Buying a UK reg car from Irish dealer

Duvetdays

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice if possible.
I'm going to view a car which turns out is a UK reg car not yet switched over. It's not out of a large dealer it's out of one of the more back street dealers. If I like the car and am interested is there anything I should be wary of or pay extra attention to other than the usual cartell report? I'll make sure it get registered here and nct etc but still a bit unsure what questions etc to ask?

bazz26

You ask the same sort of questions and do the same sort of background checks that you would do with an Irish car. The only difference is that there is probably more transparent information available on UK cars.

- Documented and verified service history (ring the garages that serviced it).
- Run the reg through the MOT check website - https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
- V5 documents - this is the UK version of the log book, check the reg and VIN match that on the car.
- Detailed history report which should include insurance write off history
- Research the dealer here selling it - sometimes a dealer with a bad reputation can give you a good idea of what sort of cars they deal in.
- Bring a mechanic to inspect the car.

Duvetdays

Thanks Bazz, that's great advise. solocheck is telling me they're in business 20years but can't find anything on the garage on here or Google.

colm_mcm

Who's the garage?

Mintoe

Duvetdays wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice if possible.
I'm going to view a car which turns out is a UK reg car not yet switched over. It's not out of a large dealer it's out of one of the more back street dealers. If I like the car and am interested is there anything I should be wary of or pay extra attention to other than the usual cartell report? I'll make sure it get registered here and nct etc but still a bit unsure what questions etc to ask?

A mate of mine in the motor trade now uses motorcheck after getting caught with a car that the cartell report showed clear but it was actually clocked and he says motorcheck shows more info on the reports. Private message me the reg and I'll see if he can find anything out for you. If you like I can ask him if he knows anything about the dealer selling it?

goochy

Just tell us who the dealer is?

Duvetdays

colm_mcm wrote: »

Who's the garage?

It's auto point cars in walkinstown. I can't really find anything on them good or bad. The car is a 2012 focus petrol titanium. The reason I'm interested in this is that it's a petrol which is really important and a titanium there's not many of these around especially in my price range.

http://m.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1553460&r=s.php%3Fm%3D26%26o%3D253%26f%3D1%26yx%3D2012%26yn%3D2012%26g%3D0

goochy

Never heard of them can't see how they are 20 years in business . Get it checked by mechanic and don't put any faith in the warranty offered

colm_mcm

Duvetdays

Thanks colm, I found that but that's about all I can find. It must be a good sign 30years in business. Going to take look at car today.

colm_mcm

Get the uk reg and do checks based on that if you like the car.

Also, bear in mind the 1.0 ecoboost is a relatively complicated petrol engine, which Irish mechanics will have little experience of.

goochy

It could prove hard to sell in future . When people see 1 litre focus .
I would ring the dealer in UK to check service history. I would be very familiar with used car dealers and am from dublin and have never heard of this place . Maybe he was fixing cars and decided to get into importing them ? Is someone giving him the cars to sell using the respectable front of 20 yrs in business to give peace of mind ?

grogi

goochy wrote: »

It could prove hard to sell in future . When people see 1 litre focus .

Golf 1.2 sells, why 1.0 Focus will not?

It is still a petrol, so outside of interest of typical Joe anyway... But there is target for those great cars.

punisher5112

I believe the dealer had family in the business something to do with gm/opel

brembo26

Is it not against the law for a dealer too sell a uk registered car to a customer without first registering it in this country?? c

punisher5112

brembo26 wrote: »

Is it not against the law for a dealer too sell a uk registered car to a customer without first registering it in this country?? c

No they can wait till car is sold. And vrt then if they wish.

goochy

The problem is only car people know the 1 litre is any good . Most people will see 1 litre in a focus and be put off . If the op is going to keep car for long time it won't mater reselling

bazz26

brembo26 wrote: »

Is it not against the law for a dealer too sell a uk registered car to a customer without first registering it in this country?? c

That only applies to private Irish residence.

Dealers are allowed to hold foreign registered cars on their property until they are sold, they are then required to VRT the car as part of the sale and register it to the county of the new owner's address.

Duvetdays

Hi op here, I've bought the car.
It's in good condition alloys and body work etc nice and clean inside. The mileage matches the mileage registered in mot and all came back good with cartell report. It needs to be vrt and nct before I collect next week. Its six speed 125 bhp was surprised that it was quick enough. I plan on keeping this for 6/7years if all goes to plan.

I currently drive a 2000 Laguna and I know everybody hates Renault but it's served me well for 10years with no real trouble but with age and cost of tax and insurance it's time to get rid.
Many thanks for all the good advice I've gotten here.

punisher5112

Duvetdays wrote: »

Hi op here, I've bought the car.
It's in good condition alloys and body work etc nice and clean inside. The mileage matches the mileage registered in mot and all came back good with cartell report. It needs to be vrt and nct before I collect next week. Its six speed 125 bhp was surprised that it was quick enough. I plan on keeping this for 6/7years if all goes to plan.

I currently drive a 2000 Laguna and I know everybody hates Renault but it's served me well for 10years with no real trouble but with age and cost of tax and insurance it's time to get rid.
Many thanks for all the good advice I've gotten here.

Best of luck with it.