Bringing RHD Car to Spain

Purchase an LHD vehicle if poss in the UK,failing that look at Belgium for 1

I posted a topic on the whole process of importing / matriculating a vehicle which you may find useful : Importing a vehicle from UK

Depending on the car, matriculation *can* be quite expensive.  There may be an import tax to pay, but it’s lower if the vehicle is bought over when moving permanently to Spain.

second hand cars in Spain hold their value, so you won’t find a good “cheap” car - but depending on your needs, 3.000 - 4.000 € could see you with something reliable and with a warranty from a garage.

Until you are a little more settled in Spain I would advise against buying privately … yes, it may be cheaper, but if there are any fines for traffic offences, parking, non payment of tax etc, they go with the car and if you buy it, you take on the obligation to pay those fines as well … buying from a garage will negate that risk.

Hartcjhart thank you for that info. It's very interesting I will look into that. 

Kind regards 

Chris

Hi DarioMartin, 

Think I may just bring ours and sell it to someone going back to UK. 

I read the attached government.website into you sent and I'm pretty much of the opinion that I'll probably do as you advise and buy a runaround from a garage for about 5 or 6k until such time as we can source a decent car. 

Really appreciate both yours and HartcjHart's input. That was very useful, thank you for taking the time to reply. 

Kind regards,

Chris

We brought our RHD Ford Mondeo out when we came as it was nearly new and rematriculated it for about €1000 we then used it for 3 years had an accident and decided to change to LHD the garage gave us a good price for the Mondeo and then sold it on and it is still being driven by an English guy 17 years later!   New cars are expensive here but you can sell RHD uk plated cars through several outlets that are like 'We Buy any Car' it will depend on how old your car is and whether you think you can match it with a LHD.  As for your journey from Madrid to La Alfoquia we do the whole thing from Bilbao or Santander to Arboleas in 9 hrs with stops so you should find it's quicker than you think.

Hi Alicia 11, 

Many thanks for your reply. You have now given us lots to think about, in a good way. 

Think we may need to see how we get on once we're there and if it suits us keeping a RHD for a little while, then follow the Matriculation route and if not, just sell it and buy a  LHD. 

Loved your personal story about the mondeo. Plenty of food for thought. 

Thank you for your info on the travel time from Santander to Arboleas too. Its all useful information and we can't wait to start our new lives out there. Roll on end of October. 

Kind regards,

Chris n Paula

oh you must also remember that you have to factor in the change of headlights unless your car has adjustable ones.  Also a word of warning we have encountered snow when travelling over the mountains in both September and November be prepared for torrential rain as well on route.  We once drove through Madrid with snow on one side and then rain followed by fires and really hot temperatures!  Everything goes here. 

Lots of different opinions. I’m not sure of the import tax after Brexit, but for us bringing a Rhd Uk car was very much cheaper. It cost 870€ to matriculate my Mercedes.  The equivalent car in Spain was double the price. Best thing we did. Passed every ITV no issues since 2017. 

Blimey, Lmj 18 that's good to know. Think it sounds more positive to keep the RHD, at least for a little while. 

Thanks for your info and for taking the time to give me this information. 

Think that's the way to go. 

Kind regards,

Chris