Dealer Spotlight: Smart AutoMotive, Stepaside, Dublin 18

If you are shopping for a used car in south Dublin, Smart AutoMotive in Stepaside is a dealer worth knowing about. It describes itself on its own website as "a small, but effective, Used Car Agent" offering a personal, hands-on service. It works by appointment from its Stepaside office and also helps people who want to sell a car or find a specific model. This Dealer Spotlight brings together what Smart AutoMotive says about itself on its own website, explains each service in plain terms, and adds some practical checks that apply to any used car purchase in Dublin.

Everything below about the business comes from smartautomotive.ie, read in November 2026. We have not included prices, finance rates or stock numbers, because these change often.

About Smart AutoMotive

Smart AutoMotive is based at Kilgobbin Lane in Stepaside, Dublin 18 (Eircode D18 V201). Its website places the office just off Exit 13 on the M50 and close to Stepaside Village, handy for Sandyford, Stillorgan, Dundrum and Blackrock. The phone number listed on the website is 086 849 7049.

The business says it specialises in used cars that it selects personally through a network of main dealer suppliers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK, where this is available and cost-effective. Its stated focus is on cars that have been professionally maintained, are supported by documents and motor checks, and carry a good specification for their type and age.

According to the website, cars are prepared at a detailing centre in Bray and serviced at a local independent workshop before sale.

Opening hours and viewings

The opening hours on the website are:

• Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 6.00pm
• Saturday: 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Sunday: closed

The website is clear that viewing is strictly by appointment only. In practice this means you should call or send an enquiry before you go, so that the car you want to see is ready and someone is there to show it to you.

What Smart AutoMotive offers

Used cars

The website has a searchable used car list that you can filter by make, model, year and budget. At the time of writing, the makes shown included Skoda, Ford, Audi, Dacia and Nissan, ranging from small hatchbacks to seven-seat family cars. If one of those models is on your list, our guides to the Skoda Kodiaq, Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta and Dacia Duster explain what to look for in each one.

Find My Car sourcing service

Smart AutoMotive offers a "Find My Car" service. The website says it sources cars to order from suppliers nationwide and throughout the UK. You fill in a form describing the car you want, and the business gets back to you. If a sourced car comes from the UK or Northern Ireland, our guide to importing a car from the UK explains the registration steps that apply to cars brought into Ireland.

Selling your car: cash or consignment

The website points out that selling privately can mean lots of messages, late-night viewings and cash handling. As an alternative, Smart AutoMotive lists two options:

• Cash for your car: the business evaluates your car and offers a cash price based on its condition and current trade market prices.
• Consignment: the business evaluates your car, agrees a consignment price with you, and sells it on your behalf. The website says this includes vehicle preparation, servicing and warranty, and that you receive payment within four working days of the sale closing.

The website notes that vehicles must be less than ten years old and meet its inspection standards. You start by filling in an enquiry form with photos and details of your car.

Finance applications

There is an online finance application on the website. It explains that the application is passed to the dealership and its chosen finance provider for review, that there is no obligation to buy, and that you will typically get a response within one working day. If you then choose a different car, the website says the application can be reused, provided the required deposit details are given. Any finance offer is subject to the lender's approval, so read the agreement carefully before you sign.

Buying a used car in south Dublin: practical checks

Whichever dealer you buy from, a few checks will help you buy with confidence:

• Ask for the paperwork: the vehicle registration certificate, service history and any history check report. Smart AutoMotive says its cars are supported by documents and motor checks, so ask to see them.
• Check the NCT: look at the NCT certificate and expiry date on the windscreen disc, and use the NCTS website to confirm the test history. Our NCT guide explains what testers look at.
• Ask where the car came from: if it was sourced in Northern Ireland or the UK, check that it now carries an Irish registration and that the import paperwork is in order.
• Test drive properly: because viewings are by appointment, book enough time for a drive on a mix of roads, including a stretch on faster roads such as the M50.
• Know your rights: buying from a business gives you consumer rights that a private sale does not. The CCPC explains them in plain English.

For a full step-by-step list, see our used car buying checklist for Ireland.

Find Smart AutoMotive on EcoSteer

You can see the cars that Smart AutoMotive has listed on Smart AutoMotive on EcoSteer, where each listing shows the key details in one place. If you want to compare with other cars in the area, browse used cars for sale in Dublin or search all used cars on EcoSteer. EcoSteer also has a guide to car dealers in Dublin if you are planning several viewings.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Smart AutoMotive located?

Smart AutoMotive is at Kilgobbin Lane, Stepaside, Dublin, D18 V201. Its website says the office is just off Exit 13 on the M50, close to Stepaside Village.

Do I need an appointment to view a car at Smart AutoMotive?

Yes. The website states that viewing is strictly by appointment only, so call or send an enquiry before you visit.

Can Smart AutoMotive find a specific car for me?

Yes. Its "Find My Car" service sources cars to order from suppliers nationwide and throughout the UK. You describe the car you want using a form on the website.

Can I sell my car through Smart AutoMotive?

The website lists two options: a cash offer for your car, or a consignment sale where the business sells the car for you at an agreed price. Cars must be less than ten years old and meet its inspection standards.

Sources

• Smart AutoMotive: Home
• Smart AutoMotive: Contact
• Smart AutoMotive: Find My Car
• Smart AutoMotive: Sell Your Car
• Smart AutoMotive: Apply for Finance
• NCTS
• CCPC: Consumers