Car purchase/residency permit

[nanade]

Hi

Can anyone tell us if we need residency permits to buy a second hand car or scooter?

If so, has anyone done it recently, and can advise us what we need to take, and where to take it (info we have read on-line is slightly conflicting).
We assume we will be able to do it in Albox, as we will be living in La Alfoquia (which we assume is too small?)
Any advice is gratefully received.
N

[Val B]

Hi we recently bought a second hand car in the UK. Prices are much cheaper here than in Spain. We needed our NIE number to do this.
However change of ownership means a trip to Almeria is required or for a fee you can ask your Gestor to take care of everything, which is what we are doing.
We plan to drive to Spain and leave the car there which also means we can load the car with goodies that are cheaper in the UK.
Hope this is of some help. Val.

[AndyH]

To buy a vehicle here and register it you need:

1) NIE Number
2) Padron Certificate
3) Passport

Most garages will handle this for you when you buy.

I would strongly advise against buying in the UK for long-term use here. Yes, it is cheaper... initially. Then it gets expensive and difficult.

First, you will have to matriculate it (change to Spanish plates). This is going to run approximately €1,000 in charges/fees/technical costs (changing headlamps, etc.).

Second, you only have a limited time to do this without extra taxes kicking in. Thirdly, as a resident here, you should not be driving on foreign plates. It is OK for non-residents, up to 6 months out of every 12. Finally, unless you physically drive the vehicle back to the UK you will be unable to MOT it. That also means you cannot tax it. Driving without MOT and tax is illegal.

Cars are more expensive here but they also hold their value better.

[Val B]

Hi I agree to change to Spanish plates can be expensive.
However the second hand car we bought in the UK is Spanish registered.
We have a 2006 Opel Meriva in great condition used as a holiday car by a retired couple who have gone back to the UK for good. It only has 28000kms on the clock and cost us £4500. All paperwork up to date plus 1year warrenty from dealer. Looking at prices in Spain we would have had to pay much more than that.

[AndyH]

Certainly if you are fortunate enough to find a genuine Spanish registered vehicle in the UK, and can get the transfer done properly, that's fine. It is important to check that the transfer has been done, however. A lot of people get caught out like that. As long as you now have the papers from the Spanish authorities in your name, however, you are OK.

Buying a UK plated vehicle for permanent use here is definitely not a good idea, though. Sounds like you got yourself a good deal.

[nanade]

Hi Andy
Thanks for your advice.
It was always our intention to buy in Spain, as it is less hassle. We now have all the paperwork in place - quick and easy!:D

The hard part is finding a suitable car, with less than 20 dents.........:)

Cheers
N