Car purchase

Registering a car in Spain requires NIE and proof of residence.(padron).Taxes and insurance are payable for the entire year.

We'll be spending just under half the year in Spain in the coming year, following the 90/180 rules. 

We're thinking about buying a car too so following with interest. 

What annual tax do you pay on a car? Is it based on engine size, age or value. 

Thanks

Craig

No idea. Hence my question

I was asking killjoy, that's why I quoted his text. He seems to know...... 🤣🤣

You do need an NIE.

You need an address (your holiday home). 

You do not need a padron.

Used cars are, generally, much more expensive here than in the UK (due to an official government valuation/depreciation method which influences market pricing). You can get an idea of prices by accessing Used offers - AutoScout24

Road tax/insurance is much like the UK (maybe a little bit cheaper). 

The car must remain insured all year.

Road tax is pollution-based (but old cars escape this penalty).

ITV (MOT) much like in UK, but cars (I think) <10 years old only need a test every 2 years.

As guidance, we run an old 3.0 car for typically <1200 Euro/year (road tax, 3rd party F&T insurance, ITV, annual service at our local garage). Fuel is extra to this figure.

Significant maintenance items are excluded from this (e.g. this year we've had 4 new tyres and new rear brakes fitted, total cost around 450 Euros).

In normal times (due to Covid, extensions were given when ITV stations were closed) you have to make sure you are able to be here to get the car to the ITV in time because if it runs out, unlike in the UK, you can't drive it to a pre-arranged test, it will have to be transported on a grua.

You will also need to add the cost of annual parking at or near the airport.

Long term, once the hire companies have been able to restock and tourist levels are back up, I expect the prices to go back to previous rates.

As far as parking your vehicle when you are out of the country: You can have a contract with Alicante Airport Parking for 1yr for 300€ if the car is on Spanish plates. For a fee, they carry out maintenance on the car if you request this service and they also can ensure that when your car is due an ITV they can have this done as well. To their credit they tell you upfront of the costs of services/ITV’s etc. I have always found them fair to deal with in the last 3 years.

Many thanks for this. Were still undecided tbh. The initial outlay is putting us off but we may do some car shopping this trip to see whats there. 

Thanks for this