Average age of Irish cars is eight years

It would appear that it is not just the population of Ireland that is getting older; our cars are too. Latest information released by Cartell.ie shows that the average age of a privately owned car now stands at just shy of eight years old, meaning owners are holding on to their cars for longer than ever.

The reason for the increase is being squarely blamed on the economic climate with Cartell.ie director Jeff Aherne saying: "New car sales figures are down but the used car market is buoyant. There is a lack of stock at the newer end of the market that is pushing prices up and in turn forcing people to hunt for bargains at the older end of the market."

With a car tax system in place that favours newer, more efficient cars it is perhaps surprising that, since the recession began in 2008, the average age of Irish cars has increased by 25 per cent - Irish buyers do not seem concerned however as, while new car sales are down, used car sales are at their highest level in three years. February this year stands as the highest month in that time with 87,000 vehicle transactions taking place.

While the appeal of a used car is understandable it is not all good news for buyers, as with newer cars being more fuel efficient, more reliable and  cheaper to tax they may be buying into a false economy.

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