The Pat Kenny Show Is it worth buying new car at all?
Nov 12, 2025
Conor Faughnan, a transport consultant and commentator, dives into the intricacies of buying new cars and the timing of registrations. He highlights why January is crucial for new car purchases and discusses how perceptions around car registration can influence resale values. Faughnan advises against buying new cars due to hefty depreciation, suggesting nearly-new alternatives instead. He also touches on non-financial factors driving new car purchases, like warranties and dealer relationships, while emphasizing the limits of public transport in replacing personal vehicles.
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Registration Plates Distort Car Value
- Irish registration plates create an artificial premium for newer cars despite identical specs.
- Conor Faughnan says the plate makes no logical difference but strongly affects perceived value.
January Is The New-Car Peak
- January remains a psychological peak for new car registrations in Ireland, concentrating demand.
- Conor Faughnan says around 35,000 new cars will register that month, about 1,000 per day.
Avoid The New-Car Depreciation Hit
- Avoid buying brand-new cars if you want financial sense because the first owner takes the biggest depreciation hit.
- Conor Faughnan recommends looking for cars a couple of years old for much better value.