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Tips for
buying used cars...
[back]
Buying used cars can sometimes appear to be a
risky business, especially if we're thinking about making a
private purchase. There are always the concerns over what happens
if something goes wrong, and what possible redress you may have.
Of course that's not to say that we always trust any garage or car
dealer that we may approach either.
Here are a few tips, things
to be aware of, whenever and wherever you may be buying a used
car.
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Always ask to see relevant
documentation. This should include service history,
vehicle registration and vehicle licensing certificates. If the
car is pre-1993, ask for the log book. |
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Confirm the year of the
vehicle - date of first registration. Confirm also how
long the seller has owned the car. There would be no concerns if
it's a number of years - if it's a couple of weeks, you may want
to ask why. Either they're trying to get rid of the car quickly
for some reason, or they may be be an unregistered dealer posing
as a private seller. |
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Confirm that the car is the
sellers to sell. If selling on behalf of someone else,
speak to that person. Ensure the car isn't on hire purchase or
lease - if it is, it isn't the sellers to sell. If necessary, ask
for proof of identity as well as relevant documentation. |
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Has the car been crashed?
A garage should tell you if a car has been crashed,
though an individual may not, or be hazy regarding details or
seriousness. You should check for telltale signs such as ripples
in the bodywork, paint blobs from respraying or slightly different
colour body panels. This shouldn't necessarily stop you purchasing
the car, as long are you are aware of the full circumstances.
Possibly have the car checked out by a professional to confirm. |
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Is the car a foreign import?
This again is not necessarily a reason not to purchase
the car. However, you should confirm that all liabilities such as
VRT and VAT have been paid upon importation to Ireland. Any
outstanding liabilities could fall to you as the future owner.
Ensure that the car has no "quirks" that may be explained away
because it is an import - such "quirks" may not comply with Irish
legislation and be liable to prosecution. |
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View the car at the sellers
residence - Do not buy from a car park, a petrol
station area or general public area (even if the seller says it's
for convenience) as it will be harder, if not impossible, to
contact the vendor if a problem arises. Be wary of
dealing with someone who is willing only to contacted through a
mobile number. |
Things to look out for when
examining a used car -
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Tyres - Are they
painted black to make them look better, or to cover up something? |
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Interior - Is
there a strong smell of air-freshner? Is this just good
house-keeping, or is it trying to cover up some other smell? |
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Body - Be aware
that if you're viewing the car in wet conditions, the rain may
make it look shinier, newer, and help to mask scratches. |
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Starting the Engine (i) -
Be aware that the car may have been warmed up prior to your
arrival to ensure a good start and minimum engine noise. |
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Starting the Engine (ii) -
Make sure the radio is off when starting the care - it may have
been left on to cover up any dodgy noises as the car starts. |
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Exhaust Pipe -
Check the exhaust pipe for any carbon deposits as this may give
evidence to a smoky engine. |
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Baby Seats - Have
been known to be added to cars to give the impression of them
being sedate family cars rather than hard driven boy-racer types. |
There are some more detailed items that you can check out when
purchasing a used car - click here to access the BBC Motoring -
Used Car - web site.
Consumer Protection when buying used cars
It is usually cheaper to buy a used car privately but you have
fewer legal rights.
The vehicle must still be 'as described' but
that's where your legal protection ends.
According to the Office of Director of Consumer
Affairs in Ireland, if the car was bought in a private sale
(i.e. not bought from a garage), but a problem arises with the car
and the seller refuses to do anything, the consumer may not be
entitled to anything under the Sale of Goods and Supply of
Services Act.
If the car was sold by another consumer (i.e.
privately, and not as part of a business), it is reasonable to
expect that the seller may not have been aware of, or, had the
expertise to recognise a potential fault. Though, for example, if
the seller says that the car recently passed the NCT when it
clearly wouldn't have passed, then the car is not "as described".
However, the consumer should be advised to
consult a Solicitor to explore other legal remedies. Bear in mind,
however, that there is always the practical difficulty of
obtaining awarded by the Courts from a private individual.
For further advice and example of situations that may arise when
buying a new car, please click here to access the Motoring Section
of the website of the Office of Director of Consumer Affairs.
Please read our Legal Disclaimer by
clicking here. |
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