Buying a used car
Buying a used car is a big purchase. A careful background check and a test drive protect you from a bad deal.
You will need
- Budget
- A list of the features you want
- Traficom's vehicle information search
- A trusted acquaintance or a condition inspection
Steps
Set your budget and needs
In addition to the price of the car, include insurance, vehicle tax, fuel and servicing in your budget.
Research the models
Find out how reliable the models are, their typical faults and the prices of spare parts.
Check the vehicle information
Use the registration number to check the car's details, inspection history and any driving ban. To check the car's details, you can use a service such as carVertical, which provides comprehensive accident and history data on the car from databases in several countries. It is especially useful for imported cars and when you want to make sure the odometer reading is accurate.
Check the service history
Ask for the service book or the electronic service history. A missing history is a risk.
Inspect the car visually
Look for rust, paint defects and uneven panel gaps, which may indicate an accident.
Take a test drive
Test drive at different speeds. Listen for noises and test the brakes, gears and steering.
Have a condition inspection done
Ask for an independent condition inspection before the purchase, especially when buying from a private seller.
Make a written contract of sale
Make a contract of sale that states the price, the condition and any faults. Register the change of ownership straight away.
Tips
- When you buy from a dealer, the Consumer Protection Act gives you better protection than a private sale.
- Don't pay in cash until the car and the papers have been checked.
- Make sure there is no outstanding finance on the car.
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