Should I buy from an online UK dealer?
Hi Paddy. Thanks for that reply.
I have been looking at a car at an online dealers, based in the UK. There is a diesel 1.9-litre Golf, which sounds okay value there.
They want €495 deposit. In 10 days the car is available for inspection, I gather if I'm not happy I lose my deposit.
He says I couldn't be unhappy, as the car is immaculate! It is bought straight from VW, one owner, 10,000 miles, 2008 diesel with one year warranty left. There is a 2008 model with lower spec available from a local garage with 34,000 on the clock and €2,000 cheaper.
Which would you recommend?
Angela Osullivan (Wicklow)
May 2010 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Angela,
We spoke to Shane Teskey from Motorcheck.ie and he gave us the following advice:
"Buying a used car through a third party is a risky business and not something we would recommend. Knowing who you're buying a car from is as important as checking the car's history. If you buy through this third party will you have a full 12-month warranty (check the fine print - some warranties aren't worth the paper they're printed on!)?
Have you been given the registration number and V5 documented details? What's the potential saving and would it justify taking a trip to the dealer to inspect the car in person?
Add to this the fact that you risk losing a substantial deposit of €495 and I'd say walk away. Shop local!"
I would echo this, there are so many good used Irish cars around at the moment that I would check all these first, before embarking on anything that sounds like it might be risky.
Complete Car Adviser