Audi Ireland has joined forces with Cartell.ie, the vehicle history and data expert company, to provide Audi drivers in Ireland with extra peace of mind about their car's past. The service, called AudiCheck.ie, is now operational.
Checks imported cars too
AudiCheck.ie offers transparency to Audi customers, whether they're buying domestic or imported (from the UK) models. The website can check any Audi vehicle for software updates or product enhancements requirements, simply by customers entering their registration number. The system will let customers know which updates and enhancements they can have done free of charge at their local Audi dealer.
It's particularly useful for purchasers of imports, as Cartell.ie ran a sample on the 'imported' fleet from January 1 to June 30, 2019. From the 5,906 vehicles surveyed on their UK reg plates, it was found that the percentage of vehicles checked by consumers returning discrepancies on their mileage stood at 23 per cent. Another 14.4 per cent had outstanding finance markers attached to them and cars with damage alerts stood at 16.4 per cent.
'Peace of mind crucial'
Jason Mallon, head of Aftersales for Audi Ireland, said: "The Audi network has a comprehensive used car offering for Audi customers. [But] we acknowledge that customers purchase used cars via private sales or through other channels. This new partnership is giving used Audi drivers the opportunity to get the care and attention their car requires from the experts.
"Peace of mind is crucial for customers when purchasing an Audi. All cars sold via our dealer network come with a car history check, along with a comprehensive 110-point check. Our partnership with Cartell.ie encourages customers who don't buy from the Audi network to get a history check when buying a used Audi. If they get a Cartell.ie history check, we offer the value of the Cartell History Check back in the form of a voucher. This voucher can be redeemed against Audi services or accessories with Audi Authorised Service Dealers in the Republic of Ireland."
UK Audis are popular motors
Jeff Aherne, director of Cartell.ie, added: "These figures are startling and show how cautious a buyer has to be in the market. More than 50 per cent of all the cars in the sample of vehicles checked on their UK registration plate in 2019 returned a significant alert on the vehicle. A buyer shopping abroad can avail of some excellent value; however, with the high number of discrepancies in vehicles checked, it is always wise to carry out a check prior to purchase."
In its survey of the imported fleet, Cartell.ie found that the Audi A4 and the A6 featured on the list as the fourth and fifth (respectively) most-popular imports. In terms of the overall brand make-up of the imported fleet, Audi places third in 2019.