Dealer Spotlight: Gilmores, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan (Est. 1952)

Quick Summary

• Gilmores is a family-owned and run motor dealer on the Shercock Road in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, A82 VW71. Its garage business started in 1952.
• According to its website, the business has been a Mercedes-Benz dealership since 1981 and sells new Mercedes-Benz cars and vans, plus Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz.
• It also trades as BYD Kingscourt, which is listed on BYD Ireland's official showroom locator, with electric and plug-in hybrid BYD models on offer.
• Services on its website include an online finance application, an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop, a parts department, online service booking and fleet and business sales.

Kingscourt sits in the east of Co. Cavan, close to the borders with Meath and Monaghan, and it is home to Gilmores, a family-owned motor dealer on the Shercock Road. According to its website, the business sells new Mercedes-Benz cars and vans, Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz and other used cars, and now also represents BYD, the electric and plug-in hybrid brand. In this Dealer Spotlight we look at what Gilmores offers, what to keep in mind when buying locally, and how to find their cars on EcoSteer.

About Gilmores

Gilmores trades as Gilmore's Kingscourt Ltd and is based at Shercock Road, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, A82 VW71. On its website, the dealer says its "garage business started in 1952", and it has been "a family-owned and run Mercedes-Benz dealership since 1981".

The dealer describes itself as an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership serving the North East, offering everything "from Brand New to Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz". Its new vehicle pages cover Mercedes-Benz cars in stock and a Mercedes-Benz Vans range that includes the Vito Panel Van, Citan Panel Van, Vito Tourer, Sprinter Chassis and Sprinter Platform. The official Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer locator lists Gilmores Kingscourt Limited for sales and service.

The business also trades as BYD Kingscourt. BYD Ireland's official "Find a Showroom" page lists BYD Kingscourt at the same Shercock Road address, and the BYD Kingscourt website says its "brand-new showroom is now open". The range shown there includes the Dolphin, Dolphin Surf, Seal, Seal U, Sealion 7, Seal 6 and Sealion 5, with the ATTO 3 EVO and ATTO 2 listed as coming soon, so buyers can choose between fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids, which BYD calls Super Hybrids.

On the used side, the dealer's website lists makes including Mercedes-Benz, BYD, Audi, BMW, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Volkswagen.

The sales team is open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm, with service and parts hours listed separately. You can phone the dealer on 042 966 7126, and full details are on its website at https://www.gilmores.ie/.

What they offer

Based on the dealer's own websites, here is what buyers can expect:

• New cars and vans: new Mercedes-Benz cars and vans, plus BYD electric and plug-in hybrid models, with online test drive requests on the BYD Kingscourt website.
• Used cars: Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz and other used cars, with enquiries possible through the website or by WhatsApp.
• Car finance: an online hire purchase application, which the website says is submitted to Permanent TSB plc, trading as PTSB Asset Finance. The calculator also lets you include a trade-in. Finance is subject to the lender's approval, so ask for the full terms in writing.
• Servicing and parts: an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, online service booking and a parts department. Owners of Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid and electric models can also download a battery certificate from the service page.
• Fleet and business: Mercedes-Benz Business Solutions, which the dealer describes as combining vehicle finance and maintenance in a fixed monthly lease rate.

Warranty cover on a used car varies, so ask exactly what is included on the car you are interested in and get it in writing.

Buying a car in Kingscourt and east Cavan

Whether you are buying from Gilmores or any other dealer in Cavan, Meath or Monaghan, a few simple checks will help you buy with confidence:

• Check the NCT. Cars need their first NCT at four years old, then every two years, and every year from ten years old. Check the certificate and its expiry date on the official NCTS website.
• Ask for the service history. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) advises asking for service records. For a hybrid or electric car, also ask for battery health information, such as a battery certificate.
• Take a proper test drive. Try the car through Kingscourt town and on the main roads towards Carrickmacross or Navan. With an electric car, watch how the range reading changes and try the regenerative braking. The CCPC suggests driving with the radio off so you can listen for unusual noises.
• Plan your charging. If you are moving to electric, think about where you will charge. The BYD Kingscourt website has a charging point locator.
• Check the paperwork. The Vehicle Registration Certificate should match the car, and the CCPC advises checking for any outstanding finance on it.
• Know your consumer rights. When you buy from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2022 protects you. The car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, and for a used car its quality should reflect its age and price. If a fault appears within 30 days of delivery, you can generally reject the car without having to accept a repair. After that, the dealer should normally offer a repair or replacement. These rights are separate from any warranty. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has clear guidance on buying a car.

Find them on EcoSteer

Gilmores is a member dealer on EcoSteer, the Irish car marketplace that lists cars of all fuel types. You can browse their current cars and get in touch through Gilmores on EcoSteer.

Want to compare options across Ireland? Browse all available cars on EcoSteer and filter by make, fuel type, gearbox and location.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Gilmores located?

Gilmores is on the Shercock Road, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, A82 VW71. Sales are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. It is a good idea to phone ahead before travelling to view a car.

What brands does Gilmores sell?

Gilmores has been a Mercedes-Benz dealership since 1981, selling new Mercedes-Benz cars and vans and Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz. It also trades as BYD Kingscourt, selling new BYD electric and plug-in hybrid models, and its used stock can include other makes.

Does Gilmores offer car finance and servicing?

Yes. The dealer has an online hire purchase application through PTSB Asset Finance, subject to the lender's approval, and an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop where you can request a service online.

What are my rights if I buy a car from a dealer in Ireland?

When you buy from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2022 protects you. The car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, and a used car's quality should reflect its age and price. If a fault appears within 30 days of delivery you can generally reject the car, and after that the dealer should normally repair or replace it. The CCPC website at ccpc.ie explains these rights in detail.

Sources

• Gilmores Kingscourt: Home
• Gilmores Kingscourt: Mercedes-Benz Vans
• Gilmores Kingscourt: Used Cars
• Gilmores Kingscourt: Apply for Finance
• Gilmores Kingscourt: Service
• Gilmores Kingscourt: Fleet and Business
• BYD Kingscourt: Home
• BYD Ireland: Find a Showroom
• Mercedes-Benz Vans Ireland: Gilmores Kingscourt Limited
• CCPC: Buying a car
• RSA: Advice on buying a used (second-hand) car
• NCTS: National Car Testing Service