| Buying a Used Car in Spain
Buying a second-hand car can be a stressful endeavour.
Many people believe that buying a used vehicle is tantamount to
buying another person’s problems. However, purchasing a second-hand
vehicle can be an economical way to maintain yourself in a trustworthy
and even stylish vehicle.
Generally speaking, there are a number of good reasons
to consider buying a used car in Spain. First of all, even though
they cost more than those in many other parts of Europe, they also
hold their value better. Secondly, for those of you who hail from
cold, northern climes, Spanish cars also last longer since most
of them never see the ice and snow of winter.
However, purchasing a second-hand vehicle in Spain
can be a little complicated. For example, licensing a used vehicle
can be a little overwhelming for a foreigner. Also, used vehicles
in Spain can carry previous debt that will become the new owner’s
responsibility, something that at the very least could be extremely
inconvenient. Even so, if you decide to buy
a vehicle privately, you can either trudge through the paperwork
yourself or hire a gestoría,
an agency that specialises in dealing with government bureaucracy.
Many gestorías specialise in car purchases and are
not expensive to use.
Still, it can be a good idea to purchase through
a trustworthy car dealer that specialises in previously-owned vehicles
and who can be trusted to do all the paperwork for you. Used car
dealers were something of a rarity in Andalucia only ten years ago;
however, now they have become almost as commonplace as trendy beach
bars. There are many reasons for this. One is the massive rise in
the foreign population, especially on the Costa del Sol from countries
like Great Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands where used car
dealers flourish. Secondly, the price of used cars in Spain is among
the highest in the EU. Therefore, it can make lucrative business
for an innovative entrepreneur to find vehicles in his homeland
and have them transported here for re-sale. The profit for the dealer
can be startling while the quality of the vehicle can be superb,
making it a “win-win situation” for all involved.
Before you actually start talking to used car dealers,
it might be smart do a little research on your own. For example,
use the internet to narrow down the type of vehicle you want, according
to style and budget. Both Spanish and foreign newspapers sold in
Spain can also be a good source of information about price and brands.
We also recommend checking our classified
ads at Andalucia.com. It is also a good idea to take a walk
around car dealers during off hours. This will give you a chance
to get an understanding where the Spanish market is in comparison
to what you might be used to in your home country.
Used car dealers might all appear alike from the
outside but how do you go about choosing for the one that is right
for you? First of all, begin by asking around. Chances are that
some of your friends or acquaintances have had to find a used vehicle
some time in the past. Ask them where they went and if they were
happy with both their purchase and their treatment. Few things can
take the place of a positive word or two about a dealer from previous
customers when looking for a vehicle.
Also, look for car dealers that have a good number
of clean, well-maintained cars on their lot. If the dealer does
not keep their vehicles clean and presentable while trying to sell
them, a buyer should seriously wonder how much maintenance the cars
they sell have had in general. The cars are not only their products;
they are their advertising as well.
Once you feel comfortable enough with prices and
the kind of vehicle you want to buy, now is the time to begin talking
with people at dealers. It always helps if you go with a friend
who knows cars. Usually, this is not hard to find one and hardly
ever is it thought of as an imposition. Few things can be as fun
as spending someone else’s money, especially on a car. Also,
the negotiations usually go much better if you begin the hunt as
part of a team and not as a lone wolf.
Once you see an interesting vehicle, examine it
carefully, inside and out. Have a check-list with you of your “must-have”
options. For example, does it have air-conditioning? In what state
are the tyres? Does the engine look clean and well-maintained? Is
there any sign of leaking oil? Does the car pull to one side? These
questions and many more need to be considered so once again, it
is intelligent to have a knowledgeable car person with you.
If your interest remains piqued, ask the salesperson
for a test drive. Make sure you drive it under both city and highway
conditions and keep the radio off so you listen to the sound of
the engine. Stay alert for any little signs and don’t be afraid
to test everything. For example, do the brakes work efficiently?
Are all the controls in working condition or will you have to pay
for costly repairs if, let’s say, the rear power window doesn’t
operate?
When you have returned to the dealer and if your
interest is still strong, begin the negotiations. One of the greatest
differences between buying a used car privately and buying one from
a dealer is the fact that dealers often offer some type of warranty
on their cars and this can provide a great deal of piece of mind,
especially when purchasing used. Negotiate the price including a
warranty. Also remember to ask whether the vehicle price includes
the 16% IVA tax. If you are buying the vehicle under a company or
autónomo (self-employed) name, the IVA can be reclaimed,
something that will make a big difference in the price. Be prepared
to pack up and leave if the price still remains too high for what
you’re buying. There are many other fish in the sea and it
is you who has time on your side.
If the negotiations go well and it looks like the
price is right, make the purchase contingent on an examination by
a mechanic of your choice. Many a person has been saved future heartache
with a used vehicle by paying an independent mechanic a nominal
fee to inspect a possible vehicle before money changes
hands. It is always money well spent.
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Manilva Autos
Second hand car dealer specializing on the Costa del Sol. Browse our on-line database and find the car you're looking for. Click here ! |
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