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Buying a second-hand car can be an excellent economic decision, but it also involves risks if all aspects of the vehicle are not correctly analyzed. In Spain, thousands of people buy and sell used cars every month, which strengthens the used market, but also opens space for fraud, vehicles with hidden debts, mechanical problems or a manipulated history.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to know what to review before closing any deal.
This complete guide brings together the key points that any buyer should analyze before buying a second-hand car in Spain. From official documentation to mechanical condition, administrative history, actual kilometers and tax obligations. The goal is to help you make a safe, informed and risk-free decision.
1. Check the vehicle registration: the most important step
Before seeing the car in person, the first thing you should do is check the registration through a reliable tool such as Fip plate or a report of the DGT. This will let you know:
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- If you have pending fines
- If it presents loads, embargoes or seals
- If the road tax is paid
- If the ITV is in force
- If you have temporary or permanent leave
- If it has been declared stolen
- Basic vehicle history
This first step can avoid dangerous purchases or vehicles with legal problems.
2. Review the DGT Report (Complete or Reduced Report)
The General Directorate of Traffic offers official vehicle reports. There are two types:
Reduced report (free)
Includes:
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- Administrative situation
- Current ITV
- Registration date
- Basic incidents
Complete report (paid)
Includes:
- Previous headlines
- Recorded mileage
- ITV with dates and inspections
- Seizures and seals
- Domain reserves
- Temporary or permanent leave
- Stolen vehicle
For serious purchases, it is always recommended to request the full report.
3. Checking kilometers: one of the most common frauds
“shaving kilometers” is an illegal practice, but still common. To detect it:
- Compare the kilometers in the table with those in the DGT report.
- Check old MOTs where the kilometers are recorded.
- Observe wear on the steering wheel, pedals and upholstery.
- Vehicles very “new” for age usually generate suspicions.
If there are discrepancies, avoid purchasing.
4. ITV: essential to evaluate the condition of the vehicle
Consultation:
- Date of the last ITV
- Expiration date
- Result of previous inspections
- Repetitive mild or severe defects
An unfavorable MOT can mean costly repairs.
5. Review of road tax
This tax is mandatory and managed by the town hall of the place where the car is registered. Check:
- If it is paid
- If there are debts
- If the seller has the updated receipt
If you are not up to date, you can prevent the transfer of the vehicle.
6. Verify that there are no charges, embargoes or reservation of title
Three very common problems:
Domain reservation
Indicates that the car is financed and It cannot be sold until paying the financial company.
Seizures
It could prevent transfer and cause legal problems.
Seals
More serious block: impede circulation or transfer.
All of these elements appear in DGT reports or in apps such as FIP Board.
7. Complete mechanical review: don't just stick with the aesthetic
Although administrative data is essential, mechanical status also determines whether the purchase is worth it. If possible, take the car to a trusted mechanic.
Key points to review:
Motor
- Irregular sounds
- Oil leaks
- Starting current
- Coolant and oil levels
Gearbox
- Smooth changes
- Metallic semi-noises
Brakes
- Pills and discs
- Vibrations when braking
Suspension
- Noises in curves or potholes
- Leaks in shock absorbers
Tires
- Irregular wear (may signal alignment problems)
- Manufacturing date
- Brand and type
Electrical system
- Lights
- Flashing
- Window regulator
- Air-conditioning
8. Body and chassis: signs of hidden accidents
Many sellers do not report that the car was in an accident. To detect it:
- Check differences in tone in the paint
- Observe irregular lines on doors or hoods
- Check if the engine screws or doors were tampered with
- Check the chassis from below (if it was hit, it will have deformations)
- Look for corrosion in critical areas
A car with structural damage can be very dangerous.
9. Frame number: it is essential to check it
The chassis number (VIN) must agree on:
- Documentation
- Chassis
- Crystals (in some models)
- Internal labels
If it doesn't match, it may be a stolen or illegally rebuilt car.
10. Owner history
The more owners the car has, the greater the wear and the likelihood of repairs. The DGT report will show:
- Number of owners
- Changes of ownership
- Type of owners (individual, company, renting)
Renting cars usually have strict maintenance, plus intensive use.
11. Test drive: essential before deciding
When driving the vehicle, pay attention to:
- Vibrations
- Strange noises
- Engine response
- Stability
- Cambio operation
- Irregular routes to test suspension
A test drive reveals more than any advertisement.
12. Documentation that the seller must provide
In Spain, the seller must provide:
- Circulation permit
- Technical sheet with current ITV
- Purchase and sale contract
- Invoice (if professional)
- Proof of road tax
- Keys and manuals
If something is missing, don't close the deal.
13. Signs that you should abandon the purchase immediately
- Inconsistent kilometers
- ITV expired without explanation
- Seller avoids showing reports
- Price well below the market for no reason
- It does not allow you to take the car to the mechanic
- Registration with history of seizures
- Intense musty smell (flood symptom)
- Freshly washed motor to hide leaks
If something seems suspicious, it probably is.
Conclusion
Buying a second-hand car in Spain can be an excellent opportunity, as long as it is done with the appropriate information. Checking the license plate, requesting official reports, verifying the MOT, checking taxes and analyzing the mechanical condition are essential steps that will avoid fraud and unexpected expenses. FIP license plate and DGT offer reliable tools to analyze the complete history of the vehicle and make a safe decision.
An informed buyer is a protected buyer. Take a few minutes to check everything before paying, and you will have a reliable, legal car in good condition for many years.
