Overpaying for a used car is more common than most buyers realise. Without the right reference points, it's easy to pay €1,000–€3,000 more than a car is worth. Here's how to figure out whether a listing is fair, overpriced, or actually a bargain.
The simplest way to gauge price is to search for the same make, model, year, and mileage on DoneDeal and Cars Ireland simultaneously. Look at 8–10 similar listings and note the range. A car priced significantly above the midpoint needs a good reason — recent service, low mileage, or extras.
A car with 12+ months NCT is worth more than the same car with 2 months left. Factor in the cost of an NCT (€60) plus any potential repair costs if it needs work to pass. Sellers don't always price this in — it's a legitimate basis for negotiation.
Average mileage in Ireland is roughly 20,000–25,000km per year. A 2018 car with 180,000km has been driven hard — it should be priced accordingly. A 2018 car with 50,000km may justify a higher price, but only if the service history confirms genuine low use.
If you're looking at an imported car, the price should reflect VRT already paid. Always check the Revenue VRT calculator before viewing — some listings show pre-VRT prices, which can make imported cars appear cheaper than they are.
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