The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Second-Hand Car in Ireland

Ireland’s second-hand car market can be tricky to navigate, so it’s extremely important to know what to do when buying a second-hand car. 

There’s a lot to consider, and you want to arrive home safe in the knowledge that you got the best value deal available, and that your vehicle, though not brand new, is of the highest possible quality and standard. 

With that in mind, we'll guide you through the process of buying a used car, from setting a budget to negotiating the best deal.

 

Setting Your Budget

Arguably the biggest consideration when buying any product - and in this case, a notably expensive one - is how much you want to spend, and how much you can afford. 

Owning and operating a car in Ireland isn’t cheap. As of early 2024, motorists are spending an average of €220 per month on vehicle running costs. You can check out our comprehensive guide to running costs here.

Be advised, your budget will need to incorporate more than just the sticker price. You’ll also have to make allowances for the usual suspects - fuel, tax, and insurance. It’s also worth remembering that a second-hand car is often more expensive to insure and tax than a brand new one. 

 

Choosing the Right Car

The nature of the vehicle itself is likely at the top of your decision-making preferences, along with your specific driving needs. 

Consider the type of car that best suits your every-day life. Are you going to be travelling long distances on a regular basis? Do you have children? Are you likely to benefit from a bigger engine, or will a smaller one do the job?

Commuters, for instance, have an A to B issue to take care of, but the commute itself can differ depending on what part of the country you live and work in and the kind of traffic that comes with it. The type of car you choose can make all the difference there.

First-time drivers, meanwhile, should prioritise safety, affordability, reliability, fuel efficiency, and strong technology features. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the best options for new drivers. You can also browse the latest list of the best-selling cars in Ireland by type.

 

Where to Find Second-Hand Cars

The consumer has more choice than ever these days, and that can sometimes provide more headaches than solutions. 

When it comes to buying a second-hand car advice, we’d recommend taking your time to weigh up the different options in front of you, such as…

 

Dealerships

Very much a traditional tried-and-tested route, and potentially the safer and more reliable option overall. 

You may well wonder, ‘what are my rights when buying a used car?’, and it’s a very valid query. A dealership offers more legal protection than a private seller, and more transparency and accountability. 

A dealership is also almost guaranteed to boast a stronger reputation than a private seller, simply due to experience and the amount of cars that have come and gone from its lot. They should also provide you with a literal guarantee for your vehicle. 

A reputable dealer is law-bound to inform you about any history of damage to the car, and any recent work carried out on it. Furthermore, your purchase should include additional elements including a valid NCT. A dealer will also handle the paperwork side of things, and they may even offer finance options and/or a short-term warranty. 

On the flip side, all those extra benefits don’t come cheap. Going through a dealership will most likely incur a greater financial cost than looking elsewhere, so bear that in mind when it comes to your budget. And be sure that you feel comfortable with the dealer in question - do some research into their history and current standing. 

 

Private Sellers

Private buying and selling remains a popular avenue in the second-hand car market, whether in the form of newspaper advertisements, public notice boards, or the advent of social media. 

Buying a used vehicle from a private seller can be a quick and convenient method, and you may discover a fantastic deal in the process, but you need to be careful, too. 

For starters, you don’t have the same consumer rights as you do through a dealer. Unless you’re buying from a friend or a relative, you don’t know the person selling to you, so there’s no previous level of trust established. And even if you do have a good relationship with the buyer, you can’t guarantee easy fixes for possible problems that may arise down the line. 

Depending on the circumstances, there may not be any specific documents for buying a used car from a private seller. There can be a lot of ‘taking them at their word’ involved here. You may not know for certain if the seller completely owns the car outright, or if the vehicle is instead owned by a finance provider. 

One way to get around this problem is to carry out a history check on the car, which can provide accuracy when it comes to mileage, number of previous users, and if the vehicle has ever been written off. It’s a strong option, both for your own peace of mind, and for general mechanical checks when buying a used car. 

 

Online Marketplaces

Numerous online marketplaces are available in Ireland, with the likes of DoneDeal, Carzone, and Cars Ireland often seen as go-to destinations for buyers. 

Whatever online outlet takes your fancy, just remember to apply the same level of discretion and due diligence as you would with an on-the-ground dealership or private seller. 

It’s your money and your driving future, so do your homework and choose wisely. No matter who you decide to buy from, be sure to take a look at this checklist in advance, as set out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) of Ireland.

What to Look For When Buying a Used Car

Let’s get down to brass tacks and get under the hood, as it were. Let’s look just about everywhere while we’re at it, actually. 

It’s really up to you to be as forensic as possible here, should you wish to go that extra mile and ensure that the car is up to scratch - and preferably free of them. 

‘What should I check for when buying a used car?’, you ask. Plenty! Let’s go through our essentials checklist one-by-one. 

 

Exterior Checks

On the surface, what kind of condition is the vehicle in? Yes, the car is used, but you’re not going to shell out your hard-earned for a shabby-looking motor, and nor should you. 

Exterior-wise, start by inspecting the bodywork. Is there a fresh paint job? And if so, is it there to conceal rust or any other markings? Are there dents or other visible indications of cosmetic damage? Do the body panel colours match? 

Is the windshield safely intact and free of cracks? Are the headlights and directional lights fully-functioning and damage-free? Are the seams where the doors and bumpers meet correctly aligned? Does the engine hood open and close properly?

 

Interior Checks

Moving inside now, start with the locks, doors, windows, and the boot - do they also open and shut without any problems? Check onboard facilities like heating and air conditioning - are they in proper working order? Same goes for the stereo. 

On the lighting and indicator front, ensure that everything is running as it should be - headlights, hazard lights, indicators, and that no dashboard warning lights remain lit up when there’s no need for them to be. Check that all dashboard gauges are working, too. 

Ensure that seat belts are sturdy and connecting correctly, and that windshield wipers are functioning. Check that the car alarm is operational, and loud enough. 

 

Mechanical Checks

As illustrated above, it’s vital that you put a second-hand car through its paces in the form of a detailed mechanical check. 

You need to be 100% certain and left with zero doubt that your engine, brakes, steering, and suspension are functioning as good as a brand-new car. Test them out. If they’re not responding properly, then walk away. 

It might be worth speaking to a professional mechanic in advance and arranging for them to inspect the car. 

 

Mileage Considerations

The more mileage on a vehicle, the more susceptible to wear-and-tear it will be, not to mention the more costly and difficult to get taxed and insured. 

In Ireland, all licenced vehicles travel on average 15,854 kilometres per year, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for 2023. Anything notably north of that number - say 20,000 for example - may raise alarm bells, so keep this in mind when factoring in your selection. 

Be mindful of a seller looking to trip you up by tampering with the odometer - your vehicle history check will come in handy here; check it against the mileage readout you see on the car itself.

 

Documentation

Paperwork is paramount when acquiring a second-hand car. 

Start by asking for the car’s service book and the handbook or manual. If the car is four years old, ask for a National Car Test certificate. Ask for a service history book, too, especially if you haven’t carried out your own individual service history check. 

A written warranty should be provided by a dealer.

You and the seller need to sign forms to officially complete the transfer of ownership. As Citizens Information notes, there can be a few discrepancies here. 

• If the car is registered after 1 April 2004: A Vehicle Registration Certificate must be completed and sent to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
• If the car is registered between 1 January 1993 and 31 March 2004: A Vehicle Licencing Certificate must be completed and sent to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport 
• If the car is registered before 1 January 1993: An RF200 form must be completed and submitted to your local tax office, along with the vehicle’s log book

The online change of vehicle ownership government portal may be accessed here. 

Test Drive Checklist

Try before you buy, as they say. And what better way to make sure everything is running smoothly than to take the car out for a test drive? 

First things first - make sure that you are insured to get behind the wheel. A dealership may cover you via their own motor trade policy, but double check. If you’re not insured but don’t want to miss out on the opportunity, ask an insured and fully licensed family member or friend to complete it on your behalf. 

As for your own personal checklist, keep an eye on the following: 

• Is the clutch biting correctly?
• How is the acceleration?
• Does the vehicle turn around corners correctly?
• Are there any odd sounds or vibrations?
• Are the brakes responsive? 
• How much pressure is needed to apply the brakes?
• Is the transition between gears smooth?
• Are there any noticeable problems?
• Do the warning lights operate properly? 

 

Negotiating and Making an Offer

You’re ready to make a deal. But don’t rush in. Take your time and approach this carefully - you have a budget to think about, after all. Let’s explore some handy negotiating tips for buying a used car. 

 

Researching Prices

You’ll need to put some research groundwork in if you want to come away with a good deal. Don’t look to commit to anything right away - shop around first and get a sense of the average prices for cars within - or outside of, within reason - your budget range. 

This can admittedly be a little bit trickier when it comes to the second-hand market because it’s more difficult to compare across-the-board sticker prices on factory-fresh multi-manufactured vehicles, whereas you may find an incomparable needle in a haystack on your own quest for the best used car in the country. 

Visit dealerships, peruse personal ads, and study up on the online marketplaces, taking notes of the prices before you. Then apply the knowledge you’ve gleaned above to determine if the figure strikes you as fair and appropriate. 

 

Negotiating Tips for Buying a Used Car

Everybody wants the best deal, and you may have to haggle a little bit to get it. 

Don’t go in blind. Know exactly - or as close to as possible - what you’re looking for. Make. Model. Age. Specific features. Even the colour. Show that you’re someone who knows what they want and that you’re not here to mess around and waste anyone’s time, least of all your own. 

Be friendly but not overly familiar. Speak clearly and don’t lose your focus. This displays a projection of confidence from the outset, and increases your chances of talking the seller into lowering their desired sales price.

Speaking of, aim to be sharp and shrewd when it comes to revealing how much you want to spend. Be careful not to tip your hand and state your limit outright. Instead, go in with a minimum asking price in your head, somewhere between 5% and 15% lower than the price on offer. Have a maximum price, too, but not above the market value - be certain to have done your research on the car’s market value beforehand. In general, be realistic - an outrageously low offer is likely to be met with a terse dismissal, shifting the power dynamic in the wrong direction. 

As we’ve said, everybody wants the best deal here, and that very much includes the seller. Expect them to knock back your minimum asking price, and to try and push you over your desired ceiling. They’re trying to make money, after all. Between the two of you, it’s a delicate balance. 

Take the temperature of the conversation in these critical early stages and try to keep things cool, calm, and cordial as you seek a compromise that leaves both parties satisfied, but one that preferably sees you leaving in a comfortable financial position. 

 

Making an Offer

Finally, it’s time to put your cards on the table and make a concrete offer. Retain your poise and don’t stumble over your words when it comes to the crunch. Even if the response is negative, do your best to remain unshaken. 

Be careful when it comes to their first offer or counter-offer, also. Remember, this is a negotiation. Don’t feel under pressure to commit to a deal simply because you’ve taken up their time - they’re the ones who need to convince you, not the other way around. 

If you wish to proceed, keep your cool and look to arrive at an arrangement that you’re happy with. If not, don’t be afraid to say ‘no thanks’ and walk away - it may even prompt the seller to strike a more appealing bargain, though this is not a guarantee, of course.

 

What to do After You Buy a Second-Hand Car

The deal is done, the deed is signed… so, what next? 

 

Paperwork and Legal Requirements

As outlined above, there needs to be a legal transfer of ownership between both parties, and the car must be officially registered with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. 

Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) must also be paid via Revenue when you register your vehicle. Be advised - it is a criminal offence to drive an unregistered vehicle. Car insurance is a further legal requirement to drive in Ireland, so be sure to take care of all this essential admin before getting behind the wheel. 

 

Extended Warranties

On the matter of buying extended warranty on a used car, there are pros and cons to consider before proceeding. 

Pros

• Protection: A used car is more susceptible to wear-and-tear and unexpected repair issues than a brand new one (in theory, at least). Extended warranty can cover problems that may arise on this front. 
• Budget Forecast: Returning to your bottom line, extended warranty takes the pressure off the potentially expensive hit that comes with difficult damages.
• Resale Value: The presence of available extended warranty likely stood out as an attractive element to you when buying the car, as it will for others if and when you choose to sell the vehicle on.
• Peace of Mind: If something does go wrong, you know you’re covered.

 

Cons

• Expense: Extended warranties can prove quite costly, and you could end up never needing to avail of the coverage. It’s up to you to assess the potential benefits here, and if they do indeed justify opening your wallet. 
• Limitations: We used the phrase ‘wear-and-tear’ above but that in of itself can sometimes be adjudged to not fall under the umbrella of extended warranty coverage. Not all repairs are covered, so be sure to read the fine print. There may also be a ceiling on how much the warranty provider will pay out. 
• Restrictions: Some warranties may dictate where you can and cannot get your car serviced when in need of repair. This can box you in, both in terms of the standard of quality on offer, and the price that comes with it. 
• Transfer Problems: Not every warranty is transferable to a new owner. If yours isn’t, this could have a negative effect on your future resale value. 

 

You’re probably wondering exactly where to buy extended warranty for a used car. The manufacturer of the vehicle should offer one, and while it will likely be of high quality, the accompanying expense may also be significant. 

As we’ve noted already, a reputable dealer should provide you with a written warranty upon purchase for an annual fee, though be wary of them trying to upsell you in this regard. Third-party warranty companies also offer policies.

 

Ongoing Maintenance

It’s important to regularly service and stay on top of the maintenance of any car, but doubly so in the case of a second-hand vehicle. 

The car may appear in mint condition as you drive it to its new home, but the reality is there are likely thousands of miles on the clock, and other people have spent time treating it in whatever manner they chose to before you came along. 

Your history check will assist in filling in some blanks, but it can’t account for everything. Make sure to treat the car with great care. Inspect it regularly, keep it in good shape, and bring it to the attention of a mechanic at the first sign of any trouble. 

Your Rights When Buying a Used Car

And now for the incredibly important question - ‘what are my rights when buying a used car?’ 

In truth, it depends where you bought it from. If you buy the car from an officially licensed trader - a dealership, a garage, an online marketplace - then you will have similar consumer rights as you would when buying a brand-new car. 

However, if you choose to purchase the vehicle via a private seller or at auction, then you have fewer legal rights as a consequence. 

Ireland - and other EU countries - generally hosts strong consumer rights, though it’s worth reading up on them and how to approach problems with faulty goods and where you stand as a result. It’s also worth noting that new protections were introduced under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 - you can view that document here. 

 

Conclusion

We didn’t call it the ‘ultimate guide’ for nothing. There’s a lot to take in! Some key takeaways to focus on: 

• Do your research thoroughly
• Carefully plan your budget 
• Think about the exact type of second-hand car that best suits you
• Shop around - you have plenty of options
• Know what you’re looking for and inspect the vehicle accordingly
• Be clear and confident when ready to negotiate
• Sort out your admin quickly after making a deal
• Know your rights

 

And remember, car insurance isn’t just there for peace of mind, it’s a legal requirement. 

At AIG, we have a range of options designed to suit drivers of all experience levels, including tailor-made policies for young and first-time drivers and our unique telematics ‘black box’ insurance coverage.  

We’re confident we can help you with all your second-hand car insurance needs. Get a quote with us today.