minouette

I hope you will be kind enough, as always, to help me out.
I'm planning to buy a second hand car in Spain: I found the car, it belongs to a fellow Brit, as luck has it.
Questions I have are these:
- Can I buy the car in my name? I'm not resident, but I own a holiday property, have NIE and bank account.
- What do I have to do to transfer the ownership to my name? Are there any costs associated to this?
- What to look for when buying a second hand car? The pictures look good, but ...


Please help!

lurchio

In answer to your first two questions, seek advice from and use a Gestor. He /She will be able to process the transfer with a meeting between you and the vendor, check there are no outstanding charges / fines etc against the vehicle, and hopefully help you as I assume you are not on the Padron. (Other threads active on this aspect) It seems to be a lottery as to which areas will process it without a Padron, so seek advice. Costs here for a transfer are about 150 euros start to finish BUT bear in mind it is normal practice for the buyer to pay the charges.


The third question, use the same rules as in the UK. Buyer beware, and if you don't know what you are looking at / for, find someone who does! Because its a fellow brit, do not feel obliged or take the easy route if you are not happy, there are loads of cars out there! Beware, Spanish vehicles are not maintained as well as UK cars. (In general, personal experience)

missile

Buying from a Brit is no guarantee.

You can DIY:
sign on Padron at your local town hall.
transfer ownership at Traffico.
previous owner is responsible for this years road tax.
make sure car has valid ITV and check the documents carefully.

If you are unsure: best to buy car from a dealer who will do the transfer and provide a warranty or employ a Gestor.

minouette

Thank you very much Lurchio and Missile!
I'm already on the Padron, so that is sorted.
I need to find a Gestor now.