Buying a Car

Buying a Car

To buy a car in Spain on needs more than just money. A foreigner must have one of the following:

  • A residence permit
  • "Escritura" (title deeds) of a house (dwelling not a office) in his personal name
  • Certificate of "Empadronamiento"
  • Rental contract of one years duration

You will agree the price and payment terms with the dealer who will usually handle all the paperwork for the vehicle transfer procedures and if a new car pay the taxes on your behalf.

If you have a used car that you wish to scrap when you buy a new one, the government will reduce your new car tax by 480.80 euros or 721.00 euros if you scrap a leaded fuel car for an unleaded fuel one.

There is an increasing used car market in Spain and "Vehiculos de Ocasion" are spring up all over the place. The price of used cars in Spain is generally higher than in Northern european countries. Many used cars are ex-rental models and these can represent good value for money.

The used car dealer will usually handle the transfer procedures for you. In a private sale you will normally benefit for the services of a "Gestor". Make sure you agree with the seller who will pay the transfer costs (Gestor) and transfer taxes (4%).

You can do the transfer yourself if you have more time than money at the "trafico" offices. Formally known as the "Jefatura Provincial de Trafico".

Almeria: Hermanos Machado, 4.

Cadiz: Santa Rafaela María, 2.

Cordoba: Avenida Conde Vallellano, 3 y 5.

Granada: Carretera Alfacar, 1.

Huelva: Avenida Escultora Miss Whitney, 19.

Jaen: Avenida Santa María del Valle, s/n.

Malaga: Avenida Mauricio Moro, Edif. Américas.

Seville: Páez de Rivera, 4.

A full list of offices with phone and fax numbers and email addresses can be found on the trafico website at www.dgt.es.


You will need the following documentation:

  • Completed Application form
  • Circulation permit (car document) signed by the seller
  • Paid up municipal tax receipt
  • Receipt of vehicle transfer tax paid to Hacienda of 4% of sale price
  • ITV (Inspección Tecnica de Vehiculos) (MOT in UK) certificate plus a photocopy
  • Residence permit plus photocopy
  • Stamped addressed envelope (for return of car document)
  • Fee 40.20 euros

If you sell a used car make sure that the transfer is done properly or the new owner may forget something and you will remain liable for municipal taxes and parking tickets. The same applies if you scrap a car.

Buying Rental Cars

The rental car industry is thriving in Andalucia thanks to a constant influx of tourists. An offshoot of this industry is a second hand car industry that features almost new cars that even come with a limited guarantee - all at a fraction of the cost of buying a new vehicle.

To find a second hand rental car, begin by visiting the car rental companies and car dealerships to enquire about the current selection of these vehicles. Often your choice of models and colours will be slightly limited, but perhaps not as much as you might expect. In fact, there are usually vehicles available in all categories ranging from luxury to economy.

During the first year following the purchase of your ex-rental car you may be required to service the vehicle at the dealership in order to ensure the guarantee is valid.

 

Living in Andalucia