Stop Clicking Everywhere: The Top 5 Websites To Find A Used Car In Ireland

If you’re hunting for a used car in Ireland right now, you know the drill. You open a site, get excited, then close it and open another one, just in case you missed the perfect deal. It feels like you’re chasing listings across the internet.

It can be a proper time sink, and worse, it can make you feel pressured to buy the first thing that looks half-decent.

Here at LM Operations (LMO), we want to make the process of getting a car as simple as possible. That includes finding the right one first! We’ve put together the definitive list of the five websites every Irish driver should be checking, broken down by what each site is actually best for.

What Are The Best Used Car Websites In Ireland?

The best used car websites in Ireland for finding second-hand vehicles are DoneDeal.ie, Carzone.ie, and CarsIreland.ie, which together offer the widest selection of dealer and private stock. Adverts.ie and Facebook Marketplace are essential for local, private bargains. No matter where you find the car, it is crucial to run a car history check (e.g., Cartell or MotorCheck) to avoid risks like outstanding finance or clocked mileage.

1. Top 5 Used Car Websites In Ireland: A Comparison

The secret to success isn’t checking every site every hour; it’s knowing what each site is best for and using them strategically. Here is the LMO breakdown of the platforms you need to use.

2. The Core Contenders (Dealer And Private)

DoneDeal.ie: The Giant For Choice

If there’s one site that dominates the Irish classifieds, it’s DoneDeal. Its car section is massive and non-negotiable for your search.

• The Vibe: A true marketplace. It’s where you go to see the widest range of prices and models, including slightly older or more niche vehicles.
• Buyer Tip: Be thorough. Always check the mileage and always, always do a history check.
• Long-Tail Keyword Tip: Use DoneDeal for focused searches like “used Toyota Corolla under €10,000 private seller Ireland.”

Carzone.ie: The Dealer Specialist

Carzone is dedicated solely to the motor trade. This platform is sleek, professional, and primarily where the larger, reputable dealerships list their stock.

• The Vibe: Professional and polished. Listings often have multiple high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and excellent filters.
• Buyer Tip: If you prefer buying from a recognised garage with a warranty, start here. You might pay a slight premium for that peace of mind.

CarsIreland.ie: The Strong Contender

CarsIreland is another essential platform that focuses heavily on dealer stock. It’s a clean, simple site to use and often features listings from many of the same dealers as Carzone, but sometimes with different availability or slight price differences.

• Buyer Tip: Use the site to compare prices for similar models found on Carzone and DoneDeal. If a price is way off the average here, you know you have room to negotiate.

The Local Bargain Hunters (Private And Hyper-Local)

Adverts.ie: The Local Bargain Hunter

Adverts.ie, often seen as DoneDeal’s sibling, is a general classified site but attracts many private, local sellers who are often just looking for a quick sale.

• The Vibe: Community-focused and no-frills. Expect direct, quick communication.
• Buyer Tip: Haggling is expected. Be polite, but don’t be afraid to make a reasonable offer, especially if the car has been listed for a while.

Facebook Marketplace: The Hyper-Local Option

In the last couple of years, Facebook Marketplace has absolutely exploded for used cars. It’s often the first place private individuals go because it’s free and everyone uses Facebook.

• The Vibe: Very informal. Be prepared for a wider range of listing quality, from one blurry picture to a full video walk-around.
• Buyer Tip: High risk, high reward. The prices can be great, but you are dealing directly with an unverified private person. Always take a friend, and read our guide on buying privately: Used Car Checklist

Found a car you love but the dealer finance doesn’t quite work?

Empower Your Negotiation: Get LMO Finance Pre-Approval Today! Walk into any Irish dealer ready to buy, giving you the power of a cash buyer for better pricing and a better deal.

Apply for Flexible Car Finance Now with LMO!

The LMO Strategy: Search Smarter, Not Harder

🛑 CRITICAL BUYER WARNING: NEVER SKIP THIS STEP

No matter which of the five sites you use, if you are buying a second-hand car in Ireland, you absolutely must do a car history check (e.g., Cartell or MotorCheck).

Why? It protects you from the three biggest risks:

• Outstanding Finance: This is massive. If the seller still owes money, the finance company can legally seize the car from you, and you lose all your money. (Source: Cartell/MotorCheck)
• Clocked Mileage: Mileage that has been illegally rolled back to increase the sale price.
• Write-Off Status: The car was previously declared a total loss due to accident damage.

A small fee for a history check will save you thousands of Euro and massive headaches later.

Your Three-Step Search Plan

Here’s the LMO plan for finding your perfect used car:

1. Define Your Budget: Use our online application to get your car finance budget. This sets your max spending limit so you only look at cars you can afford.
2. Start Broad (DoneDeal/Carzone): Figure out the average price and availability of your chosen make and model.
3. Go Local (Adverts/Facebook): Search the same model in your immediate area for potential quick, cheap private sales.
4. Confirm the Details: Once you find a car you like, run that essential history check, and then come back to us to finalise the finance.

Using these five sites strategically will drastically cut down your search time and increase your chances of bagging a great, reliable car. Happy hunting!

Ready to find your next car? Let’s sort the finance first.

Apply for your LMO Car Finance Pre-Approval Now!

FAQS

Can I use standard Car Finance (HP/PCP) for a private sale on DoneDeal or Facebook?

No, generally you cannot. Standard car finance products like Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Plans (PCP) are secured agreements typically only available when buying from an authorised motor dealer. If you find a car on DoneDeal or Facebook Marketplace from a private seller, you would need to secure a Personal Car Loan from a bank or credit union to finance that purchase, as this loan is issued directly to you and not secured against the vehicle.

Should I get my finance pre-approved before I start searching?

Yes, absolutely. Getting pre-approved for finance, whether it’s an HP agreement with us or a Personal Loan, defines your maximum budget. This allows you to negotiate with any seller from a position of strength, acting like a cash buyer, which often secures you a better price.

Why does LMO recommend checking both Carzone and CarsIreland?

Checking both is crucial for a complete view of the dealer stock in Ireland. While many large garages list stock on both, some regional dealers may exclusively use one platform, or you may find minor differences in price and availability. This ensures you haven’t missed a superior option from an approved dealer.

What is the most important check I must do before buying any used car in Ireland?

You must, without fail, run a comprehensive car history check through an Irish provider like Cartell or MotorCheck. This report is vital because it reveals:

• Outstanding Finance: If the car is still under a loan (HP/PCP), the lender is the legal owner and can legally repossess it from you, even if you paid the seller.
• Clocked Mileage: If the odometer has been illegally tampered with.
• Write-Off Status: If the car was previously declared a total loss due to an accident.

What are my rights if the car I buy privately is faulty?

If you buy from a private seller, you have very few consumer rights under Irish law. Consumer protection only applies when buying from a dealer (a trader). This is why buying privately is high risk and requires vigilance. You rely on the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware). Always have a mechanic inspect the car independently before purchase.

Ready to secure the finance that gives you cash buyer power? Get your Car Finance budget with LMO Today!