Motorcheck Blog - Official Used Car Check, Vehicle History Check Ireland

Free, Independent Advice From the Experts

Posted by Shane Teskey on 12 May 2010 in Ask the Experts | 37 comments

A big welcome to Ireland’s new free and independent advice experts on the Motorcheck blog.

Two of the best in the business, Paddy Comyn and Shane O’Donoghue have launched a new advisory service at Completecar.ie and graciously agreed to answer any technical questions Motorcheck customers may have, here at Motorcheck.ie.

Reckless Driving With Fatal Consequences

Posted by Shane Teskey on 11 May 2010 in Road Safety | No comments

The latest figures for 2010 from An Garda Síochána show that there have been 68 traffic fatalities recorded up until 9am on May 11th. That’s down 24 (26%) for the same period in 2009 when 92 people lost their lives on Irish roads.

Despite the reduction in road fatalities poor behavior behind the wheel continues to put other drivers and road users at serious risk. The following pictures from Wreckedexotics.com serve as a useful reminder for us all of the devastating consequences that reckless driving can have.

Buying a Used Car – An Expert’s Guide

Posted by Shane Teskey on 3 May 2010 in Used Car Buying Tips, Used Cars | No comments

Identifying a ‘lemon’ from a genuinely reliable car is something even the professionals can make mistakes with and they appraise trade-ins every day of the week.

PJ McKenna, one of Ireland’s leading car traders tells Motorcheck what he looks out for when buying a used car…

Citroen Nemo Fails Which?Car ‘ELK’ Test

Posted by Shane Teskey on 28 April 2010 in Road Safety | No comments

See what happens when you drive a small MPV into an avoidance test without electronic stability control. Not pretty!

Want to Impress Your Neighbours?

Posted by Shane Teskey on 23 April 2010 in Used Cars | 2 comments

A German firm called “Style Your Garage” creates posters for garage doors that make it look as if it’s showing the interior of your garage, and what’s in it!

You can have anything from a formula one racing car to a dumper truck or plane.

Electric Vehicle Incentives Raise a Few Questions

Posted by Paddy Comyn on 14 April 2010 in Electric Cars | 1 comment

This week’s announcement of a €5,000 grant for electric car purchases is welcome on the surface, but does pose more questions.

Paddy Comyn asks some hard questions about the incentives on offer…

Historic Electric Car Agreement Signed Today

Posted by Shane Teskey on 13 April 2010 in Electric Cars | 1 comment

The Irish Government together with the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) and The Renault -Nissan Alliance put pen to paper today to sign a historic agreement that will see Ireland become one of the first countries in the world to import Electric Cars.

Irish 17 Year Old Set For Racing Stardom

Posted by Shane Teskey on 8 April 2010 in Motor Vehicle History Reports | 1 comment

North County Dublin now boasts an international racing star as Donabate teenager Gary Thompson prepares to take part in the upcoming Japanese Formula 3 series.

Gary’s the youngest entrant on the grid and the first Irish person to take part in the series.

New Car Registrations Rise 90%

Posted by Shane Teskey on 1 April 2010 in New Car Registration Stats | No comments

No it’s not an april fool prank – today’s statistics from the Motorcheck.ie Car Index show an increase of 90% for passenger vehicles registered in Ireland as against the same month in 2009 (7,291 registered in March 2009 as against 13,861 for March 2010).

The figures show that sales fell between February and March by 605 units in 2009. However statistics for 2010 demonstrate a clear u-turn with registrations actually increasing by 1,544.

Motorcheck looks at this new trend in car sales…

Scrappage Scheme Costing Dealers Millions

Posted by Shane Teskey on 30 March 2010 in New Car Registration Stats | 1 comment

The current public sector go-slow is costing Irish dealers 2.5 Million Euro in unpaid scrappage rebates.

Dealers are being forced to directly subsidise the Government scrappage scheme while also acting as tax collectors by paying VRT and VAT every time a new car is registered. Can they afford it?