several dealers I couldn't get more that 750-1000 euro off from the asking price. I was told every time that they don't want to lower the price as they would lose if doing so. Is this right?

Would it be better to wait until next year or shall I buy the car before the end of Decemeber?

Thanks!

colm_mcm · 16-11-2013 6:09pm

The 1.4 is very overwhelmed in those Civics. How much cheaper than a new one are they? Are they ex rental or what?

131 SE models seem to be starting around €18650 on the window, what straight price did you get?

If you're not stuck, I'd nearly wait till Jan-Feb. They don't magically drop in price on December 31, but you might have More choice (though I dunno how many people will trade in a 131 for a 141)

Garages will lose money sometimes. You have to convince them that you're actually serious about buying and gave money ready if they're gonna do a silly deal (happens)

mrmrmr · 16-11-2013 6:27pm

How can I find out whether a car is ex rental? Is this important?

I found a 1.4L Honda civic ES which was priced at 20,250 at the dealer and he offered me 750 euro off. It has 17,000km on the clock.

I went for a 1.4 enginer as taxes are lower and I drive mainly in the city. Would that be a problem with the engine size?

colm_mcm · 16-11-2013 6:40pm

mrmrmr wrote: »

How can I find out whether a car is ex rental? Is this important?

I found a 1.4L Honda civic ES which was priced at 20,250 at the dealer and he offered me 750 euro off. It has 17,000km on the clock.

I went for a 1.4 enginer as taxes are lower and I drive mainly in the city. Would that be a problem with the engine size?

Engine size isn't based on engine size since 2008. 1.6 diesel is less tax than 1.4 petrol

Its €270 on petrol and €180 on diesel. Neither of those are expensive for a years tax anyway.

20250 asking is fairly on the money as the ES is €1400 more new than a SE.
I like the extras on the ES but it still isn't exactly a bargain when you consider a brand new SE should be doable for around €20500

If it's done 17000km then its most likely a rental car, these often get in little prangs or can be driven hard, inspect carefully.

mrmrmr · 16-11-2013 6:52pm

Thank you for the tip on rental cars. I wasn'r aware of it.

Civic comes only in 1.4l and 1.8l engines on petrol. Should I go then for 1.8L instead of 1.4? The tax for 1.8L is 390 euro per year.

colm_mcm · 16-11-2013 7:05pm

I have a 1.8 ES and I reckon its just right for the car. They're big money in the current model though and hardly worth the extra cash when you consider cars from the segment above cost the same money. The 1.6 diesel would be nearly as nippy in real life.

If you're just tipping around town the 1.4 would be grand I suppose.

Have you got your eye on any other makes/models?

For example you'd get a Golf TSI 105 Trendline with sport pack or a Comfortline for the same money.

mrmrmr · 16-11-2013 7:41pm

I like Civic a lot and would not consider buying anything else.

I have a 1L Toyota Yarris at the moment and I am quite happy with it while driving in the city, it is a bit slow on the motorway but I don't mind. Do you think that a 1.4 honda civic would be slower than my current yarris (on the motorway)?

I wish to buy a fairly new civic but still cannot afford a brand new one. It seems that I could find such a car only from dealers and further issues may arise (suc as ex rental as you suggested).

colm_mcm · 16-11-2013 7:49pm

Its certainly gonna be nippier than your yaris and a bit quieter too.

Its good that you know what you want anyway.
I know from when I sold cars that ex rentals were always costing less than demo models and had more miles and weren't in as good condition. We'd want to be shot of them by the end of the year usually.

Are you trading the yaris in?

mrmrmr · 16-11-2013 8:03pm

the yarris is old and with many miles. the dealers din't want it for trading in.

Should I consider a demo model for the civic? I saw they have a few for sale and with low milleage (about 2,000 km)

colm_mcm · 16-11-2013 8:13pm

mrmrmr wrote: »

the yarris is old and with many miles. the dealers din't want it for trading in.

Should I consider a demo model for the civic? I saw they have a few for sale and with low milleage (about 2,000 km)

Definitely if you can, dunno how they'll compare price wise though. If you can afford the extra for the ES and you're keeping it long term then go for it.

Keep in mind that red ones cost them less to start with so should be worth less.

mrmrmr · 16-11-2013 9:05pm

you've been very helpful and thank you so much for all the advice. Why the red ones? I intend to buy a civic and keep it for a good number of years.

colm_mcm · 16-11-2013 9:28pm

They're not metallic. White ones are pearl, dunno if they charge extra for that.

celticbhoy27 · 17-11-2013 12:35am

went to look at a car in dublin today, naas road, travelled from kilkenny. bit of an eye opener really. the sheer disrepect for the cars was incredible. seen cars wedged together like sardines. two cars were locked together with matching dents. a high percentage were chipped and scraped around the bumpers. witnesed one of the workers drive a car at speed up a ramp tearing absolute ****e out of the bumper. (im guessing thats where the aforementoned chips on the other cars came from) now im not lumping all garages in dublin together but fck me how do they expect to sell cars when they treat them so ****ty :eek:

colm_mcm · 17-11-2013 1:25am

Its like a Bermuda Triangle of rubbish cars alright.

celticbhoy27 · 17-11-2013 9:15am

colm_mcm wrote: »

Its like a Bermuda Triangle of rubbish cars alright.

Crazy, they weren't just rubbish cars though. I was looking at an insignia around the 14k mark. There were a few there but honestly every one of them had the same scrapes and bangs! Ended up going to Wexford and buying one :-D some road trip

road_high · 19-11-2013 9:56pm

celticbhoy27 wrote: »

Crazy, they weren't just rubbish cars though. I was looking at an insignia around the 14k mark. There were a few there but honestly every one of them had the same scrapes and bangs! Ended up going to Wexford and buying one :-D some road trip

Prob all ex fleet ones, LeasePlan and the like. Bill Griffin by any chance? Charging top dollar for those Insignias as well.

Cleveland Hot Pocket · 19-11-2013 9:58pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

Its like a Bermuda Triangle of rubbish cars alright.

Those Naas Road dealers do themselves no favors with their customer service and lack of care for the cars in their care IMO

celticbhoy27 · 19-11-2013 10:08pm

road_high wrote: »

Prob all ex fleet ones, LeasePlan and the like. Bill Griffin by any chance? Charging top dollar for those Insignias as well.

The very one. Had a car advertised on carzone for 14500 (this one was in the showroom) would only knock 100 off. Was paying cash so said **** that! As I said headed to Wexford and got same model with less mileage for 14

road_high · 21-11-2013 12:43am

celticbhoy27 wrote: »

The very one. Had a car advertised on carzone for 14500 (this one was in the showroom) would only knock 100 off. Was paying cash so said **** that! As I said headed to Wexford and got same model with less mileage for 14

LOL €100. I'd say you could get an Insignia from a main dealership for less/same money. As you have obviously proven.

donegaldude · 22-11-2013 5:12pm

Was thinking of having a look at this yoke:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-glx-z1-4-xe/5915629

Mileage seems low, but is €2k a bit pricey for whats going to be a 13yr old car fairly soon? I'm looking for a run around car capable of the odd spin from Cork to Donegal and Cork-Dublin maybe once a week or so.

I don't think the mileage would justify a diesel.

Thoughts/recommendations please

L-M · 22-11-2013 6:45pm

It might seem high, but decent cars and commanding a decent price. There's ALOT of **** out there ATM, and a lot of chancers to go with them.

If it came for 15-or 1600 it might not be a bad purchase IF it's an honest car.

Easiest thing to do is go and look at it. You might also get a decent 01-02 Focus for that money.

delaney001 · 22-11-2013 8:30pm

Hey, can anyone give me an answer on this. What's number of miles per week or year you need to do to lean towards a diesel over a petrol. Or does a figure exist?

Cheers

L-M · 22-11-2013 8:48pm

delaney001 wrote: »

Hey, can anyone give me an answer on this. What's number of miles per week or year you need to do to lean towards a diesel over a petrol. Or does a figure exist?

Cheers

Really depends on where and how you drive.

road_high · 22-11-2013 8:51pm

On the 07 civic, we've bought one (not the one above) got a better one in the end. They have no spare wheel? Just a repair kit thing? So dealer tells me.

L-M · 22-11-2013 8:53pm

road_high wrote: »

On the 07 civic, we've bought one (not the one above) got a better one in the end. They have no spare wheel? Just a repair kit thing? So dealer tells me.

A lot of modern cars dont or esle they were an optional extra. If there's room in the boot you could always go to a scrappy and get one, or ask the dealer to source you one as part of the deal

Best of luck!

road_high · 22-11-2013 9:29pm

Limerick man wrote: »

A lot of modern cars dont or esle they were an optional extra. If there's room in the boot you could always go to a scrappy and get one, or ask the dealer to source you one as part of the deal

Best of luck!

Yea I'll ask tho I have the deal done but can ask. I'll try source one somewhere though, cheers!

colm_mcm · 23-11-2013 2:01am

Saloon models have space savers, wheels from loads of Hondas will fit.

meouldstock · 23-11-2013 11:36pm

Hi folks,
I've been driving my first car for years now (Opel Astra) and looking to change and get something a bit better. I mainly drive around the city and up and down the country every few weekends.

Have you any thoughts on this car? http://www.CarsIreland.ie/988636 I've heard the 316 is very slow so I presume the 320 would be a good bit nippier?

I looked up the dealers, Motorvation, on here and there seems to be mixed opinion on them. Is that enough for me to keep away? There doesn't seem to be any warranty mentioned in the ad either so is that another reason to be wary?

Would appreciate if anything else jumped out for the more car savvy people.
Thanks!

bazz26 · 24-11-2013 1:20am

It's a basic entry level ES model with leatherette seats and multi-function steering wheel. I'd prefer a nicer M Sport like this to be honest:

media?xwm=y&id=14278121&width=400&height=300

media?xwm=y&id=14278121&width=400&height=300

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/318-I/201344219334402/

Proper Dakota leather sport seats, MV2 alloy wheels, full service history and the bonus of a sunroof.

meouldstock · 25-11-2013 2:03pm

Cheers bazz26.
That M Sport is nice alright but it has nearly 90000 miles on the clock. Is that something to shy away from?
I thought that most cars start to give problems once they get over 100000 miles? Or are BMWs reliable enough to consider 90000 as being low milage?

peadar76 · 25-11-2013 2:07pm

I'm considering buying a 2004 1.3 mitsubushi lancer for €2800.
120,000 miles on the clock.
I've been told they are extremely reliable, which is what I need.
Have any of ye experience with the lancer?

freddyboiii · 27-11-2013 2:21pm

Hi, Does anyone have any experience with 01-05 Civics (specifically 05 1.7 ctdi). I have driven an 07 civic and really liked it but unfortunately ones from 2006 or earlier are out of my price range so I am considering the older generation and would appreciate any feedback available. Thanks

colm_mcm · 27-11-2013 10:53pm

Far as I know its the engine from the Astra, don't think they actually sold them in Ireland so it'll be all imports.

bazz26 · 28-11-2013 12:02am

meouldstock wrote: »

Cheers bazz26.
That M Sport is nice alright but it has nearly 90000 miles on the clock. Is that something to shy away from?
I thought that most cars start to give problems once they get over 100000 miles? Or are BMWs reliable enough to consider 90000 as being low milage?

That is the mind set that is built into your typical average Irish motorist, they seem to think cars suddenly implode as the odometer hits 100,000 miles. 90k miles on an almost 8 year old car is not high mileage, if fact it is just below average for the year. If a car is well taken care of and serviced regularly then it should do that mileage at least twice over without any major mechanical problems.

Now BMWs have their faults and they can be expensive to put right but mechanically they are sound and are well capable of high mileage (apart from timing chain problems on certain engines and other known problems).

bazz26 · 28-11-2013 12:05am

1.7 ctdi Civic is a Isuzu derived engine they bought from GM. It was never officially sold in Ireland so anything for sale here is an import. Pretty solid engine all the same if a little rough.

freddyboiii · 28-11-2013 10:49am

Thanks lads, is there a thread where I can put up my budget and requirements and ask people for car ideas or is that sort of thing frowned upon?

colm_mcm · 28-11-2013 11:04am

freddyboiii wrote: »

Thanks lads, is there a thread where I can put up my budget and requirements and ask people for car ideas or is that sort of thing frowned upon?

Feel free to start a new thread

holy water · 28-11-2013 8:47pm

Recently seen a 2003 ford van. The owner told me it was in perfect order. he was a private seller. We went by bus costing us 40 jo-so's. He turned out to be a car salesman. He took 30 minutes to start it and it took another battery to finally do the job. There was a lot of black and white smoke. The bottom had a hole in the cross beam. Rust flaked off the bottom everywhere I put my hand. It was just out and he refused to put it through the test. He kept telling me there was nothing wrong with the van and it would never give me any trouble. This van is the reason for me to look on boards. Thanks for writing this thread and next time I will ask before going out there.

buzzkill88 · 29-11-2013 4:18am

@Limerick Man
I've read your posts and they are so informative - I was hoping you could help me out if u have the time. I'm looking to buy an Accord or Mazda 6 under 2K budget. Saw a few deals in these links and was wondering what you think of them? Any red flags or anything I should look out for in particular? Would appreciate any help I can get cos it's my first time buying in Ireland!

Thanks

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/1999-honda-accord-1-8/6055910

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mazda-6-exec/6046635

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mazda-6-2-0l-2002-nct-07-14/6003064

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

Comments