2025 Expert Insights on New and Used Cars in Ireland

New Car Market in Ireland: Growth and Electrification Trends

According to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) released in May 2025, the new car market in Ireland experienced some growth after a slower period in 2024.

• Licensing Growth: New private car licenses rose by 3% in the first four months of 2025 compared to 2024, with nearly 64,300 vehicles licensed. April 2025 saw a 5% increase to 13,033 new cars.
• Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Registrations:
• Electric vehicle (EV) registrations increased by 23% year-on-year in April 2025, reaching 1,783 vehicles.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also grew by 73%, climbing from 1,017 in April 2024 to 1,761 in April 2025.
• Despite growth in numbers, the market share of EVs declined slightly from 19% in 2023 to 15% in 2024, partly due to factors such as charging infrastructure limitations and changes in government grant availability.
• Fossil Fuel Vehicle Licensing:
• Petrol car registrations decreased by 12% to 14,446 in early 2025.
• Diesel vehicle registrations dropped by 25% to under 11,000, reflecting a continuing transition toward lower-emission options.
• Popular Brands: Toyota leads in new car registrations overall, while Volkswagen is a significant presence in the EV segment, illustrating market preferences.

Considerations for New Car Buyers

Those considering new cars are advised to be aware that while electric vehicle adoption is rising, infrastructure and subsidy changes may affect accessibility and costs. Petrol and diesel models remain options but show reduced market shares. Evaluating individual needs and local charging availability can support informed decisions.

The Used Car Market: Growth, Import Trends, and Consumer Considerations

Used cars continue to be an important option for many buyers due to pricing and wider model availability.

• Market Trends: There was a 3% increase in second-hand private car licensing in April 2025, with 5,537 vehicles registered, indicating steady demand.
• Import Patterns:
• Around 53,000 used vehicles are imported annually, with Japanese imports nearly matching those from the UK following Brexit.
• The import of used diesel vehicles increased by 6% to over 1,500 units in April 2025.
• Price and Financing: Some used car models have seen price rises of up to 8% year-on-year. Financing options available include personal loans, hire purchase agreements, and personal contract plans to support purchases.

Vehicle History Transparency and Consumer Protection

Challenges remain regarding access to complete and reliable vehicle history information.

• The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) notes issues such as undisclosed repairs, inaccurate mileage records, and absent recall data, which can impair buyers’ ability to assess vehicles fully.
• Limited transparency may lead to financial and safety risks if buyers are not aware of a vehicle’s full background.
• Services such as Cartell.ie offer vehicle history reports that cover mileage, accident records, finance status, and write-off history. These reports depend on available data and may not always be comprehensive; consumers should use them as one of several tools for due diligence.

CCPC Recommendations to Enhance Used Car Market Transparency

The CCPC suggests measures aimed at improving consumer information and market fairness, including:

• Development of a Central Online Platform: A government-supported portal compiling verified vehicle data such as mileage (from NCT tests), accident and repair details, safety recalls, and import information.
• Mandatory Reporting: Encouraging or requiring industry professionals like dealers and repairers to report vehicle repairs related to crashes.
• Greater Access to Mileage Records: Collecting and sharing odometer readings to help prevent fraud.
• Data Sharing Improvements: Making government-collected data available to consumers and commercial history report providers.

These recommendations reflect approaches seen internationally, where accessible pre-purchase data contributes to consumer awareness.

Practical Information for Buying Cars in Ireland in 2025

New Cars

• Costs and Eligibility: Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) rates for new cars have remained stable in 2025 for both electric and traditional engine types. Government grants for EVs continue but have undergone recent changes; buyers should verify current support details.
• Brand and Model Selection: Brands such as Toyota and Volkswagen provide multiple options, including electric variants. Assessments of vehicle range, performance, and charging access are important for suitability.

Used Cars

• Vehicle History Verification: It is advisable to obtain a vehicle history report from reputable providers to check:
• Mileage records
• Accident and repair history
• Any outstanding finance or leases
• Recall information
• Vehicle import status
• Financing Options: Several financing methods exist, including personal loans, hire purchase agreements, personal contract plans, and leasing (bearing in mind that leasing may not transfer ownership).
• Import Considerations: With increasing numbers of Japanese imports, buyers should ensure compatibility with local driving requirements and thoroughly check vehicle condition.
• Buyer Caution: Private sales generally do not come with the same consumer protections as purchases from registered dealers. Exercising caution and performing due diligence is recommended.

Summary

Ireland’s vehicle market in 2025 features a gradual recovery with increasing interest in electrification amid infrastructure considerations. The used car segment remains important for many, though buyers should be attentive to information gaps regarding vehicle histories. Ongoing calls for improved transparency and consumer safeguards aim to support more informed purchasing decisions. Car buyers are encouraged to stay informed on market developments, utilize available vehicle history resources, and approach transactions with careful evaluation.

Sources

• Central Statistics Office, Ireland (2025): “Number of new cars licensed in Ireland rises 3% in first four months of 2025”
• Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) (Feb 2025): “Access to Car History: Improving consumer outcomes in the used car market”
• Cartell.ie (2025): “Cartell.ie Supports CCPC’s Call for Greater Transparency in the Used Car Market”

Disclaimer: All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The information and materials contained in these pages and the terms, conditions and descriptions that appear, are subject to change without notice.