Buying a used car can save you thousands compared to a brand-new model — but only if you know exactly what you’re getting. Unfortunately, not every vehicle on the market has a clean past. Some may have been written off, clocked, or imported with hidden damage.
That’s why checking a car’s history report before you buy is essential. In this 2025 guide, we’ll show you how to check a used car’s history in Ireland — and what to look out for before signing the deal.
Why Checking Car History Matters
A simple car history check can reveal:
- If the vehicle was stolen, written off, or scrapped
- Whether the mileage has been altered (clocked)
- If it has outstanding finance or loans
- Previous ownership details and imports
- NCT status and expiry date
Buying without checking could leave you stuck with serious problems — or even lose the car entirely if it’s still under finance.
🔗 Read more on car-buying safety at Citizens Information.
Use an Official Vehicle History Check
There are several trusted websites in Ireland where you can get a detailed car history report instantly.
✅ Recommended platforms:
- MotorCheck.ie – Ireland’s leading vehicle history service, providing finance, write-off, and mileage data.
- Cartell.ie – Comprehensive checks including UK imports and previous ownership data.
These services usually cost between €20–€40, but they’re worth every cent for peace of mind.
Check the Vehicle Registration (Reg)
To run a check, all you need is the car’s registration number. Enter it on MotorCheck or Cartell, and you’ll receive an instant report covering ownership, mileage, NCT history, and any alerts.
📍 Pro Tip: Always verify the reg matches the one displayed on the logbook (Vehicle Registration Certificate).
Review the NCT and Tax Status
A valid NCT and up-to-date motor tax are signs of a well-maintained vehicle. You can check both easily using the official NCTS website or Motor Tax Online.
If the NCT has expired, factor in potential repair costs before you buy.
Check for Outstanding Finance
Cars bought on finance (PCP or HP agreements) legally belong to the finance company until paid off. If you buy a car still under finance, it can be repossessed — even if you paid for it in full.
A paid history report will flag any outstanding loans or finance agreements, helping you avoid costly surprises.
Inspect Mileage Consistency
Mileage tampering (also called “clocking”) is still an issue in the used car market. Check that the mileage recorded on the NCT, service records, and history report are consistent.
If you notice unusual drops in mileage, walk away — it’s not worth the risk.
Verify Import History
Imported cars, especially from the UK, can be great value — but they may have previous damage or flood history. A full report will confirm if the vehicle was imported, when, and its prior condition.
Look at Ownership and Use
A history check reveals how many previous owners the car has had and whether it was used as a taxi or rental vehicle. Frequent ownership changes in a short time can be a red flag.
Double-Check VIN and Logbook Details
Always ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car matches the logbook. Discrepancies may indicate cloned or stolen vehicles.
Buy from a Trusted Dealer
While private sales can be risky, buying from a reputable dealership like TRB Car Sales gives you peace of mind. All our vehicles are fully history-checked, NCT certified, and warrantied for your confidence.
📞 Contact TRB Car Sales today or visit our forecourt in Cork to view our latest stock of quality used cars.
