Buying a used car in Ireland guide

Wallack · 15-10-2013 9:18am

Hello! I know the post is "old" but has been a great help LM. By the way I'm living in Limerick and I was wondering, should I make some document or kind of contract when buying the car?

Let's say I give him the money and he ran away with the keys and the logbook. I know is a stupid question but I'm new about buying used cars in Ireland.

Thanks and regards!

L-M · 15-10-2013 9:32am

You can do as you please.

I ____your name______ have purchased a car (____make/model______) with registration no ____reg no._____ from ______sellers name____ on _____date_____ for a total sum/deposit of (price).

Signed by both of you.

Edit; thats if its a private sale. Any dealer will have their own already.

Wallack · 15-10-2013 4:24pm

Thanks LM

and yes, is a private sale!

TheHulk · 15-10-2013 7:41pm

Hey all, quick question on taxing a car:

Basically the tax expired at the end of august, I bought the car privately mid-september. I now have received the log book and will tax it back to 01 sep.

Is it enough to just send in the R100A form to get it taxed or is there something else needed here. Ideally I don't want to go in to the office as its a bit of a pain for me to get out of work.

Esel · 16-10-2013 12:31am

Limerick man wrote: »

You can do as you please.

I ____your name______ have purchased a car (____make/model______) with registration no ____reg no._____ from ______sellers name____ on _____date_____ for a total sum/deposit of (price).

Signed by both of you.

Edit; thats if its a private sale. Any dealer will have their own already.

Tbh, that format is for the buyer to give to the seller. I have never been asked for this myself.

What I use (get the seller to sign this and enter his name and address is block capitals:

This is to certify that I have sold my vehicle Make Model registration number NN-CC-NNNN to BUYER's NAME for the sum of xxxx thousand xxx hundred Euros. This also certifies that the aforesaid vehicle is free from any finance charges or hire-purchase arrangements on my behalf. Dated this sixteenth day of October, two thousand and thirteen.

Got the above wording from someone years ago. Write everything except the reg no. in words rather than figures.

A smart seller might add "This vehicle is sold as seen and without any warranty expressed or implied." before signing it. I wouldn't object, but I don't put it in as standard, as I see it as possibly limiting my rights (I know they are not great in a private sale anyway).

L-M · 16-10-2013 5:10pm

I think the OP was just looking for peace of mind, you can make up what ever you want

wmpdd3 · 20-10-2013 11:08pm

Hope to go see a 2004 Ford Focus 1.4 for sale at €2300 in the next few days. Hoping to get it for below €2000.

Belt done, high (160,000) milage, anything in particular I should check.

Its an not an import as far as I can see.

If I am serious on buying, I'll do a background check.

L-M · 21-10-2013 7:00pm

Buy a 02 with 100k.

Kankan14 · 21-10-2013 8:31pm

Is it possible to insure a vw caddy as private owned rather than commercial?

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask.

Esel · 21-10-2013 11:35pm

Kankan14 wrote: »

Is it possible to insure a vw caddy as private owned rather than commercial?

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask.

Insure yes afaik (may be wrong though...).

For commercial motor tax you need a VAT registration number. (some Councils were not enforcing this reqt. after the new rule came in. Not sure about now though).

Cleveland Hot Pocket · 22-10-2013 8:09am

Esel wrote: »

Insure yes afaik (may be wrong though...).

For commercial motor tax you need a VAT registration number. (some Councils were not enforcing this reqt. after the new rule came in. Not sure about now though).

Can you not just use your PPS number? I heard this.

phunkymonk · 22-10-2013 10:00pm

I seen a car im interested in and done a motorcheck on it. Transferred ownership to a dealer around march and then to current dealer in August? Any reason why this would happen or is this a done thing in the motor industry? This would lead me to believe the car has not been on the road since march. Seems to be a long time off the road? First time buyer so dont know whats acceptable or not? advice appreciated.

Esel · 23-10-2013 2:35am

Cleveland Hot Pocket wrote: »

Can you not just use your PPS number? I heard this.

There is a mega-thread on it in this forum if you do a search.

Cleveland Hot Pocket · 23-10-2013 8:15am

Esel wrote: »

There is a mega-thread on it in this forum if you do a search.

Couldn't (can't) find a megathread - saw lots of small threads with often conflicting advice

bartooseboy · 24-10-2013 10:32pm

I took a test drive of a 131reg 1.6diesel yesterday.... its an ex hire fleet car so approx. €21000 is what they were asking...... just wondering am I better off waiting til Jan/Feb next year to buy? will they depreciate much because of the 132 & 141 cars??

Thanks

tinman09 · 26-10-2013 2:09pm

Is a three month warranty the standard? Anyone offer longer around dublin/kildare region

L-M · 26-10-2013 5:03pm

tinman09 wrote: »

Is a three month warranty the standard? Anyone offer longer around dublin/kildare region

Depends on the dealer/car/year

tinman09 · 26-10-2013 10:20pm

Do you mind if I ask ur opinion on this LM

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/1.8TDCi-/37113825400974090/advert?channel=CARS

Do you know the dealer btw?

L-M · 26-10-2013 11:59pm

A friend of mine was buying the Insignia he has listed, nearly went through with it until he said the mileage was actually 136 miles not kms. Still hasnt changed the ad.

tc20 · 27-10-2013 1:01am

I shook hands on a car today (private sale) and will buy after the weekend. The car is early 90s and has the old style brown log book.
It's been a long time since i bought a car with one of those, and i can't recall if the process is the same as with the the newer VLC.
Do i write my name & address on the logbook and then the seller posts this to Shannon?
Also, will i then receive the same old log book, or a shiny new VLC document?

thanks

colm_mcm · 27-10-2013 1:02am

bartooseboy wrote: »

I took a test drive of a 131reg 1.6diesel yesterday.... its an ex hire fleet car so approx. €21000 is what they were asking...... just wondering am I better off waiting til Jan/Feb next year to buy? will they depreciate much because of the 132 & 141 cars??

Thanks

How much are they new?

Esel · 27-10-2013 5:47am

tc20 wrote: »

I shook hands on a car today (private sale) and will buy after the weekend. The car is early 90s and has the old style brown log book.
It's been a long time since i bought a car with one of those, and i can't recall if the process is the same as with the the newer VLC.
Do i write my name & address on the logbook and then the seller posts this to Shannon?
Also, will i then receive the same old log book, or a shiny new VLC document?

thanks

Yes and yes.

tinman09 · 27-10-2013 9:10am

Limerick man wrote: »

A friend of mine was buying the Insignia he has listed, nearly went through with it until he said the mileage was actually 136 miles not kms. Still hasnt changed the ad.

Thanks ill give him a wide berth so. Been offered a 1.9d 03 s40 150k miles for 2,800. Thinking of something cheap and saving for a better one next year instead of a loan. What you think, nctd til early next year only, reliable seller though.

SRFC · 28-10-2013 7:01pm

Sold a car the other day to a foreign gentleman with his wife,got the bus out picked him up gave him a look the car asked did he want to see under the bonnet (said no im not a mechanic),test drove it in 2nd gear for a few hundred metre and handed over the money,there was a fair few faults inclding engine lights and air bag faults that I told him about and he'd no problem,just paid and drove off with no tax or insurance on it :eek: It must be handy money buying and selling cars if this is the norm :pac:

L-M · 28-10-2013 7:32pm

Hopefully he doesn't get stopped while it's still in your name!

SRFC · 28-10-2013 7:39pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Hopefully he doesn't get stopped while it's still in your name!

Once the log book is signed and posted how can I be affected?

I thought it was very strange after having people pull the car apart looking for faults this lad came out and bought it without a care in the world,didnt check the gears,brakes,steering nothing what so ever,its a nice car never any engine trouble only a air bag fault and little mileage so its not a dud but for all he knew it could've been.

mel.b · 01-11-2013 1:44pm

I'm going up to look at a car tomorrow in Dublin. Chatting to the dealer / trader ?(what's the difference - this car isn't with a large garage) he said if i want it after having driven it, i need to leave a deposit. That is fine, but how do people normally do it - cash, credit card etc and is there any room for maneover with the deposit. Also he will be doing the NCT for me, so do i still pay the deposit before the NCT is done? Finally i will be getting an independent check done on the car, so do i wait until that is done before handing over the deposit? Sorry, i'm new to all of this.

Also the car is a japanese import - i presume it should still have a log book (albit in japanese!)?

Rabbitt · 01-11-2013 9:50pm

Hi.
Just wondering if you guys could give me some tips re buying a car (second hand).
1. What is the most economical family sized car?
2. What's more fuel friendly Automatic or Manual?
3. Do dealers deviate much from the display price?
4. Is high mileage really a bad thing? Eg a 2011 car with 80 Kms on the clock.
Thanks

Liam90 · 02-11-2013 9:45pm

I am on the market to buying my first car, so I am very excited but very cautious as I don't want to be screwed over. I am looking at a 2005 Ford Fiesta Steel. It is listed as a private sale, however he has a few other cars for sale and a digger for hire.

Is this common or something to worry about?

Thanks for the help

L-M · 03-11-2013 12:57am

Depends. Ask them whether theyre a dealer or not. If they bluff you, proceed with caution

Esel · 03-11-2013 5:12am

Liam90 wrote: »

I am on the market to buying my first car, so I am very excited but very cautious as I don't want to be screwed over. I am looking at a 2005 Ford Fiesta Steel. It is listed as a private sale, however he has a few other cars for sale and a digger for hire.

Is this common or something to worry about?

Thanks for the help

No, that is not common. If by 'few', you mean more than two, plus a digger, then imo you can safely presume the seller is not a genuine private seller.

Tbh, even if they have two cars and a digger for sale, I would be a bit dubious.

Liam90 · 03-11-2013 7:37pm

Why do some people cover their number plates when advertising their car? Is there a good reason for this or are they trying to hide something?

L-M · 03-11-2013 8:33pm

Liam90 wrote: »

Why do some people cover their number plates when advertising their car? Is there a good reason for this or are they trying to hide something?

Either being cautious about cloning or hiding something.

Cleveland Hot Pocket · 04-11-2013 3:41pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Either being cautious about cloning or hiding something.

Normally the second tbh in my experience
That is on my list of red flags when looking at a car ad.

agfasfos · 04-11-2013 4:18pm

I agree, if the number plate is hidden I'm inclined to look elsewhere.

L-M · 04-11-2013 7:44pm

Its the easiest thing to do, they might learn eventually

Moneymaker · 05-11-2013 3:52pm

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-focus-1-6-lx-serviced-ready-to-dri/5906004

Look OK?

Obviously i'd be looking to haggle down a bit.

L-M · 05-11-2013 8:14pm

Jesus that looks as rough as badgers hole!

Normally cars look good in photos and bad in person. Look at the state of the back seat. Looks like its had a hard life.

Moneymaker · 05-11-2013 10:56pm

How can you tell from 1 picture it's rough?

Curious as i'm just starting this car buying lark and i'd rather not get burnt.

L-M · 05-11-2013 11:31pm

The paint looks chipped and in bad condition and look at the photo of the back seat, the cloth is all saggy and torn.

agfasfos · 05-11-2013 11:53pm

I noticed the back seat too, upholstery seems ripped & no attempt to repair it ?. Not a good sign from my point of view, cosmetic I know but I would be wary.

caffers3 · 06-11-2013 1:23am

Limerick man, if you have a spare minute would you take a look at this and see what you think please?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/1.4-I-LX/37713811415013620/advert?channel=CARS

L-M · 06-11-2013 9:56am

Mileage is very high on that. I'd expect to pay less than a grand even with a warranty.

Try get something with a history and lower miles.

Moneymaker · 06-11-2013 11:55am

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-focus-5-dr-zetec-a-c/5939553

That looks a good deal better, has the 1.6 engine, all the toys and looks(to my untrained eye at least) in good nick.

Long NCT too.

bazz26 · 06-11-2013 4:44pm

I wouldn't even bother looking at cars in that price being sold by dealers. They offer no value over a private sale imo and don't expect much in the way of dealer comeback in that price range. €1750 for a nearly 14 year old Focus is not cheap either. Dealers selling used cars in this price range usually stock old cars they took in as trade-ins, there is very little or any profit in spending money on them and then trying to resell them. Better off buying privately where you can gauge the owner on how the car was cared for and ask them specific questions about it's history.

caffers3 · 06-11-2013 7:49pm

Thanks for that. Had a look at it on donedeal and it had the mileage at 170,000km. Definitely will stay away from it now that I've noticed that's actually in miles. Moneymaker, as a young driver (24) with no previous insurance I think 1.4L is the highest I could go to try keep the premium down?

bazz26 · 07-11-2013 4:13pm

caffers3 wrote: »

Thanks for that. Had a look at it on donedeal and it had the mileage at 170,000km. Definitely will stay away from it now that I've noticed that's actually in miles. Moneymaker, as a young driver (24) with no previous insurance I think 1.4L is the highest I could go to try keep the premium down?

This could be worth a look at:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-focus-1-4/5937776

trishawisha · 08-11-2013 8:07pm

Hey, I was hoping for a little advice.
Up until a week ago I was happy driving my (inherited from my grandfather- 215,000 miles!) 00 Opel astra, and then a delivery driver drove straight into me. I think insurance has agreed a right off price of €850, so will be able to add a grand to that.
Im not into looks or speed just want a safe reliable car. So i have spotted a 04 Seat Cordoba 1.2 petrol on DoneDeal for €1900 with 110,000 miles on it. Nct until March 14. Is this a good deal? I have never driven a cordoba, but had an Ibiza before and it was grand.
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

L-M · 08-11-2013 8:14pm

Coil packs!

trishawisha · 08-11-2013 8:45pm

Thanks Limerick Man, coil packs are not something I have heard of. Is it something that may go or will definitely go? Iv read some reviews and it seems to be a reliable car besides that issue? Can this be a very expensive thing to keep replacing or does one go and you put up with noise until you can afford to replace it?

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

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