Rotor

Buy in Spain , As Ive mentioned before , if you are buying an old banger buy from any internet site and get it checked out by both a mechanic AND a gestor , for late model cars use a main agent .
Buying a UK in RHD then registering it in Spain makes no sense , fee`s and the devaluing of the the RHD car when in Spain is substantial , buying a LHD in the UK is also a risk , many get clocked between being registered between countries (like German origin ones in Spain) and most are supplied by dealers so you pay top money but can never return it to dealer for warranty work as........you will be in Spain.
I`ve worked in the motor trade both in the UK and Spain.

Loco Pedro

Of course you're absolutely correct.
It was a typo on my part.

Loco Pedro

I agree Fred - people hang on to cars in Spain which makes them far more expensive.


We've imported a car, motorbike & motorhome since coming to Spain.


We're about to go to England and bring another RHD car back here.
My 22 year old Saab has lasted 12 years here and I would hope that another 8 or 9 year old quality car (e.g. Volvo, VW, Honda) would give me another 10 years.
The RHD does not bother us at all.
Some cars now have switchable headlights - so no expense there.
We may need to switch the reversing light from one side to the other. (move the bulb).
I am unconcerned by the poor value of RHD in Spain as I never expect to sell it, as with the Saab, - i.e scrap it.


Certainly a LHD from UK would be great but I agree, very hard to find a good one at sensible money.
We've just sold our LHD motorhome, brought s/h from England 4 years ago and they are no more expensive there than RHD, because there are lots of them.
It was extremely cost effective and we got more euros for it than we paid in pounds - having put 60,000 km on it ! - and look at the value of the euro/pound now !

Casanaranjos

I'm sorry if this has been covered recently. I have searched for current information about a non-resident buying a car in Spain. We have recently purchased near Murcia, and had planned to buy in UK and import. However, many people advise buying a car in Spain, to avoid all the hassle. Can anyone please help, thanks for any information.

Rotor

If you live in Spain you should become a resident so I dont understand why you would want a Spanish car if you dont live there.?

Loco Pedro

We bought a 2007 Honda Accord Executive, leather interior 2.0 litre, petrol, automatic with 40,000 miles and 2 owners from Chesham in November.
We've been driving a RHD car here for 12 years - therefore not an issue.
It is immaculate.
£4945.
After changing the lights, import taxes etc. - total cost around £5600.
I challenge anyone to find a similar second hand Honda for less than 10 -12,000 euros in Spain, Germany etc..
If you're prepared to do the research and deal with the importation process, you cannot possibly lose !
I visited the Honda dealership in Gandia last week and looked in the showroom.
There was a new Civic @ 28,400 euros !

Casanaranjos

Rotor. I didn't say we live in Spain. But thank you for your valued opinion.
Loco Pedro. Thank you, very interesting information.

lurchio

Only thing is, we don't know the market for a 'similar' Imported 2 litre PETROL RHD in Spain for a comparison, so not a fair challenge there methinks! It certainly would not be very desirable with that big petrol engine, automatic AND RHD in my area! Let alone the local tax charges on it! Well, it just would 'stick' I think.


However, Horses for courses, and I am glad you are happy with your set up so good luck to you. They are absolutely lovely cars, and I see your point, but as I said maybe not a fair comparison.

Rotor

You will need a Spanish address and a NIE at the least .

Fred James

And possibly need to sign on the Padron.

Casanaranjos

Thanks Rotor, I have my NIE and an address. We intend to spend as many weeks as we can at our property, and once fully retired, move permanently.
Thanks Fred, from what I have read, I think I will have to.

Rosemary

You only sign on the Padron when you are a permanent resident.

Rosemary

lurchio

Yep, I know it's much maligned, but signing on the padron means that the address is where you ordinarily reside in Spain. (And not just on holiday). The Town Hall
may want you to now. You may not want to until you are resident.

Fred James

Correct, signing on the Padron indicates that it is your permanent home, so non residents, strictly, are not allowed to sign on.

However the town hall usually encourage as many people as possible to sign on as it can increase their status and funding.

Back to car purchase, in Málaga, the DGT will not process a change of ownership or new purchase without it, notwithstanding the fact that their own published guidance does not mention it.

As is so often the case in Spain, the (dis)functionarios make up the rules as they go along with complete disregard to the actual (usually totally unambiguous) law.

Casanaranjos

Thank you all for adding to my knowledge of the practicalities of life in Spain. Much appreciated.