Buying a car privately without a history check could drive you round the bend

October 29, 2010

Failing to do a complete car history check when buying a car privately could mean you lose the cost of the car as well as the car itself. A survey by Cartell.ie found that when buying a 2 –year old car you have a one in four chance of buying a car with outstanding finance. Unfortunately for the unsuspecting buyer, a car that has been financed remains the property of the financing company until final payment has been made.

 

The used-car home market accounts for about 71,813 sales a year down from 85,181 in 2007. An increase in used imports is driving competition and some great value is to be found in the used car home market as a result.   Buying privately or through an auction house affords the buyer less protection however so you will need to do your homework or get someone to do it for you.

 There are a number of car history check services like Cartell.ie and Motorcheck.ie.  They will check outstanding finance, if the car was crashed or written off at any point and if car registration and chassis number match.  History checks start from as little as €8.  Once completed you should meet the seller at their home so you know where they live, ask for ID and then check it against the car documentation.  Then pay by cheque or bankers draft to create a paper trail before driving off into the sunset.  Happy driving!