New car? It’s a big purchase. Here’s how to get it right.
As we head into the new year, you might be thinking of changing your car. For many people, that means a trip to a dealership to look at the new range of cars on the forecourt.
There are lots of benefits to buying new. As well as getting to drive around with the latest numberplate, and enjoying that lovely new car smell, when you buy brand new, get a manufacturer's warranty for an agreed period of time should anything go wrong.
Thinking of taking the plunge? Here’s everything you need to know before you buy.
1. Make a list of your requirements
Let’s start with the basics. Would you like a large car, like an SUV? Or something more compact and easier to park? Do you prefer to drive automatic or manual?
A big decision you’ll have to make is fuel type. All have pluses and minuses, and much will depend on the type of driving and mileage you do. According to the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry), the new car market share by engine type in 2025 is pretty evenly distributed:
- Petrol: 25.14%
- Hybrid (petrol electric): 22.51%
- Electric: 18.79%
- Diesel: 17.1%
- Plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV): 14.84%
Electric vehicles (EVs) are surging in popularity, because they’re cheaper to run, easier to service, and usually cost less to tax. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our detailed round-up of information you should consider when buying an electric car.
2. Do your research
Once you’ve chosen the right make and model for you, read as much as you can about it on the manufacturer’s website or through dealerships. Look at independent sources too, such as specialist car websites and magazines which give useful in-depth reviews. The Irish Times recently put together a list of the best cars for 2026, so that’s a good place to start.
Fuel efficiency performance is one area where doing your homework can pay off in the long-term. For this, it’s best to seek out real-life reviews from normal drivers like yourself. Discussion boards and social media posts can help you get an idea of how a car performs on average Irish roads - not during specialist testing phases in manufacturing plants.
Also, don’t forget to calculate the total cost of ownership, not just the price on the windscreen. That means totting up the purchase price and any extra costs or add-ons (like finance interest or service packages). You should also include your annual motor tax, motor insurance policy fee, and an average servicing cost.
Shop around for the best value car insurance policy in Ireland - you’ll need to compare benefits, inclusions, and any extras you might need.
3. Book an appointment and test drive
Sure, you can just arrive at a dealership and they’ll show you around, but if you’d like a little more time and consideration, it’s best to make an appointment in advance. Send an email that covers the below:
- The make and model you’re hoping to buy
- Your budget (make it realistic)
- The details of your trade-in (if you have one)
- Any extra requirements, such as Sat Nav or heated seats
- Your contact details and availability
While it can depend on how busy the dealership is (January is particularly hectic for the industry), this type of forward thinking helps them prepare options, work out prices, and have someone available for a test-drive.
Take your time to test the car on a variety of roads and at different speeds. Ask the salesperson about the history of the car, its service history, and its general background.
Note all the pluses and minuses of the drive and weigh up all your options. If you don’t like the way it feels or handles, then it’s not the one for you.
4. Choose your add-ons
If you’re buying a new car, you may find that you’re offered a lot of extras and add-ons, and it can all feel a little overwhelming.
It’s worth remembering that some features hold their value better than others. Practical upgrades like a leather interior, parking sensors, superior safety packs, and higher grade infotainment systems, can all make every day driving more enjoyable and may even boost your car’s resale value. Others, such as a fancier trim or lower-profile tyres may not really matter that much to you or future owners.
Even if you’re not buying new, you’ll still encounter a lot of optional extras such as an extended warranty, window tinting, special wheels, rust and paint protection, etc. Some will be important, a warranty is a good idea, while others may not provide much value in the long run.
You might also want to consider comparing dealership prices with independent providers. For example, paint protection or service packages might be cheaper if you buy directly from an insurance company or servicing centre. Take a little time to draw up a list, compare prices, and choose what you really want.
5. Strike a bargain
We love a good bargain in Ireland. It’s a long-held tradition to go to a dealership and negotiate hard to achieve a lower price for the one advertised.
Everyone expects this, so there will usually be a little give and take. That said, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical events have all had a serious impact on Irish car sales, so you might find that dealers are a lot firmer on their prices now than they used to be.
Also be aware of basic marketing ploys like a “straight price” vs. a “trade-in price”. For example, you might be looking at a car that’s advertised for €20,000 (with no trade-in) or €22,000 (with a trade-in). You may be happy when they offer you €12,000 for your car instead of €10,000, but the reality is that the €2,000 is recouped on the other side, in the purchase price.
Focusing on the cost to change rather than the sticker price or trade-in value can help you more accurately compare your choices across multiple dealerships.
Our best advice? Be respectful, realistic, and open to compromise - instead of a discount, a dealer may be more inclined to give you a free service, a full tank of fuel, or a complimentary valet, for example.
What do I need to do when I sign on the dotted line?
Congratulations, you’ve bought a car! Unfortunately, you still have a few more jobs to do before you can safely and comfortably drive it home.
- Pay your motor tax in person or on Motortax.ie and display your disc.
- Choose third-party or fully comprehensive insurance, get an online quote, and purchase your policy online.
- Remove your toll tag from your existing car, affix it to the new one, and let the company know you’ve changed your registration.
- Display any additional information you need on your windscreen, such as a parking permit or disabled driver symbol.
- Install any baby seats or pet crates and have them checked professionally.
Buying a new car is a big life event, but with the right preparation, the process can be smooth and even enjoyable. From researching the right model to budgeting for add-ons, RedClick is here to help every step of the way. With easy online quotes, advice and our best offers online to help you kit out your new car.
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