Published: Wednesday, 29th July, 2009 12:00pm

Car prices and value: North versus South

A reader with a keen interest in the price of cars and which side of the Border is better value has been communicating with us in recent weeks.

His emails were in response to the article 'Cars are cheaper here and we can prove it...' in the Anglo-Celt of June 11.

This reader has done extensive research and found certain cars in the North that are cheaper than comparable vehicles are here. He rang a dealer in Cavan and conveyed the information he had found to them, asking its sales staff to match the price.

The salesman he spoke to told him they were unable to do that, but invited him to call to the dealership to discuss the details further.

The Celt checked with the same dealership, using the same information, and spoke to the dealer principal. It appears that the diligent reader had found excellent value in the North, and it would be difficult for the Cavan dealer to match the price; but the dealer principal confirmed to the Anglo-Celt that if the reader in question is serious about buying a car, he will do a deal with him.

We report this as a follow-up to the feature of June 11, and to reiterate that the dealers in Cavan have excellent value for money on their forecourts.

There is no profit for them in vehicles that sit at their garages for weeks or months. They want to sell them, even if they make less profit on each sale. If they sell cars, they can buy in more, sell them and make more profit. That's why they're there.

They are keenly aware that people looking for cars are going across the Border and they are keen to keep them here by doing the best possible deals.

The point we made in the June article is still valid - buying a car here is a known quantity. If you find a car you like at a good price in the North, gather the evidence, take it to the dealers in Cavan and ask them to match the price. Push them hard on it too...

They tell us they will in the majority of cases. If you find a car at such good value that no dealer here can match it - buy that vehicle. But give the dealers here a chance to make you an offer first.

And remember that buying a car from a reputable dealer in your own county has many advantages, from warranties to servicing; you won't have to import the vehicle and the dealer's premises will be nearby if you need to return with any problems that might arise.

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