There is no denying that the used car market in Ireland is both busy and tricky. After all, tens of thousands of cars are being sold every year. Plus, there is a steady stream of UK imports that add to the mix every year as well. Because of this, it has become easier than ever for buyers to get access to used cars for sales. And yet, there are buyers who don’t do their research and end up having more problems than what they actually bargained for.
Regardless of what use you are looking to fill for buying a used car, the universal rule is that you need to check a used car thoroughly before you commit to buying it. This way, you know exactly what you are getting into and avoid having to pay more for what the car is actually worth.
Start With the Paperwork, or the Lack of It
A used car that doesn’t have a clean paper trail just means that it has something to hide. So before you even ask for a test drive, make sure that you ask to see the Vehicle Registration Certificate or the logbook, along with the car’s NCT reports and full service history. If the seller you are buying from is not able to provide these documents or is being vague about them, then it’s not worth proceeding with the transaction.
It’s also important to make sure that you also pay attention to the seller of the car. Make sure that you always exercise caution when dealing with used car sellers to make sure that you won’t be forced into buying a car that you were not able to check thoroughly.
Run a History Check First
Unfortunately, not all buyers run a history check of the car that they are looking to buy. And yet, this is the move that most buyers regret not taking. This is because a proper car history check can reveal whether a vehicle has been written off in Ireland or the UK, has outstanding finance, or has mileage discrepancies recorded across its NCT and MOT history.
A car that has outstanding finance is a very serious problem. A car that’s still under a PCP or hire purchase agreement is still owned by the finance company. This means that the person who is selling the car to you might not have the legal right to do so. And trust us, this is not something you want to discover after you have already paid for the car.
You must also be wary of write-offs. This is because a lot of vehicles written off in Britain end up re-entering the market in Ireland without their history following them across. This has become a bigger problem ever since Brexit created wider gaps between the two jurisdictions.
The Test Drive Is Not Optional
Of course, a seller that won’t allow you to take the car for a test drive is a definite signal that you should not proceed with the deal at all. This is because there is no legitimate reason out there that would actually hold up in terms of preventing buyers from taking a car for a test drive. Most of the time, resistance means that there is a mechanical issue that the seller doesn’t want you to find out about.
When you are taking a used car for a test drive, make sure that you treat it seriously. Check everything that you can check and make sure that you drive at different speeds, brake firmly, and always listen for anything unusual. Make sure that you also spend a few minutes under the bonnet before you actually get into the car. Try to look for creamy residue around the oil filler cap because it is an indicator of a blown head gasket. You should also check the oil, coolant level, and make sure that you don’t neglect checking the hoses and rubber belts for obvious wear.
It’s also advisable to walk around the body panels as well. If you see uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint, or overspray on rubber seals, then you know for sure that the car has been in an accident before but has just been patched up and not properly repaired at all.
Mileage That Doesn’t Add Up
Low mileage on a car that looks worn out is a red flag. Clocking, winding back the odometer, is more common than most people realise, and more sophisticated than it used to be. According to figures from MotorCheck, around one in five vehicles they check has a mileage discrepancy of some kind.
Cross-referencing the odometer against NCT certificates and service records is a useful starting point, but a thorough vehicle history check that draws on multiple data sources gives you a much clearer picture. The CCPC advises Irish buyers to always check for outstanding finance and verify mileage records before committing to any purchase, noting that a car is one of the most significant financial decisions a consumer will make.
The Broader Picture
Consumer Reports recommends always planning a car inspection for daylight on a dry day, and bringing a mechanic if you’re not confident assessing the vehicle yourself. That second opinion is money well spent on a significant purchase.
The used car market rewards buyers who come prepared. A bit of time spent on checks before committing can be the difference between a sound purchase and a very expensive lesson.
