Question 1

How is ownership of a used car transferred in Spain?

Accepted Answer

The change of ownership (cambio de titularidad) is filed with the DGT, online, at a Jefatura de Tráfico or through a gestoría, with the signed sale contract and proof that ITP has been paid. The seller should also notify the DGT of the sale, so that fines and taxes stop reaching them.

Question 2

Who pays ITP on a used car?

Accepted Answer

In a sale between private individuals the buyer pays the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales to their autonomous community, which sets its own rate and valuation tables. A car bought from a dealer is invoiced with VAT and pays no ITP.

Question 3

How often does a car need an ITV?

Accepted Answer

A passenger car has its first ITV four years after registration, then every two years until it is ten, and every year after that. Check the windscreen sticker and the last report before buying, since a car with an expired ITV cannot legally be driven.

Question 4

What does the DGT environmental label decide?

Accepted Answer

The label (0, ECO, C or B, with none for the oldest cars) is set by fuel and Euro standard and decides whether a car may enter the low-emission zones Spanish cities run. A car with no label faces the strictest limits.

Question 5

Is it safer to buy from a dealer or a private seller?

Accepted Answer

A dealer must give at least a one-year guarantee on a used car and usually handles the transfer. A private seller answers only for hidden defects, so ask for the DGT vehicle report, which shows past owners, ITV history and any charges or seizures recorded against the car.

Used cars in Spain

DACIA SANDERO TCE STEPWAY

BMW Serie 2 218i Gran Coupe 103 kW (140 CV)

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost MHEV ST-Line 125

LEAPMOTOR B03X DESIGN PRO MAX

SEAT Altea 2.0TDI Reference

CUPRA Leon 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid 150kW DSG

CUPRA León 1.5 eTSI DSG Tech Edition

Volvo V60 2.0 D3 Auto

MG HS eHS 1.5 T-GDI Luxury

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.6TDI Advance