Buying a second-hand car can seem intimidating and stressful, especially if it is your first time. But it is the best way to enjoy affordable deals on your desired car.
There are many reasons why we want to buy a second-hand car. It might be because you want an upgrade to the model of your car or your old car is giving you problems, and then you want to change.
Many buy a second-hand car because they want an affordable option. A brand-new vehicle may hurt your wallet, and most times, they depreciate quickly. But you can still buy the same car as a second hand, and there is virtually no difference. You have a favourable difference, as you will get it at a lower price.
There are many buyers available in Ireland that offer a mouth-watering deal for quality and good second-hand cars. And especially in Ireland going for a second-hand option is your best bet at getting what you want and then also save.
But even though second-hand option offers a lot of excellent and affordable opportunities. People are often sceptical about buying them—the fear of deals that might be dubious and concern on the problem the second car might offer.
The primary purpose of this guide is to help you eradicate the fear you have concerning buying second-hand cars in Ireland. You might have people narrating the unfortunate events they encountered while purchasing second-hand cars.
Those sayings are right but do not allow them to restrict you from getting the car you desired at an affordable price as we will be providing tips on how to buy used cars, the necessary checks, and what you should do and avoid.
Tips for Buying Used Cars in Ireland
- The purpose of the car
It would be best if you considered the purpose for which you are buying the car, so you can ascertain the model you will buy. If you are planning on using the car for vacations with your family, then you might consider getting a vehicle with more space and not a smaller one.
Knowing what you want to buy will hasten the purchase process, and you won’t have to waste time at the dealer looking for what to buy
- Consider your budget, maintenance cost, and insurance
You love a Sports utility vehicle; it’s your dream car, and you want to get it. But you will have to consider whether you have a budget that can afford the vehicle. Beyond that, you need to find out whether you can cope with the maintenance cost.
And it would help if you also considered whether you have suitable insurance in place to cover your desired vehicle. Do you need to change your insurance cover or retain it? If you are buying your first car, what insurance cover should you use?
Ensure you get affordable car insurance in Ireland that you can quickly pay for; you can try using aa car insurance for second hand car to get a cheap quote on any cars regardless of the model and cost.
- Choosing a good dealer in Ireland
Before you start thinking about the checks to perform on a used car. The first thing you will have to consider is where to get that used car. Most times, people missed it from this step. Once you get it wrong here, then you might be left frustrated at the end of the day
Ireland has many dealers so it is imperative you carefully choose your dealer so your protection will be guaranteed. The right you have buying from a private seller will be different from the one you get while buying from corporate dealers.
And if possible, avoid the side of the road dealers, always ensure the dealer you are choosing is registered on SIMI (Society of Irish motor industry). Always clear your doubt concerning this, do not gamble, so you do not regret later.
Another reason you must choose a SIMI is that they are experienced, reputable in Ireland and would have performed necessary checks on the car. So, if you are not experienced with cars, then it will make things easier for you. Besides, you will have a good chance of efficiently resolving any problem you might encounter with the used car.
And please, go along with someone that has considerable knowledge about cars so that your dealer won’t take advantage of your ignorant.
- Check necessary documents and roadworthiness
Check all necessary documents, ensure they are up to date, and they are for the car. It would be unfortunate if you buy a used car with different documents. If you are buying from Ireland, then the car must have an NCT certificate, especially when the car is older than four years.
And if you are buying from the UK, then you must be provided with the VRC (Vehicle Registration certificate) for the car regardless of the seller. Additionally, do not forget to collect the sales receipt for the car.
Ensure the car is roadworthy enough to guarantee your safety on the road. Ask whether it has been involved in an accident before, if yes. Do not buy if the damage was much, it may look all shiny and new, but the colourful paint might be a cover-up.
And to check this properly, do not buy in a place where there is no much light. Darkness can cover up a lot of blemishes like rust and a lot of damages
- Go on a ride to Test the car
If the second-hand car meets all your requirement and you are ready to buy it, then you should test drive it. Because some issues are best detected while the engine is on, the ignition must be smooth. It must start instantly.
Check the steering wheel, every gear level, the reverse, and the brakes. Be cautious enough to notice if the car has any strange sound. Do not allow any dealer to compel you into buying any car.
In fact, it would be advisable to do necessary checks before talking deals with the seller on any car.
- Another comprehensive check
One look is not always enough; check again and again. Check the interior, light, open the bonnet and the trunk. Check the below of the car for damage or rust. The excitement of a new car may not allow you to look well. That is why you always go along with your mechanic.
Do not forget to check all this check before you complete the deal.
Conclusion
Other things you should check is the History of the car. Know the past mileage, whether it has been written off or if there is still on the car. With the above tips, you can buy a second hand car in Ireland and the UK with less hassle.
Follow the guidelines very well, and the buying process will turn out to be enjoyable, and you will never have to regret buying a used car.
