Buying cars in Spain - 4SaleinSpain.com:

Second-hand cars in Spain tend to be more expensive than in many other EU countries as they depreciate less after the first two years than say in the UK. If you intend to buy a used car in Spain, you should consider the following:

The car has a current ITV test certificate, if applicable;

The chassis number should be the same as that on the registration document, which should be in the name of the seller when a car is purchased privately.

You must receive a `transfer of ownership' (transferencia) form from the seller.

When you buy a second-hand car in Spain you must obtain the following documents from the seller;

1. Registration document (permiso de circulación). The Permiso de Circulacion is the Spanish equivalent of the Registration document in the UK and owner's details have to be changed when vehicles change hands.

2. The ITV test certificate plus the technical sheet 'Ficha Tecnica' and a photocopy. Again this should correspond to the vehicle number etc.

3. The road tax receipt and a photocopy and a receipt for the payment of transfer tax (4%).

You have 15 days to register the vehicle in your name after purchase.

An important thing to do is to do a History check on the vehicle you plan to buy. This is the Spanish equivalent to an HPI check in England so it covers any fines, debts or outstanding taxes on the vehicle which once in your name will be liable to you unless you insist the seller pays them before you purchase.

If you do not wish to carry out the process yourself, then for a small sum you can arrange for the work to be done by a Gestor. These companies carry out admistrative tasks such as this and are widely available in Spain. The only piece of advice is to shop around for the best price and service as they will differ from place to place.

Here are some useful links to the Ministerio del Interior´s website:

http://www.dgt.es/indices/dgtHtm_Vehiculos_es.html

http://www.dgt.es/tramites/donde_realizar/alicante.htm?select3=alicante.htm