When one uses a Gestor to transfer title both parties sit and he witnesses the signature. A bit difficult when buying in the UK

There is no equivalent of drive to a booked MOT for ITV in Spain.

What use is your warranty from UK dealer when your car breaks down in Sapin? Arthur Dailey "Just bring it in and we shall repair it Mr Smith"

It is not just a few parking fines. It could be stolen or unlimited outstanding fines and finance on the car.

Disagree with the first point: Our car was still registered to the previous owner, but we never met him - we just signed in front of the dealer and drove off.

Your last two points apply equally to buying in Spain or UK. Buying a second hand car is fraught with risk.

When it really comes down to it, what difference is there to buying a Spanish registered car in the UK?
Surely the simplest thing is to just pay the dealer a deposit until the paperwork is completed. If the gestor finds anything dodgy then get your deposit back and walk away. The dealer can't really argue with that. If it's a genuine car then the dealer will be happy to get it sold.

I and others have explained the risks of buying a spanish registered car in the UK and the hassle OP would have when reregistering it in Spain. You are perfectly entitled to disagree. Your opinion might have some weight had you bought your car in UK and imported it into Spain.

This makes no sense.......You pay a deposit to Arthur Dailey in the UK. He comes with you to the Gestor ..... in Spain

My advice to the OP is buy a car WITH a warranty from a reputable dealer in Spain.

OK, I brought my UK car over to Spain and imported it so I'm familiar with the process for a UK registered car.

So far there haven't been any posts from people who have actually bought a Spanish registered car in the UK and brought it over. No-one to actually confirm that the process is difficult or even as complicated as importing a UK car.

So no, my opinion may not carry much weight but I can't see that yours carries any more.

The OP was rejecting this option and I was simply attempting to question the hive mind on this site that always says using the valid argument that most people buy privately in the UK.

OK, I'll leave it at that

Whatever.

Most of us do have experience of re-registering vehicles, but I don't know anyone who has bought a Spanish registered car in the UK to re-import back to Spain.

Most people in Spain buy second hand cars privately. The process is the same as the UK. One can and many do give the seller cash and drive away. As we have pointed out there are significant risks for the unwary in addition to those one has in the UK.

OP and others who may not understand these pitfalls and lack language skills would be well advised to
simples

Sorry if I caused any squabbles. I'm sure you're all big pals really!

I absolutely take on board everything everyone has said and as I might have alluded to, buying locally in Spain is probably the best bet. However, I have a car to sell in the UK and what I get for that will ultimately govern how much I have to spend on another vehicle. If I could afford it, I would let my car go for whatever I could get here, then buy a brand new one in Spain. Not sure that's going to be possible so it's a case of getting the best deal at the best price and factoring in re registration costs against what everyone says are higher car prices in Spain.

I have much food for thought anyway and I think I will check out the dealers local to where I am going and also the Spanish registered ones I've seen in the UK for ITV documentation. Ideally one might have the best part of 2 years left!!

Do not worry. It is a bit like any discussion with your mates. We do not always agree. The advice on offer is free and you are not obliged to take it.

FYI:
Like many others, when I first came I drove my UK registered Polo to Spain. After I bought my spanish car, I sold the Polo to a dealer for what I thought I might get if I had sold it in the UK.