BUYING A CAR can be stressful.

You’re trying to choose the right model for your needs and your family’s needs. You’re hoping it will be reliable, hold its value, and come with a good history — or, if it’s new, that it won’t depreciate too quickly.

At the same time, there are more brands than ever to consider. The recent arrival of Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Xpeng and Leapmotor has added even more choice. That’s good for competition, but it has also made the decision-making process more complicated.

Any notion that cars are a luxury in Ireland hasn’t been tested against daily life. Try relying solely on public transport outside the main cities and you quickly realise that, for most households, a car is a necessity.

So how are people paying for them?

According to the Banking and Payments Federation, in the third quarter of 2025, 20,954 car loans were issued, up 22.7% year-on-year. These loans totalled €267m, with the average car loan standing at €12,757.

Decades ago, buying a car was relatively straightforward. You either paid with money you had, or you took out a bank loan based on what the lender believed you could afford.

Today, the landscape is more complex. Many manufacturers now offer finance through their own in-house providers. Volkswagen........

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