Car Prices

New Car Sales

2006 was a banner year for new car sales. And as we head through 2007, it looks to be another record setting year.

Conclusion: Depite the first signs of slippage, Ireland's booming economy continues to race forward and plenty of people have a lot of disposable cash. And the rest of us have a lot of credit with our beaming bank managers.

Used Car Sales

All these new cars on the road have reduced demand for used autos. Most of the new car sales involved a trade-in of older cars and the glut has kept garages hopping. In addition, the National Car Test resulted in a huge loss of interest in cars older than 4 years. Under this programme, all cars that are 4 years old or older need to undergo an bi-annual checkup to ensure their roadworthiness. Check out the car test page for details.

Accordingly used car prices fell. Then came the huge inward immigration following the expansion of the EU in 2004. All those new Irish settlers needed wheels and they wanted the cheapest possible. Once again, used car values rose.

Nonetheless, good values are still to be found, the trade press advises, among two or three year old cars. The brands that retain particularly good trade-in value are Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and Toyota.

Reasonably useful vehicles are fetching prices well under €1,000 - if you buy them privately. Such vehicles may suffice as second cars - assuming they pass the annual safety check. Auto dealers usually sell all vehicles with a 6 month guarantee. If anything goes wrong, they will fix it free of charge. But, you pay for this reasssurance and you're unlikely to find any amazing deals. On the other hand, the dealers know that if they keep you happy, eventually you're likely to return.

Again, because of the car test, be very careful about buying any vehicle older than 4 years. Be sure to get a certificate that it has passed the Car Test BEFORE purchasing an older car. You might drive off the lot with a car that could fail the test the next month. At that point, its value would be zero.

Totally Free Cars

http://dublinwaste.ie/ has established a “Free Trade” website. This timely site “allows you to pass on or pick-up unwanted goods in Dublin free of charge. Browse the online database for items or set up an account and start listing your unwanted goods today.”

On the day I checked, there were 4 free ladies bicycles available, a colour TV, a washing machine and fridge, a whole bunch of 3 piece furniture suites, a Ford Fiesta, an old Toyota Starlet, and much more. Just send an email, arrange to pick up the item and away you go.

Just remember that you might be saving someone else the trouble of hauling the "free" car to the dump. Or, you may find a perfectly fine car that someone moving overseas just wants to send to a good home.

Haggling

It's not considered bad manners to dicker over price and extras. Negotiate the best deal you can! If you don't open your mouth, no one can fill it with goodies. I'm no great negotiator, but I've always walked away from showrooms with a better deal than the first offer.

More Info on Prices, Finance and Lots of Other Car Info

For more information and links, order the Full Site.

Just for starters, you're not likely get finance for your car upon just moving here. Check out the full site for details and suggestions.