Buying a used car in Ireland guide

Boooourns · 25-01-2014 4:10pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

Have you actually fitted child seats in the back to see?

The boot is bigger than your focus but its not any bigger in the cabin.

I haven't to be fair. We'll have the a seats with us when we go and see it so I can see then.

colm_mcm · 25-01-2014 4:58pm

Problem you'll have with most cars is that the seat isn't flat and the car seat drops into the dips in the seat, leaving the gap In the middle tiny.

Octavia is a longer Golf. Not really any wider

Boooourns · 25-01-2014 8:38pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

Problem you'll have with most cars is that the seat isn't flat and the car seat drops into the dips in the seat, leaving the gap In the middle tiny.

Octavia is a longer Golf. Not really any wider

Ah right I see what you mean, never thought of that.

colm_mcm · 25-01-2014 9:07pm

Small mpvs with individual rear seats get around this.

Honda frv

04 onwards corolla verso

Superb. Not as clever, but a wider car and the bolsters are small

nd · 26-01-2014 9:22am

thoughts on this?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2001-honda-civic/6324125

or this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-2001/6290097

colm_mcm · 26-01-2014 2:00pm

Body on the saloon is rough.

nd · 26-01-2014 2:12pm

Has that model hatchback any known issues? I was also thinking about this if the price is negotiable.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/car/6301250

bazz26 · 26-01-2014 3:01pm

Civic suffers from gearbox bearing failure which is very common as is power steering. Neither are that cheap to fix.

I'd be looking towards one of these instead:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla/6262601

colm_mcm · 26-01-2014 3:42pm

That first silver one has aircon and bits too.

supervento · 26-01-2014 11:58pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Motor tax on those 2009 Avensis 1.6 is over €500 a year, just something to note.

Another alternative:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat/HIGH-1.4/36313857393816940/

ya the road tax on the 09 old shape avensis 1.6 petrol is €750....

AdrianSandu · 28-01-2014 12:24pm

Hi guys,

I started looking for a car - something as cheap and reliable as possible (I don't want much, don't I?). Practically something that will take me from A to B.

I am interested in this deal http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megane-classic-4-se/6304343, mainly because it comes from a SIMI dealer, has one year NCT and it's not outrageous in tax.

Do you think this is a good deal?

Thanks a lot,

Adrian

bazz26 · 28-01-2014 12:54pm

First of all, don't put too much faith in buying from a dealer at this end of the market as there is very little or no profit in offering warranties on sub €1000 cars. Generally dealers who sell cars in this price range have just taken them in a trade-ins and tend to be someone else's cast off. The dealer will spend very little on fixing them before selling them on again. Better off buying private imo where you can speak with the owner of the car which will give you an idea of how it was maintained. Just make sure to have the car examined by a mechanic first.

Secondly, being a SIMI member means absolutely nothing to you as a customer. All the SIMI are is a group made up of dealer members who lobby for their best interests. They add no value to the buying customer.

Thirdly, if you want something reliable of that vintage then you are better off with something like a Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus or Mazda 323, etc.

AdrianSandu · 28-01-2014 1:23pm

My current budget keeps me under 1000 for the car + tax + insurance. My wife insists that if we buy one, we buy from a dealer, as we would have more rights than in a private transaction. We need it for short commuting (less than 5 km each way) and hopefully the occasional weekend escapade outside Dublin. I realised that taxi is going to start costing me at least 300 euro a month and considered getting a cheap small car instead.

Maybe I should look for a private sale around 450-600 instead? Anything above (2000 + tax + insurance + fuel) is way over my needs (I'll spend less with taxis) so there's no real deal in saving too much for a better car either.

What are the usual costs for an NCT inspection? Presuming the car passes the test.

Guffy · 28-01-2014 1:55pm

Have a 6k budget for a car. Looking at diesel as will be driving 15-20k a year. Was considering a focus or mondeo. Has anyone any experience with these or could a better alternative be suggested?

Would it be worth going hybrid for distance driving?

nd · 28-01-2014 2:57pm

So if it was your own money which would you go for as a first car?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/02-toyota-corolla-3dr/5769703

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/skoda-octavia-1-4-2001-nct-08-14/6335146

http://www.adverts.ie/car/honda/civic/honda-civic-1997/4661879

AdrianSandu · 28-01-2014 3:23pm

What is the deal with the "just passed NCT" but the due date is only several months away? From what I read, NCT is done every two years. Is it backdated from the due date of the previous one? Does it mean that the car was left with NCT expired a long time?

If that's true, and I buy a car without NCT valid, does this mean that the next due date won't actually be 2 years from the exam date, but two years from the last time the previous owner passed the NCT?

Thanks,

Adrian

Guffy · 28-01-2014 3:37pm

AdrianSandu wrote: »

What is the deal with the "just passed NCT" but the due date is only several months away? From what I read, NCT is done every two years. Is it backdated from the due date of the previous one? Does it mean that the car was left with NCT expired a long time?

If that's true, and I buy a car without NCT valid, does this mean that the next due date won't actually be 2 years from the exam date, but two years from the last time the previous owner passed the NCT?

Thanks,

Adrian

I had nct due october 2012, to be done every year, but didn't bring it in til July 2013. Because it was within the 3 months of its due date in 2013 I got a13 month NCT rather that it being backdated with 3 months left.

bazz26 · 28-01-2014 4:31pm

AdrianSandu wrote: »

What is the deal with the "just passed NCT" but the due date is only several months away? From what I read, NCT is done every two years. Is it backdated from the due date of the previous one? Does it mean that the car was left with NCT expired a long time?

If that's true, and I buy a car without NCT valid, does this mean that the next due date won't actually be 2 years from the exam date, but two years from the last time the previous owner passed the NCT?

Thanks,

Adrian

It is backdated in most cases to the due date otherwise people would simply not bother getting it done until they were told. BTW cars 10 year or older only get a NCT for 1 year not 2.

colm_mcm · 28-01-2014 9:07pm

AdrianSandu wrote: »

My current budget keeps me under 1000 for the car + tax + insurance. My wife insists that if we buy one, we buy from a dealer, as we would have more rights than in a private transaction. We need it for short commuting (less than 5 km each way) and hopefully the occasional weekend escapade outside Dublin. I realised that taxi is going to start costing me at least 300 euro a month and considered getting a cheap small car instead.

Maybe I should look for a private sale around 450-600 instead? Anything above (2000 + tax + insurance + fuel) is way over my needs (I'll spend less with taxis) so there's no real deal in saving too much for a better car either.

What are the usual costs for an NCT inspection? Presuming the car passes the test.

Any car a dealer is selling for €1000 will have been bought for nothing.
Buy privately. Spend the €1000, and at this level the make of car is very important. You can't beat the older Japanese stuff.

AdrianSandu · 28-01-2014 11:06pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

Any car a dealer is selling for €1000 will have been bought for nothing.
Buy privately. Spend the €1000, and at this level the make of car is very important. You can't beat the older Japanese stuff.

How would a VW rate in terms of reliability? '95-'99 Polos and Golfs?

colm_mcm · 29-01-2014 12:59am

Wouldn't be my cuppa tbh.

Esel · 29-01-2014 2:08am

AdrianSandu wrote: »

How would a VW rate in terms of reliability? '95-'99 Polos and Golfs?

'95-'99 Toyota ftw every time over VW, imo. Petrol anyway - I don't combust the devil's piss.

AdrianSandu · 29-01-2014 9:26am

Esel wrote: »

'95-'99 Toyota ftw every time over VW, imo. Petrol anyway - I don't combust the devil's piss.

Arigato! Hai!

AdrianSandu · 29-01-2014 9:31am

Esel wrote: »

'95-'99 Toyota ftw every time over VW, imo. Petrol anyway - I don't combust the devil's piss.

I've had 5 very good years with a diesel Alfa Romeo 166 (left hand drive 2.4 litres JTD). The engine itself never gave me any problems. The issues were mainly related to suspension and electric systems. All that and moving to Ireland forced me to sell it.

bazz26 · 29-01-2014 12:15pm

Your talking about cars that are 15 years or older, how reliable they car will depend on the particular car in question.

vintagevrs · 29-01-2014 7:38pm

Noticed this today when browsing:

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/cars-for-sale/2008-bmw-e92-msport/6343649

The photos do not match. The two interior photos are two different cars. One is auto, with SE seats and black trim. The other is manual with sports seats and silver trim. The photo of the speedo is also from a petrol car.

Is this a scam or laziness?

colm_mcm · 29-01-2014 8:25pm

They're taken from carzone, you can see the logo. One interior pic is from pistonheads

bazz26 · 30-01-2014 12:54am

First interior photo is of an auto SE, second interior is from a manual M Sport. Exterior photo is of a SE too yet the seller claims it is a M Sport in the description. Leather in both is Dakota too, not Nappa. Dash photo is from a petrol too, diesel models have "Diesel" written under the fuel gauge needle. Some of the manuals don't match the ones I had with my E90 either. Very unlikely to get an X3 manual with a 3 Series.

Seems like too much effort for just a lazy seller so smells of scam to me.

shigg · 30-01-2014 10:27pm

Hi - my reliable ford focus (01) got hit overnight while it was parked and this stupid eejit hadnt protected her no claims bonus so not worth getting fixed as insurance would go up 80% and 500 excess on policy.. Will cost 350 to fix...just wondering what should i be expecting to get to sell it on as is for scrap/or to garage to repair and resell?? I have it taxed til May and nct til may

Also more questions... looking at 2007 cmax - from a dealer thats closing down, in business for 50 years....will get someone to look at it, how much should that cost? I think its a good deal but I am female after all!! With 2 kids, need bigger boot...Its a diesel 1.6 - any advice on the much would be mucho appreciated cause no car in this fab weather is not fun!

Cheers

colm_mcm · 30-01-2014 10:44pm

If the accident hadn't happened, would you have been changing?

redser16 · 31-01-2014 2:37pm

Hi all.
Looking to change our 7 seater petrol 1.6 which is an 07 model. Need to get another 7 seater and originally was looking at going to a 2010 model - its diesel and more fuel efficient so would save about €600 in fuel per year and €230 in tax. However, there is a shortage of good 2010 models because not many were sold in that year due to recession. When we looked at 2011/2012 ones these are even scarcer because owners are not yet trading in these models. We have been offered a 2013 model for a good price for that year but I really didn't want to spend that sort of money however, in the longer term, maybe it represents better value. Basically it would be:
Trade in +10k for a 2010 model
Trade in +16k for a 2013 model

I have no idea how to crunch the numbers to see with depreciation etc which is the better option.
Would appreciate all thoughts and comments please!

Esel · 31-01-2014 11:21pm

If there is a shortage of the model/year you want here, then look in the UK.

redser16 · 01-02-2014 1:21pm

Had considered the north but was worried about reports of 60% of cars being clocked? Wouldn't have a clue about that stuff. Also had been told they wouldn't take a trade in of a southern reg. have tried selling ours privately but not one phone call even.

atilladehun · 01-02-2014 10:08pm

Hi,

Thanks for this tread. I read the first post and it looks great. I have a couple of questions. Is there any chance someone knows where's there's decent photos of the oil colours on the dip stick. ie the light dark or coffee.

Secondly is there any advice or bargin hints for finance on a used car. Are all banks the same or does someone have a great deal going? cheers

murfilein · 02-02-2014 2:14am

hi

so i'm buying a used car

the seller showed me the nct-document and the service book.

is there any other document i need from him? what about the car license? as far as i know i have to give the seller my data and he has to fill it in and send it to some institution.

can someone please tell me what documents i should ask the seller for and he should provide me with.

also, is it usual in ireland to write 2 copies of a small "sales contract" that i sign and give the seller and the seller signs the other and gives me? i'm german, and its normal here, thats why i'm asking.

/edit

also, what about parking permit? our apartment doesnt have its own parking, so i would have to park on the street (if i manage to find a spot) or use the parking house. where do get a parking permit?

murfilein · 02-02-2014 11:20am

oops, and another questions.... a quote from citizeninformation.ie:

Buying a vehicle registered after 1 January 1993
If you privately buy a vehicle that was first registered after this date, the seller must fill in your details on part B of the Vehicle Licensing Certificate (Vehicle Registration Certificate for post-April 2004 vehicles) and return it to the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division. The new details will be registered and the amended certificate will be sent to you. The seller will give the Vehicle Registration Certificate for a pre-April 2004 vehicle to you when you buy the vehicle.

now what? does the seller fills in my details and send it to driver and vehicle division or does he give it to me? thats part is extremely ambiguous.

or is there a difference between a Vehicle Licensing Certificate and a Vehicle Registration Certificate?

Guffy · 02-02-2014 11:26am

You fill in your details and the seller will post it. There does not tend to be a contract in a private sale but nothing to stop you asking for one.

bazz26 · 02-02-2014 4:21pm

To avoid a bit of aggravation, I'd advise you bring an envelope and a stamp so that the seller can drop it in a post box straight away once you have signed the change of ownership section. As some people tend to forget to post it or just don't bother.

colm_mcm · 02-02-2014 4:38pm

You'd wanna make sure the sellers ID matches the name on the ownership document.

byrnem31 · 03-02-2014 12:09am

Cool thread.

AdrianSandu · 04-02-2014 7:01pm

Hi guys,

I found this car on DoneDeal:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla-1-3-1998-new-nct-today/6351787

'98 Toyota Corolla, 1.3l

Everything on the page looks OK (3 month tax, 1 year NCT, serviced, belt changed). Yet, though it is marked as private sale, the descriptions says to "call Liam at SP Motors" and there's another car on that sellers's name too. Should I be worried about it? Or should I just go and check it first?

Thanks,

Adrian

P.S. Motortax.ie says this:

VEHICLE
Vehicle Registration Number 98D6887
Vehicle Details TOYOTA / COROLLA
Change Of Vehicle Ownership
Transferred to an Individual on :

Notified on : 01/11/2013

28/11/2013
Vehicle Registration Certificate
Most recent Vehicle Registration Certificate issued on : 03/12/2013

colm_mcm · 04-02-2014 7:10pm

Treat any car at this price level as a private sale. Would be interesting to see who's name is on the book. Maybe they put it in their name just to tax it.

xXDarkstarXx · 06-02-2014 1:37am

Hi all

I will be changing my car in the next few months. Recently got a job in Kilkenny so will be driving up and down the motorway everyday. I currently have a 00 focus 1.4 and it's costing me the bones of €80 a week. I was thinking of a diesel corolla maybe the 2004 or 2005 model. Something like this maybe:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/04-toyota-corolla-d4d-t3/6368228

Would this be a good idea or does anybody know of a similar car? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated

bazz26 · 06-02-2014 2:18am

€5k for a 10 year old Corolla diesel. You are paying top dollar for those Corolla diesels but the cheap tax and reliability is what makes them sell at that price.

xXDarkstarXx · 06-02-2014 10:27am

bazz26 wrote: »

€5k for a 10 year old Corolla diesel. You are paying top dollar for those Corolla diesels but the cheap tax and reliability is what makes them sell at that price.

Yeah I know they are a bit expensive, but I don't mind paying a bit more for reliability. Plus it will be cheap to tax and run. I'm hoping I would put in about €40 to €50 in a week with the diesel. Can anybody recommend any similar cars to this?

bazz26 · 06-02-2014 1:19pm

It's hard to recommend anything else really with those requirements. Just make sure the car is checked over comprehensively.

xXDarkstarXx · 06-02-2014 1:30pm

bazz26 wrote: »

It's hard to recommend anything else really with those requirements. Just make sure the car is checked over comprehensively.

Yeah my uncle is a mechanic so he would give it the once over and give me his opinion. Thanks very much for your help

L-M · 06-02-2014 8:17pm

murfilein wrote: »

hi

so i'm buying a used car

the seller showed me the nct-document and the service book.

is there any other document i need from him? what about the car license? as far as i know i have to give the seller my data and he has to fill it in and send it to some institution.

can someone please tell me what documents i should ask the seller for and he should provide me with.

also, is it usual in ireland to write 2 copies of a small "sales contract" that i sign and give the seller and the seller signs the other and gives me? i'm german, and its normal here, thats why i'm asking.

/edit

also, what about parking permit? our apartment doesnt have its own parking, so i would have to park on the street (if i manage to find a spot) or use the parking house. where do get a parking permit?

Hi, you should be looking to see the VLC (Vehicle licensing certificate) or "Logbook" as it's referred to here

All of the cars information will be inside this, the number of owners, the chassis number, the colour make models etc. etc. Make sure all of this matches the car. (There is a list of letters and numbers inside at the top, and their corresponding meaning at the bottom)

My advice is to take a photo of the VLC once you have filled in your name and address. This is handy should it go missing etc.

As for the parking permit, that very much depends on your area. You might be best asking the local County council about that. There's nothing wrong with writing up a sales contract, something simple ie. "I ______ have purchased x car off y seller on 06/02/2013".

What you have to remember is that you have very little rights in Ireland buying a car privately, should anything go wrong. There are a lot of dishonest cars on the market at the moment, and an equal amount of dishonest sellers, so I would recommend getting the car and the documentation checked out by a local mechanic for peace of mind.

Myyra · 06-02-2014 8:56pm

Hi,
Looking at changing my current petrol yaris to something a bit bigger.
I've got rural commute of approx 90km daily and couple of large dogs.
Any thoughts on this one

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/2.0-D-SE/38613909040279330/advert?channel=CARS
Thanks in advance

L-M · 06-02-2014 11:07pm

Myyra wrote: »

Hi,
Looking at changing my current petrol yaris to something a bit bigger.
I've got rural commute of approx 90km daily and couple of large dogs.
Any thoughts on this one

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/2.0-D-SE/38613909040279330/advert?channel=CARS
Thanks in advance

Looks good, it's an Irish car too. Great power in that engine, and they're still a good looking car IMO.

Would be a big change from the yaris.

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

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