Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

1…2021232526…65

Comments

  • #1102
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    For 600 you won't get a Yaris, get yourself a decent Micra and you'll be fine.


  • #1103
    NorthenQueen
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 19 ✭NorthenQueen


    Quick question folks,

    I am looking for a used car at the moment. This will be my first car so I am a little unsure of the market.

    My price range is between 4000 and 5000 euros.

    I saw a surprising number of mercedes Benz A-Class on sale for around 5000. They seem to be selling as cheaply or even more cheaply than polos or golfs when the year and milage are similar. This surprised me as I would have assumed that a mercedes would be more expensive.

    This car appeals to me as I have a baby on the way and it is spacious.

    Is there something I am missing here? Is there anything wrong with this model of car?

    Laura


  • #1104
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Not really other than the fact people don't like the looks of them.

    I have very little experience with them so can't advise you on engines etc. But the boot in them in fairly small so bring a buggie with you, can't imagine you would fit two in the boot though.

    Nice high seating position .


  • #1105
    MidlandsM
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 5,737 ✭✭✭MidlandsM


    A classes are sh¬t, avoid them, carolla verso ....look at them


  • #1106
    brainiac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 536 ✭✭✭brainiac


    Limerick man wrote: »
    For 600 you won't get a Yaris, get yourself a decent Micra and you'll be fine.

    Any recommendations for minimum year? And likely cheapest companies to get insurance from for a young, male, new driver? Thanks for your reply btw :)


  • #1107
    P_1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,681 ✭✭✭✭P_1


    Going for the test soon so looking for a set of wheels to hopefully go with the full license.

    Budget is 2-3k this is to cover the car, insurance and tax.

    I'm thinking of a 1.4 Golf/Fabia/Ibiza or something similar.

    Any suggestions?


  • #1108
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,507 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    ^ How much do you expect to have to pay for insurance?

    It will indicate how much you have left for the car and tax. You should hold at least €200 - €300 in reserve for servicing, unexpected repairs etc.

    Have a look at the 1999 Mazda 3 (in Naas) linked in this post by RJ in the Bangernomics thread - asking €800, probably get it for a bit less if you show the folding stuff. It has 112k miles, 10 months NCT and 7 months tax on it. You should follow the Bangernomics thread too - some really bargains get posted there.

    I think the Mazda 3 of that era have a very good rep. Get you started anyway, and you'd probably get your money back in 3 months time if you didn't like it.

    Not your ornery onager



  • #1109
    P_1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,681 ✭✭✭✭P_1


    Esel wrote: »
    ^ How much do you expect to have to pay for insurance?

    It will indicate how much you have left for the car and tax. You should hold at least €200 - €300 in reserve for servicing, unexpected repairs etc.

    Have a look at the 1999 Mazda 3 (in Naas) linked in this post by RJ in the Bangernomics thread - asking €800, probably get it for a bit less if you show the folding stuff. It has 112k miles, 10 months NCT and 7 months tax on it. You should follow the Bangernomics thread too - some really bargains get posted there.

    I think the Mazda 3 of that era have a very good rep. Get you started anyway, and you'd probably get your money back in 3 months time if you didn't like it.

    I'm guestemating the insurance would cost in and around the 600-800 mark (26 y/o full license with a years NDE).

    Basically I don't want to buy a lemon that will cost more to keep running than it cost to buy


  • #1110
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,507 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    P_1 wrote: »
    I'm guestemating the insurance would cost in and around the 600-800 mark (26 y/o full license with a years NDE).

    Basically I don't want to buy a lemon that will cost more to keep running than it cost to buy
    I don't think the Mazda would be a lemon though. Honest John * gives it a good review. "Sensationally reliable" "Tidy looks, sweet engines and brilliant reliability". Get it for €600, replace the timing belt and water pump (unless you see a receipt for this being done already) and away you go. It would make a good first car for someone. Probably not for you, though!

    It would be worth your while following the Bangernomics thread (that link is to the first page, so jump to the last page from there) - some very nice deals are posted there on a daily basis.

    * Expect to see someone slagging HJ reviews here soon.... :)

    Not your ornery onager



  • Advertisement
  • #1111
    faral
    Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭faral


    Guys any thoughts about 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol?I saw one with relatively low millage (109k) for about 4500.Im not into any Ford but this one kept my attention for more that just a minute.


  • #1112
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Is that miles or kms?

    They are known for coil packs going, but they're cheap enough. Might actually be worthwhile getting the four of them changed as a precautionary measure.

    Timing belt isn't due until 160kms.

    Is it a Ghia model? Most of the 1.6's were, if it is they a nicely spec'd Motor.


  • #1113
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    When looking at a car look closer at the coolant reservoir.
    Open it, look at the colour and smell it.
    Make sure the level is correct when cold.
    The colour should be pretty bright red/blue/yellow/green.
    The smell should be pretty pleasant.

    Slight discolourations (particularly on old cars) are pretty normal as many people don't attend to their cars. Ask when it was last changed. If owner don't know it means they're the kind of person that don't care about the workings of their engine, and this in turn can cost you money.
    Note, if you smell exhaust fumes or petrol it's maybe a blown head gasket and you should have a mechanic check it out.


  • #1114
    Pigwidgeon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,590 ✭✭✭Pigwidgeon


    Finally got my loan approved to get a car. Have a budget of about 2.5K for it. Probably going to go for either a focus or a fiesta. Max 1.4l (first time policy)

    I found this one on adverts, what do you more experienced people think, is it a good deal? Or can I find better?


  • #1115
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Depends on the car. On the face of it it looks like an OK deal, just the timing belt is due on it now if it hasn't already been done.


  • #1116
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    I suggest you don't buy the first car you see. Go see 3-4 cars - after each make a note of little things you like/not like about it.
    Then compare the cars with each other and go with the best choice.


  • Advertisement
  • #1117
    dark crystal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,962 ✭✭✭✭dark crystal


    Ok, so our latest heap of sh!t car has given up the ghost and after spending the last few years buying cheap second-hand cars privately because of money issues, we've decided to bite the bullet and buy from a dealer with finance.

    looking around, I spotted a '10 Chevrolet Aveo 1.2 for what seems like a too good to be true price of €6,995:

    http://www.sitesetireland.com/showsearch.php?site=gcorbett&vehicleid=21037

    Not knowing much about Chevrolet, can anyone tell me if they have a good rep or not, because that seems like a great price for a three year old car!


  • #1118
    Sam Russell
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,864 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    Chevrolet used to be known as Daewoo. South Korean.


  • #1119
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    Sam Russell wrote: »
    Chevrolet used to be known as Daewoo. South Korean.

    Daewoo are part of GM. They just launched the brand Chevrolet in Ireland by re-badging Daewoo.


  • #1120
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    dark crystal wrote: »
    Not knowing much about Chevrolet, can anyone tell me if they have a good rep or not, because that seems like a great price for a three year old car!
    Some reviews
    http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/aveo/2010/
    http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/aveo/2010/chevrolet-aveo-4-door-sedan
    http://www.carsite.co.uk/car-reviews/chevrolet/aveo/aveo-12-s-5dr/9570
    http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/chevrolet/aveo/2010/

    It is what it is. Fairly reliable small-engined car.


  • #1121
    MidlandsM
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 5,737 ✭✭✭MidlandsM


    dark crystal wrote: »
    Ok, so our latest heap of sh!t car has given up the ghost and after spending the last few years buying cheap second-hand cars privately because of money issues, we've decided to bite the bullet and buy from a dealer with finance.

    looking around, I spotted a '10 Chevrolet Aveo 1.2 for what seems like a too good to be true price of €6,995:

    http://www.sitesetireland.com/showsearch.php?site=gcorbett&vehicleid=21037

    Not knowing much about Chevrolet, can anyone tell me if they have a good rep or not, because that seems like a great price for a three year old car!


    the aveo needs more frequent oil changes than Chevy suggests, they suffer from oil sludge issues, but if kept on top of, are ok, cheap motoring, but thats all it is, cheap.


  • Advertisement
  • #1122
    Sam Russell
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,864 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    ironclaw wrote: »
    Daewoo are part of GM. They just launched the brand Chevrolet in Ireland by re-badging Daewoo.

    They changed the brand to try and get away from the cheap-cheap image that Daewoo had. I do not think they suceeded. But cheap motoring is what the OP is after. Not sure if cheap-cheap is the same thing.


  • #1123
    brainiac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 536 ✭✭✭brainiac


    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4750215

    Thinking of going for her as a first / learner car, what do you guys think? (Talked down to 1600E)


  • #1124
    faral
    Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭faral


    brainiac wrote: »
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4750215

    Thinking of going for her as a first / learner car, what do you guys think? (Talked down to 1600E)
    I think u can get toyota starlet which is predecessor of yaris for 800 euro in good condition.last model from 1996-1999 is ultra reliable (probably the most in the world).she has the same engine as toyota corolla e11


  • #1125
    Irisheman
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭Irisheman


    Guys desperately need some advise please. Ive decided to buy a 3 series bmw second hand as my first car. Should i get the 316i (1.6l petrol) or the 2.0l diesel 320d. My problem is ive spotted a 1.6l for 6.9k which looks OK, but if i went for the diesel id have to wait a few months and spend about 10k.

    My stats would be expecting to do less than 15000km a year. Id be buying a 2006 1.6l or 2006 2.0l diesel.

    Many help greatly appreciated.

    Many thanks,
    Emmett


  • #1126
    SRFC
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭SRFC


    Irisheman wrote: »
    Guys desperately need some advise please. Ive decided to buy a 3 series bmw second hand as my first car. Should i get the 316i (1.6l petrol) or the 2.0l diesel 320d. My problem is ive spotted a 1.6l for 6.9k which looks OK, but if i went for the diesel id have to wait a few months and spend about 10k.

    My stats would be expecting to do less than 15000km a year. Id be buying a 2006 1.6l or 2006 2.0l diesel.

    Many help greatly appreciated.

    Many thanks,
    Emmett

    Depends on money really,Diesel will hold its value more obviously,and be lighter on juice,other way of thinking of it is your saving 3k on purchase price buying the petrol model,id personally go for the petrol one with a nice spec.


  • #1127
    Irisheman
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭Irisheman


    I offered him cash and he said he would talk 500 off the price - you think that sounds OK - its a car dealership so should be legit normally?
    SRFC wrote: »
    Depends on money really,Diesel will hold its value more obviously,and be lighter on juice,other way of thinking of it is your saving 3k on purchase price buying the petrol model,id personally go for the petrol one with a nice spec.


  • #1128
    SRFC
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭SRFC


    Irisheman wrote: »
    I offered him cash and he said he would talk 500 off the price - you think that sounds OK - its a car dealership so should be legit normally?


    Yeah bargain it down as much as possible,bring a mechanic along just to be sure and try get a warranty with it,sure that money saved will buy plenty of petrol,you'd need to hold onto the diesel for a few years for it to save you money.


  • #1129
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Any link to it?

    Drove one of those in 1.6 before and it really was dead as a dodo.

    If it had a nice spec and you were doing mainly city driving it would be fine. Also should be some what saleable as the market for smaller engined - cheaper taxed cars like that should be good enough.


  • #1130
    msshono
    Registered Users Posts: 93 ✭✭msshono


    Hi there

    Have had a look at a few second hand cars over the weekend. So far, all private sales. So far 2 out of 5 vendors have said that 'the car is my sisters, she moved to Australia and she's not coming back, so now I'm selling the car for her'.

    I know these stories could be legit and just a coincidence, but I'm a skeptic by nature.

    So just wondering if anyone else has heard this story being used and it turning out to be a cover up for trying to move a car quickly?


  • #1131
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Its more than likely a cover up.

    Just take the car for its own merits and forget about the seller. But be prepared that they may know more about cars than they let on, and could be hiding something. Bring a mechanic.


  • Advertisement
  • #1132
    msshono
    Registered Users Posts: 93 ✭✭msshono


    Limerick man wrote: »
    Its more than likely a cover up.

    Just take the car for its own merits and forget about the seller. But be prepared that they may know more about cars than they let on, and could be hiding something. Bring a mechanic.


    Thanks Limerick Man...my gut is saying stay away...but it does that a lot so I might never buy if I keep listening to it :D But with this one I think i'll let it go and pay heed to my instincts.

    Also I put the reg into the Motor Tax Online site and it says 'Purchased by Dealer' in March... Does this always & only mean that an actual registered dealer bought the car or can it just indicate change of ownership by private sales (e.g. this guy bought the car from his sister as she was leaving the country and he is now just selling it on)?


  • #1133
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    For it to say that it would have to be purchased and transfered into a Dealers name.


  • #1134
    msshono
    Registered Users Posts: 93 ✭✭msshono


    Limerick man wrote: »
    For it to say that it would have to be purchased and transfered into a Dealers name.

    Ok great, thanks for your help.


  • #1135
    Walkedit
    Registered Users Posts: 228 ✭✭Walkedit


    Impressive knowledge and advice here! well done to advice givers

    Just had Volvo S40 '97 fail NCT badly and need to get something else similar, immediate idea is to get same but newer maybe '03/'04, seeing prices between €2-3K but huge range of mileages from 49K to 149K.

    Some advice would be really welcome.
    1) This age S40 good or bad idea
    2) How about an automatic - that one had 49K miles only (private sale)
    3) How to balance year Vs Mileage if car is already 10 yrs old, does 1 year older or newer make any real difference?

    What else similar is worth a look 1.4-1.8l, petrol, 4 door saloon, mostly interested in reliable and not a lot of repairs


  • #1136
    cavan4sam
    Registered Users Posts: 1,150 ✭✭✭cavan4sam


    just bought a car in the uk with no warranty and the engine decided it had enough and packed up ,
    tough sh1t paddy i hear you say
    but my question is if i put a new engine in it and decide to sell it on in a year or two am i obliged to tell whoever wants to buy the car this ?
    i know it would put me off buying a car will it make it immpossible to sell??


  • #1137
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    I sold my last car with a new engine and I was upfront with the buyer, that's completely up to yourself.

    I wouldn't know much as regards to the older S40s so someone else might want to fill in there.


  • #1138
    Tea drinker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,817 ✭✭✭Tea drinker


    Walkedit wrote: »
    Impressive knowledge and advice here! well done to advice givers

    Just had Volvo S40 '97 fail NCT badly and need to get something else similar, immediate idea is to get same but newer maybe '03/'04, seeing prices between €2-3K but huge range of mileages from 49K to 149K.

    Some advice would be really welcome.
    1) This age S40 good or bad idea
    2) How about an automatic - that one had 49K miles only (private sale)
    3) How to balance year Vs Mileage if car is already 10 yrs old, does 1 year older or newer make any real difference?

    What else similar is worth a look 1.4-1.8l, petrol, 4 door saloon, mostly interested in reliable and not a lot of repairs
    Well, I'll reply even if I have neither impressive knowledge or advice ;-)
    rather than looking at year, the service history and number of owners would be of interest to me. Someone who kept a car and has plenty of receipts was interested in looking after the car for themselves , rather than a chap who kept a car for a year and put nothing but petrol/diesel in it. Sure the year and mileage is important, but not as much as owner attitude to the car.


  • #1139
    Walkedit
    Registered Users Posts: 228 ✭✭Walkedit


    Tea drinker wrote: »
    Well, I'll reply even if I have neither impressive knowledge or advice ;-)
    rather than looking at year, the service history and number of owners would be of interest to me. Someone who kept a car and has plenty of receipts was interested in looking after the car for themselves , rather than a chap who kept a car for a year and put nothing but petrol/diesel in it. Sure the year and mileage is important, but not as much as owner attitude to the car.

    I hear ye, I've come across an '01 Honda Civic1.4S petrol with 58K and 1 owner, looks in great nick and drives well for €1,500, I'm thinking I'll have that! Sound promising?

    An oddity is where the gear lever is mounted mounted ? Not where I expect between seats but way forward


  • #1140
    nct tester
    Closed Accounts Posts: 361 ✭✭nct tester


    Walkedit wrote: »
    I hear ye, I've come across an '01 Honda Civic1.4S petrol with 58K and 1 owner, looks in great nick and drives well for €1,500, I'm thinking I'll have that! Sound promising?

    An oddity is where the gear lever is mounted mounted ? Not where I expect between seats but way forward


    that's normal on those civics


  • Advertisement
  • #1141
    faral
    Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭faral


    folks question-I have found a car and everything seems to be perfect but...when I go for insurance I receive quotes much higher than I pay now even though this car has an 1,6 engine,its lancer but not evo version.would it mean that this car was involve in crash or something like that?


  • #1142
    Rushden
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 289 ✭✭Rushden


    My girlfriend is looking to buy her first car and has her eye on this http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4886892 . I don't know much about cars so wondering if the price is fair and if there's anything we should be looking out for when viewing the car? Thanks


  • #1143
    nct tester
    Closed Accounts Posts: 361 ✭✭nct tester


    faral wrote: »
    folks question-I have found a car and everything seems to be perfect but...when I go for insurance I receive quotes much higher than I pay now even though this car has an 1,6 engine,its lancer but not evo version.would it mean that this car was involve in crash or something like that?

    Is it a jap import??


  • #1144
    SRFC
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭SRFC


    Just wondering,My mate has a car he doesnt need for a while so im going to get insured on it for a few months,the car is in his name will it be any problem insuring it and driving it while his name is on the log book,cheers.


  • #1145
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    SRFC wrote: »
    Just wondering,My mate has a car he doesnt need for a while so im going to get insured on it for a few months,the car is in his name will it be any problem insuring it and driving it while his name is on the log book,cheers.

    The car will have to be in your name.


  • #1146
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Rushden wrote: »
    My girlfriend is looking to buy her first car and has her eye on this http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4886892 . I don't know much about cars so wondering if the price is fair and if there's anything we should be looking out for when viewing the car? Thanks

    Clios have their little faults but most of them are easily rectified. The only killer is it's a 3 door and any door related parts will probably have to the bought new.

    Make sure the back lights are working correctly, make sure the windows work, if the central locking doesn't work it off the button but works off the key its probably the battery in the key.

    Just do all the normal things you would when buying a car, plus the above.


  • Advertisement
  • #1147
    SRFC
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭SRFC


    Limerick man wrote: »
    The car will have to be in your name.


    Cheers,how come though whats the particular reason,ive insured it now in my name.


  • #1148
    evolutionqy7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,277 ✭✭✭evolutionqy7


    Limerick man wrote: »
    The car will have to be in your name.

    Not an issue I think. My mother is driving a car insured in her name. Documents are in my name.

    Might depend on the insurance company though


  • #1149
    faral
    Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭faral


    nct tester wrote: »
    Is it a jap import??

    no,its not.anyway it has had to be an increase in premiums across insurance companies as I did find anything cheaper


  • #1150
    rocky
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,961 ✭✭✭rocky


    SRFC wrote: »
    Cheers,how come though whats the particular reason,ive insured it now in my name.

    Were you asked is the car in your name when getting the quote?


  • #1151
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    SRFC wrote: »
    Cheers,how come though whats the particular reason,ive insured it now in my name.

    Sounds wrong to me. I'd query that with your insurance company for your own benefit.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement