Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1
Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
We are a newly retired couple about to move to Roquetas De Mar for 9 months starting October 2019 and have an apartment lined up. I am English and my wife is American and we currently live in the USA. My question is about a car. We will be in England (Birmingham) with family for a month or so before we head to Spain. We would love to buy a car in England and take time to drive down to Spain. After the 9 months is up, drive back to England and sell the car. Who knows what we will do then, we may go back to Spain or somewhere else. Is this practical? Would we be better buying a car in Spain? We are not looking for an expensive car, second hand, something to get us around with golf clubs. Is it easy to get car insurance in Spain or should we try and get insurance in England? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
#2
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
We are a newly retired couple about to move to Roquetas De Mar for 9 months starting October 2019 and have an apartment lined up. I am English and my wife is American and we currently live in the USA. My question is about a car. We will be in England (Birmingham) with family for a month or so before we head to Spain. We would love to buy a car in England and take time to drive down to Spain. After the 9 months is up, drive back to England and sell the car. Who knows what we will do then, we may go back to Spain or somewhere else. Is this practical? Would we be better buying a car in Spain? We are not looking for an expensive car, second hand, something to get us around with golf clubs. Is it easy to get car insurance in Spain or should we try and get insurance in England? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2017
Location: Alicante
Posts: 925
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
On driving a RHD car in Spain; everyone is different and what may be a hassle to one can be a complete non issue to another.
I own and drive both and swap between them utterly seamlessly, my wife is also perfectly happy be it as driver or passenger.
I own and drive both and swap between them utterly seamlessly, my wife is also perfectly happy be it as driver or passenger.
#4
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
The driving bit is easy, but supermarket barriers and toll booths can be a pain if you are on your own.
#5
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
[7:15 minutes, but I recommend immediately jumping to 3:55 and watch from there.]
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Sayalonga
Posts: 256
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
Likewise, and has been for tje 10 years we have been here. In actual fact i prefer the rhd on tje campo tracks. Although as pointed out car parks can be a bit of hassle.
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 32
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
Do you need documentation to buy a car in Spain? Is it more a than drivers licence and proof of address?
#8
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
You could buy a LHD car in the UK and drive that to Spain. https://www.transeuropean.co.uk/
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Hampshire and La Zenia
Posts: 99
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
From personal experience: like-for-like the second hand cars are much cheaper in the UK than in Spain. But of course, RHD v LHD may be more important for some than the budget
#10
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
To buy a car you need cash
To register that car, you need NIE and an address possibly passport (or ID of some sort) as well
They don't ask to see any drivers licence
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 32
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
I assume that means register as a permanent resident?
#14
Re: Car in Spain - Suggestions wanted
You do not need to be a permanent resident to get a NIE. It is issued by the police to all foreigners so they can carry on financial, legal affairs in Spain. Obviously it is also a fstep in obtaining residence. You can apply through the Spanish Counsulate in your country of residence or a Spanish lawyer , with a POA, can get it for you, There is an official form which you can download from the web.