Second Hand Car
Novice,
I would suggest that you decide on several types of car that appeal to you based on looks, engine size, cost to run, price, reliability, etc. - there used to be a magazine called "What Car" which might help if it's still available.
Say you narrow it down to a few makes and models, then phone several garages in your area to see does anyone have this make. There is a good website called
www.cbg.ie which will give you an idea of what's available countrywide and the prices the cars sell for so you will know that you are not being done on the price. A lot of the bigger car dealers have websites with Used Cars on them - for example, if you want a VW, go to
www.volkswagen.ie where you will find a list of their dealers and their websites.
If you know a good mechanic get him to look over any car you are interested in or alternatively I think the AA have some service like this for a fee. You will especially need to do this if you decide to buy privately rather than through a garage particularly if it's your first time buying a car. If buying from a garage ask for a 1 year warranty.
And I agree with Rainyday, organise your own finance as finance arranged by a garage means that the garage will be getting a kickback - they won't necessarily have your interests at heart and it's more than likely Hire Purchase they will arrange for you.
Also remember (as my father warned me) never trust a car dealer - they are not there to "see you right" but to make a profit.
Mersey