UK resident spending more time in Moraira. Keeping a spare car in Spain - advantages and disadvantages?

Babette wrote on Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:28am:

Hi fellow lovers of Spain,

Have been visiting Spain where I have a small apartment in Moraira for many years and always either drove down from the UK or flew and hired a car, picking it up at Alicante.

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My father is letting me have his old car - not a banger but a lovely old touring car with v low mileage and I was looking at the internet to see how difficult it would be to keep it in Moraira, and if feasible to see what the cost of hiring a garage for the times i'm not there.

The long term plan is to relocate after retirement but that's not for some time yet.  I've become really confused by the different sites giving different information and this is probably a big ask but has anyone done this and have the info as to process?

To summarise, UK resident, Uk registered car.  To keep it permanently in Spain what do I need to do? And is it worth it?

Thank in advance for reading this and the best from a grey Gloucestershire.

aitchc1401 wrote on Sat Mar 16, 2024 1:00pm:

As advised by PedroB the first step is to get a quote for putting the car onto Spanish plates. Then using that cost plus the regular annual bills that Pedro has given work out if it is cost effective. It really all depends upon how many times you come to Spain and how many weeks you spend in the ...

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...country. 

 I used Spanish-Number-Plates for getting my UK car registered in Spain, they were very good.

https://www.spanish-number-plates.com/

 I find it a lot better having my own car in Spain. Driving a RH car is not any problem, though a bit tricky at car park barriers if you are on your own!

Rgds,

Aitch.

PedroB wrote on Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:22pm:

You can only keep a UK registered car in Spain for 6 months. You could change on to Spanish plates at a cost of approximately €1000 - €1600 depend on various things that may need changed on the car and taxes etc. There are various companies that will do this for you. My Spanish number plates ...

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...is one. Keeping a car in Spain saved on car hire cost and the stress of a car hire company accusing you of damaging the car when you return it. I have holiday home in Spain and have a Spanish registered car which I leave with a company near the airport who pick you up and drop you off when you arrive at the airport or when you are returning home. Again there are lots of companies doing this, price ranges from €250 - €400 / year. I use Eco Parking and can’t fault them. Insurance will be in the region of €250 - €350 / year depending on the car. It’s the car that is insured in Spain not the person so anyone over 25 can drive it with your permission. Road tax will be anything from €50 - €150 depending on car and where you stay in Spain. ITV(mot) is about €45 - €55 depending on if it’s petrol or diesel. Then general up keep on top. 

Babette wrote on Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:07pm:

A really big thank you for your time and trouble answering.  Much appreciated.

I have filled out the pro forma with 'Spanish Number Plates' for a quote to start from there.

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Currently I am inclined to obtain Spanish number plates and keep the car in Alicante as you suggest.  Pop's car is old in years but is under 20,000 miles and immaculate and i would never find another second-hand car in this condition.  But I await the quote and will do the maths as Aitchc1401 suggests.  (Thanks for this Aitchc)

Do you know whether it's ok to store in Alicante?  The car has always been garaged and the body work is in great condition.  I'm concerned whether leaving it exposed to the elements all year is ok.  Granted the weather is considerably kinder on the Costas but it sure can get wet over the winter months.  I appreciate this is a practical query rarher than a procedural one but any comments gratefully received...

Again, big thank you for your help.

Babette wrote on Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:07pm:

A really big thank you for your time and trouble answering.  Much appreciated.

I have filled out the pro forma with 'Spanish Number Plates' for a quote to start from there.

Read more...

Currently I am inclined to obtain Spanish number plates and keep the car in Alicante as you suggest.  Pop's car is old in years but is under 20,000 miles and immaculate and i would never find another second-hand car in this condition.  But I await the quote and will do the maths as Aitchc1401 suggests.  (Thanks for this Aitchc)

Do you know whether it's ok to store in Alicante?  The car has always been garaged and the body work is in great condition.  I'm concerned whether leaving it exposed to the elements all year is ok.  Granted the weather is considerably kinder on the Costas but it sure can get wet over the winter months.  I appreciate this is a practical query rarher than a procedural one but any comments gratefully received...

Again, big thank you for your help.

Babette wrote on Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:07pm:

A really big thank you for your time and trouble answering.  Much appreciated.

I have filled out the pro forma with 'Spanish Number Plates' for a quote to start from there.

Read more...

Currently I am inclined to obtain Spanish number plates and keep the car in Alicante as you suggest.  Pop's car is old in years but is under 20,000 miles and immaculate and i would never find another second-hand car in this condition.  But I await the quote and will do the maths as Aitchc1401 suggests.  (Thanks for this Aitchc)

Do you know whether it's ok to store in Alicante?  The car has always been garaged and the body work is in great condition.  I'm concerned whether leaving it exposed to the elements all year is ok.  Granted the weather is considerably kinder on the Costas but it sure can get wet over the winter months.  I appreciate this is a practical query rarher than a procedural one but any comments gratefully received...

Again, big thank you for your help.