Buying a Used Car in Spain: Complete Guide to Sites, Inspections & Documents

Buying a used car in Spain offers significant savings compared to purchasing new, but the process requires careful attention to legal documents, vehicle condition, and hidden costs. This guide walks you through every step—from finding the right platform to finalizing the paperwork—so you can avoid common pitfalls and scams.

The Used Car Market in Spain: Key Facts

The market for second-hand vehicles in Spain is robust. According to the Barómetro de Coches.net/GANVAM, the average price of a used car in Spain sits at approximately €20,647. The market includes both sales between private individuals and professional dealers, with distinct tax implications for each.

Best Websites and Platforms to Buy Used Cars

Spain has several established platforms for buying used cars. Here are the most reliable and widely used:

Major Portals with Extensive Inventory

Coches.net remains the most established and frequently visited portal, receiving over 5 million monthly visitors. It offers advanced search filters by brand, model, price, mileage, and location. You can search both private and dealership listings and access financing options directly through the platform.

Autoscout24 is Europe's largest online automotive marketplace with approximately 400,000 vehicles for sale across the continent and over 124,000 active listings in Spain alone. It provides comprehensive filters and cross-border buying options if you're considering vehicles from other EU countries.

Segundamano.es is one of Spain's oldest classified platforms and offers a wide variety of second-hand vehicles searchable by region, brand, model, and price. It's particularly popular for private sales between individuals.

Motor.es operates as a comprehensive automotive platform featuring over 120,000 vehicle listings alongside news and reviews. It includes useful tools like free online valuation and price negotiation features.

Autocasion.com specializes in used and occasional vehicles with over 100,000 listings. It verifies listed vehicles, providing confidence to buyers, and allows filtering by dealership, private seller, body type, and fuel type. All vehicles come with professional inspections.

Alternative and Specialized Platforms

Milanuncios functions as a general classifieds platform where you can find a broad range of second-hand vehicles alongside other items. It's particularly popular in Spain and facilitates direct negotiation between buyers and sellers.

Wallapop has evolved from a general marketplace to include a significant used car section. It emphasizes local transactions and direct seller communication through integrated chat. The platform includes 150-point vehicle inspections for verified listings and guarantees the lowest prices in major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.

Tucarro (owned by Mercado Libre) allows filtering by brand, model, year, price, and location. Direct contact with sellers is straightforward through the "Contacto" option.

Flexicar maintains a fleet of over 9,000 used, semi-new, and km0 vehicles across Spain with operations in major cities. You can filter by brand, model, price, province, and dealership location.

Spoticar offers diesel, gasoline, and hybrid vehicles with filters for body type (sedan, hatchback, SUV, commercial, etc.) and comprehensive vehicle specs.

What to Look For When Inspecting a Used Car

Before committing financially, conduct a thorough inspection both physically and documentally.

Check the Official Vehicle History

Request a DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) report for €8.67. This official document reveals crucial information:

• Number of previous owners - Frequent ownership changes can indicate problems
• Accident history - Though not exhaustive, significant damage should appear
• Recorded mileage - Must match the odometer reading; discrepancies are red flags
• Registration date - Helps evaluate whether the price is fair for the vehicle's age
• Outstanding fines and penalties - Ensures you won't inherit the previous owner's debts
• Embargos or legal holds - Confirms the vehicle isn't subject to seizure or liens
• Environmental classification - Shows emission standards compliance

Exterior Inspection

Bodywork assessment:

• Examine the entire body from multiple angles for dents, creases, or deformations that suggest previous collisions
• Look for rust or corrosion, especially in vulnerable areas like door frames, under-body panels, wheel arches, and window seals
• Check for uneven or poorly matched paint, which indicates amateur repairs
• Verify that panels align properly and sit flush against the frame

Glass and lighting:

• Turn on all lights (dipped, full beam, fog lights, brake lights, indicators)
• Check for cracked or damaged light covers
• Inspect windscreen and windows for chips or cracks
• Test mirror functionality, both manual and electric adjustment

Tires and wheels:

• Check tread depth—legal minimum is 1.6mm, but ideally should be 3mm or more for safe driving
• Look for uneven wear patterns, bulges, or cuts
• Examine all four wheels for deformation or damage
• Verify all bolts are present and tight

Interior Inspection

Cabin condition:

• Check upholstery and seats for excessive wear, fading, or damage
• Test all electrical seats if equipped; try all positions
• Pull seatbelts firmly; they should retract smoothly without fraying
• Inspect the steering wheel and pedals for unusual wear that contradicts the claimed mileage
• Check the condition of dashboard, buttons, and switches
• Note any musty or unpleasant odors

Functionality:

• Test climate control (heating and air conditioning)
• Verify the audio system works
• Check window controls (manual and electric)
• Test locks on all doors
• Check that warning lights illuminate on startup and extinguish appropriately

Mechanical Inspection

Engine bay:

• Look for visible leaks under the engine, transmission, or power steering
• Check fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid)
• Inspect hoses and belts for cracks or deterioration
• Examine the battery for corrosion

During a test drive:

• Observe gear changes—they should be smooth without grinding or clunking
• Check clutch engagement (in manual vehicles); slipping or excessive resistance indicates wear
• Test braking responsiveness and firmness
• Listen for unusual noises (knocking, grinding, rattling)
• Verify power steering functions smoothly
• Check that the suspension absorbs bumps without excessive bouncing
• Ensure acceleration is linear without hesitation

Professional inspection: Consider hiring a qualified mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection, especially for higher-value vehicles. This typically costs €100-200 but can reveal hidden problems that justify renegotiating the price or walking away.

Mileage Verification

Cross-reference the odometer reading with:

• The DGT records, which document mileage at each ITV inspection
• Service records from authorized dealerships
• The vehicle's documented history on the platform

Significant discrepancies between claimed and recorded mileage indicate either odometer fraud or poor record-keeping, both red flags.

ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) Status

Vehicles over 4 years old must have valid ITV certification. Verify:

• The ITV certificate is current and hasn't expired
• No serious or unresolved defects are noted
• The mileage on the ITV document aligns with the claimed mileage

An expired or missing ITV makes the vehicle illegal to drive and suggests the seller hasn't maintained it properly.

Essential Documents You Must Receive

Before handing over money, ensure you receive the following original or properly certified documents:

Required Documentation

Permiso de Circulación (Registration Certificate) - This official DGT document must be in the seller's name and contain no errors. It proves the vehicle is authorized to circulate and lists the current legal owner.

Ficha Técnica or Tarjeta ITV (Technical Specifications Card) - This contains the vehicle's technical specifications and must display the latest ITV inspection seal. For vehicles over 4 years old, this document is mandatory for legal registration transfer.

Contrato de Compraventa (Bill of Sale) - This is legally required when buying from a private individual. It should include:

• Full names and identification numbers (DNI/NIE) of both buyer and seller
• Complete vehicle description (brand, model, registration number, VIN/chassis number, mileage at time of sale)
• Purchase price and date of transaction
• Signature of both parties

Justificante del Impuesto de Circulación (Motor Tax Receipt) - The seller must provide the most recent paid receipt proving the annual motor tax (IVTM) is current. This is managed at the municipal level and ensures no outstanding municipal tax debt transfers to you.

Fotocopia del DNI or NIE del Vendedor (Seller's ID Copy) - You'll need a photocopy of the seller's national ID for the ownership transfer process at the Traffic Department.

Recommended Documentation

DGT Vehicle Report (€8.67) - While not mandatory, this official report is essential. It confirms:

• No outstanding fines or traffic violations
• No embargos or legal holds on the vehicle
• Clean ownership history with no disputes
• Compliance with environmental standards

Service and Maintenance Records - Request copies of service invoices and repair receipts. These demonstrate proper maintenance and help verify the odometer reading, as professional service records typically document mileage at each visit. A complete maintenance history supports a fair valuation.

Informe de Situación Administrativa (Administrative Status Report) - Some sellers provide this unofficial document confirming no municipal tax debt, though the official IVTM receipt is the legal requirement.

Costs Associated with Buying a Used Car in Spain

Beyond the purchase price, budget for several mandatory and optional expenses:

Taxes (Impuestos)

Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) applies to private sales. This is a regional tax that varies significantly by autonomous community:

• Madrid: 4%
• Cataluña: 5%
• Comunidad Valenciana: 6%
• Castilla La Mancha: 6%
• Andalucía: 8% (reduced to 4% for vehicles under 15 fiscal horsepower)
• Castilla y León: 8%
• Aragón, Navarra, Murcia, País Vasco: 4%

The ITP is calculated on the vehicle's fiscal value (published annually by the Ministry of Finance in the BOE—Boletín Oficial del Estado), not the actual sale price. This fiscal value is then reduced by a depreciation percentage based on the vehicle's age:

• Up to 1 year old: 100% of value
• 2-3 years: 58-61% of value
• 4-6 years: 39-47% of value
• 7-8 years: 28-34% of value
• 9-10 years: 19-24% of value
• 11-12 years: 13-17% of value
• Over 12 years: 10% of value

For example, a car with a fiscal value of €14,100 purchased in Madrid with more than 12 years of age would have a taxable base of €1,410 (€14,100 × 10% depreciation). The ITP would be €56.40 (€1,410 × 4% Madrid rate).

Important note: Some autonomous communities offer exemptions or reductions for vehicles over 10 years old or with specific characteristics (low power, environmental compliance, etc.). Cataluña notably exempts vehicles over 10 years old valued below €40,000.

IVA (21%) applies only when buying from a professional dealership or registered automotive business (not private sales). When a dealership applies the general regime, they charge 21% IVA on the full purchase price. However, many dealerships use the REBU (Régimen Especial de Bienes Usados) system, which applies IVA only on their profit margin rather than the full price, significantly reducing the tax burden.

Transfer and Registration Fees

DGT Transfer Fee: €55.70 (flat fee for changing vehicle ownership at the Traffic Department)

Gestoría costs (optional but common): €60-150 if you use a professional administration office to handle the paperwork instead of doing it yourself

Additional Costs

Motor Tax (IVTM): This annual municipal tax varies by location and vehicle characteristics (power, age, emissions), typically ranging from €50-300 annually. You'll inherit this obligation for the remainder of the current year.

Mandatory Insurance: You must obtain comprehensive insurance before driving the vehicle legally. Prices vary based on age, value, driver profile, and coverage level, typically €400-1,000 annually for a used car.

ITV Inspection: If the vehicle hasn't passed ITV in the last 2 years, you'll need to schedule an inspection (€45-65) before you can legally transfer ownership.

Optional professional inspection: €100-200 for a thorough pre-purchase mechanical evaluation

The Ownership Transfer Process

Once you've agreed on a price and obtained all documents, you must complete the legal ownership transfer at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).

Steps for Transfer

1. Prepare all documentation:

• Signed contract of sale (both parties)
• DGT form 620 or 621 (proof of ITP payment or exemption)
• Copies of seller's and buyer's DNI/NIE
• Permiso de Circulación and Ficha Técnica originals
• IVTM payment receipt

2. Submit to your regional tax office: Pay the ITP tax before proceeding with the DGT transfer. You submit this at your autonomous community's tax office (Consejería de Hacienda or equivalent).

3. Request the DGT transfer: You can do this online through sede.dgt.gob.es or in person at your local Traffic Department office. Online submission is faster and typically takes 5-7 business days.

4. Collect your new documentation: Once approved, you'll receive an updated Permiso de Circulación in your name and a new Ficha Técnica.

Important Caution

Don't hand over payment until you've confirmed with the DGT that no outstanding traffic violations, fines, or legal holds exist on the vehicle. Make this a condition of purchase.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Several fraud schemes plague the Spanish used car market. Understanding them helps you avoid becoming a victim.

Stolen Vehicles with Falsified Documentation

The scam: Organized crime networks purchase stolen vehicles from other countries (particularly high-value cars stolen in Germany and resold in Spain) and use forged documents to register and sell them as legitimate.

How to avoid it: Always request the DGT report, which flags stolen vehicles. Never buy from sellers unwilling to provide this documentation or who pressure you to complete the sale quickly without verification.

Advance Payment Scams

The scam: Sellers request a down payment or deposit (often 15-20%) before allowing you to view the vehicle or complete documentation. Once payment is transferred, they disappear or produce excuses for unavailability.

How to avoid it: Never transfer money before you've inspected the vehicle in person and verified the seller's identity against the registration documents. Meet in person in a public location and insist on viewing the physical vehicle and original documents.

Vehicles with Outstanding Financial Charges

The scam: Estafadores purchase vehicles using stolen identity documents or fraudulent financing, then quickly resell them. The new owner discovers the vehicle is encumbered by a loan or a lien placed by the finance company.

How to avoid it: Obtain the DGT report before purchase, which reveals any registered financial charges (cargas). Never accept a vehicle with active encumbrances unless the seller legally removes them before the sale.

Falsified or Missing Documentation

The scam: Sellers claim documentation is "lost" or provide photocopies instead of originals, or present forged ITV certificates to hide mechanical problems.

How to avoid it: Only accept original documents. Verify the ITV seal yourself. Obtain an updated DGT report even if the seller provides an old one. Insist on a fresh inspection.

Misrepresented Mileage

The scam: Odometers are illegally rolled back to inflate the vehicle's remaining useful life and justify higher prices.

How to avoid it: Cross-reference the claimed mileage with the DGT records (which document mileage at each inspection), service receipts, and the vehicle's physical condition. Excessive wear contradicting low mileage is a red flag.

Hidden Damage (Clocking or Write-Off Vehicles)

The scam: Vehicles that were previously written off after accidents or flooding are illegally repaired and resold with concealed structural or water damage.

How to avoid it: Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, paying special attention to welding, paint inconsistencies, and water damage indicators. Request the full accident history. Be wary of unusually low prices for relatively new vehicles.

Suspicious Listings Online

Red flags in classified ads include:

• Significantly below-market prices ("chollos"—extreme bargains)
• Poor quality or missing photographs
• No visible license plate in photos
• Grammatical errors or poor Spanish
• Inability to speak by phone or video call
• Pressure to complete the sale quickly
• Requests to communicate through payment apps rather than traditional channels
• Refusal to meet in person

Payment Methods

Never pay cash in full without verified documentation. This creates an untraceable transaction and leaves you vulnerable if the seller isn't the legitimate owner.

Safe payment methods:

• Bank transfer (creates a documented record; request an invoice that specifies it's for a vehicle purchase with the registration number)
• Certified check
• Payment through a professional intermediary or gestoría

You can split payment: deposit via bank transfer upon signing the contract, with final payment after the DGT confirms the transfer is processed.

Timeline Expectations

• Finding and negotiating: 1-4 weeks depending on market availability and your requirements
• Inspection and verification: 1-3 days
• Documents and tax payment: 3-5 business days
• DGT transfer processing: 5-10 business days
• Total process: 2-8 weeks from initial contact to officially owning the vehicle

Regional Differences

Major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia): Largest inventory, most competition, potential for negotiation. English-speaking sellers and dealerships more common. Average waiting time for appointments at traffic offices can be longer.

Smaller towns and rural areas: Fewer options, potentially better prices but less selection. Documentation more likely to be handled through gestorías. Rural private sellers may be less experienced with transactions.

Professional Assistance

Consider hiring a gestoría (administrative office specializing in legal procedures) if:

• You're unfamiliar with Spanish bureaucracy
• You're buying from a complicated seller situation
• You want peace of mind that all documents are processed correctly

A gestoría typically charges €60-150 and handles all DGT paperwork, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

• ✅ Verify vehicle history through DGT.es (€8.67 for the report)
• ✅ Request and review all original documentation
• ✅ Inspect the vehicle thoroughly (or hire a mechanic)
• ✅ Verify the ITV is current and technically sound
• ✅ Confirm the seller's identity matches registration documents
• ✅ Obtain proof of paid motor tax (IVTM)
• ✅ Calculate ITP costs for your region using official tables
• ✅ Have insurance quotes ready before transferring ownership
• ✅ Meet in person and inspect the physical vehicle before any payment
• ✅ Confirm no outstanding traffic fines or embargos
• ✅ Get a bill of sale signed by both parties
• ✅ Arrange a secure payment method with documentation

Key Takeaway

Buying a used car in Spain is straightforward if you follow the proper procedures. The most critical steps are obtaining the DGT report to verify the vehicle's legal status, conducting a thorough inspection, ensuring all documentation is original and complete, and understanding your regional tax obligations. By using established platforms, verifying documentation, and staying alert to red flags, you can confidently navigate the market and find a reliable vehicle at a fair price.