Second hand car - gaps in motor tax

hurricane147

I am looking to buy a second hand car. The motorcheck report shows that there where periods where the car wasn't taxed (April 2005 to October 2008 and January 2013 to October 2016). Am I correct in saying that I would only be liable for tax from the date of purchase and not for arrears?
Thank you.

SmartinMartin

You won't incur any arrears, you are only liable from the date of purchase.

grogi

SmartinMartin wrote: »

You won't incur any arrears, you are only liable from the date of purchase.

From the first day of the month of purchase to be precise.

James Bond Junior

If it was me I would have serious concerns as to why it wasn't taxed for so long. Was it off the road? If the owners weren't taxing it were they spending money on maintaining it? What kind of car is it?

Gravelly

You are not liable for any arrears, but I would question the gaps - if the owner couldn't afford to tax it, it is extremely unlikely they maintained it properly. Could be an innocent explanation (working abroad etc.) but no harm to ask. Things that put up red flags for me include untaxed periods, 4 different brands of tyre, small repairs (stone chips etc.) unrepaired, etc, as it speaks of a car that was either maintained on a shoestring or not maintained at all.

hurricane147

Thanks for the replies. It's a 2001 Corolla. The current owner is the fourth and has had it for a year. I will get a mechanic to check it out anyway.

Gravelly

hurricane147 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. It's a 2001 Corolla. The current owner is the fourth and has had it for a year. I will get a mechanic to check it out anyway.

To be honest, for a car that's probably worth €300-€750 I wouldn't worry about it too much. If it's survived this long, any missed maintenance probably isn't going to make a lot of difference.