Buying a used car in Ireland guide

L-M · 20-09-2011 9:18pm

I've a 01 TDI with 240k miles on it, going like new. I'd buy the older model.

Rowley Birkin QC · 21-09-2011 1:54am

I'm on the verge of buying an E46 318Ci, the 1.9. I know it's going to be all show and no go but I've always liked the look of them and can't afford a 6pot at the moment.

Seems like the previous owner ran into all of the common faults, new wishbones, new water pump and new stat. AC Cars were looking after the servicing. She's done 86k miles. Anything else to be paying attention to?

L-M · 21-09-2011 10:21am

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

I'm on the verge of buying an E46 318Ci, the 1.9. I know it's going to be all show and no go but I've always liked the look of them and can't afford a 6pot at the moment.

Seems like the previous owner ran into all of the common faults, new wishbones, new water pump and new stat. AC Cars were looking after the servicing. She's done 86k miles. Anything else to be paying attention to?

Not really, a cousin of mine has one that's he's selling, it's a 03 and he's had it over a year and IIRC bar normal wear and tear items, tyres etc. he hasn't had any problems with it. There's around 80,000 miles on it, too.

Rowley Birkin QC · 21-09-2011 10:36am

Limerick man wrote: »

Not really, a cousin of mine has one that's he's selling, it's a 03 and he's had it over a year and IIRC bar normal wear and tear items, tyres etc. he hasn't had any problems with it. There's around 80,000 miles on it, too.

Cheers. Have you ever stumbled across him sobbing at how much petrol it's drinking? That's my major worry but heart seems to be beating head on the issue!

Bombbastic22 · 21-09-2011 11:46am

Anyone think the mileage on this is a bit too good to be true. It's an 2003 1.9 Diesel Passat and the mileage is only 65,000.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2531791

L-M · 21-09-2011 11:54am

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Cheers. Have you ever stumbled across him sobbing at how much petrol it's drinking? That's my major worry but heart seems to be beating head on the issue!

It was his wifes car and she does very harmless mileage so I'm fairly sure, even if I asked him, he wouldn't know.

Bombbastic22 wrote: »

Anyone think the mileage on this is a bit too good to be true. It's an 2003 1.9 Diesel Passat and the mileage is only 65,000.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2531791

Looks like an English import, that would lead me to say yes, it's very low. A simple history check could reveal all

Bombbastic22 · 21-09-2011 2:10pm

You should be charging for this Limerick Man! It's more than just a post now - it's a one stop shop for advice on buying a used car!

L-M · 21-09-2011 2:14pm

Bombbastic22 wrote: »

You should be charging for this Limerick Man! It's more than just a post now - it's a one stop shop for advice on buying a used car!

Oh I wouldn't charge, no point in having the information and keeping it to myself :P

FrankGrimes · 21-09-2011 2:29pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Tbh no, you won't see major price differences in used cars until maybe March of next year.

No, it wouldn't drop straight away, they drop gradually over the year.

Best thing to do is go in and ask what the best deal would be if you were to buy straight, if they say 19,000, then hit low with 18,000 and worth your way up from that. If I had a car forsale for €20k and you offered me €15 I'd literally tell you to f off.

It doesn't matter, once the dealer is paid they're paid.

Yes, absolutely, make sure it has mats, good tyres, a tank of petrol etc. etc. I'd be bargaining these even if I got 1500 off. When you're just about to sign the deal, act a bit hessitant and tell them if they put some petrol in it you'll be happy to go ahead with the deal.

TBH unless the dealer already had it I wouldn't bother, as most of them won't buy on "spec" in a hope that you'll buy it. In a way, they'd want at least 2 grand profit after it to cover with warranty etc. Most 09 diesels would have high miles anyway.

Really informative post, thanks!

I test-drove a Superb today. 2.0 TDI with the DSG gearbox. It was the 140bhp model but certainly had all the poke that I need, quite nippy so the 170bhp would just be a nice to have. Really liked the car and definitely going to go for it so now it's about finding the car with the right spec.

L-M · 21-09-2011 2:50pm

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Really informative post, thanks!

I test-drove a Superb today. 2.0 TDI with the DSG gearbox. It was the 140bhp model but certainly had all the poke that I need, quite nippy so the 170bhp would just be a nice to have. Really liked the car and definitely going to go for it so now it's about finding the car with the right spec.

Best of luck with the search, apparently the DSG's give a bit of hassle but like everything, keep it serviced. Lovely smooth box though.

zack01 · 21-09-2011 9:10pm

Hi Limerick man
A fantastic and very informative piece by you, as you obviously know your cars, would you mind tsking a look at this for me and offering me your opinion please.

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=702148&r=s.php%3Fm%3D10%26o%3D98%26r%3D2006%26g%3D0

Viewed and drove it this evening and its a beauty, i've driven about six in the last week and this is the best hands down, seller is flexible on the price too.

L-M · 21-09-2011 9:22pm

zack01 wrote: »

Hi Limerick man
A fantastic and very informative piece by you, as you obviously know your cars, would you mind tsking a look at this for me and offering me your opinion please.

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=702148&r=s.php%3Fm%3D10%26o%3D98%26r%3D2006%26g%3D0

Viewed and drove it this evening and its a beauty, i've driven about six in the last week and this is the best hands down, seller is flexible on the price too.

Looks good! Nice spec and it looks like the facelifted model too. Most important thing to check with anything of that calibre that there's no major work due in near future, Ie. big services etc.

Presuming they bought it new (check the logbook for the date of registration in Ireland, it should be in 06) make sure they have a service history to back up the mileage. Not just for the mileage, but something like that was bought when times were good and money ran out so the first thing that would be hit would be the welfare of the vehicle.

As long as you're happy with the price, (just remember they changed model the next year) and everything else checks out as per my first post, then best of luck with it! If you're not mechanically minded bring someone with you, there's no comeback with a private sale, remember

zack01 · 21-09-2011 9:29pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Looks good! Nice spec and it looks like the facelifted model too. Most important thing to check with anything of that calibre that there's no major work due in near future, Ie. big services etc.

Presuming they bought it new (check the logbook for the date of registration in Ireland, it should be in 06) make sure they have a service history to back up the mileage. Not just for the mileage, but something like that was bought when times were good and money ran out so the first thing that would be hit would be the welfare of the vehicle.

As long as you're happy with the price, (just remember they changed model the next year) and everything else checks out as per my first post, then best of luck with it! If you're not mechanically minded bring someone with you, there's no comeback with a private sale, remember

Its the facelifted model and it was bought and has been serviced by one of the main BMW dealers in Dublin.
The seller to be honest appears to be pretty well off and had no problem with me asking all the nessessary questions and when i asked could i bring a mechanic etc to inspect the car there was no hesitation either.

L-M · 21-09-2011 11:28pm

zack01 wrote: »

Its the facelifted model and it was bought and has been serviced by one of the main BMW dealers in Dublin.
The seller to be honest appears to be pretty well off and had no problem with me asking all the nessessary questions and when i asked could i bring a mechanic etc to inspect the car there was no hesitation either.

Sounds like the car for you so

Best of luck with it.

rolion · 23-09-2011 6:07pm

I know few websites such as cbg,carzone and donedeal where you can check cars for sale.
Any other sites that i am not aware of ?

Thanks in advance...

Esel · 24-09-2011 2:42pm

www.adverts.ie

www.driving.ie

L-M · 24-09-2011 4:43pm

rolion wrote: »

I know few websites such as cbg,carzone and donedeal where you can check cars for sale.
Any other sites that i am not aware of ?

Thanks in advance...

Whoops, could of sworn I had replied to this!

I only use carzone and donedeal,

Driving.ie is carzone.

Then you have the likes of adverts and gumtree

adamski8 · 24-09-2011 10:54pm

i've read the this whole thread but still ive a few questions about general buying process. I need to buy my second car (going from a 97mondeo) but don't know much about cars at all. LM's guide seems good but im not sure its valid for my needs as I want to buy a small car on a budget (low tax/insurance), so i would be only spending <1500 so i doubt everything people have been advising fits my situation.

i just need a car for around 1 year to do a few 10min trips a day. so as long as it doesnt stop running im happy

id say if i went to a private seller ive a good chance of getting done over and buy a terrible car. so am i right in thinking i should go to a dealer? a SIMI one make any difference? what do dealers generally guarantee about a car? is it totally serviced? do they guarantee it will run for a certain amount of time? if it doesnt have nct do they guarantee it will pass? what could i expect to sell a car in a year for in general depending on how much it intially cost? is there anything to be aware of in buying from a dealer say if i buy in cash, just sign a contract and i drive away? also would dealers let you test drive a car that cost a grand or would they feel its wasting their time? do i just need my drivers license to test drive it?

any answers on these stupid questions would be appreciated

L-M · 25-09-2011 12:54am

I won't answer all those individually, but your best option is to buy privately at that money. Buy something with a long NCT... If you pick out a few cars you'd be happy with feel free to post them here and I'll have a look!

Eire-Dearg · 25-09-2011 2:50am

Looking into buying my first car and I've a Q:

Is is better to start off with a 3-door or a 5-door? I'm looking at Golfs and Polos, and although I doubt there's much of a difference in either model, I have this thing that I may prefer to start off with a 3 door! I've been driving a 5-door hatchback up until now, but only sparingly as it's the parents car.

And while I'm here, thoughts on this? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2468819

There's a massive selection on VWs on DoneDeal, but this one caught my eye because you could easily spend just 300 or 400 less on a car that is 3/4 years older.

adamski8 · 25-09-2011 10:35am

Limerick man wrote: »

I won't answer all those individually, but your best option is to buy privately at that money. Buy something with a long NCT... If you pick out a few cars you'd be happy with feel free to post them here and I'll have a look!

im thinking of looking at these LM. seems to be a big price difference in them.
the first doesnt have a nct but could i return the car if it doesnt pass?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/323/LX-1.3-5/201113201798641/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/323/LX-1.3-(/131532490384011/advert?channel=CARS

L-M · 25-09-2011 10:45am

Eire-Dearg wrote: »

Looking into buying my first car and I've a Q:

Is is better to start off with a 3-door or a 5-door? I'm looking at Golfs and Polos, and although I doubt there's much of a difference in either model, I have this thing that I may prefer to start off with a 3 door! I've been driving a 5-door hatchback up until now, but only sparingly as it's the parents car.

And while I'm here, thoughts on this? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2468819

There's a massive selection on VWs on DoneDeal, but this one caught my eye because you could easily spend just 300 or 400 less on a car that is 3/4 years older.

Looks ok, I think I know of the lad who's selling it, he's a Dealer in Miltown Malbay. Mileage is a bit high, those 1.4's are weak enough. If you buy one be prepared to top it up with oil.

As for the 3-5door option, makes absolutely no odds, just if you regularly have people in the back, buy 5.

As for the 3-400 less comment, there's always a reason

L-M · 25-09-2011 10:47am

adamski8 wrote: »

im thinking of looking at these LM. seems to be a big price difference in them.
the first doesnt have a nct but could i return the car if it doesnt pass?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/323/LX-1.3-5/201113201798641/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/323/LX-1.3-(/131532490384011/advert?channel=CARS

To be honest you'd have to discuss it with the dealer, they can't really sell you the car without NCT or a warranty so just ask them first.

As I say, feck all goes wrong with those Mazda's, so you'd be as well of buying private as you can go too far wrong.

adamski8 · 25-09-2011 10:58am

Limerick man wrote: »

To be honest you'd have to discuss it with the dealer, they can't really sell you the car without NCT or a warranty so just ask them first.

As I say, feck all goes wrong with those Mazda's, so you'd be as well of buying private as you can go too far wrong.

cool, dont see many private sellers of that car though
i checked tax details and it said transfered to an indivual on the start of september and seeing as this is a dealership thats a red flag right? might go look at it today so.

L-M · 25-09-2011 11:06am

adamski8 wrote: »

cool, dont see many private sellers of that car though
i checked tax details and it said transfered to an indivual on the start of september and seeing as this is a dealership thats a red flag right? might go look at it today so.

Strange, normally would say to a garage, put I can't remember 100%, the dealer may have put it in his own name and claim he's selling it for a friend to avoid warranty!

They won't be open today, but I'm sure you could have a look at the car anyway!

g00217810 · 25-09-2011 1:09pm

Lads,

Has anybody had any dealings with Francis McCann Car Sales on the Naas Road.
Some feedback would be appreciated if so.

Looking at a 09 golf there.

PM if necessary.

Thanks

Eire-Dearg · 25-09-2011 3:58pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Looks ok, I think I know of the lad who's selling it, he's a Dealer in Miltown Malbay. Mileage is a bit high, those 1.4's are weak enough. If you buy one be prepared to top it up with oil.

As for the 3-5door option, makes absolutely no odds, just if you regularly have people in the back, buy 5.

As for the 3-400 less comment, there's always a reason

Derek Considine? A fair drive down from here, looks a tidy car though.

L-M · 25-09-2011 9:32pm

Eire-Dearg wrote: »

Derek Considine? A fair drive down from here, looks a tidy car though.

That's the one

Eire-Dearg · 25-09-2011 10:33pm

Limerick man wrote: »

That's the one

What about this one? Must be something up unless he's seriously desperate for cash.

L-M · 25-09-2011 10:35pm

LOL, looks very well minded, that :P

Eire-Dearg · 26-09-2011 12:33am

Limerick man wrote: »

LOL, looks very well minded, that :P

Am I missing something?

L-M · 26-09-2011 12:35am

Eire-Dearg wrote: »

Am I missing something?

Not really, it looks a state in the pics so it'll be ten times worse in real life

Eire-Dearg · 26-09-2011 4:06am

Limerick man wrote: »

Not really, it looks a state in the pics so it'll be ten times worse in real life

Could do with a bit of clean up perhaps, I'm not too fussy though.

adamski8 · 26-09-2011 11:03pm

hey LM, went to a few traders today, i now understand some of what people are talking about and ill defo be going private now like you said.
think ill just look for a long nct at this stage, i think i know the sorts of cars but this one interests me what do you think about it
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Rover/25/IL-16V/201131203738411/advert?channel=CARS

L-M · 26-09-2011 11:14pm

adamski8 wrote: »

hey LM, went to a few traders today, i now understand some of what people are talking about and ill defo be going private now like you said.
think ill just look for a long nct at this stage, i think i know the sorts of cars but this one interests me what do you think about it
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Rover/25/IL-16V/201131203738411/advert?channel=CARS

Yeah if you got it for around €1,600 it wouldn't be mad, it's a bit overpriced at 2k, but if it's a one owner if probably couldn't go far wrong

adamski8 · 28-09-2011 3:32pm

LM, i think you briefly mentioned what to do when actually handing over money in the how to sell a car thread ie give the seller the cash and sign the log book and they send it off. What happens next? do they hand over the keys and you drive away with it straight away? anything else?

L-M · 29-09-2011 9:29am

adamski8 wrote: »

LM, i think you briefly mentioned what to do when actually handing over money in the how to sell a car thread ie give the seller the cash and sign the log book and they send it off. What happens next? do they hand over the keys and you drive away with it straight away? anything else?

Once cash has exchanged hands,

Take the keys
Get a piece of paper from the owner saying that you have just bought X car of them for Y money.
Transfer your insurance (Remember if you have just bought the car YOUR third party extension/open drive won't cover you)
Then you leave

Amtmann · 29-09-2011 1:33pm

I've a question about negotiating on price when buying from a dealer. Suppose I see a car that the dealer wants to sell for 6850, a car that is in good nic and which has a good or full service history. Would I been seen as taking the complete mick to offer 5850, if I had a wad of cash and waved it in front of him?

In other words, how low dare you go when trying to get the price down on a car that seems good?

L-M · 29-09-2011 1:37pm

Tremelo wrote: »

I've a question about negotiating on price when buying from a dealer. Suppose I see a car that the dealer wants to sell for 6850, a car that is in good nic and which has a good or full service history. Would I been seen as taking the complete mick to offer 5850, if I had a wad of cash and waved it in front of him?

In other words, how low dare you go when trying to get the price down on a car that seems good?

Simple, go in and say "If I was to offer you €5,850, would you accept it?"

See how you go from there, they might say the lowest is €6,400 and then you can make a suitable offer after that.

TBH I wouldn't go in with €5,850, I'd start off at six but it really depends on the dealer and how the car is priced at the moment.

adamski8 · 29-09-2011 6:07pm

hey again LM,

can you give me your thoughts on this one http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2570451
it seems a little over price but with all the parts recently replaced maybe not especially the clutch with a corolla. would it be reasonable for me to go with 1000 cash and get it for that.

L-M · 29-09-2011 6:11pm

adamski8 wrote: »

hey again LM,

can you give me your thoughts on this one http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2570451
it seems a little over price but with all the parts recently replaced maybe not especially the clutch with a corolla. would it be reasonable for me to go with 1000 cash and get it for that.

It will go for ever, correct.

If you got it for down around 850 you'd be fairly guaranteed of hassle free motoring.

adamski8 · 29-09-2011 6:44pm

Limerick man wrote: »

It will go for ever, correct.

If you got it for down around 850 you'd be fairly guaranteed of hassle free motoring.

great thats exactly what i wanted. I'd doubt he'd go that far down, wouldn't he have sunk a far few hundred with the servicing, clutch, tires etc? im going tomorrow evening to see it and want to drive away with it as this searching business is taking up way too much of my time, cheers again LM

L-M · 29-09-2011 7:20pm

adamski8 wrote: »

great thats exactly what i wanted. I'd doubt he'd go that far down, wouldn't he have sunk a far few hundred with the servicing, clutch, tires etc? im going tomorrow evening to see it and want to drive away with it as this searching business is taking up way too much of my time, cheers again LM

No bother! Best of luck with it

Bombbastic22 · 01-10-2011 4:12pm

Hello there,

I have been trawling through used cars for maybe a year - it's become a bit of a hobby.

One thing I've noticed consistently is that private sellers ask as much and all to often way more money than what garages ask - which I think is bananas seen as how you get a warranty, a good wax and polish and maybe some nice new tyres and mats and things - from a garage. All too many private sales are completely filthy.

A lot of the time I put the details of a car into the vrt calculator as a means of getting a ball park figure of what the car would be worth and all too often the garage's price is much closer to what the vrt calculator says whereas the private seller's price is way beyond - on a similar car with similar mileage.

So - do you think the vrt calculator is a good way to guage a car's value? and if not, why not? And why the flip to private sellers try and get so much more than what a car's worth. Why can't people just ask what they'd be happy with and just stick with it. This haggling carry on is a pain in the a**....

L-M · 01-10-2011 4:26pm

Will you post a few examples?

Edit: This probably calls for a new thread tbh

Kev_ps3 · 01-10-2011 5:25pm

Bombbastic22 wrote: »

Hello there,

I have been trawling through used cars for maybe a year - it's become a bit of a hobby.

One thing I've noticed consistently is that private sellers ask as much and all to often way more money than what garages ask - which I think is bananas seen as how you get a warranty, a good wax and polish and maybe some nice new tyres and mats and things - from a garage. All too many private sales are completely filthy.

A lot of the time I put the details of a car into the vrt calculator as a means of getting a ball park figure of what the car would be worth and all too often the garage's price is much closer to what the vrt calculator says whereas the private seller's price is way beyond - on a similar car with similar mileage.

So - do you think the vrt calculator is a good way to guage a car's value? and if not, why not? And why the flip to private sellers try and get so much more than what a car's worth. Why can't people just ask what they'd be happy with and just stick with it. This haggling carry on is a pain in the a**....

never knew they gave a valuation on that site, nice one, might come in handy.

Amtmann · 01-10-2011 8:03pm

Bombbastic22 wrote: »

So - do you think the vrt calculator is a good way to guage a car's value? and if not, why not? And why the flip to private sellers try and get so much more than what a car's worth. Why can't people just ask what they'd be happy with and just stick with it. This haggling carry on is a pain in the a**....

It's saying my car is 97% depreciated which values it at €415, which is correct. However, it also says that the current OMSP for the vehicle is €2000, which is wildly wrong.

L-M · 01-10-2011 11:06pm

Kev_ps3 wrote: »

never knew they gave a valuation on that site, nice one, might come in handy.

Ignore it!!! It's not worth a piss.

Bombbastic22 · 02-10-2011 9:06am

Tremelo wrote: »

It's saying my car is 97% depreciated which values it at €415, which is correct. However, it also says that the current OMSP for the vehicle is €2000, which is wildly wrong.

It won't go below €2000 for some reason - I'm not sure why. Even if you put in 1990 Lada with one million miles (which may well be a miracle and perhaps give it some miracle value) it will still say €2000. You'd be better off looking at the percentage depreciation in this case.

Bombbastic22 · 02-10-2011 9:13am

Limerick man wrote: »

Ignore it!!! It's not worth a piss.

You may be right but I think it's handy for a ball park figure. Obviously it doesn't take into account how many bangs and scratches a car has had, how clean it is and doesn't put as much weight as it should on the mileage of the car - however, I still think it's good to get a rough idea.

Someone I know bought an 06 Lancer recently - from a garage - priced at 7 - he got it for 6. VRT said 5. It was absolute mint though - at onl+y 30,000 miles.VRT calc put it at the same value -even with about 50000 more miles - as I remember. I still think it's a handy tool.

Will post examples of garage price vs private price later.

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

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