Advice on importing car from Ireland

Hi  Declan 

I  tried  to bring  a small  van  over from Ireland  but  they  will  re  register  a Commercial  vehicle,   but  a Car can be done,  buy with a quick  calculator   I  might be very expensive. Have you priced  ferry out of Rosslare.   450  approx   1  way.  28  hours  crossing   11  hours  drive  down  from Bilabo

I  would  add up all  the  costs   but if  I  was in your  shoes I would  look at  buying  a Spanish  car, I  guess that  Corolla  is  your own  going  back a few years and you know  the  Car. You will  need 2 new  head lamp  units,  then  maybe   rear fog  lights and then the  ITV,   I  would  be interested  to see how  you  get  on.  By  the way  it a lovely  night  in Torrevieja  only landed tonight  to get away  from deluge of  rain 🌧  and cold 🥶  in Sunny South East of Ireland 🇮🇪 

I was contemplating doing same but I decided not to and now looking back I was lucky as the engine died on the car in Ireland. 

I was going to bring over my 2006 BMW 2 litre petrol car. I had it from new and I was quoted approximately €600 by GT Autos up near Los Dolces to change the lights and make it road legal for Spain..

Instead I purchased a 2nd hand Hyundai Getz 4 years ago from the Skoda dealers in Torrevieja. It has low mileage and one lady owner. 

Best move I made I'm delighted. Car is very reliable cheap to run and ideal for parking in busy  towns like Torrevieja. 

I paid €2,800 and I have it parked and stored long term with Seguro Parking at Alicante Airport. Parking is dual airports so they deliver it to Murcia I'd I wish to fly in there. They charge ,€320 per year. They also do my itv yearly and wash car each time I collect. 

Irish license is ok for EU and Spain 

Thanks for that...you made the right decision there Biffo ...good deal...and great deal for the parking too...pays to shop around...I'll get quotes first and see is it worth while...nothing is for free anymore..even in 🇪🇸 

Welcome Declan.

If the car isn’t too old & worth a few grand at home then it might be worth it as second hand car prices in Spain are crazy. Especially if it diesel for the long drives as fuel prices have risen a lot there.

We take ours over most Autumns & bring it back in the Spring. Brittany Ferries via Rosslare-Bilbao & this winter it docks in Santander. We’re always in Torrevieja on quiet roads for the supper.

My friend in Murcia was quoted €1000 to transfer a 2017 Dacia Duster plus €300 to do the headlights. 

Best of luck. 

Hi Sligogent...i missed your reply..sorry about that...I know...when you add it all up it makes you think about buying in Spain...the only thing is it has low mileage and wasn't abused..my dad's car bought from new...its good to get advice ..and hopefully make the right decision..you got out in time...weather 7degrees here in afternoon...sunny but more rain on the way....weather to pick up again next week in Spain with above average temperatures for this time of year..yiu can't blame people taking time out in Spain this time of year..its definitely healthier for you...e.njog your break...

Thanks for reply...Mko...yes Santander is available for winter..you have a good system there..travel for winter months and ferry back...you can have a 6 mth break as a tourist with car...no questions asked...your friends car wasn't a bad price considering its new enough..I'm glad I posted my message...I'll have to think it through a bit more...thanks again...

The Spanish traditionally prefer to keep their car forever and don't upgrade them.

In general the quality of 2nd hand cars for sale on the Costas are dreadful. It's a minefield trying to find a decent 2nd hand car in Spain. 

Thanks Biffo..that's a bit reassuring...one good reason to take it over..it has a good history..

I have to ask Biffo...do you hail from Offaly...with a great name like that...

Yes I'm in Offaly but formerly from North Kildare :)

I am a holiday home owner in the Torrevieja region for 25 years and love it there more than ever