Continue to hire or buy

Hi, I made the decision last year to buy. Hire prices peak season made it a no brainer.

I bought privately, but was told by almost everyone that it could be a bad way to buy unless you made sure all the i's were dotted and t's crossed. Use a gestoria if you do. The cost is only about 40 -50 euros plus the transfer tax. Even if you use a dealer make sure they are reputable and ensure that all the paperwork is done.

A secondhand car in Spain is quite pricey, but they also hold their value. Insurance is cheaper than the UK.

I use AA parking at Alicante and everything has been spot on so far. They will do a 2 airport option, but there is an additional cost for that. Given the lack of flights into Murcia or Almeria, I just live with the extra time driving. It's an easy drive, did it yesterday actually. took me 1 hour 55 minutes from Arboleas to the airport.

They will do or at least arrange any servicing or ITV for you.

Thank you for the helpful information. I think we will be looking into buying when we visit in March.

Would definitely buy, we did and saved a significant amount of money.  Yes second hand cars are more expensive than the UK but insurance, servicing, tax are all cheaper.  Also cars in Spain don't suffer from the woes that cold and wet in the UK cause, although, the sun plays havoc with the paintwork!

Thank you for your interesting comments.