Buying a car in Spain

You cannot buy a vehicle unless you are permanent resident. Used cars are subject to a special transfer tax depending on make and age, not on shape or condition. Buying a used vehicle is like Russian roulette but with only one empty chamber. Perhaps the best transparent deals are with the rental companies, vehicles are rarely 2 years old and had adequate maintenance service.  

Hi I wonder if anyone has experience of importing a car from France to Spain 

Is there a tax to pay how easy is the registration etc 

You do not need to be an official resident of Spain in order to buy a car here, although you must provide proof of address in the form of a padrón (empadronamiento), a tenancy agreement or property deeds. Therefore if it is just a for a  'holiday purchase' you probably can't buy here. Below are a few things to think about if you do qualify. 
Where to buy from is a bit of a lottery, dealers give some protection but aren't the be all and end all ! Depending on the amount of time you intend to spend in Spain, your budget and personal preference of ownership over rental you can work out the pros and cons of both.I have imported from Germany and the process isn't as easy as you think, but is possible, there are taxes to pay and processes to follow. Always speak to an expert before doing it as some manufacturers are easier to import. Speak to Leigh at spanishnumberplates, he is based at Redovan ITV centre and is skilled in this. Certain colours of car are more prone to sun damage due to the paint pigment, therefore if its not undercover a car cover is recommended for long term storage. 

Thank you very much Killjoy. I have a property in Orihuela Costa and we intend staying for 3 months per year. The fact I have an address would that suffice having a car?

Best wishes 

Thank you very much for your advice. I do not intend importing just buying in Spain. We have a house in Orihuela Costa. I was hoping this would allow us to purchase seeing we have an address that we go to twice a year.

Best wishes

Yes, you can buy a car to keep here as a non-resident. As a non-resident you should not be on the Padron although some dealers erroneously request them. Deeds or a long term rental contract will suffice.
There are various long term parking solutions at or near Alicante airport and probably best to keep undercover if that concerns you. They offer various services including servicing and taking it for the ITV which is something to consider if you are unable to visit for some reason.

https://www.spainmadesimple.com/insurance/car/buying-used-cars/

Hire car rates are at an all time high as many offloaded stock during the pandemic and are now struggling to replace them. This may well ease as the world starts opening back up and you can buy the extra insurance cover cheaply.

https://cover4rentals.com/?source=ADWORDS&sourcedetail=Cj0KCQiAmKiQBhClARIsAKtSj-njoPuVkv__9JLBXJVtM6xCC2-FIihLbxbCGNASLtOlDUgqwX9fPU4aAi5UEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmKiQBhClARIsAKtSj-njoPuVkv__9JLBXJVtM6xCC2-FIihLbxbCGNASLtOlDUgqwX9fPU4aAi5UEALw_wcB 

So there is the dilemma!

Thank you very much. This is most helpful. Ot looks like your safest bet is through a main dealer even though it will cost you more.

Thank you also for your advice and contact details for the insurance for rent rental cars.

Best wishes.

I know people who own cars and are not resident here, you’ll obviously find they are expensive no real way around it ,My choice would be San Miguel autos as they give good after sales 

Thank you very much for your message and taking the time. i think you are comparing the prices to U.K. prices. We pay more for a car here in Ireland that people do in the U.K. Still quite expensive but if I get the right second hand car then it's worth it as it cuts out the hassle. 

Best wishes.