What Should You Check Before Buying A Used Car?
A few years ago, buying a used car often meant a week flicking through the Car Buyer’s Guide before a Saturday morning spent walking around forecourts, kicking tyres and hoping you knew what you were looking at.
Today, Irish motorists have more choice than ever. Between dealers, online marketplaces, vehicle sourcing services and private sellers, there are thousands of used cars available at any given time. At the time of writing, for example, there are over 55,000 used cars on Carzone. Where do you even start?
The challenge isn't finding a car. It's finding the right car for you.
Over the years, we've met plenty of customers who were focused on one thing above all else: mileage. Others only cared about price. Some fell in love with a particular model and ignored everything else.
The reality is that buying a used car is rarely about one factor. It's about looking at the full picture.
Here's what we believe every buyer should check before making a decision.
Start With The Service History
If there's one thing we would encourage buyers to look at first, it's the service history.
A well-maintained car with slightly higher mileage is often a better purchase than a low-mileage vehicle that hasn't been looked after properly.
Look for evidence of:
- Regular servicing
- Scheduled maintenance
- Timing belt replacements where applicable
- Brake and tyre replacement records
- Manufacturer servicing
A complete service history tells you a lot about how a vehicle has been treated.
Don't Focus On Mileage Alone
One of the most common questions we hear is: "What mileage is too high?"
The answer depends on the vehicle.
A well-maintained
Škoda Octavia or
Mercedes-Benz E-Class with higher mileage may prove far more reliable than a poorly maintained vehicle with significantly fewer kilometres.
Mileage matters, but it should never be viewed in isolation.
Instead, consider:
- Age
- Service history
- Previous ownership
- Overall condition
Check The Vehicle's Ownership History
Understanding who owned the vehicle previously can be valuable.
Questions worth asking include:
- How many previous owners has it had?
- Was it privately owned or used as a company vehicle?
- Has it spent long periods off the road?
- Was it imported?
Vehicles with a clear and documented history are generally easier to assess and often easier to sell in the future.
Check The NCT Status
A valid NCT doesn't guarantee that a vehicle is fault-free, but it can provide useful reassurance and an independent record of the car's condition.
Before purchasing a used car, it's worth checking when the
current NCT expires and whether the vehicle has a consistent testing history. Previous NCT records can also help verify mileage and may highlight any recurring issues or advisory items that have arisen over time.
That said, a recently passed NCT should be viewed as just one part of the overall picture. A vehicle's service history, maintenance record and general condition are equally important when assessing whether it's the right car for you.
Examine The Condition Carefully
Most buyers naturally focus on paintwork and alloys.
While appearance is important, it's worth looking a little deeper.
Pay attention to:
Interior Wear (H3)
Excessive wear on seats, steering wheels or pedals can sometimes suggest heavier use than expected.
Tyres (H3)
Tyres can reveal a lot about a vehicle. Uneven tyre wear may indicate alignment or suspension issues.
Bodywork (H3)
Minor cosmetic marks are normal on used vehicles, but significant differences in paint finish or panel gaps can warrant further investigation.
Make Sure The Car Suits Your Lifestyle
Sometimes buyers become focused on finding the perfect deal and forget to ask whether the car actually suits their needs.
For example:
- A diesel SUV may not be ideal for short city journeys.
- A compact hatchback may feel restrictive for a growing family.
- An EV may require some consideration around charging arrangements.
Before committing, think about how you'll use the vehicle day to day.
Take A Proper Test Drive
A test drive remains one of the most important parts of the buying process.
Try to include:
- Urban driving
- Motorway driving
- Parking manoeuvres
- Different road surfaces
During the test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, how the steering feels, the vehicle's braking performance, overall ride quality and visibility from the driver's seat.
The vehicle should feel right for you.
Obtain A Vehicle History Check
A professional vehicle history report can help identify:
- Outstanding finance
- Insurance write-offs
- Recorded damage
- Ownership issues
For many buyers, this provides valuable peace of mind.
Consider Buying From A Reputable Dealer
Private sales can sometimes offer attractive pricing, but they can also involve greater uncertainty.
Established dealerships can often provide:
For many buyers, that additional reassurance is an important part of the decision.
The Best Used Car Isn't Always The Cheapest
It's tempting to focus on the lowest advertised price.
However, the cheapest vehicle isn't always the best value.
A slightly more expensive car with a strong service history, documented maintenance and excellent condition can often prove to be the better long-term purchase.
When buying used, value is usually more important than price alone.
Our View After 80 Years In The Motor Trade
After helping Irish motorists choose cars for eight decades, we've learned that the best used car purchases rarely come down to one number on a windscreen.
The strongest purchases are usually the result of asking the right questions, understanding a vehicle's history and finding a car that genuinely suits your needs.
Whether you're considering a Škoda Octavia, Škoda Kodiaq, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLC or any other used vehicle, taking the time to do your research can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to check when buying a used car?
Service history is often one of the most important indicators of how well a vehicle has been maintained.
Is high mileage always a problem?
No. A well-maintained vehicle with higher mileage can often be a better purchase than a poorly maintained low-mileage vehicle.
Should I buy from a dealer or privately?
Both options have advantages. Dealers can offer warranties, inspections and after-sales support, while private sales may sometimes achieve lower purchase prices.
Should I get a vehicle history check?
Yes. A vehicle history check can help identify finance, damage and ownership issues before you buy.
What brands tend to hold their value well?
Factors such as reliability, demand and servicing history all influence resale value. Popular models from brands such as Škoda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen often remain in strong demand in the Irish used car market.
Looking For A Used Car?
Whether you're searching for a quality used Škoda, a Mercedes-Benz or another make entirely, the team at Annesley Williams can help. Having spent 80 years helping Irish motorists buy, sell and change cars, we've learned that choosing the right vehicle is about much more than simply finding the lowest price.
Browse our
current stock or
speak to our team about finding the right car for your needs.
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