Buying a Used Car in Ireland in 2026

TL;DR

• New car registrations increased by 3% in 2025
• Sales of used imports grew by 16.6% in 2025
• December 2025 saw a massive 57% spike in used imports
• As of 2026, Hybrid and Electric vehicles make up over 40% of the new car market in Ireland
• CCPC has warned of “hidden history” risks, urging buyers to conduct independent checks.
• What to watch out for when buying a used car
• Checklist for drivers looking to buy a used car in 2026

The used car sector in Ireland saw growth across the sector in 2025, according to the official end-of-year statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).  The data show a total of 124,954 new cars were registered last year, which represents a 3% increase compared to the previous year.

While new car sales are steady, the used market for imported cars saw significant activity. A total of 71,813 used cars were imported and registered in Ireland in 2025, a 16.6% increase. Which points to a large section of the market turning to imports to get themselves on the road.

Opting for a used car can be a smart way of getting the vehicle you want for a fraction of the price of a new model. But while the price tag might be lower, the risks can be higher. Every used car has a history, and it’s not always obvious whether you’re looking at a well-cared-for vehicle or one with hidden faults.

Below, we’ll talk you through what to look for when you’re buying a used car. We’ll cover the essential checks to carry out, the critical questions to ask and the red flags to watch out for so you can make a well-informed decision.

What Drivers are Buying in 2026

Recent reports from SIMI show that petrol cars (25.11%) remain the top choice for buyers, with diesel cars making up 17% of the overall market based on engine type. But demand for traditional fuels looks to be declining, with more and more drivers making the switch to electric or hybrid. 

Electric, Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrids now make up 56% of the Irish market, with battery EVs alone showing a 35% increase in sales for 2025; the highest level of annual sales ever recorded for EVs in Ireland.

What To Look For When Buying a Used Car

With thousands of used cars changing hands every year in Ireland, the risk of buying a faulty or clocked vehicle has become a bigger issue for buyers. In February 2025, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) released a report titled Access to Car History, which highlighted the scale of the problem.

According to CCPC National Helpline data, 3,192 calls were logged from consumers specifically regarding issues with second-hand cars, with complaints ranging from clocked cars, previously crashed cars, excessive repair/resolution times and recurring faults following repairs. While others reported issues with misleading advertising and mis-selling of used cars. To combat this, the CCPC released a new report and is calling for a State-run, free online portal that would give every buyer access to a car’s mileage and write-off status.

In the meantime, buyers need to protect themselves and carry out their own background checks and car checks before handing over any money.

Buying A Used Car: 2026 Buyer Checklist

Have a Realistic Budget in Mind

The asking price is only the beginning. To get a true picture of affordability, you need to factor in the total cost of ownership. Consider additional expenses such as annual insurance, road tax, and estimated fuel costs. It’s also wise to set aside a small fund for any immediate maintenance the car might need, like new tyres or a basic service. Knowing your complete budget helps you search with focus.

Research Your Shortlist

Once you know what you can afford, research the specific makes and models that fit your needs. Look into their reputation for reliability and typical running costs. A quick online search for “common problems” or “known issues” for a particular model can be incredibly revealing. Owner forums and independent reviews are excellent resources for understanding the real-world experience of driving a car you’re considering.

 

Who’s Selling?

Check the log book to make sure that the seller’s details match. You should also ask the seller for ID to ensure they are the car’s owner. You can check that the VIN (Chassis Number) on the car matches the VIN on the log book to ensure that the car is not stolen, and so forth.

If you are looking at a recently imported vehicle, you should be checking that the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) has been paid, and that the car you’re buying has a valid NCT. For cars coming from outside the EU, Japanese or US imports for example, check that all customs duties were cleared to avoid any future liability.

Check the Log Book

When buying a used car, it’s typically safer to buy directly from a car dealership, rather than through a private sale. When you buy from a dealership, you usually receive a car warranty which protects you in case of any unexpected car problems within the first six months. This means that the garage will pay for any repairs required during this period.

However, buying a used car from a dealership is usually more expensive than buying a car privately. Which is why many buyers opt to go for a private sale, which offers less protection.

In this case, you need to be sure that the seller is trustworthy. If someone is describing themselves as a private seller but has more than one car for sale, it might be better to avoid them. A simple internet search of their username or details should bring up any other cars they have for sale.

Sellers who are not upfront about their situation may not be altogether untrustworthy. It’s always a good idea to bring somebody with you when meeting a stranger for the first time, and make sure you’re meeting at a secure location.

Car Background Checks

When you think you’re ready to buy, doing a quick background check on your car is worthwhile to ensure everything is in order. You can do this online by entering the registration number of the car. A few sites offer this service, including the Irish website: Cartell.ie.

This can cost between €20 and €45, but it is well worth the price. It gives detailed reports of the specifications of the car. It also checks if the car has been in any accidents in the past or is a write-off. If you see any differences between how the car is described in the report and how the seller has described it, it might indicate that the car has been illegally modified. It’s worthwhile asking the seller about any of these queries as there could be a valid reason.

Plus, given the high volume of imports entering the market, checking the car’s history might be the only way to make sure you’re not buying a car with a hidden past.

Service History

A full service history shows that the car has been cared for properly. You’ll want to see a stamped service book and, ideally, a folder of supporting receipts and invoices for work carried out. The car’s service history not only proves maintenance has been done but also shows the car has been looked after by responsible owners. A vehicle with a complete and verifiable service history is always a more secure purchase.

Check for Recalls

Before you buy, do a quick check to see if the specific car model has been subjected to any recalls. If it has, confirm that the necessary repairs were made. You can check for recalls on the manufacturer’s website or through various online databases using the car’s VIN.

Get The Car Checked

Having the car inspected by a trusted mechanic is a good safeguard against buying a lemon. Due to high demand for used stock, older cars are remaining in circulation for longer than they should be. A car might look pristine on the outside but could be hiding significant issues, or engine problems. Having someone with you who knows what they’re doing and can ask the right questions is worth paying a little extra for. Especially for someone who isn’t very knowledgeable about cars.

Paying for a Used Car

If you buy a used car from a private seller, it’s usually much safer to pay via bank draft or bank transfer, rather than paying in cash. This way, you have more security when it comes to payment and you also have proof of your transaction in the event of any disagreements. 

Tips For Viewing a Used Car

Wait for a Dry Day

Always view a car in clear daylight and, if possible, on a dry day, as rain can easily hide scratches, scrapes and dents. You should also check how the sun reflects off the car. If certain parts of the paintwork seem duller than others, it might be a sign that the car has been repaired after an accident. Don’t feel rushed by the seller; take your time to check every area thoroughly. 

Check the Hinges

Open the doors and bonnet of the car. The factory-made hinges should be the same colour as the car. If not, it’s very likely that the door or bonnet has been replaced at some stage. Usually, the only reason for these being removed would be following a crash. If you notice that these have been changed and the seller hasn’t told you about an accident, it might be better to back off. Nobody wants the trouble that comes with a crashed car.

Exterior Used Car Checks

On the car’s exterior bodywork you’ll be looking for clues that point to previous accident damage and signs of general wear and tear. Stand back at first to take in the car’s overall condition, then move in closer to inspect the details. Here are the things you should consider:

• Bodywork: Look down the sides of the car from an angle to spot any subtle dents or ripples in the panels. Check for signs of rust, especially around the wheel arches and under the doors. Mismatched paint colour between panels is a clear sign of a previous repair.
  

• Panel Gaps: The gaps between the doors, wings, bonnet and boot should be consistent and even. Wide or uneven gaps can suggest the car has been poorly repaired after an accident.
  
  
• Tyres: Check all four tyres and the spare. Look for sufficient tread depth, but more importantly, check for uneven wear. If a tyre is worn down heavily on one edge, it could indicate problems with the car’s steering or suspension.
  
  
• Glass: Inspect the windscreen for any stone chips or cracks. A small chip can quickly spread, leading to a costly replacement.

Interior Used Car Checks

The condition of the interior is often the best indicator of a car’s true mileage and how it has been treated. This is your chance to verify that the wear matches the history and, just as importantly, to test that all the electrical features and controls work as they should. We’ll look at some of these in more detail below but here are the main things to look out for:

• Wear vs. Mileage: Does the condition of the interior match the car’s advertised mileage? A car with low mileage shouldn’t have a worn-smooth steering wheel, shiny gearstick, or heavily
  
  
• Electrics: Be thorough and test everything. This includes the electric windows, mirrors, air conditioning (check if it blows cold), heaters, radio, and any onboard computer or navigation systems.
  
  
• Check for Damp: Press your hands on the carpets in the footwells and in the boot. Any sign of dampness or a musty smell points to a leak, which can be difficult and expensive to trace and fix.
  
  
• Dashboard Warning Lights: When you turn the ignition on, all the dashboard warning lights should illuminate for a moment and then go out. If any light remains on, it indicates a fault with that system.

Checks For Wear & Mileage

If you’re lucky enough to find a car that has low mileage, make sure it isn’t too good to be true. Check that the amount of wear and tear on the seats, steering wheel and floor matches the mileage. If you are viewing a car with very low mileage but that has a lot of wear and tear or worn-looking seats, this could be a sign that things are too good to be true, and the mileage may have been illegally adjusted.

Mileage being clocked back was a big problem a few years ago in Ireland, but with the introduction of more computer-based systems in cars, it’s less easy for fraudsters to clock a car. Don’t forget to look at the car’s service history too. You’ll usually be able to see the mileage on the car each time the car receives a service. 

Check for Warning Lights

Check to see if any warning lights appear before taking the car out for a test drive. Red warning lights usually indicate an urgent problem with your car, and you will fail your NCT if these are active. Orange warning lights indicate that something needs to be fixed on the car. However, it may not be as urgent as the red light.

Visual Checks and Under the Bonnet

If you don’t have a mechanic who can come with you, these are basic visual checks you should carry out. While they are not a replacement for a mechanic’s opinion, they can reveal obvious problems.

• Fluid Levels & Condition: Check the oil level using the dipstick. The oil should be a light-brown colour, not thick black sludge. Also, unscrew the oil filler cap and check for a creamy, mayonnaise-like residue, which can indicate a serious engine problem. Ensure the coolant level is correct.
  
  
• Obvious Leaks: Look for any signs of oil or fluid leaks on the engine block and on the ground underneath where the car has been parked.
  
  
• Belts & Hoses: Visually inspect the various rubber belts and hoses. You don’t need to be an expert to spot any that look obviously frayed, cracked, or perished.

The data for 2026 shows that the used car market in Ireland is busy and growing. For buyers, this means more choice on the forecourts but also a greater need to protect themselves. With the increase in imports and the specific issues highlighted by the CCPC proving that a quick sale can sometimes lead to long term costs. 

Taking the time to check the history of a vehicle is the smart investment. If you approach the market with caution and use the right checks, there is excellent value to be found in 2026. And when you do find the right car, we are here to help you get on the road with great value cover that works for you.

To get a car insurance quote for your new car, contact KennCo Insurance at 01 409 2600. 

What To Look For When Buying a Used Car
FAQs

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is based on publicly available registration data. Vehicle specifications, pricing and incentives may change. Always confirm details with the manufacturer or authorised dealer before making a purchase decision.

Sources:
Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI)
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission