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Mr Fix It- buying a used car |
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Written by Staff Reporter
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Thursday, 11 September 2008 |
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With so much value no available in the second-hand market there’s never been a better time to buy a used car.
Most dealers are willing to be flexible when it comes to pricing so
haggling is key to get the best deal. That said, the idea of haggling
with Arthur Daley can fill some buyers with dread and of course there
is also the worry that if you buy from a private seller what protect
ion do you have?
Fear not as this week Mr Fix It presents a handy checklist of what to do and what not to do when buying a used car.
The first thing you should do is check that the seller is in possession of all the relevant documentation which should include the service history, vehicle registration and vehicle licensing certificates and if the car is pre-1993, the logbook.
Double check the year of the vehicle against the date of first registration and confirm also how long the seller has owned the car. If they have only owned it a matter of weeks or months be satisfied they have a genuine reason for selling.
Make sure the car is the sellers to sell. If it’s on hire purchase or lease it isn’t the sellers to sell. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of identity.
Check for signs the car has been crashed as well as asking. Telltale signs include ripples in the bodywork, paint blobs from re-spraying 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.
Find out if it’s an import and if it is confirm that VRT and VAT were paid when it was imported to Ireland. If buying from a private individual view the car where they live, not in public area, as this will make it very difficult to track them down if there are any problems. Also be wary of sellers who will only give you a mobile number.
When examining the car itself there are a number of simple checks you should make. Check the tyres, are they are painted black to make them look better? Is there a strong smell of air-freshener inside trying to cover up some other smell?
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. Be aware that the car may have been warmed up prior to your arrival to ensure a good start and minimum engine noise.
Make sure the radio is off when starting the car; it may have been left on to hide unusual noises. Check the exhaust pipe for any carbon deposits and be aware that baby seats can be fitted to give the impression the car is a family run about.
If you have any serious concerns but are still interested in the car get a mechanic to check it out for you. Car check services are available from many garages and breakdown services.
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 National Consumer Agency, if the car was sold by a private individual 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.
There is always the possibility of engaging a solicitor but this can be expensive and it can be difficult to get compensation from a private individual. For more details on legal options when disputes arise visit the motoring section at the Citizen’s Information website, www.citizensinformation.ie.
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