Used Car Sales Market in Spain
The second-hand cars market has increased a lot in recent months. Specifically, according to the newspaper Público, used car sales for 2021 have increased by 135% compared to 2020.
Booming second-hand car market
The health emergency situation that had a global impact is one of the main reasons for the increase in second-hand car purchases. The instability following the exceptional situation has led many families to opt for more economical options when it comes to renewing the family car.
In addition, it is worth highlighting another striking fact that emerges from this situation of economic instability: the ageing of the car fleet. According to PostVenta, the average age of the car fleet in Spain has increased by 65% in the last 8 years. (https://bcarparts.com/en/second-hand-cars-spain/)
Key Points
◇Used cars tend to be more expensive in Spain than in many other EU countries, as cars hold their value better. It often pays to buy a used car that’s around two years old, as depreciation in the first one or two years is considerable (high mileage cars, particularly ex-rental cars, are good value). Note, however, that older cars in Spain (outside their warranty period) aren’t always well maintained.
◇Used car dealers have the same dreadful (and usually well deserved) reputation in Spain as in other countries, and caution must be taken when buying from them. There are many ‘cowboys’ in Spain (often foreigner) selling worthless wrecks (the small advertisements in the expatriate press are full of them) and it’s generally better to buy from a reputable dealer, even if you pay a bit more, and obtain a warranty.
■ Check our Quality Used Cars Promise
Tips
If you intend to buy a used car in Spain, whether privately or a garage, check the following:
• It has a current ITV test certificate and card, if applicable;
• It hasn’t been involved in a major accident and suffered structural damage
• The chassis number tallies with the registration document (permiso de circulación), which should be in the name of the seller when a car is purchased privately (check his identity card or passport);
• It has a genuine service history that confirms the kilometres or miles shown on the clock;
• The service coupons have been completed and stamped and that servicing has been carried out by an authorised dealer;
• You receive a ‘transfer of ownership’ (transferencia) form from the seller. The form is available from the provincial traffic department;
• Check if a written guarantee is provided; ■ Note Quality Used Cars gives a 1 year warranty on all cars sold *subject to terms and conditions
When you buy a car from a dealer, the will arrange the transfer of ownership, usually for a small fee. Alternatively, you can employ a gestor to handle the transfer or do it yourself at the local provincial traffic department.
■ Note Quality Used Cars handles all the paperwork for you free of charge!
Be extremely wary of buying a car with foreign registration plates, as it can be very expensive to register it in Spain. When you buy a second-hand car in Spain, the seller must de-register it at the provincial traffic department, after which you receive the registration document (permiso de circulación), the ITV test certificate and card and photocopies (if applicable), the road tax receipt and a photocopy, and a receipt for the payment of transfer tax. You have 30 days to register the vehicle in your name.
(Article is an extract from Living and Working in Spain).
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