A car costing 20,000 pounds in 2006 in the UK is still unlikely to be worth more than 8,000 in 2009 after mamouth depreciation sets in.

That same car bought in Spain in 2006 would have been more or less 30,000 euros. Today, it'll probably be advertised at 20,000 euros because it has depreciated less (left hand drive) - making it more than double the equivalent UK car, made worse by sterling's demise.

Mileages will be higher because people travel further. I do 60,000km a year in my car alone just dropping kids at school and going to work so it's not worth getting a new car for that. Most second hand cars will take it fine though. Repairs aren't expensive because every block has at least two talleres - but parts can be.

If you're doing a lower mileage, then consider gas vs diesel. They're not popular (everyone drives a diesel) - so there are less of them but are cheaper to buy second hand. Diesels do better mileage but the running cost of a new-ish diesel is much higher - EGRs, turbos, welded glow plugs, injectors, dual mass flywheels and emissions problems at iTV, I've had them all go on my cars over the years!

Also what people buying cars in Spain have to get into their heads, is that we are talking Kilometers, not Miles, a car that has 80,000km on the clock has only 50,000 miles, mso although the numbers are a lot higher, the actual distance travelled isn't that much.

Like I said its not a gaurantee and Ive know UK testers miss important things as well, that said your still better off buying a recently tested car than one that was done 23 months ago .
Its also worth noting that Spanish testers have no reason to be biased as they are not looking for repair work unlike UK test stations.

Dual mass flywheels being the most scary , I know someone with a Frontera who was quoted 2k euro or a recon for 1200plus they then needed a clutch kit

Range Rover L322 ,2003 in Spain starts at round 23k euros , in the UK from around 11k pounds!!! I can put up with a RHD for that much difference.

They go wrong too!...anyone live near verjer on the luz...i need an honest mechanic...yes I know an honset one is a tall order but there you go

Never had a problem here, but I'm on the Costa Blanca. Certainly here the Spanish mechanics are pretty good and honest (and cheap) - although not terribly fast . I'm sure there are bad eggs, but get recommendations and you won't go far wrong.

If you know Spanish people, and they know a good mechanic / have one in the family - get them to introduce you and you'll be looked after.

To pick up on an earlier post, could anyone PM me with the name of a company offering rental claim insurance. I return to the UK every month at least and Hertz gold card excess is now 550 Quid!

We use it.

http://www.worldwideinsure.com/WWTsw...0&partner=null

I’ve been trying to sell a five litre, V8 which I should never have bought in the first place, and I’ve been looking to replace her car, a little, battered Seat, but the second hand Spanish prices have gone stupid.

I can see two ITV failures looming, unless I travel up to Carter’s area, from what I’ve heard on the grapevine.

I have used these for a few years in Spain, also recommended by Sunday Times.
http://www.insurance4carhire.com/

JDR and Agoreira,

Thanks to both of you - a load off my mind. (And my wallet)

You're welcome, that's what forums are all about! I only found out a few years ago due to someone recommending them in another forum. I also recommended it in another forum, and a lot of people took out the policy, if you are a regular traveller it makes a lot of sense.

I used this one annual policy for multi trip just over £38
http://www.atlasdirect.net/car-rental-insurance.asp

Wear a short skirt, works every time, or so I've been, err, told.

Ref the smaller car. f you can afford new then you could trade in under the plan. Our neighbour has just *bought* his wife a beaten old renault for about five euros - and then immediately traded it in for 2000 euros off a Fiesta. I don't think that's how it's supposed to work, but maybe he knows someone in Trafico