Buying a used car in Ireland guide

L-M · 13-01-2012 9:25pm

Whyner wrote: »

Anyone know this car in Limerick?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Jetta/COMFORT-/713243900403160/advert?channel=CARS

Thinking about spinning down from Dublin real soon. Need to call them tomorrow morning.

Drove a similar one today in Carroll and Kinsella Blackrock and it was 2k more expensive

Wouldn't know it personally, but it's an irish car with handy mileage out of a Main Vw Dealer. Can't go too far wrong

Whyner · 13-01-2012 11:48pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Wouldn't know it personally, but it's an irish car with handy mileage out of a Main Vw Dealer. Can't go too far wrong

Ok thanks, thought so but just asking rather than driving down from Dublin and finding out otherwise.

Seems like a very good deal, even without a 12 month VW warranty that I presume they'll throw in

L-M · 13-01-2012 11:51pm

Whyner wrote: »

Ok thanks, thought so but just asking rather than driving down from Dublin and finding out otherwise.

Seems like a very good deal, even without a 12 month VW warranty that I presume they'll throw in

Aye, i would look at it for you but it's about 40 mins from home!

Esel · 14-01-2012 12:59am

kiddums wrote: »

Hi guys,

Just looking at a 98 Corolla thats got 140k on the clock, tax just out and test till march. Got a FSH too. 1 owner from new.
Is this worth a look for 950?
What should I be looking out for on a car like this?
Would I get it for less than 950?

First time buying a car so I'm going to follow your advice.

Limerick man wrote: »

God no, good car and all that it is, but 950 with no test it's far from worth that. Hold out for a cheaper one. They're fairly simple and reliable so you can't go too far wrong.

kiddums wrote: »

How much would you reckon its worth then? Would I be able to get it down easy enough?

Limerick man wrote: »

Reckon about 550-600 is fair.

Is the seller willing to submit the car to NCT before sale?

If not, is the refusal due to lack of tax or insurance (i.e. not prepared to drive car to test centre)? If this is the issue, you could advise that the car can be towed to test centre, or offer to assist in this. If doing this, remember that having the engine at operating temperature for the test is advisable, especially for emissions tests.

Be sure to advise the seller that the vehicle can be submitted to NCT within 3 months before the expiry of the current NCT (or within 3 months of the expiry of the next most recent expiry date, if applicable - to explain: a vehicle which is out of test but which has 3 months or less to go until the next test date can be given a valid test certificate valid for 24/12 months (depending on original reg date being -10/+10 years old.

To be honest, I wouldn't walk away from this car too fast.... one owner, FSH, honest mileage, small amount of NCT left. Presuming it's not being sold just because the NCT is due to expire soon. Have it checked out by a mechanic you trust.

If this car was in the Bangernomics thread, I'd say it would be getting a few +1's from the regulars.

Edit: @LM - Hyd?

Bonesy. · 19-01-2012 12:48am

Alright lads, looking at 97 1.3L Mitsubishi Colt for sale, gettin it at about 350, will be my first car, it has Nct till Feb of this year, heres the description: 'Green mitsubishi colt 97 in great condition. hole in exhause and abs light on dash only problens with it. abs brakes are fixed just the light needs to be turned of and i dont have a dyno kit to do it. great little run around car runs of the smell of petrol. regular service done on it. never gave any trouble at all. good speakers in back shelf and pioneer cd player. one small dent on driverside wing only tiny tho and no scrapes. selling for my partner because we just had a baby and the buggy and seat dont fit. reluctant sale ve sorry to see it go. will put up pics soon. great car. any test welcome'
As you can see he mentioned hole in the exhaust and ab lights, is it worth buying? and what would I do about exhaust and ab lights? Thanks

Boooourns · 23-01-2012 12:20pm

Hi folks, i'm planning on going to see this during the week, any advice? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2775148
I rang already and i asked him about the car and he said 'which one?' Unfortuantly i only read this thread after it so i wasn't ready with questions.

voojeq · 23-01-2012 1:15pm

well it clearly says bill maher as business name so yeah its a dealer, so next time when he says which one you say "06 Citroen C5 mate"

hes located in kilkenny

http://www.solocheck.ie/FreeIrishCompanyReport?companyNumber=434918&companyName=BILL+MAHER+(CAR+SALES)+LIMITED

L-M · 23-01-2012 1:32pm

Boooourns wrote: »

Hi folks, i'm planning on going to see this during the week, any advice? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2775148
I rang already and i asked him about the car and he said 'which one?' Unfortuantly i only read this thread after it so i wasn't ready with questions.

That 1.6 is a bad engine to make sure it has a full service history with it. if it doesn't have any history just walk away from it.

it's more than likely irish as the reg is low, so it should be reading up around 150,000kms, not miles as advertised. if it's in miles ask why.

Tbh if he's offering a warranty i'd be looking fr 6 months engine warranty at least, he's asking enough for it.

An older Passat diesel would probably be a better buy, tax would be higher and you'd be looking at a 04 ish for tha kind of money, but you should/will have less hassle and a better residual value in the long term.

Boooourns · 23-01-2012 1:58pm

Limerick man wrote: »

That 1.6 is a bad engine to make sure it has a full service history with it. if it doesn't have any history just walk away from it.

it's more than likely irish as the reg is low, so it should be reading up around 150,000kms, not miles as advertised. if it's in miles ask why.

Tbh if he's offering a warranty i'd be looking fr 6 months engine warranty at least, he's asking enough for it.

An older Passat diesel would probably be a better buy, tax would be higher and you'd be looking at a 04 ish for tha kind of money, but you should/will have less hassle and a better residual value in the long term.

Thanks for the advice. It's for driving about 160km a day so would the Passat handle that?

L-M · 23-01-2012 2:04pm

Boooourns wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. It's for driving about 160km a day so would the Passat handle that?

Better than that Citreon would. i've a diesel Golf and i've done nearly 17,000 miles since i bought it in May.

Boooourns · 23-01-2012 2:07pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Better than that Citreon would. i've a diesel Golf and i've done nearly 17,000 miles since i bought it in May.

Grand thanks.

Whyner · 24-01-2012 10:27am

Think I'm best off posting here if I want thoughts on a potential purchase

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Jetta/JETTA-CO/201139204654269/advert?channel=CARS

Got it checked out and it's mint, can only knock him down to 6,800 which was pretty disappointing but he said it's priced to sell. What else can one do!

Seeing as Jettas are not very popular and have poor resale value, I think it's a good deal, any thoughts?

Boooourns · 24-01-2012 11:47am

Limerick man wrote: »

That 1.6 is a bad engine to make sure it has a full service history with it. if it doesn't have any history just walk away from it.

it's more than likely irish as the reg is low, so it should be reading up around 150,000kms, not miles as advertised. if it's in miles ask why.

Tbh if he's offering a warranty i'd be looking fr 6 months engine warranty at least, he's asking enough for it.

An older Passat diesel would probably be a better buy, tax would be higher and you'd be looking at a 04 ish for tha kind of money, but you should/will have less hassle and a better residual value in the long term.

Okay so i'm planning on having a look at this tomorrow...http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat/PASSAT-S/413238531896450/advert?channel=CARS. Seems a decent deal on it.

L-M · 24-01-2012 1:50pm

Whyner wrote: »

Seeing as Jettas are not very popular and have poor resale value, I think it's a good deal, any thoughts?

Who said Jetta's weren't popular? i thought they would have been a good enough seller.

Anywho, AFAik they got rid of that 1.6 FSi and replaced it with the 1.4 tsi in 08, so that might be worth looking into. The 1.4 is a smaller engine with a turbo, nicer engine to drive but for what it's worth it's not that bad either.

Boooourns wrote: »

Okay so i'm planning on having a look at this tomorrow...http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat/PASSAT-S/413238531896450/advert?channel=CARS. Seems a decent deal on it.

Looks fine, my only concern would be there's a new front numberplate with no surround, so there's a possibility it was crashed, that a very "possibility" but just look into it anyway.

Seems a nice car but it is green and it's also a Kerry car with a towbar so bring your mechanic.

Also, it may be worth mentioning that 05 was the last year of that model. That said, that's not a bad thing as they were a better car.

Bring a mechanic, bargain hard and see how you go.

Jimdagym · 25-01-2012 9:01am

Whyner wrote: »

Think I'm best off posting here if I want thoughts on a potential purchase

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Jetta/JETTA-CO/201139204654269/advert?channel=CARS

Got it checked out and it's mint, can only knock him down to 6,800 which was pretty disappointing but he said it's priced to sell. What else can one do!

Seeing as Jettas are not very popular and have poor resale value, I think it's a good deal, any thoughts?

Good clean car, 1 lady owner.

Private sale. What gives?

Whyner · 25-01-2012 11:27am

Jimdagym wrote: »

Private sale. What gives?

Would you let your wife sell her car?

Jimdagym · 26-01-2012 1:37am

Whyner wrote: »

Would you let your wife sell her car?

I'd insist on it!

Whyner · 26-01-2012 3:25pm

Well, in general, most men would sell their partners cars

Stephen P · 26-01-2012 11:06pm

Looking for a bit advice on car I'm looking at buying.
It's a 2011 Nissan Micra. It has 22,000km on the clock. Did a check on mywheels.ie and it says it has had 2 owners. The tax is out in Sept. 12 so I reckon it was registered or sold first in Sept. 11. That amount of kms seems very high. Could the garage have been a registered owner before it was sold on?

Any advice is welcome.

Jimdagym · 26-01-2012 11:26pm

Stephen P wrote: »

Looking for a bit advice on car I'm looking at buying.
It's a 2011 Nissan Micra. It has 22,000km on the clock. Did a check on mywheels.ie and it says it has had 2 owners. The tax is out in Sept. 12 so I reckon it was registered or sold first in Sept. 11. That amount of kms seems very high. Could the garage have been a registered owner before it was sold on?

Any advice is welcome.

It could be just taxed for 3 or 6 months early on. Is the reg number high?

Stephen P · 26-01-2012 11:26pm

Stephen P wrote: »

Looking for a bit advice on car I'm looking at buying.
It's a 2011 Nissan Micra. It has 22,000km on the clock. Did a check on mywheels.ie and it says it has had 2 owners. The tax is out in Sept. 12 so I reckon it was registered or sold first in Sept. 11. That amount of kms seems very high. Could the garage have been a registered owner before it was sold on?

Any advice is welcome.

Just noticed on mywheels.ie that the NCT is due in March 2015 so I figure that the car was registered in March 2011, taxed for 6 months to end of August then taxed for 1 year from September.
I'm still concerned over no. of owners and amount of kms? Is 22k kms reasonable for 10 months?

Stephen P · 26-01-2012 11:27pm

Jimdagym wrote: »

It could be just taxed for 3 or 6 months early on. Is the reg number high?

The reg is just above 14500

Jimdagym · 26-01-2012 11:31pm

It's high alright, for a micra. It wouldn't have been bought for motorway cruising. Wouldn't run away from it yet though. Get it thoroughly checked, and that mileage could be a huge bargaining chip.

Stephen P · 26-01-2012 11:49pm

Jimdagym wrote: »

It's high alright, for a micra. It wouldn't have been bought for motorway cruising. Wouldn't run away from it yet though. Get it thoroughly checked, and that mileage could be a huge bargaining chip.

Someone I know ran it through their Cartell account and attached is the info about previous owners. I don't understand it though

Esel · 27-01-2012 12:34am

First registered by garage, then privately. Could it be ex-rental?

Stephen P · 27-01-2012 12:47am

Esel wrote: »

First registered by garage, then privately. Could it be ex-rental?

That's what I'm thinking. That would mean a lot of use by different styles of driving I suppose. Damn...what to do?

L-M · 27-01-2012 11:45am

What's the reg on it?

Any link?

Wouldn't be an ex rental (or shouldn't) it's too knew.

Assuming since the reg is 14500 that it's a D reg, simply ring your local Nissan dealer and ask them do they have any history on that reg, and was it registered as a demo to them.

Stephen P · 27-01-2012 12:18pm

Limerick man wrote: »

What's the reg on it?

Any link?

Wouldn't be an ex rental (or shouldn't) it's too knew.

Assuming since the reg is 14500 that it's a D reg, simply ring your local Nissan dealer and ask them do they have any history on that reg, and was it registered as a demo to them.

Here's the link: http://www.belgard-nissan.com/used_car/used_car_detail.aspx?id=93096

L-M · 27-01-2012 12:34pm

Stephen P wrote: »

Here's the link: http://www.belgard-nissan.com/used_car/used_car_detail.aspx?id=93096

Ring them and ask them was it a demo.

feelingwoof · 30-01-2012 7:54pm

Just wondering could i get some advice on this please...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Cordoba/1.4-TDI-/613269092741980/advert?channel=CARS

L-M · 31-01-2012 1:07pm

feelingwoof wrote: »

Just wondering could i get some advice on this please...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Cordoba/1.4-TDI-/613269092741980/advert?channel=CARS

Seems expensive. Somewhere around the €3 grand, even less, mark would be more fitting.

Keep looking

feelingwoof · 31-01-2012 8:09pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Seems expensive. Somewhere around the €3 grand, even less, mark would be more fitting.

Keep looking

Fair enough thanks.

feelingwoof · 01-02-2012 8:48pm

I'll bend your ear on these if i can please?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Cordoba/1.4-TDI-/1013274856147880/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Fabia/1.4-tdi/413240267630140/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/407/**1.6Die/213227444236240/advert?channel=CARS

Sorry, i finding it tough to choose a car. Have to travel around 850kms a week so i'm looking for a reliable diesel for under or around the 5k mark. I'll pay up to 1k for tax and insurance.

L-M · 02-02-2012 1:26am

i can't see any of those links for some reason?

That's a tough enough one. Are you looking for a hatch/saloon/estate?

Does year/badge matter?

feelingwoof · 02-02-2012 8:40pm

Limerick man wrote: »

i can't see any of those links for some reason?

That's a tough enough one. Are you looking for a hatch/saloon/estate?

Does year/badge matter?

Links should work, ah well.

Hatch or saloon, not too bothered with the year or badge but hopefully something that's comfy, reliable and can save on fuel costs.(i'm not asking much am i!) I was also looking at a few Ford Mondeos, the tax is the killer but if i can keep it all under the 6k for the tax insurance and car mark then i'd be happy.
Was hoping to avoid buying private because i know nothing about cars and i've heard to many bad stories.
Cheers.

Esel · 04-02-2012 11:41pm

Links work OK for me.

tayto lover · 04-02-2012 11:51pm

Just found this thread and I find it very useful. Well done OP.

eth0 · 05-02-2012 1:06am

If the mileage its too low its clocked or after doing too many short journeys
If the mileage its too high the engine is on its last legs

If its a petrol you can't sell it
If its a diesel you can't afford it
If you already have a diesel its no fun to drive and the DPF+DMF keep going

If its a D reg its been sitting in city traffic for too long
If it's not a D reg it was driven the **** out of by a bogger on poor quality coastal roads and Dubs won't buy it.

If its an import its worth nothing because dealers convinced everyone imports are inferior cars.
If its not an import its worth nothing because its been run into the ground by a careless Irish person

Sonar · 05-02-2012 1:09pm

If this is the wrong tread to raise this question, apologies in advance.
I've heard that there is a big VRT case coming up in the courts shortly - anybody know any thing about it - will it affect VRT on imports? and I heard the EU are involved. Any truth?

feelingwoof · 05-02-2012 5:26pm

Okay so i've now changed my mind and have narrowed it down to 2, as you can see i'm not bothered by the look of it.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/Getz/1.5-T-DI/201204206751621/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Renault/Scenic/1.5-DIES/813261909543090/advert?channel=CARS

L-M · 05-02-2012 7:22pm

if that Scenic is a good car i'd go for it, but they're not without their woes AFAik. i drove one about 200 miles last Monday and averaged 62.3mpg.

feelingwoof · 05-02-2012 8:28pm

Limerick man wrote: »

if that Scenic is a good car i'd go for it, but they're not without their woes AFAik. i drove one about 200 miles last Monday and averaged 62.3mpg.

Thanks
I've emailed the garage about a timing belt and he said it was done in 2006, sounds a bit odd since the car is 2004?

L-M · 05-02-2012 8:30pm

feelingwoof wrote: »

Thanks
I've emailed the garage about a timing belt and he said it was done in 2006, sounds a bit odd since the car is 2004?

That's obviously wrong anyway, there's no circumstance that belt belt could of been done in 06. Either way i would consider it due, it's 6 years old with 60,000 miles.

feelingwoof · 05-02-2012 8:42pm

Limerick man wrote: »

That's obviously wrong anyway, there's no circumstance that belt belt could of been done in 06. Either way i would consider it due, it's 6 years old with 60,000 miles.

This is what he replied with... "The last recorded timing belt was done in 2006 in the service history. That is not to say that its not done more recently. If it needed to be done we could organise a service like this."

There's another one here
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Renault/Scenic/1.5-DCI-/813261096895990/advert?channel=CARS
and here ..http://www.carzone.ie/search/Renault/Scenic/1.5diese/813262896505000/advert?channel=CARS

L-M · 05-02-2012 8:49pm

That silver one is the pic of that crop for me anyway, nice clean looking car. The NCT can be done next month too, so you'd have a full two year test if they would guarantee it!

feelingwoof · 05-02-2012 8:53pm

Limerick man wrote: »

That silver one is the pic of that crop for me anyway, nice clean looking car. The NCT can be done next month too, so you'd have a full two year test if they would guarantee it!

NCT is due in June, tax was March. How can i get them to guarantee it would pass the NCT?

L-M · 05-02-2012 8:55pm

feelingwoof wrote: »

NCT is due in June, tax was March. How can i get them to guarantee it would pass the NCT?

Well, you can do an NCT 3 months early.

So March, April, May, June.

March is next month. i'm sure when you were negotiating warranty you could factor that in, if there weren't willing to NCT or warranty it, just walk away.

feelingwoof · 05-02-2012 9:00pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Well, you can do an NCT 3 months early.

So March, April, May, June.

March is next month. i'm sure when you were negotiating warranty you could factor that in, if there weren't willing to NCT or warranty it, just walk away.

Ah right, hopefully i'll get it sorted.
Thanks a million for your help.

The Little Fella · 06-02-2012 11:22pm

Hoping to get my first car and it will probably be a 04 1.4l golf. I have been a named driver on my mother's policy since August 2011 and have my full licence since last November. How much would i be expecting to pay on insurance?

Jimdagym · 06-02-2012 11:34pm

The Little Fella wrote: »

Hoping to get my first car and it will probably be a 04 1.4l golf. I have been a named driver on my mother's policy since August 2011 and have my full licence since last November. How much would i be expecting to pay on insurance?

No one can tell you that. Try a few of the online quotes, if you get nowhere with them, start phoning insurance companies and brokers. Don't even think about buying a car untill you have found a quote you can live with.
Best of luck.

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

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