Dealer Spotlight: Baker Automotive, Santry, Dublin 9

North Dublin buyers looking for a used Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen or Audi often want two things from the same place: a car that has been looked after, and somewhere local that knows how to keep it running. Baker Automotive in Santry is set up around that idea. It sells used cars, and it also runs its own service and repair workshop on the same industrial estate, with diagnostic equipment for the three German brands it specialises in. This Dealer Spotlight looks at what the business offers, based on its own website.

About Baker Automotive

Baker Automotive Ltd is based at Unit 8c, Santry Hall Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 9. The website pitches the business at buyers in Santry, Drumcondra, Swords and the wider North County Dublin area on the north side of the city.

The company logo carries the line "Independent specialists in Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi", and that focus runs through the whole site. The used car search filters show Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, and the workshop page highlights dedicated Mercedes, Volkswagen and Audi computer diagnostic systems. For buyers, that matters because German premium cars tend to reward specialist knowledge and correct maintenance.

The business is contactable by phone on 01-9603040 and through contact forms on the website. Opening hours listed on the site are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.30pm, with the premises closed on Sundays. As with any dealer, it is worth calling ahead before you travel to see a particular car.

What Baker Automotive offers

Used cars

The used car section of the website lets you filter by make, model, year and budget, and each car has its own details page with photos, a finance enquiry option and a WhatsApp enquiry button. There is also a "Saved Cars" feature so you can shortlist cars while you compare. Some listings carry an AA badge and a vehicle history check badge, which is a useful prompt to ask the dealer for the paperwork behind them when you view the car. If you prefer to start your search on EcoSteer, you can compare used Mercedes-Benz cars for sale, used Volkswagen cars for sale and used Audi cars for sale across Ireland in one place.

Car sourcing to order

If the right car is not in stock, Baker Automotive says it sources cars to order from suppliers nationwide and from the UK. The sourcing form asks for your preferred fuel type and other details. If you are considering a car from the UK, read our guide to importing a car from the UK so you understand VRT and registration before you commit.

Finance

The website offers an online finance application. According to the site, completing the form does not oblige you to buy anything, the application is passed to the dealership and its chosen finance provider for review, and a response typically comes within one working day. Any finance offer is subject to the lender's approval, so always read the full terms and the total cost of credit before you sign.

Selling your car

Baker Automotive also buys cars from private sellers. The "Sell Your Car" page explains that it will offer a trade price for your vehicle, and the online valuation form lets you upload photos of the car (front, sides and more) along with its details. It is a simple route if you want to sell quickly rather than advertise privately.

Service, repairs and valeting

The workshop in Santry Hall Industrial Estate lists a wide range of work: annual servicing, general repairs, auto electrics, oil changes, timing belt changes, battery replacement, pre NCT work, tyres (supply and fit), factory recommended maintenance, advanced engine diagnostics, emissions test failures, steering and suspension, brake systems including ABS, airbag and safety systems, and heating and air conditioning. The site also mentions retro-fitting factory cruise control on Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda and Audi models. Services can be requested through an online booking form.

A separate valeting service covers an exterior wash, mini valet, full valet, paint correction and detailing, for cars, MPVs, 4x4s and vans.

Buying a used German car in Dublin: practical checks

Whichever dealer you buy from, a few checks help:

• Service history: ask for stamped records or invoices, and check that the scheduled services match the mileage and age. On Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi models, dealer or specialist records are a good sign.
• Timing belt or chain: many Volkswagen Group engines use a timing belt with a replacement interval. Ask when it was last changed, and get it in writing. Our Volkswagen Polo guide explains why this matters.
• NCT status: check the NCT expiry and any advisory items. Our guide to passing the NCT first time covers the common failure points.
• Warranty in writing: if a warranty is offered, ask for the length, what it covers and any conditions, and make sure it appears on your invoice.
• Your rights: when you buy from a dealer, you have consumer rights that do not apply to a private sale. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission explains these on its website.

For a full step by step list, use our used car buying checklist for Ireland. If you are weighing up specific models, our model pages for the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen T-Roc, Audi A1 and Audi A3 cover generations, engines and known issues.

Find Baker Automotive on EcoSteer

Baker Automotive on EcoSteer has its own dealer profile, where you can see its current used cars alongside other listings from dealers and private sellers across the country. You can also browse used cars for sale in Dublin, read EcoSteer's guide to car dealers in Dublin, or search all used cars on EcoSteer.

Looking at other Dublin dealers? Read our Dealer Spotlight on Smart AutoMotive in Stepaside.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Baker Automotive located?

Baker Automotive is at Unit 8c, Santry Hall Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 9, D09 X078, on the north side of Dublin. The website lists Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.30pm as opening hours, with Sundays closed.

Which car brands does Baker Automotive specialise in?

The business describes itself as independent specialists in Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi. Its used car filters also show BMW, and its workshop uses dedicated diagnostic systems for Mercedes, Volkswagen and Audi.

Can Baker Automotive find a car that is not in stock?

Yes. According to its website, it sources cars to order from suppliers around Ireland and in the UK. You fill in a sourcing form with the type of car and fuel you want, and the dealer comes back to you.

Does Baker Automotive buy cars from private sellers?

Yes. The website says it buys cars from private sellers and offers a trade price. You can send your car's details and photos through the online valuation form on its "Sell Your Car" page.

Sources

• Baker Automotive: home page and opening hours
• Baker Automotive: car sourcing
• Baker Automotive: apply for finance
• Baker Automotive: sell your car
• Baker Automotive: service and repairs
• Baker Automotive: valeting
• Baker Automotive: contact
• CCPC: consumer rights
• NCTS: National Car Testing Service