The consumer watchdog is calling for a new database to give second-hand car buyers free access to the car's history.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have launched a report aiming to "close the knowledge gap" and give buyers essential information like mileage readings and write-off status.

Allowing consumers to more easily access this information would help limit the number of dangerous, clocked, or poorly repaired cars on Irish roads, the CCPC claim.

The consumer watchdog believes that before buying a used car, consumers must have access to important information about a car’s mileage, past accidents, safety recalls, and import status.

Currently, much of this information is collected by the State but is either inaccessible or available only for a fee from commercial car history providers.

Similar databases are already up and running in 20 EU countries.

Second hand and used cars for sale in Sydney,Australia. Image: Alamy

CCPC Chair Brian McHugh explained how the proposed portal would work.

“So this would be a portal, a website, whereby all the useful information for consumers will be in one place, freely accessible,” he said.

“When they're buying a second hand car, they could get information on the mileage history of the car, whether it's been written off, whether it was imported, whether it's been subject to any safety recalls.

“When they make one of the biggest financial decisions that people make, then they can make it with the full information.”

Car dealer used car lot. Image: Alamy

In a press release Mr McHugh highlighted that thousands of consumers contact the CCPC helpline every year about second-hand cars.

“CCPC officers carry out regular investigations, inspections and enforcement action, but arming consumers with information is the most efficient and cost-effective way to help safeguard every second-hand car sale in the country,” he said.

“What’s more, sharing car history with buyers will protect all road users, helping to keep dangerous cars off Irish roads.

“It is in the public interest to have an open, free and accessible State database of essential car history information.”

Used cars for sale at a second-hand car market in China. 16 November 2011 Image: Alamy

Mr McHugh said it must be ensured that consumers are getting value for their money with second-hand cars.

“We need the State to capture key car history information and share it with consumers for free,” he said.

“A car is one of the most expensive purchases a consumer will ever make, and buyers need accurate information so they can get value for money and a safe and reliable vehicle for them and their family.”

In 2024, the CCPC received 3,192 contacts to its national consumer helpline specifically concerning issues related to second-hand cars.

These contacts related to a range of issues including clocked cars, previously crashed cars, excessive repair/resolution times, and recurring faults after repair.

Other consumers reported issues with misleading advertising and mis-selling.

Second hand Audi passenger cars stand on display at an Audi dealership on May 8, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)