Buying a used car in Ireland guide

L-M · 09-11-2011 1:40pm

olas wrote: »

We do about 12k per year, mostly on country roads, but also motorway miles from the west up to Dublin once a month. The cartell checks etc have different options, any opinion on these? Is it worth getting the full check as I doubt I could bring a mechanic with me. Especially considering I know nothing about cars. Sorry, am starting to feel I am abusing your time!

You're ok, I wouldn't have posted this thread if I was prepared to answer question.

The Full check ie. the 35 euro one or what ever it is, would suffice. If you're buying off a Main Dealer or just a reputable Dealer you should be able to buy in peace of mind.

olas · 09-11-2011 1:40pm

Also we live far from cities and in the middle of nowhere so it's difficult to travel to go see/test different cars etc!

L-M · 09-11-2011 1:48pm

olas wrote: »

Also we live far from cities and in the middle of nowhere so it's difficult to travel to go see/test different cars etc!

That I somewhat understand but it may be worth the travel. If you took a Saturday off some day you could pick a few dealers, plot a route and go look at a few cars.

olas · 09-11-2011 2:16pm

Turns out the car is not here in Ireland, but in London, they work with a garage over there called Haydens. The Toyota warranty is up sometime either Jan or March, (he'll check it out)but then he says there is option of a 1 year full warranty for €250 by mapfe who were previously Ireland Assist. He is checking if car is still available, if not, if there are others similar, and what he could offer me on price/trade in. Not sure if I'm keen purchasing a car I cannot drive/see first. Any opinion? According to him, cars from the UK tend to be in better condition as their roads are better?

jwmpayne2004 · 09-11-2011 4:15pm

Hi sir Limerickman! Just want to ask you a question as im about to buy a 520d 2005 e46. I have followed your tips like a bible.And I'm always thankful for that.
Regarding the car mentioned I have found out that the owner went to immigrate to Oz already and left the car to her dad to sell it. Do I need an authorisation letter from the owner stating that she give full authority to her dad to sell it? or will the signed logbook by her be ok?
I also run the motorcheck and there was previous gap in the taxation dates dated jan 10 2010. Roadtax currently just expired and the car is price to sell at 6k. Will I use the roadtax issue as bargaining power to haggle a bit? Have also hired a bmw independent mechanic to inspect for pre purchase inspection and said it came out good. Is this a good sign? Have seen the car and love it. Just asking for your opinion.

Thanks

realdanbreen · 09-11-2011 7:25pm

olas wrote: »

Turns out the car is not here in Ireland, but in London, they work with a garage over there called Haydens. The Toyota warranty is up sometime either Jan or March, (he'll check it out)but then he says there is option of a 1 year full warranty for €250 by mapfe who were previously Ireland Assist. He is checking if car is still available, if not, if there are others similar, and what he could offer me on price/trade in. Not sure if I'm keen purchasing a car I cannot drive/see first. Any opinion? According to him, cars from the UK tend to be in better condition as their roads are better?

I can't understand why you would need to go to London for a second hand avensis unless it was someting special or you knew the seller.Have you driven past a garage forecourt or checked donedeal lately?There are tons of excellent second hand cars available.

L-M · 09-11-2011 7:27pm

olas wrote: »

Turns out the car is not here in Ireland, but in London, they work with a garage over there called Haydens. The Toyota warranty is up sometime either Jan or March, (he'll check it out)but then he says there is option of a 1 year full warranty for €250 by mapfe who were previously Ireland Assist. He is checking if car is still available, if not, if there are others similar, and what he could offer me on price/trade in. Not sure if I'm keen purchasing a car I cannot drive/see first. Any opinion? According to him, cars from the UK tend to be in better condition as their roads are better?

I'm sure you'll find one somewhere here, that sounds like a bit of hassle that I would avoid.

jwmpayne2004 wrote: »

Hi sir Limerickman! Just want to ask you a question as im about to buy a 520d 2005 e46. I have followed your tips like a bible.And I'm always thankful for that.
Regarding the car mentioned I have found out that the owner went to immigrate to Oz already and left the car to her dad to sell it. Do I need an authorisation letter from the owner stating that she give full authority to her dad to sell it? or will the signed logbook by her be ok?
I also run the motorcheck and there was previous gap in the taxation dates dated jan 10 2010. Roadtax currently just expired and the car is price to sell at 6k. Will I use the roadtax issue as bargaining power to haggle a bit? Have also hired a bmw independent mechanic to inspect for pre purchase inspection and said it came out good. Is this a good sign? Have seen the car and love it. Just asking for your opinion.

Thanks

Sounds like some form of scam to me, that is way too cheap for that kind of car. Have you a link to it?

marty-murt · 09-11-2011 10:50pm

are most makes not 2 years with unlimited mileage warranty?

L-M · 09-11-2011 11:01pm

marty-murt wrote: »

are most makes not 2 years with unlimited mileage warranty?

That would be new, and not many manufacturers do unlimited mileage. Although it's becoming more prevalent in recent times.

Deco99 · 13-11-2011 5:20pm

Hi, quick question to put my mind at ease. The girlfriend is learning to drive and recently bought a second hand car. So obviously concerns that the car is ok. Its NCT'd til 2013 which is good news. The guy she bought it off had the Tax book and name matched back to his passport, so good so far. I've taken it for a spin and its grand, (car is over ten years old so not perfect by any means but its running fine.) Only thing is the service book is missing. Is this a big deal?

L-M · 13-11-2011 8:46pm

You won't find many Irish cars with a service history I'm afraid. Assuming you're not spending ten grand I wouldn't be bother, unless it's oddly low mileage.

dr.fuzzenstein · 13-11-2011 9:14pm

Deco99 wrote: »

Hi, quick question to put my mind at ease. The girlfriend is learning to drive and recently bought a second hand car. So obviously concerns that the car is ok. Its NCT'd til 2013 which is good news. The guy she bought it off had the Tax book and name matched back to his passport, so good so far. I've taken it for a spin and its grand, (car is over ten years old so not perfect by any means but its running fine.) Only thing is the service book is missing. Is this a big deal?

Most cars in Ireland never get serviced the first three years anyway and are left out in the drive while the garage is filled to the roof with worthless crap.
They only get serviced for the first NCT and every NCT after that.
But only in the cheapest place.
That's pretty much the service history of 90% of Irish cars. If the owner happens to be particularly caring.
The rest of us who think cars should be parked in a garage and serviced as per manufacturer's guidelines or way sooner are regarded as freaks, weirdos and oddballs.
That's why full dealer service history in Ireland is about as common as rocking horse poo.

Deco99 · 13-11-2011 11:08pm

Thanks for the quick replies lads. Hard to sort through all the scaremongering when it comes to buying second hand. have all the important stuff so. cheers

shoutman · 15-11-2011 2:25pm

Hey,
I have to get a new car and I absolutely hate the process, this combined with being busy in work means that I'm happy to donate €50 to the charity of choice of whoever suggests a car to me which I end up buying.

I have £4,300 to spend, and only stipulations are on it being a reliable car that would suit a 25 year old (no estates or MPVs), I've been looking at Ford focus', Golfs etc but open to suggestion. Car will do about 15=20k miles a year.

I currently live in Bristol, UK so the closer to Bristol the better.

If someone with a few spare minutes wants to earn some money for the charity of their choice then just reply or pm me with weblinks to the car.

Thanks in advance.

L-M · 15-11-2011 5:14pm

I wouldn't even have a clue where to start in regards looking abroad, but I hope you are going to buy a diesel of some form doing that kind of mileage

shoutman · 15-11-2011 5:50pm

Limerick man wrote: »

I wouldn't even have a clue where to start in regards looking abroad, but I hope you are going to buy a diesel of some form doing that kind of mileage

Thanks for the reply Limerick man,

Any of these look good?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/postcode/bs66ht/radius/40/body-type/hatchback/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old/price-to/4000/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/sort/priceasc/page/3

I'm clueless when it comes to cars.

L-M · 15-11-2011 5:53pm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201145427530211/sort/priceasc/usedcars/body-type/hatchback/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old/price-to/4000/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/postcode/bs66ht/page/3/radius/40?logcode=p

That doesn't look bad. You're really limiting yourself when you'll only travel 60 miles, best bet is to get an hour or so free and call to a few dealers and see what's on offer.

MidlandsM · 15-11-2011 5:56pm

shoutman wrote: »

Thanks for the reply Limerick man,

Any of these look good?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/postcode/bs66ht/radius/40/body-type/hatchback/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old/price-to/4000/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/sort/priceasc/page/3

I'm clueless when it comes to cars.

the vrt will be round 1400 or 1500 on that and another €50 for an nct and or more if it need work for the test. Do your sums.

L-M · 15-11-2011 6:03pm

MidlandsM wrote: »

the vrt will be round 1400 or 1500 on that and another €50 for an nct and or more if it need work for the test. Do your sums.

How about you read a few posts :rolleyes:

shoutman wrote: »

Hey,
I have to get a new car and I absolutely hate the process, this combined with being busy in work means that I'm happy to donate €50 to the charity of choice of whoever suggests a car to me which I end up buying.

I have £4,300 to spend, and only stipulations are on it being a reliable car that would suit a 25 year old (no estates or MPVs), I've been looking at Ford focus', Golfs etc but open to suggestion. Car will do about 15=20k miles a year.

I currently live in Bristol, UK so the closer to Bristol the better.

If someone with a few spare minutes wants to earn some money for the charity of their choice then just reply or pm me with weblinks to the car.

Thanks in advance.

shoutman · 15-11-2011 6:41pm

Limerick man wrote: »

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201145427530211/sort/priceasc/usedcars/body-type/hatchback/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old/price-to/4000/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/postcode/bs66ht/page/3/radius/40?logcode=p

That doesn't look bad. You're really limiting yourself when you'll only travel 60 miles, best bet is to get an hour or so free and call to a few dealers and see what's on offer.

Thanks for the advice, only reason i'm limiting myself is because i've got no way of getting to the dealerships other then public transport which is a pain in the arse.

This one is far away, but would be the type of thing i'd be after.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201146428390136/sort/priceasc/usedcars/body-type/hatchback/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old/fuel-type/diesel/price-to/4000/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/make/volkswagen/radius/200/postcode/bs66ht/page/1?logcode=p
Although in the second picture i dont know if the door isnt closed properly or there is a problem with it.

Edit: Rang the guy up, says he is in trade but doesn't operate out of a showroom or have a website, says that its in perfect condition and the reason for the low milage is because its been parked up a lot (his accent was quite hard to understand so I may have misheard him), 4 hour train to get to where it is but considering it.

L-M · 15-11-2011 7:32pm

Dear god don't buy an SDI! They're a non turbo diesel. Reliable yes, but they're as slow as a wet week! But the 1.9 TDI, I'm sure there are plenty of them around.

shoutman · 15-11-2011 7:36pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Dear god don't buy an SDI! They're a non turbo diesel. Reliable yes, but they're as slow as a wet week! But the 1.9 TDI, I'm sure there are plenty of them around.

Thanks for all the advice Limerick man, http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/volkswagen/golf/postcode/bs66ht/radius/1500/keywords/tdi/price-to/4000/sort/priceasc/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old

Should I be looking at ones older then 5 years?

L-M · 15-11-2011 7:42pm

shoutman wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice Limerick man, http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/volkswagen/golf/postcode/bs66ht/radius/1500/keywords/tdi/price-to/4000/sort/priceasc/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old

Should I be looking at ones older then 5 years?

Depends on your budget (I haven't a clue what cars make in the UK and i don't want to start confusing myself :P) but the Mk5 (new shape) Golf came out in 04, so you could go as far back as that if you needed to.

shoutman · 15-11-2011 7:45pm

Budgets gotta be under £4k, any upper limit on mileage that I should be looking at?

Ie. do these engines "fail" after a certain number of miles or is it all dependent on how well they were serviced etc.

Thanks again for the advice.

shoutman · 15-11-2011 11:38pm

What do we think of these?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426319689/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-from/4000/price-to/5000/fuel-type/diesel/seller-type/private_adverts/postcode/bs66ht/radius/10/page/1?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426601052/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/seller-type/private_adverts/price-to/4000/postcode/bs66ht/radius/10/page/2?logcode=p

16-11-2011 12:23am

shoutman wrote: »

What do we think of these?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426319689/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-from/4000/price-to/5000/fuel-type/diesel/seller-type/private_adverts/postcode/bs66ht/radius/10/page/1?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426601052/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/seller-type/private_adverts/price-to/4000/postcode/bs66ht/radius/10/page/2?logcode=p

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/a-police-car-in-a-very-good-conditionit-was-run-by-metropolitan-police-just-to-clear-the-bus-lanes/91355337

Intersting, low mileage, nice car. Need to drive it before you even think about it though. Pooled car = nobody really treats it right.

Have a look through this search list, was a real help in trying to find out what kind of cars I should be looking at in the price range I got mine.

http://www.gumtree.com/cars/bristol/car?vehicle_make=&vehicle_body_type=&vehicle_fuel_type=diesel&vehicle_age=&vehicle_transmission=&vehicle_engine_size=&vehicle_mileage=&seller_type=&min_price=&max_price=4%2C000&photos_filter=Y

shoutman · 16-11-2011 11:07am

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201145428057899/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-from/3000/fuel-type/diesel/price-to/5000/seller-type/private_adverts/page/1/radius/20/postcode/bs66ht?logcode=p

Opinions on this?
Had a chat with the seller, they've only had the car since April and are selling it as herself and her husband are both trading up.
No service history before they bought it but they had it fully serviced when they put the new turbo in.

L-M · 16-11-2011 3:08pm

Seems like a good deal, as per normal, do all the usual checks and ask for proof of the turbo being replaced.

MidlandsM · 16-11-2011 8:31pm

Limerick man wrote: »

How about you read a few posts :rolleyes:

ahhhhhh ok, how about you tone it down ?;)

L-M · 16-11-2011 9:27pm

MidlandsM wrote: »

ahhhhhh ok, how about you tone it down ?;)

Err... What? o.O

-Chris- · 16-11-2011 10:37pm

MidlandsM wrote: »

ahhhhhh ok, how about you tone it down ?;)

How about you don't back seat mod?

Limerick man wrote: »

Err... What? o.O

Please report any problem posts instead of responding.

Let's leave it there before a bit of silly bickering ruins a very good thread. Thanks

MidnightQueen · 17-11-2011 3:37pm

Anyone know this car? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2723983 Stuck for a car

and really interested in buying it.

tommyjin83 · 21-11-2011 12:30am

Hi limerickman,

I have been following this thread for a while now, it's been a great help. However, i am a bit clueless now as to what car should i go for. Would really appreciate if you could share your opinions on a couple of them which i am currently considering.
I am a first time driver (25+), so really looking for a smallish car ( cheaper insurance etc )
1) http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2738620 €1,800 Year – 2001 Light Blue 99K miles

2)http://www.adverts.ie/car/ford/focus/ford-focus/1106300 €2,850 Year: 2002 Black : 64K miles

3)http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2739796 2,950 Year: 2002 Mileage: 53,000

Sorry about the long post, i just want to have some insight before i go on to get it.

Thanks a mil

L-M · 21-11-2011 11:35am

The pick of the crop for me there would be the 02, 1 lady owner.

http://www.adverts.ie/car/ford/focus/ford-focus/1106300

Looks like a good car.

But, go and view the car. Make sure it's been well minded, you're better having a car with 3 or 4 owners and a service history with it than 1 owner that didn't mind it.

I'd be hitting it with a low enough offer of around €2350-€2400 and expecting to buy it for not much more than that, less even if possible.

You're paying a premium for the fact that it's Zetec, but it's a better spec than standard and come resale it will be easier to sell.

Merry Prankster · 24-11-2011 10:55am

Hey everyone,

New to boards, first post, woo hoo! My car just died so I need a new one fairly quickly and very cheaply. Was wondering if anyone thinks this represents a sound purchase? Is the impending NCT expiration a deal breaker?

http://www.adverts.ie/car/peugeot/206/peugeot-206-excellent-car/1076540

Cheers for any help

L-M · 24-11-2011 11:38am

Merry Prankster wrote: »

Hey everyone,

New to boards, first post, woo hoo! My car just died so I need a new one fairly quickly and very cheaply. Was wondering if anyone thinks this represents a sound purchase? Is the impending NCT expiration a deal breaker?

http://www.adverts.ie/car/peugeot/206/peugeot-206-excellent-car/1076540

Cheers for any help

The NCT can be done on that from next month on (3 months in advance). So it's alot closer to home than you think. There are alot of 206's on the market at the moment, I'd look for something with a longer NCT.

Merry Prankster · 24-11-2011 12:16pm

Cheers Limerick Man, I've just put myself on my sister's insurance (only a single 25 euro fee!) so I've got a little time to wait for a better deal. Might run a couple by you in the future if that's ok?!

L-M · 24-11-2011 12:20pm

Merry Prankster wrote: »

Cheers Limerick Man, I've just put myself on my sister's insurance (only a single 25 euro fee!) so I've got a little time to wait for a better deal. Might run a couple by you in the future if that's ok?!

Bring em on

JeanLucPicard · 30-11-2011 12:26am

Hi Limerick Man

Can you give me your opinions on this car please?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/1.8Td-Gh/201131203689774/advert?channel=CARS

Is it worth the money they are looking for?

Thanks

L-M · 30-11-2011 12:32am

JeanLucPicard wrote: »

Hi Limerick Man

Can you give me your opinions on this car please?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/1.8Td-Gh/201131203689774/advert?channel=CARS

Is it worth the money they are looking for?

Thanks

No, I'd imagine a 09 Focus to be worth somewhere between 11,000-12.5k for a decent one. You could go in and test drive it, and see what kind of money it would be bought for. Are you trading something in?

JeanLucPicard · 30-11-2011 12:43am

Limerick man wrote: »

No, I'd imagine a 09 Focus to be worth somewhere between 11,000-12.5k for a decent one. You could go in and test drive it, and see what kind of money it would be bought for. Are you trading something in?

No trade. Straight cash.

Ive had a look at same car Ghia spec 2009 elsewhere and that price tag seems to be the going rate.

L-M · 30-11-2011 12:50am

JeanLucPicard wrote: »

No trade. Straight cash.

Ive had a look at same car Ghia spec 2009 elsewhere and that price tag seems to be the going rate.

If it's a Ghia you're after, then maybe so. The zetec model is what I would be basing my pricing on. Wouldn't be too keen on buying one with a towbar, but that's just me.

This seems a better deal, although I somehow doubt they still have it.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2645390

JeanLucPicard · 30-11-2011 12:54am

Limerick man wrote: »

If it's a Ghia you're after, then maybe so. The zetec model is what I would be basing my pricing on. Wouldn't be too keen on buying one with a towbar, but that's just me.

This seems a better deal, although I somehow doubt they still have it.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2645390

Thanks LM

I'll have a look see in the morning and let you know how I go.

L-M · 30-11-2011 1:00am

JeanLucPicard wrote: »

Thanks LM

I'll have a look see in the morning and let you know how I go.

Do, bargain hard but don't make it seem like it's the only one in the world or the money will hold tight.

Amtmann · 03-12-2011 6:59pm

Is this overpriced: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/Accent/GLS/413229274042020/advert?channel=CARS

What do you think of it in general?

L-M · 03-12-2011 7:31pm

Tremelo wrote: »

Is this overpriced: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/Accent/GLS/413229274042020/advert?channel=CARS

What do you think of it in general?

Very overpriced, they're fairly bulletproof. Buy one privately.

voojeq · 04-12-2011 6:57pm

i'd go for the sonata if it has to be hyuinday

barneygumble99 · 04-12-2011 7:03pm

my advice on buying a second hand car is to get a written warranty for at least a week and more if possible. impossible to check everything out in one go and u only get a proper feel for a car and what its like after driving it for a day or two and it gives you a chance to get your mechanic to look it over properly on a lift. never buy a car when its dark either and beware anyone who says they can only meet you at night time to show u their car.

L-M · 04-12-2011 7:17pm

barneygumble99 wrote: »

my advice on buying a second hand car is to get a written warranty for at least a week and more if possible. impossible to check everything out in one go and u only get a proper feel for a car and what its like after driving it for a day or two and it gives you a chance to get your mechanic to look it over properly on a lift. never buy a car when its dark either and beware anyone who says they can only meet you at night time to show u their car.

No one selling a car privately will give you a warranty!

Seweryn · 04-12-2011 7:33pm

barneygumble99 wrote: »

my advice on buying a second hand car is to get a written warranty for at least a week and more if possible.

I do not know any person, including myself who would give a written warranty on a second hand car sold privately.
Sold as seen, that's all. And if you need warranty, buy a car from a dealer

.

Buying a used car in Ireland guide

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