Motorcheck.ie is now publishing the number of vehicles registered for 2009 against those registered in 2008 on its homepage.

While the figure at the moment shows a 58% decline I think it’s being slightly generous. There was an extra day to register cars in 2008 that’s not being included so the real figure is probably more than 60%.

Here’s how the market stands today…

MOTORCHECK.IE BLAMES UK IMPORTS FOR MAJOR ROLE IN 16% DROP IN IRISH USED
CAR SALESSecond Hand Car Imports Up 86%

The Irish used car market has been hit badly with latest figures for
July 2008 revealing a 16% drop in sales compared to the same period last
year. This latest data compiled by Car History Check website,
Motorcheck.ie reveals that 85,181 used cars were sold in Ireland in July
of 2007. That figure has dropped to 71,813 for the same period in 2008.

Shane Teskey, Director of Motorcheck.ie says a major increase in UK
imports is largely to blame for the significant drop. “9% of second
hand car sales in July 2007 (7,980 cars) were imports. That figure has
practically doubled to 17% (12,522 cars) for the same period one year
on.” 

Teskey says the introduction of new VRT bands for vehicles being
registered in Ireland for the first time (i.e. New Cars and Used
Imports) has encouraged used car buyers to look to the UK for cheaper
cars. “UK imports are up where the car in question now benefits from the
lower rate of VRT against its Irish equivalent.” 

Furthermore UK Sterling is at an all time low and this combined pressure
from the UK has pushed up the level of imports and is damaging the Irish
used car market. Teskey however points out that these latest statistics
in fact bode extremely well for motorists wishing to buy a used car from
an Irish source. “The value on used cars in this country is better than
ever as prices have had to fall to see off the UK competition. This,
added to the slump in used car sales means would-be used car buyers can
negotiate very attractive deals in Ireland.”

Teskey says motorists should not be put off by the price advertised on
used cars in Ireland: “As is the nature with used car sales in this
country, there is always room for negotiation and often very significant
negotiation. Irish car buyers should shop around, investigate and
discover the best deals out there before rushing off to the UK.
Purchasing a Motorcheck report before you start negotiations can be a
powerful ally as it will give you the full history of the used car. If
the report shows that the road tax has expired or the NCT is not current
it’s much easier to strike a bargain’. 

“Remember there are a lot of other expenses associated with importing cars, not least the travel and import costs. Meanwhile, in a lot of cases buyers don’t get to see the car first hand before spending a great
deal of time and money and this in itself could prove a financial risk.”

Teskey says buyers could be led to believe there is a better deal in the UK with UK dealers directly targeting the Irish market to make importing a car look very simple and attractive.
According to Motorcheck.ie, a London based vehicle dealership now has 4010 cars marketed specifically at Irish customers and also has a section dedicated to ‘How to import your car’.

Teskey says if Irish buyers do get a quote for a second hand car in the UK, they should immediately take that quote to their local dealer.
“Give your local dealer a chance to match or come close to the price on a similar car, it will be a lot cheaper in the long term, especially if you’re trying to repair or trade-in a UK car in the future without the benefit of a local warranty or the dealer’s goodwill. In a time of recession we should be looking for value at home and trying to keep as much money in the local economy rather than sending it out.”

Source: MotorCheck.ie

Recently we have team-up with Urban Performance based just off Greenhills Road, Dublin 24 to offer you as a customer a Pre-Sale Car Inspection.

Get the car inspected before committing to a purchase!

Urban Motors qualified mechanics will inspect your car in less than an hour, helping you making the right decision for your next used car purchase.
You can count on their mechanics to be a dependable representative, providing an accurate and honest report of the vehicle, and to be knowledgeable about getting a thorough report to you in a timely manner.

You can Book your inspection online or by just calling the numbers available here >> 

Used Car History Check is the new addition to our websites available on www.FunkyMotors.ie & www.UsedCarsIreland.ie

MotorCheck It! also known as AutoCheck, will allow you to verify the history of a used car by registration number.
There are three reports available:

1. Description, History and Finance Check (Recommended) – for just €35.00
It represents a combination of Car Description & History Check plus Finance Check both listed below.
It will confirm whether or not this vehicle is subject to a finance agreement, includes a complete vehicle description as well as an odometer history check.

2. Description & History Check – for just €22.50
This is a comprehensive report on the “CAR MAKE MODEL registered REG. NO.”
It includes a complete vehicle description as well as an odometer history check.

3. Finance Check – for just €20.00
This is a finance check on the “CAR MAKE MODEL registered REG. NO.“.
It will confirm whether or not this vehicle is subject to a finance agreement.

Simply enter a registration number in the form provided to begin and you will have a detailed vehicle history at your fingertips in seconds.

The official records contained in the vehicle history check report come from official government sources as well as private industry practitioners.
Regardless of what you wish to check, MotorCheck It! history report, checks the vehicle’s identification (VIN Number), its NCT and road tax history, whether its even been classed as a write off, been recorded as stole in our stolen vehicle register or has finance outstanding.