There’s a lot of talk doing the rounds lately about us hitting “peak prices” for cars, both new and used. You’ve likely heard it over a pint or seen the gloomy headlines, but don’t buy into the doom and gloom just yet. The truth is, a bit of volatility in the market is actually the best thing that could happen to you. At the same time, a steady market keeps the dealers comfortable; a bit of a shake-up hands the power right back to the person with the wallet.
The New Car Price War
Despite what the “experts” say about prices being stuck in the rafters, we’re actually seeing a proper scrap in the new car market. Manufacturers are staring at forecourts full of stock and realizing they need to move them fast. This has sparked a price war, and at the end of the day, the consumer is the referee. When the market is jumping all over the place, brands have to start dangling carrots—better financing, juicy incentives, and actual price cuts—just to get you to look their way. In a volatile market, your “maybe” is a dealer’s biggest headache.
The Second-Hand Shake-up
The used car world has seen a massive stir-pot lately. It wasn’t that long ago that most of our used stock came hopping across the pond from the UK. But between Brexit and the tax man taking a bigger slice, that well dried up fairly fast. While that felt like a blow at first, it actually forced us to look further afield and get a bit more creative.
And where did that lead us? Straight back to Japan.
Today’s “Japanese Re-import” boom offers consumers:
- Higher Specs: Imports often feature technology and comforts not found in standard domestic models.
- Condition: Japanese car culture prioritizes meticulous maintenance.
- Variety: Beyond the classic white, there is a burgeoning spectrum of colors and hybrid technologies now hitting our shores.
Back to the Future: The Japanese Connection
If you’re old enough to remember the 80s, you’ll know that every second dealer in the country was packed with Japanese imports. Back then, you could have any car you wanted, as long as it was white! There was a massive trend for white cars in Japan that seemed to fill every boat coming into the harbor.
Thankfully, while the white car is still a staple over there, things have brightened up a bit. We’re seeing a lot more color coming off the ships now, along with top-spec tech and cars that have been minded like family members. This “shake-up” has basically reopened a door to high-quality, reliable motors that give the Irish consumer a much better run for their money.
