Consumers must have access to car history to stop them from being duped, says watchdog

Mileage readings are taken during NCT tests but this information isn’t shared publicly. File picture

The public must be given access to the history of second-hand cars to help prevent from being duped into buying dangerous, clocked or poorly fixed-up vehicles, Ireland’s consumer watchdog has said.

In a new report launched on Wednesday, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said the Irish Government should follow the example of 20 other EU countries as well as the UK, Australia and New Zealand in giving consumers access to essential car history information.

“It is in the public interest to have an open, free and accessible State database of essential car history information,” CCPC chair Brian McHugh said.

“Much of this information is already collected by the State. Some of that is made available to traders and car history providers, but not directly to consumers. We also know that information available from car history providers can be incomplete. Consumers deserve better.” 

The CCPC said that is contacted by thousands of customers each year who have a problem with a used car they have bought. Last year, it received 3,192 contacts on its national consumer helpline relating to second-hand cars.

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This included hundreds of consumers who believe that a used car they bought in good faith was previously crashed without them being told about this damage. Such cars may be unsafe to drive or require expensive repairs to make them safe.

It said consumers rely on the honesty of used car sellers, leaving them open to misleading practices by “unscrupulous” traders along with deceptive or ill-informed private sellers.

Without access to verifiable information, consumers can’t check what they’re being told by a seller is true and many end up at a significant loss as a result, according to the CCPC.

While the State does collect information, the watchdog said this is limited and should be improved as well as making it readily online to consumers.

For example, it said while insurance companies report cars that are unsafe to drive to the State they don’t report cars that have been damaged but can be repaired and put back on the road. Mileage readings are taken during NCT tests but this information isn’t shared publicly.

CCPC recommendations

The CCPC made several recommendations in its report including that the minister for transport should ensure the creation of an online portal acting as a “one-stop shop” for accessing key car history information.

Furthermore, the department should consider whether dealerships and mechanics should be required to report information on repaired crashed cars.

As well as that, mileage readings should be collected more often and made available through the “one-stop shop”.

“CPC officers carry out regular investigations, inspections and enforcement action, but arming consumers with information is the most efficient and cost-effective way to help safeguard every second-hand car sale in the country,” Mr McHugh added.

“What’s more, sharing car history with buyers will protect all road users, helping to keep dangerous cars off Irish roads.

“A car is one of the most expensive purchases a consumer will ever make, and buyers need accurate information so they can get value for money and a safe and reliable vehicle for them and their family.”