Buying a used car in Ireland guide

L-M · 29-11-2013 9:29am

You should be able to get good bang for your buck in a Mazda 6, that 03 one you linked looks ideal.

The Accord is very dated at this stage IMO, and the phrasing of that advert would put me off. Probably the more reliable of the two, but given the choice I would pick a 6 ten times over.

bazz26 · 29-11-2013 4:02pm

The main thing to watch with the Mazda 6 is rust, make sure to get the car up on a lift and have a good poke around for rust.

CR 7 · 29-11-2013 9:12pm

Is there any particular reason not to buy off a mechanic? Other than the obvious one of not falling for the old; "I'm a mechanic, sure there's no need to get your own mechanic to check it out."

As far as I can tell it's not a dealer, and he told me straight out, and didn't avoid any questions. I'm going to see the car tomorrow.

rayz · 29-11-2013 11:40pm

Thoughts on Passat CC's anyone. I'm in the process of buying a 2011 version. Seems nice, anyone know of any pitfalls within the breed. It's VW I know but the ordinary Passat has had issues over the years.

L-M · 30-11-2013 12:48pm

rayz wrote: »

Thoughts on Passat CC's anyone. I'm in the process of buying a 2011 version. Seems nice, anyone know of any pitfalls within the breed. It's VW I know but the ordinary Passat has had issues over the years.

Would you not try and stretch to a 12 and get the new model?

Bazz26 on here has one, I'm sure he has his research done.

bazz26 · 30-11-2013 5:04pm

rayz wrote: »

Thoughts on Passat CC's anyone. I'm in the process of buying a 2011 version. Seems nice, anyone know of any pitfalls within the breed. It's VW I know but the ordinary Passat has had issues over the years.

Mine is 2011 too and I've had it since July, have put nearly 8k miles up on it since and no issues so far. A lot of the problems with the early Passat were ironed out from about 2008 onwards and didn't transition to the CC. The CC also got a lot new stuff that the regular Passat didn't get until the facelift in 2010. The CC was also first to get the CR TDi engines in the Passat, early ones had reports of some problems but generally they are a solid engine, Bluemotion models are decent on fuel too given the weight of the car.

Is the one you are looking at a UK import? Imports are generally higher spec, the GT with the Tech pack is the one to go for. That comes with full leather heated seats, touchscreen stereo, Sat Nav, Bluetooth and some come with dynamic chassis control. Also make sure it has a verified service history as the interiors are hard wearing and hide mileage very well. From 2010 the CC got 3 seats in the back due to customer complaints but the centre seat is small and sits taller than the other two so is not ideal for adults especially on long trips. Boot space is very big and despite it's coupe design and sloping roof, rear headroom is impressive.

rayz · 30-11-2013 8:56pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Mine is 2011 too and I've had it since July, have put nearly 8k miles up on it since and no issues so far. A lot of the problems with the early Passat were ironed out from about 2008 onwards and didn't transition to the CC. The CC also got a lot new stuff that the regular Passat didn't get until the facelift in 2010. The CC was also first to get the CR TDi engines in the Passat, early ones had reports of some problems but generally they are a solid engine, Bluemotion models are decent on fuel too given the weight of the car.

Is the one you are looking at a UK import? Imports are generally higher spec, the GT with the Tech pack is the one to go for. That comes with full leather heated seats, touchscreen stereo, Sat Nav, Bluetooth and some come with dynamic chassis control. Also make sure it has a verified service history as the interiors are hard wearing and hide mileage very well. From 2010 the CC got 3 seats in the back due to customer complaints but the centre seat is small and sits taller than the other two so is not ideal for adults especially on long trips. Boot space is very big and despite it's coupe design and sloping roof, rear headroom is impressive.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat-CC/2.0-TDi-/37013795219064940/advert?channel=CARS

This is the one I'm looking at. Gonna give the dealer a ring on Monday to organise a test drive and to check it out thoroughly. The mileage is suspiciously low for a 3 year old car so I'm wondering if it's worth getting an independent inspection by a local garage. (Are dealers happy enough to have that done?). Its a long way to Dublin for me to find out the car is a pup.

Thanks a million for the replies lads. Much appreciated.

L-M · 30-11-2013 9:13pm

Pretty sure that's a twin of Bazz's car

bazz26 · 30-11-2013 10:00pm

Tis indeed. That is very strong money for one though even given the low mileage. Mine had 30k miles on it and was retailing at a few grand less than what they have on that one back in July.

Here is a 2012 from a VW dealer for only €1k more:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Cc/2.0-TDI/37313850391208530/

rayz · 30-11-2013 10:23pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Tis indeed. That is very strong money for one though even given the low mileage. Mine had 30k miles on it and was retailing at a few grand less than what they have on that one back in July.

Here is a 2012 from a VW dealer for only €1k more:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Cc/2.0-TDI/37313850391208530/

Ah that's music to my ears. I'll see if they'll come down a bit on that price so. Sligo is a bit far for me but tis a nice lookin motor. It's a good indicator of whats out there which hopefully goes in my favour. Glad to hear you are happy with yours anyway. Badly needed to talk to someone that had one so cheers for the info mate.

holy water · 01-12-2013 11:36am

I am looking for the front part, the cabin and the backwheels and the metal frame, so I can put a body(box) on it. I do not know the name of that part like that but second hand cheap.

Who can tell me the name and where to look? When googling cab I get directed to different sites. I prefer a ford one seen that is the one that was carrying the body in the first place. But it might fir others as well.

L-M · 01-12-2013 11:44am

Just the Chassis and Cab.

The place my father works for bought a new Transit this year. Nice job. You can get a short and long wheel base AFAIK.

L-M · 01-12-2013 11:45am

http://www.ford.ie/CommercialVehicles/TransitChassisCab

holy water · 01-12-2013 2:17pm

I looked but no sigar. Anyone know of a nice second hand one for a small price? Loooong wheel base needed.

holy water · 04-12-2013 1:01pm

Looked on a site and got a private answer in my inbox. Not via the site.
I would like your opinion on it, what should I look out for with this one? Is it normal to put it on ebay? That was not the site I looked at and it was in Euro originally.
After 3 times enquiring about it she finally answered with this note:
Hi, I was away to my mother in law and I just got to a pc and saw your email. This van has a full service history and all documentation is present and in my name. It has been stored in undercover storage from new so the exterior is perfect very low miles. The final price is not negotiable: £3000. My husband died 2 months ago and I was left with it but I don`t even have a drivers license. If you agree I can send you the link to my private auction on eBay so you can buy it from there since I all ready had a buyer last week who came up with some fake notes. I don`t really trust someone else to come around my house. Please note that you will be able to check directly on ebay the registration and all the information about it because they did a HPI check(it does not have any outstanding finance). As soon as you will confirm the payment to eBay, I will proceed with the delivery without any additional costs for you. You will receive the van with all the documents. As you know eBay is the best company of online transactions. If you are indeed interested in buying it and have the funds, I will list it on eBay, as I have a 100% positive feedback with them.
Please let me know your decision.

L-M · 04-12-2013 1:38pm

Scam. The english is very thought rather than fluent.

agfasfos · 04-12-2013 2:03pm

Seems very dodgy to me too, would stay well away from it.

JaMarcus Hustle · 06-12-2013 4:18pm

Hey guys, quick question.

Got a MyWheels.ie report on a BMW 3 series I'm looking at. It's a 2006, and MyWheels has raised an amber alert due to the amount of owners - see below:

Date of Sale.................Owner Category...Previous Owners
04 November 2013......GARAGE........................ 3
22 October 2013..........GARAGE....................... 3
04 December 2009.......PRIVATE ........................3
07 March 2008.............PRIVATE......................... 2
22 February 2007........PRIVATE.......................... 0
09 March 2006.............PRIVATE ..........................0

Does this look a bit dodgy? First owner sold after 11 months, secod owner sold after 13 months, third owner sold after 19 months...... Is this a red flag? The car has supposedly passed it's NCT last month, but I'm just wary. Thanks for any info.

Also, one of the concerns flagged on MyWheels is a tax gap of 3 months or more between February 2007 - June 2008. See tax history below:

Motor Tax Expiry Dates
30 November 2013
30 November 2012
30 November 2011
30 November 2010
30 November 2009
31 July 2009
31 March 2009
30 June 2008
28 February 2007

Any idea why that would be? 4 months seems like a long time to have it off the road when it was only a year old....

For what it's worth, it's the same BMW meouldstock posted in post #1490 higher up this page. Small world!

Audreyly · 06-12-2013 9:53pm

JaMarcus Hustle wrote: »

Hey guys, quick question.

Got a MyWheels.ie report on a BMW 3 series I'm looking at. It's a 2006, and MyWheels has raised an amber alert due to the amount of owners - see below:

Date of Sale.................Owner Category...Previous Owners
04 November 2013......GARAGE........................ 3
22 October 2013..........GARAGE....................... 3
04 December 2009.......PRIVATE ........................3
07 March 2008.............PRIVATE......................... 2
22 February 2007........PRIVATE.......................... 0
09 March 2006.............PRIVATE ..........................0

Does this look a bit dodgy? First owner sold after 11 months, secod owner sold after 13 months, third owner sold after 19 months...... Is this a red flag? The car has supposedly passed it's NCT last month, but I'm just wary. Thanks for any info.

Also, one of the concerns flagged on MyWheels is a tax gap of 3 months or more between February 2007 - June 2008. See tax history below:

Motor Tax Expiry Dates
30 November 2013
30 November 2012
30 November 2011
30 November 2010
30 November 2009
31 July 2009
31 March 2009
30 June 2008
28 February 2007

Any idea why that would be? 4 months seems like a long time to have it off the road when it was only a year old....

For what it's worth, it's the same BMW meouldstock posted in post #1490 higher up this page. Small world!

Hi I just sent you a PM about this

tagoona · 12-12-2013 11:05am

I've been reading and there's a lot of useful information on this thread.
I'm looking at a 10 Ford Mondeo Titanium.
However it looks to be 2k cheaper than lower spec models with similar mileage
17. Ford Mondeo 2.0L TDCi Zetec 140bhp 8 Photos Dublin 56,000
2010 €13,699
18. Ford Mondeo 2.0L Zetec 140bhp 12 Photos Dublin 56,000
2010 €13,899
19. Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI TITANIUM X HUGE SPEC ... FULLY LOADED ... 12 MTHS WARRANTY ! 11 Photos Dublin 56,000
2009 €11,450

This may be because it doesn't have a FSH. Or because the DMF or clutch or something else is gone. Am I right to be worried? A google of the garage is reassuring.
I'm in Clare so I'd be looking to get an AA check before I bother going up for a look. Sound reasonable?

Other question is, trade in price of my own - 04 Mazda 6 2L Diesel sport with 184k on the clock in ok condition. What should I be looking for?

tinman09 · 12-12-2013 3:00pm

tagoona wrote: »

I've been reading and there's a lot of useful information on this thread.
I'm looking at a 10 Ford Mondeo Titanium.
However it looks to be 2k cheaper than lower spec models with similar mileage
17. Ford Mondeo 2.0L TDCi Zetec 140bhp 8 Photos Dublin 56,000
2010 €13,699
18. Ford Mondeo 2.0L Zetec 140bhp 12 Photos Dublin 56,000
2010 €13,899
19. Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI TITANIUM X HUGE SPEC ... FULLY LOADED ... 12 MTHS WARRANTY ! 11 Photos Dublin 56,000
2009 €11,450

This may be because it doesn't have a FSH. Or because the DMF or clutch or something else is gone. Am I right to be worried? A google of the garage is reassuring.
I'm in Clare so I'd be looking to get an AA check before I bother going up for a look. Sound reasonable?

Other question is, trade in price of my own - 04 Mazda 6 2L Diesel sport with 184k on the clock in ok condition. What should I be looking for?

Pm sent

L-M · 12-12-2013 8:39pm

I would imagine the Mazda to be worth little enough in resale terms.

freddyboiii · 13-12-2013 1:40pm

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-focus-car-tdci-zetec-golf-astra/6086358

Thinking about buying this car, price seems a bit low though but I'm not that experienced at looking at this type of car so I'm not sure. Have I missed something? Any ideas/comments?

Thanks

road_high · 13-12-2013 3:02pm

Limerick man wrote: »

I would imagine the Mazda to be worth little enough in resale terms.

Better off trying to sell that privately I'd think.

bazz26 · 13-12-2013 4:22pm

freddyboiii wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-focus-car-tdci-zetec-golf-astra/6086358

Thinking about buying this car, price seems a bit low though but I'm not that experienced at looking at this type of car so I'm not sure. Have I missed something? Any ideas/comments?

Thanks

It's a UK import, very low mileage for a diesel of that year. No mention of service history, without evidence I wouldn't trust that low mileage.

Also the Focus Zetec normally has dark tinted front headlights and a chrome surround grill on the front. That car has neither so I'd be interested in the story behind that. It does have the Zetec steering wheel though.

freddyboiii · 13-12-2013 4:28pm

bazz26 wrote: »

It's a UK import, very low mileage for a diesel of that year. No mention of service history, without evidence I wouldn't trust that low mileage.

Also the Focus Zetec normally has dark tinted front headlights and a chrome surround grill on the front. That car has neither so I'd be interested in the story behind that. It does have the Zetec steering wheel though.

To be fair I have rang the owner and they said it was bought from Armagh and that her mechanic had told her that the front bumper had been resprayed but didn't go into too much detail. Mileage is a bit low alright, I didn't have a lot of time when I was making the call and forgot to ask about the service history.

bazz26 · 13-12-2013 4:32pm

freddyboiii wrote: »

To be fair I have rang the owner and they said it was bought from Armagh and that her mechanic had told her that the front bumper had been resprayed but didn't go into too much detail. Mileage is a bit low alright, I didn't have a lot of time when I was making the call and forgot to ask about the service history.

At a guess I'd say the grill and headlights were replaced after it got a smack in the front but could easily have been a fender bender. You definitely need to investigate the service history though with low mileage like that.

freddyboiii · 13-12-2013 4:33pm

bazz26 wrote: »

At a guess I'd say the grill and headlights were replaced after it got a smack in the front but could easily have been a fender bender. You definitely need to investigate the service history though with low mileage like that.

Thanks. How would I go about that, cartell.ie?

quattro777 · 14-12-2013 6:08pm

Can someone in the biz tell me what this car is worth?
2006 A6 2.7 TDI S Line saloon, manual 46k miles, vgc

JJJJNR · 17-12-2013 11:24pm

Has anyone ever made a bid on a UK car on Ebay, has there been any positive/negative experiences.

I'd like to bid on some cars I like but not comfortable with all the scams out there, some garages will take your final offer, and do not expect payment until you have done your inspections etc which seems fully above board.

I've seen a few private advertisers putting up their hpi checks reg numbers up also, which seems very transparent. I want to go to the uk and pick a good car but want to bargain hunt for it and ebay looks good.

Harcrid · 18-12-2013 1:00pm

In the past I bought a car that was on eBay.co.uk but it was a classified ad rather than a traditional auction. So in that sense it would be the same as an ad listed on Autotrader for example. I personally would not bid on a car without seeing it or having it checked out first.

sebphoto · 02-01-2014 12:45pm

I'm wondering how does it look like when it comes to bargaining with sales person who is working for a garage?
They have fixed price and not willing to change it at all or it's just a matter of person and approach?

L-M · 02-01-2014 3:19pm

Person, approach and the car itself.

Have a look and see what other similar cars and going for, and go in and make an offer.

If you want to pm me there car I could offer a better opinion on the matter.

cmurry · 02-01-2014 9:57pm

A few years ago, near home, I had to drive my wife's punto through a flooded backroad, with water about an inch or two above the front bumper.
I drove around 10 to 15 mph, but water got sucked into engine & it was destroyed. A neighbour stopped in a corolla at the spot I stalled to ask if I was alright. He was able to drive on again.
The recovery van driver said the air intake on my car was low & said its low on passats too, as he'd recovered loads of those that night too. I borrowed a yaris afterwards and could see the air intake under the bonnet.

I can't make out where the air intake on a skoda superb is? Can any one tell me if its low down or pretty high up.
If its low down, could I ask a garage to raise it up higher in the engine bay.
I'd like to know what models of family sized cars cope best with water on the road, for the next time I buy?

sebphoto · 02-01-2014 10:04pm

@cmurry I wouldn't take such risk to rive trhough a flooded road. You never know how deep it is and how you might end up. In my opinion it doesn't matter what car you have, ok maybe except humvee

L-M · 02-01-2014 10:41pm

I nearly failed my driving test for driving through a sizeable puddle.

tony melia · 04-01-2014 7:15pm

Audi a4 09 diesel 150k price 10k is milage to high one owner

Bassjacker · 04-01-2014 8:14pm

Im looking for a 2010-2011 Ford Focus Diesel. I have found this one http://carsireland.ie/1003988.
Would the mileage be considered relatively high for a 4 year old car. The dealer has said he will give it to me for 10k along with my 2001 Toyota Corolla, which I was expecting to get around €500 for. Its the Zetec model so I think the price is reasonable enough?
What are peoples views. My budget is €10,000-€11,000.

MidlandsM · 04-01-2014 9:49pm

Bassjacker wrote: »

Im looking for a 2010-2011 Ford Focus Diesel. I have found this one http://carsireland.ie/1003988.
Would the mileage be considered relatively high for a 4 year old car. The dealer has said he will give it to me for 10k along with my 2001 Toyota Corolla, which I was expecting to get around €500 for. Its the Zetec model so I think the price is reasonable enough?
What are peoples views. My budget is €10,000-€11,000.

I sell a lot of these, and to be fair, his price is not too wild, but could be better all the same. If you could squeez a better cost to change? Tell me, does you corolla have much going for it, much test? what condition? is it banjaxed?
it's an english focus, and says it got a full serv hsitroy, but I'd want to see it, and look closely at the intervals.........how many services has it had exactly? I'd want to see at least 6 to 7 service stamps in the book on these, its the 1.6 and they need real good regular oil services ....
I only buy in ones with big service histories......crucial with these.

if it does'nt have the service stamps, walk away....

also, do a data check, to check for write off/ damage in the past & milage etc.

TB belt interval is 125000 Miles , costs approx €450 to perform. They don't give big injector issues or dual mass issues, like some others but thats not to say they don't go bang in them either.

also, what warranty are they giving?

bazz26 · 04-01-2014 10:00pm

Sell the Corolla privately and then negotiate a better price on the Focus. That Corolla isn't worth much to a dealer.

Bassjacker · 04-01-2014 10:26pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Sell the Corolla privately and then negotiate a better price on the Focus. That Corolla isn't worth much to a dealer.

My Corolla isnt in the best of shape. I bought it in 2007 for €6000. It now has 130000 miles. The paint has all faded on the roof and is peeling, the bonnet is badly faded too. I presume it will need a full re spray. Recently it has started reeving by itself when idle in neutral,my local garage had a look and said it was the throttle body that needs replacing and it would cost a couple of hundred.
The final nail in its coffin is a rattle that it makes when driving, which I think could be a barring gone in the gearbox.
So I couldnt really sell it privately as I wouldnt be able to stand over it
.

Bassjacker · 04-01-2014 10:37pm

MidlandsM wrote: »

I sell a lot of these, and to be fair, his price is not too wild, but could be better all the same. If you could squeez a better cost to change? Tell me, does you corolla have much going for it, much test? what condition? is it banjaxed?
it's an english focus, and says it got a full serv hsitroy, but I'd want to see it, and look closely at the intervals.........how many services has it had exactly? I'd want to see at least 6 to 7 service stamps in the book on these, its the 1.6 and they need real good regular oil services ....
I only buy in ones with big service histories......crucial with these.

if it does'nt have the service stamps, walk away....

also, do a data check, to check for write off/ damage in the past & milage etc.

TB belt interval is 125000 Miles , costs approx €450 to perform. They don't give big injector issues or dual mass issues, like some others but thats not to say they don't go bang in them either.

also, what warranty are they giving?

Thanks for the quick reply and all the info. I called to the garage today just to have a quick look at it. As my car knowledge is limited enough I will be bringing a mechanic with me if I see a car I am very interested in.
So if I could get the price down a small bit and the service history was genuinely good would you see a problem with buying this car or should I look for one with lower mileage. I will be doing a check on whichever car I am serious about. Is it worth doing a full check like the one on carsirlend.ie for €35. How do you tell if the timing belt has been changed, will it be written in the service book?

MidlandsM · 04-01-2014 11:08pm

Bassjacker wrote: »

Thanks for the quick reply and all the info. I called to the garage today just to have a quick look at it. As my car knowledge is limited enough I will be bringing a mechanic with me if I see a car I am very interested in.
So if I could get the price down a small bit and the service history was genuinely good would you see a problem with buying this car or should I look for one with lower mileage. I will be doing a check on whichever car I am serious about. Is it worth doing a full check like the one on carsirlend.ie for €35. How do you tell if the timing belt has been changed, will it be written in the service book?

The milage is ok on it, nowt to worry about there.

this is what I'd so....

Tell the dealer you are serious about buying the car, only if he puts a better deal together ..make him work for your business/the sale ...
tell him you'll do 9k with your car ......... and stay stum.....say nothing.....let him do all the work to get your money.....see where it goes.

Ask to see the service history and ask him to highlight the frequency of the oil changes. As I said, you need to see at least 6 or 7 documented.

Get your mechanic to check it over, and drive it. Check the tyres are good, and not cheap chineese shyte.

The car is not due a T belt till 125k miles.

Ask about the warranty - haggle for a longer one from them, not a third party for extra money..

Get them to data check the car and provide you with a copy....

Then, to seal the deal, tell them you want a set of mats, and a tank of fuel....:D

good luck

Diarmuid · 07-01-2014 8:47pm

Thinking of upgrading soon to a s/h Skoda. Will probably go for the Octavia TDI , Probably the 1.6CR. I know they are not the most highly thought of here but I drive mostly on the motorways and I've a similarly powered 1.6MPI Octavia already which I'm happy with.

With that in mind I've noticed a few 131 versions of the 1.6CR for sale, for example this one However the asking price is very much on the higher side from what I would expect.

Considering the 131 Octavia is the old model and the RRP was €24,900, I would have guessed a depreciation of 20% would be the minimum on a car like that. Buying for a Skoda dealer, should I be able to get this for €20,000?

MidlandsM · 07-01-2014 9:10pm

Diarmuid wrote: »

Thinking of upgrading soon to a s/h Skoda. Will probably go for the Octavia TDI , Probably the 1.6CR. I know they are not the most highly thought of here but I drive mostly on the motorways and I've a similarly powered 1.6MPI Octavia already which I'm happy with.

With that in mind I've noticed a few 131 versions of the 1.6CR for sale, for example this one However the asking price is very much on the higher side from what I would expect.

Considering the 131 Octavia is the old model and the RRP was €24,900, I would have guessed a depreciation of 20% would be the minimum on a car like that. Buying for a Skoda dealer, should I be able to get this for €20,000?

you trading in?

Diarmuid · 07-01-2014 9:18pm

MidlandsM wrote: »

you trading in?

Probably. 2005 1.6MPI Octavia 150k km
Would it make much of a difference?

MidlandsM · 07-01-2014 9:33pm

Diarmuid wrote: »

Probably. 2005 1.6MPI Octavia 150k km
Would it make much of a difference?

sure will, what you got to do is go to a few dealers seeking to change up to the same car /year/milage/spec/price point, and evaluate the cost to change each dealer is giving you. It's the only real way to see what value you are getting from each deal.

Diarmuid · 08-01-2014 11:21am

MidlandsM wrote: »

sure will, what you got to do is go to a few dealers seeking to change up to the same car /year/milage/spec/price point, and evaluate the cost to change each dealer is giving you. It's the only real way to see what value you are getting from each deal.

BTW Would I be in a stronger position if I went without the trade in car?

L-M · 08-01-2014 11:25am

Diarmuid wrote: »

BTW Would I be in a stronger position if I went without the trade in car?

Generally yes.

You should be able to get more for your own privately and knock some money of the retail price so most times it can be a win win.

Diarmuid · 08-01-2014 11:31am

Any opinions on my depreciation estimates on the car linked above? one year old car of a replaced model.

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

Comments