Buying a used car in Ireland guide

Lollipops23

Hi all,
looking to get a car in the next few weeks hopefully. Am hoping to get something for around €2500, 2002+ and with around 6months until NCT. Is this realistic? Not concerned about doors/size/colour etc

L-M

Lollipops23 wrote: »

Hi all,
looking to get a car in the next few weeks hopefully. Am hoping to get something for around €2500, 2002+ and with around 6months until NCT. Is this realistic? Not concerned about doors/size/colour etc

Very realistic, car dependent

L-M

murphy.engine wrote: »

if you are interested, take a look at this thread

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056198864

That is this thread...

TestTransmission

Limerick man wrote: »

That is this thread...

He's a re-reg and not a very smart one at that.

testicle

crisco10 wrote: »

Hey,

Looking at getting a medium sized car. Astra caught my eye because they are reasonably priced and not too boring to drive.

If i was looking at the car, what should I look out for (i know timing belt is one)?

Was looking at these:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/As...t?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/As...t?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/As...t?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/As...t?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/As...t?channel=CARS

These any use? I really won't be doing massive milage, commuting sometimes but mainly weekend driving. Do a bit of sports so need the space in the car.

None of those links work.

crisco10

testicle wrote: »

None of those links work.

lol. they did the other day well at least i think they did! got sorted anyways. cheers.

alicante2011

Hello Guys !!!

Need some advice. I found nice Opel Corsa on DoneDeal.ie
I wanted to do small web check and I relized that all reg where blanked. Reg was blanket even on photos of NCT and Motor Tax disc. I.m wondering why would somebody do that

link: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3108289?cid=3108289&

thanks for any info

the GALL

Hey Guys
I'm looking at this car and would like any pointers or tips maybe a couple of you petrol heads could point me in the right direction.
Much appreciated and I mean that
Cheers, The Gall.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3023301

Esel

alicante2011 wrote: »

Hello Guys !!!

Need some advice. I found nice Opel Corsa on DoneDeal.ie
I wanted to do small web check and I relized that all reg where blanked. Reg was blanket even on photos of NCT and Motor Tax disc. I.m wondering why would somebody do that

link: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3108289?cid=3108289&

thanks for any info

Some people mask the reg when selling a relatively new car, possibly because they are afraid that a scammer will clone their ad. Others probably do it for privacy reasons.

Just ring the seller and ask for the reg. If they ask why you want it, tell them - its a valid reason.

Esel

the GALL wrote: »

Hey Guys
I'm looking at this car and would like any pointers or tips maybe a couple of you petrol heads could point me in the right direction.
Much appreciated and I mean that
Cheers, The Gall.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3023301

Does anyone else think the price is too high? The Revenue VRT Calculator (use Search by Vehicle Type) is giving the OMSP as just under €1450 (assuming its the TSI 125bhp Comfortline...)

Also, have a read of Honest John's review, if you haven't already done so.

L-M

Tsi is the turbo model which didnt come in until the mk5.

I wouldnt call it dear, genuine Golfs are hard to find and that looks like one, wont last long id say.

Esel

75bhp Comfort coming in at same OMSP.

Not surprised that they might command a premium over a probably better car from a different marque. There are a lot of uninformed (i.e. with outdated, received opinions) punters out there.

L-M

Esel wrote: »

75bhp Comfort coming in at same OMSP.

Still...

Esel

Limerick man wrote: »

Still...

If you're saying it will still command a higher price than it deserves, I agree.

the GALL

Cheers for the advice guys

I had my mechanic look at it today, there's rust on the brake discs some body rust (bottom of driver door) the front left quarter was replaced the bonnet was replaced, so im guessing it was in a crash/ding. He moved his price to €1750 but as my mechanic was saying don't pay over €1600. So I guess I'll Keep looking,
Thanks Guys
The Gall

L-M

Try get it for €1,650 or €1,700. Sounds like a good car if that's all that's "wrong"

oregano

the GALL wrote: »

Cheers for the advice guys

I had my mechanic look at it today, there's rust on the brake discs some body rust (bottom of driver door) the front left quarter was replaced the bonnet was replaced, so im guessing it was in a crash/ding. He moved his price to €1750 but as my mechanic was saying don't pay over €1600. So I guess I'll Keep looking,
Thanks Guys
The Gall

Remember that mechanics don't set the prices of cars, but that supply and demand do. Most likely, you will spend the difference of 150 in fuel and time looking at the next car, and the next, and the next.

bobbie3

.

getcover

Probably silly questions, but here goes anyway!
I'm looking at a few cars in Dublin, all from dealers advertising on Carzone.

1. Is it better to buy from a dealer than a private seller - Is there anymore of a guarantee that you are getting a good car, or are they as likely to lie about a car? (Not saying any dealer is a liar, just want to know if the buyer has a little more "protection" when dealer with a dealer)

2. When a dealer puts something like "car in excellent condition" are they promising that the car is in perfectly good order - can they be held liable for anything if it turns out they were not telling the whole truth?

3. When you enter in the reg in Motorcheck, and it says "31 Additional Records found" is the number of records a good/bad indicator? for instance, I am looking at a car and it says on the ad that it has had one owner. But I've checked my own car, (5 owners) and it only has 23 records. Does more records indicate anything really?

Thanks a lot

Our man in Havana

The number of records means nothing really. Mine used to always say 31 additional records.

i71jskz5xu42pb

Hi,

Looking to replace my current car. I don't drive much, some Dublin city very occasionally, trips down the country even more occasionally. More for the convenience of having one that any serious mileage. Really looking for something reliable (could do without the hassle of trips to the garage), as new as I can get for around the €10k mark.

Came across this:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mitsubishi/Lancer/1.5CC-IN/5213294100986610/advert?channel=CARS

Anybody any views on the Lancer? Any other car models you think I should be looking at? Focus, Corolla, Jetta or Mazda 3 seem to be the ones flagged as similar?

Separate question - I have a 1.4 3rd 98 Golf (the older model from that year) that I'll be getting rid of. Failed last NCT due to rust, given the cost to fix that and the value of the car I don't see the point. Runs perfectly, pretty much always has. Will a garage take a car like this as a trade in? What are my other options?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Our man in Havana

What kind of rust?

i71jskz5xu42pb

Our man in Havana wrote: »

What kind of rust?

There are different kinds of rust?

A few bits and pieces around the car but main bit is near the door footstep - Garage thought they would need to cut it out and re-weld in another part.

L-M

Here's how you do it.

You do the deal as if it were a straight deal, bargain hard etc. then and the very end say "Oh, and you'll take that old Golf off me too?"

Without an NCT a rusty Mk3 Golf is worth nothing. Unless you want to scrap it but then you've to pay for the taxi home.

lauras91

Hello (again)
posted here a few weeks ago and looking at another car now.. Just want to know your opinions on this, reliability, mileage etc on this wee clio...
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3057182
Good price imo as he's looking for nearest offer?
Thanks in advance!!

L-M

lauras91 wrote: »

Hello (again)
posted here a few weeks ago and looking at another car now.. Just want to know your opinions on this, reliability, mileage etc on this wee clio...
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3057182
Good price imo as he's looking for nearest offer?
Thanks in advance!!

if the timing belt is done go for it. Anything that goes wrong with them is very easy fix.

Simple thing like when you press the break light and the the foglight or any other light comes on it's just a bad connection, the speedo not working is another simple cheap fix. Even if the engine blew up you'd get a new one fitted and all for under 400 euro.

Just make sure all the buttons work and bargain likewise.

lauras91

Thanks, Limerick Man, you really seem to know your stuff. Hate people who know nothing instantly telling me I'm mad coz its a renault with high mileage, but then again I'm no expert!
Thanks again, also will be keeping your original post in mind!

L-M

lauras91 wrote: »

Thanks, Limerick Man, you really seem to know your stuff. Hate people who know nothing instantly telling me I'm mad coz its a renault with high mileage, but then again I'm no expert!
Thanks again, also will be keeping your original post in mind!

High mileage. it's ten years old at 13,000 miles a year. Low mileage cars tend to be worse off, they don't get as much maintenance. My sister had a 10 year old Punto that she bought new, in the end it had 44,000 miles on it and a one lady owner from new. i'd say it had seen four services in it's life, was an absolute pile. But sure enough come sale time, a quick valet and everyone in the country wanted this low mileage, "well minded" car.

Same thing a friend has a 99 Puma with 39,000 miles on it and the gearbox went, literally, from too little use.

Now, all that said you still have to be careful. Make sure the timing belt kit was done. Tyres etc. are cheap enough and so are service kits. Make sure the gearbox is fine, make sure it takes to every gear going up and down no problem. Then, driving at about 35mph, put it in 4th and floor it. Keep the pedal down and it should build up speed slowly and the revs shouldn't quickly jump up (this could indicate a clutch problem.)

Then dip the oil, take it out and wipe it, dip it again and see if there's any cream coloured oil. At the same time open the coolant bottle, there shouldn't be any creamy/oily residue in there. it should be nice clean (ish) coolant.

Most other bits you'll find a Guide online how to fix, if you're any good with cars yourself or know a lad good with a spanner, little amount of tools will take you a long way with a Clio.

lauras91

Dads fairly handy with cars, he's always had VWs tho so he's sceptical about renaults or any other make thats not VW, toyota or ford for that matter! How can I know for sure if the timing belt has been done?

L-M

lauras91 wrote: »

Dads fairly handy with cars, he's always had VWs tho so he's sceptical about renaults or any other make thats not VW, toyota or ford for that matter! How can I know for sure if the timing belt has been done?

Should be written on the engine somewhere, or stamped in the book. That's never a full sure way of telling to be honest, and they have a metal cover over the belt so it's a bit of a pain to look at.

Your Dad sounds like my own. As an example though, i wouldn't touch a Golf of the same age with the same extras at the same year and mileage, guaranteed heartbreaker