BUYING A USED CAR IN SPAIN

If you have come to Spain looking for a used car bargain then you may well be disappointed. The used car market is very strong and with little rain (and rust) the used cars command higher prices than most other countries in Europe.

It is better to buy a used car that is 2-3 years old and is coming to an end of its warranty. If you buy a used before this period then the car is still depreciating in value.

If you are familiar with buying used cars then you will know what to check for such as brakes, clutch, oil leeks and mileage accuracy to the paperwork. If you are unsure it is better to pay a qualified English speaking mechanic to look the car over for faults.

You will find all the main second hand car dealers in the English speaking newspapers such as the Costa Blanca News.

It is better to buy from a registered car dealer as this will mean you will get 12-months warranty as standard. You will also ensure that you get all the relevant paperwork such as current ITV certificate, service receipts and transfer of ownership paperwork.

You will find cheaper cars inland away from the coast though you may find that the language is a problem. I would recommend buying from dealers who speak good English and also have a service garage just in case things go wrong.

If you buy privately then you may have to register the car in your name which means getting the paperwork from the traffic department. Getting involved in Spanish red tape is not something I would recommend. If you want to make the process run smoothly I would recommend buying from the larger dealerships who can prepare all the paperwork for you and provide warranty back-up. It is worth paying a little extra just to avoid these little problems.