VISIT THE DEALERSHIP on a rainy day. Buy just before closing time. Don’t mention your trade-in until the very end. Buying a car is a topic most people have strong opinions on – and it’s also a topic that can throw up a lot of myths.

There are an average of 121,000 car registrations in Ireland every year, according to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry since 2016. If you’re planning to join the car buying ranks this year, then now’s the time to start doing your homework.

To help you find a great deal on your new set of wheels, we asked Bob Flavin, a motoring journalist with over ten years’ experience, to bust some of the most commonly believed myths around car buying. 

Is the price at the dealership really final, for example? (“A total myth, there’s always wiggle room in every price and it’s worth negotiating every single time,” says Bob).

And is a PCP the most flexible form of car finance out there? (Another myth in Bob’s eyes, because a PCP “restricts you” in terms of mileage, re-selling the car and more.)

Want a hand busting some more car-buying untruths? Watch the video above to hear what else Bob has to say.

Imagine: a dream car that’s all yours. With a Credit Union car loan you’ll own the car from the outset, unlike hire purchase or PCP finance. There are no scary hidden fees, additional charges or balloon payments. Credit Union. Imagine More. Make a car loan enquiry online right here.