Website to allow used car buyers to check history

MOTORISTS can be assured of greater security when buying used cars in future — courtesy of a new online check system devised by car dealers.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry claims the development of the new website will dramatically reduce the risk of motorists buying stolen, damaged, hired or “clocked” cars and even vehicles that were written off.

Although primarily designed for use by professional dealers, the website (www.carhistorycheck.ie) will also offer a greater piece of mind for consumers.

The car history check website will be formally launched by Transport Minister Martin Cullen later today.

Using data from a number of sources in Ireland, and other countries from which used vehicles are imported, the website will allow a vehicle’s history to be checked based solely on its registration number.

It will provide information cross-referenced from various sources including financial institutions, third party valuations and the national car test (NCT) along with other data on mileage, based on a vehicle’s previous service history.

SIMI president Jim Cusack advised customers to look for a new ‘car history check’ certificate issued by all of the organisation’s registered car dealers.

It will provide buyers of used vehicles with data on its outstanding finance, the number of previous owners, NCT results and mileage.

Information on any vehicle registered in Ireland or Britain can be accessed.on its outstanding finance, the number of previous owners, NCT results and mileage.

Information on any vehicle registered in Ireland or Britain can be accessed. Motorists can also discover if the car was imported Mr Cusack claimed “clocking” — the illegal alteration of a car’s odometer (kilometre counter) — was a major issue for consumers in Ireland who were concerned about the risk of buying such vehicles. He explained that the car history check would allow the SIMI to build up, over time, an accurate database on a vehicle’s mileage.