Selling a used car in Ireland guide

deegs · 16-02-2021 8:50am

User1998 wrote: »

Plenty of inspection crowds that come to your house and only take 30 minutes in your garden?

Ah ok... I thought he'd take it to a garage!

Sappy404 · 16-02-2021 5:55pm

Hi folks. I have a quick question about an unused car I want rid of.

I know if I transfer ownership that I'm no longer liable for any owed tax on the vehicle, but I'm thinking of going the scrappage route as it hasn't been driven in years and the battery is dead. I understand when scrapping a car the tax situation is different, and owed tax is due when declaring it off the road. But if I was to use a 'we buy any car' type service, or a local scrapyard, would I be the one scrapping it, or do they take ownership first (freeing me of tax liability) and then scrap it?

L-M · 16-02-2021 10:33pm

Sappy404 wrote: »

Hi folks. I have a quick question about an unused car I want rid of.

I know if I transfer ownership that I'm no longer liable for any owed tax on the vehicle, but I'm thinking of going the scrappage route as it hasn't been driven in years and the battery is dead. I understand when scrapping a car the tax situation is different, and owed tax is due when declaring it off the road. But if I was to use a 'we buy any car' type service, or a local scrapyard, would I be the one scrapping it, or do they take ownership first (freeing me of tax liability) and then scrap it?

You wouldn’t be liable for the tax if they do buy it or if they actually scrap the car. Use someone reputable and you’ll be fine.

The only instance the tax liability comes in is if someone tries to tax the car while you’re still the owner, and even at that they’d have to pay the arrears to tax it...

Long story short, don’t worry about it.

digiman · 17-02-2021 11:07am

Hey folks, if selling your car to a motor dealer? How is the logbook handled?

Dealer says that they will fill this in online themselves, he said they have a way to handle it that avoids another owner being put on the car.

Can anyone verify?

User1998 · 17-02-2021 11:12am

digiman wrote: »

Hey folks, if selling your car to a motor dealer? How is the logbook handled?

Dealer says that they will fill this in online themselves, he said they have a way to handle it that avoids another owner being put on the car.

Can anyone verify?

Yep that is true

Sappy404 · 17-02-2021 11:25am

L-M wrote: »

You wouldn’t be liable for the tax if they do buy it or if they actually scrap the car. Use someone reputable and you’ll be fine.

The only instance the tax liability comes in is if someone tries to tax the car while you’re still the owner, and even at that they’d have to pay the arrears to tax it...

Long story short, don’t worry about it.

I checked an FAQ and saw that if declaring a car off road I'm liable for tax owed. Is that not the case if scrapping the car?

ELM327 · 17-02-2021 11:28am

Sappy404 wrote: »

I checked an FAQ and saw that if declaring a car off road I'm liable for tax owed. Is that not the case if scrapping the car?

Nope. Just scrap away

Fyfe · 01-03-2021 10:43pm

Hi everyone, long time lurker but this is my first post, trying to sell my VW Golf and looking for some advice from the experts as to how I can improve my ad. It’s been up for over a week and so far have only received a couple of messages, no phone calls. I realise it’s probably a terrible time to be selling and the only reason I am now is because I am due my first baby soon and need something with more space for all the baby paraphernalia.

Mainly wondering am I asking too much for it? Also I may need to retake the photos as I see in the opening post the advice to take the photos next to a wall or fence, whereas you can see all the shabby old sheds in the background of mine!!!

Just realised I can’t post a URL because I’m a new user so if anyone has some time on their hands and would like to look at my ad and advise me I would really appreciate it!! It’s on Carzone, it’s the 2016 (161) Volkswagen Golf
2.0 Edition R Hatchback Diesel Manual for €15,000. If you search with filters there are 22 results and it’s near the bottom. Thanks!!

colm_mcm · 01-03-2021 10:58pm

This one?

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Golf/fpa/202102159099153?journey=Search

It’s a UK “Match” model.

I would suggest putting it on donedeal, as carzone is more for dealers.
It’s the cheapest 2.0 of that year for the mileage, but you’re competing with dealers who give warranty etc.

Car could be presented better in the pics, also as you say the backdrop isn’t great either. Description isn’t great either, could go with something like:
“Bought from Oliver Walsh Motors in October 2017, full service history from UK and Irish VW dealers”, Averaging 53mog - stuff like that. Get people to trust you.

At the moment it’s tiny amount if specific info and then a wall of crap at the bottom of the ad

ABS,Air conditioning,Body colour power door mirrors,heated with integrated indicator lights,Brake assist system,Centre armrest between front seats,Cruise control,Cup holders for front seats and rear seats,Driver and passenger seat: sports type,Electronic traction control,Front and rear electric windows with one-touch on two windows,Front and rear reading lights,Front fog lights,Halogen low beam halogen high beam headlights with complex surface lenses,Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror,Isofix preparation,Leather covered multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment,Performance: maximum speed 134 mph,216 km/h acceleration 8.6 seconds (0-100 km/h),Rear view mirror,Remote controlled remote boot/hatch/rear door release,Seat upholstery: cloth and cloth,Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls,Tinted glass,Windscreen wipers

List the important stuff, we don’t need to know that it has halogen high beam headlights with complex surface lenses.

Make a concise list:

2016 VW Golf Match Edition

2.0 TDI 150PS Bluemotion engine
6 speed gearbox
Cruise control
Front and rear parking sensors
Auto lights and wipers
Bluetooth audio streaming
Bluetooth phone
Front and rear electric windows
Remote locking (2 keys)
Factory fitted alarm with deadlocks
Front Assist (Forward collision warning)
Air conditioning
16 inch alloy wheels

Not sure if it has adaptive cruise control, reverse camera or satnav, if it does then list those too.

You’re up against the likes of these from dealers:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/vw-golf-2016-highline-2-0tdi-150-bhp/27036105

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagen-golf-2016-gt-tdi-14444-sale/26694576

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagen-golf-2016-pan-roof-low-milage-top-spec/26895654

Fyfe · 02-03-2021 10:52am

colm_mcm wrote: »

This one?

It’s a UK “Match” model.

I would suggest putting it on donedeal, as carzone is more for dealers.
It’s the cheapest 2.0 of that year for the mileage, but you’re competing with dealers who give warranty etc.

Car could be presented better in the pics, also as you say the backdrop isn’t great either. Description isn’t great either, could go with something like:
“Bought from Oliver Walsh Motors in October 2017, full service history from UK and Irish VW dealers”, Averaging 53mog - stuff like that. Get people to trust you.

At the moment it’s tiny amount if specific info and then a wall of crap at the bottom of the ad

List the important stuff, we don’t need to know that it has halogen high beam headlights with complex surface lenses.

Make a concise list:

2016 VW Golf Match Edition

2.0 TDI 150PS Bluemotion engine
6 speed gearbox
Cruise control
Front and rear parking sensors
Auto lights and wipers
Bluetooth audio streaming
Bluetooth phone
Front and rear electric windows
Remote locking (2 keys)
Factory fitted alarm with deadlocks
Front Assist (Forward collision warning)
Air conditioning
16 inch alloy wheels

Not sure if it has adaptive cruise control, reverse camera or satnav, if it does then list those too.

You’re up against the likes of these from dealers:

That’s the one, yeah I do have it on Donedeal as well, and adverts.ie and Facebook Marketplace but the ads are all the same so I’ll change them all.

I bought it from Charles Hurst in Belfast but just got the licence plates in Oliver Walshes, hope that doesn’t matter! I priced it lower than the others because of the lack of a warranty alright.

That’s great advice anyway, loads to work with so thanks a mil, much appreciated!! Will get editing now!

colm_mcm · 02-03-2021 11:01am

Plates aren’t a big deal- I’m just giving an example of the detail that you could put in to add some credibility. The fact that you bought it from a reputable outfit is a big plus. If you got a history check done back then, mention that too. Show that you were fussy about the car you bought.

I think you probably need to knock a bit off your asking price still, but in the meantime try and get the car properly clean. Take at least 8 exterior pictures
Ideally you’d cover all angles of the car, think of a compass covering north, north east, east, south east etc.

Get a few of the interior too showing the dash etc.

Greenlights16 · 02-03-2021 11:37pm

First time selling a car in Ireland, DoneDeal - 16 saves of my car and 393 views in 3 days since Sunday and not one message. How strange! Or maybe saving means nothing.

Must be a bad time with level 5 lockdown,

bazz26 · 03-03-2021 12:50am

Not really. Donedeal is always full of window shoppers. Lockdown certainly plays a part in it too as it narrows down your options. If the advert is only up 3 days then you need to patient, it can take time to sell a car.

Greenlights16 · 03-03-2021 12:53am

Yeah I’m reluctant to go near Facebook marketplace, and have ruled out adverts.ie completely. Seems like either a wasteland on there or absolute numpties starting a silly offer thread under your ad

bazz26 · 03-03-2021 12:57am

All these places are full of time wasters with no money or no intention of buying. With the lockdown they have even more time than before to be browsing cars and sending text messages asking you what's your bottom price without even seeing the car first. Welcome to dealing with the general public, unfortunately it comes with the territory of selling stuff.

nsnoefc1878 · 15-03-2021 2:57pm

bazz26 wrote: »

All these places are full of time wasters with no money or no intention of buying. With the lockdown they have even more time than before to be browsing cars and sending text messages asking you what's your bottom price without even seeing the car first. Welcome to dealing with the general public, unfortunately it comes with the territory of selling stuff.

You're not wrong, I've sold a few things on facebook and adverts, but you've to be willing to take a lot of darkness before the dawn arrives.
I'd be more inclined to sell on those platforms than to buy, especially so with facebook.

Greenlights16 · 15-03-2021 3:52pm

Partner selling her car this week and buyer is picking up Wednesday - sum is €5K euros.

If in cash - is best practice to tell them to meet you at your local AIB branch etc and lodge cash immediately before car is taken away?

If bank transfer - should she request that they bank transfer the funds tomorrow so that they’re in her account by Wednesday when they come to collect?

She doesn’t know which they’re doing yet but thinks it will be cash based on conversation when the person bought and viewed it last week

nsnoefc1878 · 15-03-2021 4:18pm

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Partner selling her car this week and buyer is picking up Wednesday - sum is €5K euros.

If in cash - is best practice to tell them to meet you at your local AIB branch etc and lodge cash immediately before car is taken away?

If bank transfer - should she request that they bank transfer the funds tomorrow so that they’re in her account by Wednesday when they come to collect?

She doesn’t know which they’re doing yet but thinks it will be cash based on conversation when the person bought and viewed it last week

I'd be finding out how they are paying asap.
I prefer cash, make sure to do it somewhere safe, and arrange to have it checked before the deal is done. A bank would be the best place for that.

colm_mcm · 15-03-2021 4:20pm

I’d rather get it on Revolut than be taking cash or going to a bank tbh.

Greenlights16 · 16-03-2021 9:58am

Thanks

grogi · 16-03-2021 10:02am

colm_mcm wrote: »

I’d rather get it on Revolut than be taking cash or going to a bank tbh.

Yep. Instant payment or it is the buyer that deposes to my account.

I don't want to touch cash at all.

Greenlights16 · 18-03-2021 6:50pm

Seller confirmed they’re giving cash at weekend, lad is getting it out from credit union. She asked for Revolut and they said they’d no problem but cash was already arranged from CU.

When you say buyer deposits to your account - is it unreasonable to ask them to go straight to your local bank branch tomorrow with the cash first?

If She were to let them come ahead , hand over the cash and then go and deposit after, have you a leg to stand on if there was an issue with cash?

grogi · 18-03-2021 7:51pm

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Seller confirmed they’re giving cash at weekend, lad is getting it out from credit union. She asked for Revolut and they said they’d no problem but cash was already arranged from CU.

When you say buyer deposits to your account - is it unreasonable to ask them to go straight to your local bank branch tomorrow with the cash first?

If She were to let them come ahead , hand over the cash and then go and deposit after, have you a leg to stand on if there was an issue with cash?

Trying to depose forged cash is felony. Answer yourself who do you want to be doing it?

Greenlights16 · 18-03-2021 8:05pm

Good point cheers for reply

18-03-2021 8:13pm

I will never buy car from seller who has answer I dont know.
I will never buy car from person who telling that timing belt just done
I will never buy car from person who telling car is perfect condition.Nobody will sell car in perfect condion.
I will never even look at car with No price in advert.
I will never overpay for car with 3 months warranty because from my own experience is lie

I will buy car from person who will tell me that timing belt kit needs to be done or clutch giving problem.Also will tell me about every problem with car.That will help me calculate additional expences.
I will buy car after NCT only
Otherwise please dont try sell old car as perfect at your dream price.Because I will simply buy cheapest at the market and will ad saved money to timing belt kit,new clutch and will get car for same price as you dreaming about to get for yours answering me I dont know.

grogi · 18-03-2021 8:17pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I will never buy car /.../.

Readers digest

On a serious note: you're the minority. People want to buy illusions, not reality. They want to feel they are getting a steal.

On a completely different note, all my car's were is excellent condition when I was selling them. Selling a car isn't always about getting rid of the scrap: I get bored or circumstances change sometimes.

18-03-2021 8:18pm

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Partner selling her car this week and buyer is picking up Wednesday - sum is €5K euros.

If in cash - is best practice to tell them to meet you at your local AIB branch etc and lodge cash immediately before car is taken away?

If bank transfer - should she request that they bank transfer the funds tomorrow so that they’re in her account by Wednesday when they come to collect?

She doesn’t know which they’re doing yet but thinks it will be cash based on conversation when the person bought and viewed it last week

5K in cash is not big money.I could pay cash to seller no problem and I will not pay any other way unless I will drive to the bank with car I bought ,2 keys and log book in hands.

18-03-2021 8:31pm

grogi wrote: »

Readers digest

On a serious note: you're the minority. People want to buy illusions, not reality. They want to feel they are getting a steal.

On a completely different note, all my car's were is excellent condition when I was selling them. Selling a car isn't always about getting rid of the scrap: I get bored or circumstances change sometimes.

People like you make world better.Looking for MPV type car,let me know please when you will have one for sale.Thank you

I am agree about people who love buy car listening seller not the car.

grogi · 18-03-2021 9:00pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

People like you make world better.Looking for MPV type car,let me know please when you will have one for sale.Thank you

I am agree about people who love buy car listening seller not the car.

Have a C4 Grand Picasso... Im bored with it immensely, but wife loves it...

21-03-2021 8:48pm

bazz26 wrote: »

All these places are full of time wasters with no money or no intention of buying. With the lockdown they have even more time than before to be browsing cars and sending text messages asking you what's your bottom price without even seeing the car first. Welcome to dealing with the general public, unfortunately it comes with the territory of selling stuff.

There is plenty arrogant dealers which hardly move them arses trying understand that the harder they work the more money they get and the less they answer the less interest buyer has
I found motor from one as they call Independent Dealer on donedeal toady
Nothing fancy and straight forward deal.
I rung to dealer ,he did not answer his phone what is normal for Sunday
I sent message were I told that I would like go forward if delivery will be organized due with 5 km Covid rule
I said I am happy about what I getting for my money,did not asking him about timing belts/tyres/ because all what was needed for me is properly running car for that kind of money
I described my interest clearly and I said I am happy pay asked price plus 160 delivery charge which I accepted also

The guy said he is not gonna deliver until money paid to him .He is not even gona deliver if I will pay him 160 euros before car will be brought down for viewing.
From my side having experience with dodgy dealerships before I am not gona pay money to unknown person for car which I did not see
At the moment dealer play smart and treat me as time waster when I am at same time looking for another car from another dealer

The price of the deal 3K which can be paid by cash no problem

I hope recession coming will change thinking of some sellers
For example there was about 75K cars 2 months ago on Donedeal
Now about 81 K ! And prices started falling already

Selling a used car in Ireland guide

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