It pays to do your homework
Whether buying a new or used car, do some research before you buy, advises Brian Farrell
WITH the 172 new car registration, many are contemplating changing cars. Whether buying new or used, there are certain factors you must consider.
When it comes to safety, you should examine closely information regarding the performance of individual car models provided by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) for a realistic and independent measurement of the safety of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.
While not everybody will be in the market for a new car, looking at the Euro NCAP safety ratings is still recommended for those purchasing second-hand.
What else should you be looking out for if buying a used car? Well, the first thing you absolutely must do is get it independently checked by a mechanic. It is also a good idea to do a comprehensive background check. This may uncover details the buyer is deliberately trying to hide, such as whether or not the vehicle was ever written-off or involved in a crash, the true mileage of the vehicle or if there is outstanding finance on the vehicle. Companies such as www.cartell.ie, www.motorcheck.ie or www.mywheels.ie will provide a comprehensive history check for a fee.
When buying privately, always meet the seller at their home address in daylight and check the documentation matches this address. Ask the seller for identification to confirm it’s the same person on the Vehicle Registration Certificate.
Always take the car for a test drive before you buy it and ensure the vehicle’s odometer hasn’t been clocked. Compare the odometer record on the NCT disc with the vehicle’s current odometer reading.
All Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) dealers have access to a car history check service. They should be able to guarantee the mileage of any car they sell, as well as other details on the car’s history.
Make sure that all documentation, including NCT, VRT, motor tax and car handbook relate to the car. But a word of caution: an NCT or Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVRT) certificate is not a substitute for a comprehensive technical examination of a vehicle before buying.
Watch out for a car that seems cheap or costs less than other cars in the market of the same age / mileage. The car is unlikely to be as good value as it seems and was probably involved in a crash at some point in its life.
You also need to consider that, in addition to having fewer modern safety features, you’ll probably end up paying out more in maintenance costs, because older vehicles with high mileage need more frequent maintenance. Brian Farrell is communications manager of the Road Safety Authority