Buying a car in Ireland, whether new or used, is one of the biggest purchases most people make. But as my recent experiences show, even reputable dealerships can fall short. Here are the lessons I learned and the tips that could save you time, money and unnecessary stress writes Suxanne Keane Used car After our 3 rd baby arrived we squashed into our usual cars for a few months but it became apparent with 3 under 6 that a car with 3 full seats across the back was a necessity. We also decided that if we were going to drive a big ugly family car we would go for the biggest and ugliest and settled on a 7-seater with 5 full seats (that can comfortably seat adults in the 3 rd row). After looking around at many cars locally and being told repeatedly when a car was in a terrible state “what do you expect, it’s a family car” we made our way to Dublin to look at a few options, one of which was advertised by a large used car dealer as immaculate. On arrival it was clear to see that the car was far from immaculate, however, after some negotiations, we decided that it was the highest spec car that suited the budget and went for it. Prior to a final deal being made we were emailed a service report, listing all the work that had just been carried out to the car by this dealer, including new brake discs and pads. About a week later the car was delivered, and our trade-in was driven away. A quick look around the car revealed that the work listed hadn’t actually been carried out – after multiple unanswered calls to the dealership we were able to contact the driver who brought our own car back. Once he had returned we eventually received a call from the dealer, apologising that the work hadn’t been carried out and blaming it all on a junior technician. They offered a discount on the purchase price, and took the car back to have the work carried out. A week later the car came back, this time with the service work done but without a working touch screen. Multiple calls later they agreed to pay for a replacement with the local main dealer. This was...
Comparing electric vehicles can feel overwhelming, particularly for first-time buyers. While range often dominates the conversation, it is only one part of the picture. Factors such as battery size, charging speed, battery type and even the location of the charging port can have a significant impact on everyday usability and running costs. Here’s how to compare electric cars properly — and what really matters before you buy. 1. Start With Battery Size, Not Just Claimed Range When comparing two electric cars, battery size is one of the most important practical details to check. Measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), battery size directly affects how far the car can travel on a single charge and how often it needs to be recharged. However, a larger battery also brings trade-offs, including increased weight, longer charging times and a higher purchase price. This makes it essential to balance battery capacity against how you actually use your car. 2. Bigger Batteries Are Not Always Better While a larger battery delivers more range, it also costs more to buy and more to charge. Fully charging a 60kWh battery is notably more expensive than charging a 40kWh model, particularly when relying on public charging, where tariffs can be high. For drivers charging mainly at home on night-rate electricity, the cost difference is smaller but still present. Before paying extra for a bigger battery, it’s worth calculating your real weekly mileage and deciding whether the additional range justifies the extra cost. 3. Match Battery Size to Your Driving Habits Smaller batteries are often far more practical for city drivers, where daily mileage is low and regular access to home charging reduces the need for long range. Drivers who travel long distances frequently or live in rural areas will benefit more from models offering a real-world range of 400–500km. Choosing the right battery size is about suitability, not maximum figures. 4. Charging Speed Makes a Big Difference Charging speed is another key factor when comparing EVs. Faster charging reduces downtime and can make long journeys more manageable, particularly when using public charging infrastructure. Two cars with similar battery sizes can offer very different ownership experiences depending on how quickly they can recharge. 5. Check the Location of the Charging Port The position of the charging port is often overlooked, but it has a real impact on convenience. The...
We asked Sinead Canny-Ruddy, ‘Young’ mother of Annie, wife of Dickie, rally driver, car mad with a bag and shoe obsession to give us her Top 10 Unconventional Tips when it comes to buying a family car….. When it comes to buying a family car, why do we all act like sheep? Why do we suddenly lose the ability to think of nothing else but this car MUST fit the big expensive designer buggy that we bought when Little Jimmy...
