Safety & advice

• Keep the conversation in MotorNewWay until you are comfortable. It keeps a record you can report.
• Ask for the registration if it is not shown, and check the vehicle’s history and NCT status independently.
• Be wary of anyone who refuses a viewing, is in a rush, or has a story about being abroad.

• Meet in daylight, in a public place, ideally at the seller’s home address for a private sale so the address matches the documents.
• Bring someone with you and tell another person where you are going.
• Never hand over cash or keys before you are satisfied.

• Match the registration and VIN on the vehicle to the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC/logbook).
• Check the seller’s name on the logbook matches the person selling.
• Confirm the NCT certificate and motor tax status, and look at the service history and mileage records.
• Consider an independent mechanical inspection and a history check for outstanding finance, write-offs or clocking.

• Buyers: make sure you are insured to drive the vehicle before you take the wheel.
• Sellers: check the buyer’s licence and insurance, and go with them.

• Use a traceable bank transfer where possible, and confirm funds have cleared before releasing the vehicle.
• Never pay a deposit for a vehicle you have not seen.
• Refuse gift cards, cryptocurrency, courier cash collection, or “escrow” and “shipping” services suggested by the other party. These are the most common scams.
• Complete the change of ownership properly and keep a written receipt signed by both sides.

Use the Report option on the advert or conversation, and block the user. Report fraud or threats to An Garda Síochána; where a crime may have occurred, contact them first. Reports and their evidence are retained so repeat behaviour can be recognised.