8% of 40,000 imported cars are ‘write-offs’

At least 8% of the more than 40,000 cars imported from Britain to Ireland last year had previously been declared as write-offs, it has been claimed.

Because imported cars are only subjected to a visual inspection when they arrive in the country, major safety issues may not be picked up, according to Jeff Aherne of Cartell.ie.

Mr Aherne said some “unscrupulous people” are importing the vehicles, re-registering them, and then selling them on.