Car with 31 owners tops list as vehicle numbers set record

Report warns about risks of high ownership

THE majority of cars on our roads have between one and five owners, but an extraordinary new report reveals some have had as many as 31.

Alongside that revelation, the study highlights how the number of vehicles now on the road has reached record levels.

The data, from car-history company Cartell.ie, gives rare insight into the whole area of ownership.

As the accompanying table shows, buyers appear to have few problems being the 10th or even 17th owner.

Indeed, as many as 17,363 vehicles have had 10 owners or more, Cartell.ie estimates – and that excludes imports.

But the record breaker – with 31 owners – is the Honda Integra registered in Galway with a 1998 plate. It was imported from Japan in 2006.

In 150 months here, it has averaged an owner change every 147 days. One held it for a mere 14 days.

Right on its tail are two with 30 owners: a BMW 530 registered in 2004 and a

Lexus IS200 (1999).

There are 11 displaying 25 or more owners. The last time Cartell detailed researched like this (in 2015), the number with 25 or more was five. The car-history experts also reveal there are 145 vehicles with 17 owners and 82 with 18, while

128 have had 19 or more.

Cartell’s John Byrne says the number of previous owners can sometimes be overlooked by potential buyers as a less important data marker.

“But it’s an important part of the vehicle’s history. A higher number of owner changes can sometimes indicate hidden issues such as mechanical problems,” he adds. “Upkeep becomes an issue too as some owners are more particular than others about ensuring vehicles are serviced regularly.”

He said they are also regularly seeing more owner changes for cars taxed at higher rates – for obvious reasons.

Cartell.ie also reveals that the number of registered vehicles – all types – has hit 3.2 million for the first time. On July 30 last the figure was 3,204,161.

The report says the “unprecedented” numbers pose major questions for the road network and parking – especially in urban areas.

Mr Byrne adds: “The unprecedented size of the fleet will not come as a surprise to commuters who will have noticed increased congestion on our roads network and shortage of parking in urban areas.”

He forecasts major challenges around traffic flow, enforcement of parking, access to business etc as the economy continues to grow. “Residential zones will also have noticed overflow parking in urban areas as we accommodate a larger fleet than ever.” How many owners has your car had? Does it worry you? Let us know.