Hi to all

Have been hiring cars in spain now for approx. 8 years, thinking about buying instead of renting, we need one for about 12 weeks of the year.
Is it worth it or should we keep renting.
Just a small basic car will do.
We spend approx. 1500 euros per year on hire charges.

Thanks in advance

We are in the process of getting our own small car, we hire for about the same period as you and spend about the same, if your including depreciation it makes more sense to hire and there's far less to worry/think about, having said that for me its becoming having the car you want rather than just the money and maybe family and friends using it etc, that made my mind up, as a rough guide to running costs on a small Honda Jazz type car fully comprehensive insurance is €380, road tax €50 and year round airport parking around €300 plus ITV and services

Thanks for the reply, for me I think it is more about getting rid of the hassle of hiring, they now want to deduct 900euros from your account unless you take out there additional insurance, we are still waiting for the payment to be returned after 6 weeks, we go again next week so they will have 1800 of our money.
Oh well we will give it some more thought, but its looking like we will buy.

You should find a better hireco - the good ones, which include those giving cheap deals - put a 'hold' on your card against damages or insurance but do not actually draw down any money from your account. The 'hold' is removed as soon as the car is returned undamaged.
Which is why it is always a good tip to inspect the car carefully, including tyre condition etc - taking photos if necessary and have the car checked back with an agreed inspection - if possible.
Note: the hireco will still require the CC hold even if you have separate insurance, you will need to pay locally and get all the bills/police reports etc and claim back on your own insurance.
The 'hold' will obviously reduce the credit available on your card so you would need to take that into account if you intend to use your CC for holiday spends. Personally I have a CC which I only use for this purpose and a DC for spends.

If you only need for twelve weeks and spend only 1500€ per year, I would suggest you keep on renting.

Buying may solve some problems but will create many others you may not have considered.

They have taken the money from my account, this has been in there account 6 weeks!!!

Problems? Such as.
Thanks

After 8 years visiting Spain, I am surprised you need to ask?

There are many problems for those who do not understand the systems in Spain. To name but a few:
1. You need to be on the Padron
2. If you buy second hand you may buy a lemon
3. Guarantee from some dealers may be worthless
4. There may be loans or fines associated with the vehicle
5. You need to register ownership at Trafico
6. Secure parking
7. Insurance and maintenance
8. ITV

Thanks for the reminder, pretty much the same as when we had our place built, all the things that you think you have covered and still things crop up when least expect it.

Which hire car company is holding on to your money?

I guess it would be just as difficult for a Spaniard trying to work out the systems / red tape in the UK?

[QUOTE=missile;11683535]After 8 years visiting Spain, I am surprised you need to ask?

There are many problems for those who do not understand the systems in Spain. To name but a few:
1. You need to be on the Padron
/QUOTE]

This I did not know. I did not realise to buy a car in Spain you must be on the Padron

[QUOTE=Dondurma;11683676] We are told by main franchise dealers in Northern costa blanca its Escritura or property rental contract or Padron and NIE

I believe it's only to verify an address for tax purposes.

This has been discussed before.