Research cars in advance and shop locally for the best deal
FOR people looking to purchase a new or a used car, the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) says the best advice is to do your research in advance and to shop locally for the best deal.
Whether considering buying an Irish-sourced or an imported used car, there are benefits in buying locally from an SIMI dealer.
The majority of used cars are actually imported by Irish car dealers for their customers rather than by private buyers travelling to the UK. Your local SIMI dealer will have done the checks on the car for you in advance, and will stand over what they sell, and in the event of any potential issues arising after you buy, these can be resolved locally, rather than having to travel to obtain a satisfactory solution.
The SIMI says it can’t emphasis enough the importance the importance of doing your research when buying a car particularly a second-hand car you need to be well informed as you are not the original owner.
Buying a car from a dealer means as a consumer you will be covered by consumer protection laws while if you buy privately you are not buying from a business and are therefore not afforded the same protection (i.e. in the event of something going wrong you will have no comeback so it is a case of buyer beware.)
There are plenty of retailers with a variety of generous offers available. Many consumers are now doing their own online research before visiting a dealership.
The SIMI’s own used car website www.beepbeep.ie displays cars from our members all of which have been car history checked providing the consumers with piece of mind. Consumers should conduct their own Car History Check and/or a Financial Check on one of the specialist websites who offer this service (if the dealer does not provide same).
All SIMI members will be more than happy to speak with potential car buyers to discuss the range of cars and types packages they have available in their new and used car stocks.
When you find the car you are looking for, you should ask the dealer for the service history of the vehicle if it’s a used car and determine the type of warranty which is available with the car. The length of warranty, on a new vehicle is generally determined by the manufacture while a used car can be negotiated at the time of the sale.
Many newer cars come with features such as parking sensors, reversing cameras, heated seats, sat navs, air conditioning, blue tooth, and cruise control to name just a few. The majority of newer cars are listed in the A and B category for CO2 levels meaning their road tax is greatly reduced, and they are more environmental friendly and economical to drive in comparison to older models.
Buying a car is the second biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, so it’s important that you are well informed and happy with your end choice.
There are many different fuel types (petrol, diesel, conventional or plug-in hybrid or fully electric), and all offer different benefits and different characteristics, such as fuel consumption, emissions etc. Your choice of engine and fuel type should, ideally, take account of where you live, the mileage that you drive and of course the environmental and cost benefits.
Buying a new or second-hand car is an exciting experience for car buyers and if you do your research prior to purchase you can make it a smooth process where you will have confidence that you have made the right decision for you.
- Do your research and shop around for the best deal.
- Find out as much as you can about the company you are purchasing the car from. Are they an established trader with a good reputation? Member of a trade association such as the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI)?
- If purchasing a used car ask about the history of the car, (number of previous owners) many dealers will provide a car history check report. The service history will show if the car has been well maintained.
- Make a list of the items that you feel are important in the car of your choice, be practical as to what your needs are.
- Decide on your budget and what the cost to change will be.
- Depending on your travel requirements, the amount of mileage you will be doing. Will it be mainly urban or rural driving as this may determine your choice of car by fuel type, fuel economy and engine size.
- Do have a checklist, of physical checks for both inside and outside of the car. Look for wear and tear on the tyres, wheel arches, are all lights work properly, seat belts, seats easy to adjust, wipers working, check the oil, any signs of leaks etc.
- If purchasing a second-hand car it is strongly advised that you get a mechanic, an auto engineer or a person with some mechanical background to inspect the car, as they will give their independent expert advice.