Car imports to spain

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

If I ruled the world ............. I would BAN all RHD cars Punto, final

For once we have somebody who is being honest (Seb) and admitting how dangerous they are! Appreciate your honesty.

Well you know you and I disagree on this. My take is that you have to have a really good reason to import one. I bought my sports car over because its a cherished car and Ive owned it for 11 years. Granted its fairly powerful when power is needed, but I've never felt in danger or felt a danger to others whilst having been here. Its the driver that makes it a dangerous car by making stupid manoeuvers, not the fact that its RHD. I've felt much more in danger from Spanish drivers whilst driving my LHD car

[decgraham]

Originally Posted by CLIVE

Well, I'm trying to find some accurate and up to date information on the costs / pros / cons re importing my car from the UK to Spain. I bought second hand in May 2008 in the UK. (Kia hatchback diesel). Presently got 20k on the clock. Will be living permanently in Spain from May 2009, so will be getting residencia etc. Does the car's age take it outside any fees / registrations / taxes...?

Anyone out there with any info..?
Thanks Clive

I was looking at importing my car into Spain from Kuwait (it's LHD) but after reading all the posts on here and other forums I decided against it. It seems it is a bit of a minefield out there. Good luck if you do but as Steve says its best to use a Gestor. There is a uk company that I looked at while I was in Spain (Denia) last year called "Plate Mate" they were in the local paper, try “Googleing” them they might be able to give you some advice.

[SteveHall]

Originally Posted by Stravinsky

Well you know you and I disagree on this.

Yes, we do. That said, we can disagree in a civilised manner, reason our corners and behave like adults.

One thing we will not disagree on is that drinking and driving is a KILLER. It is NOT compulsory to be over the limit when you drive here despite what many expats think.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

Yes, we do. That said, we can disagree in a civilised manner, reason our corners and behave like adults.

One thing we will not disagree on is that drinking and driving is a KILLER. It is NOT compulsory to be over the limit when you drive here despite what many expats think.

I know I´m probably a "typical" woman driver, but I personally wouldnt feel safe driving a right hand drive car over here... its the simple fact that I´m sitting on the left that keeps me focused on which side of the road I should be on . I´d get very confused if I were in a RHD!!!

Jo

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

Yes, we do. That said, we can disagree in a civilised manner, reason our corners and behave like adults.

One thing we will not disagree on is that drinking and driving is a KILLER. It is NOT compulsory to be over the limit when you drive here despite what many expats think.

Errrrr .... I dont remember that I said it was acceptable to drink and drive Steve

[Tallulah]

Originally Posted by Stravinsky

Errrrr .... I dont remember that I said it was acceptable to drink and drive Steve

He didn't - he put it in the double negative (won't disagree = agree)!!


We have both LHD and RHD cars here - I tend to use the RHD myself - guess I'm just used to it from the UK and actually feel more in control - tend to stick more to the side of the road as well, whereas on driving the LHD I feel more "out in the middle" of the road! Little country lanes round here too - so anyone sitting on the passenger side of the LHD with their window open tends to get a mouthful of greenery as I go round the corner LOL!!


Tallulah.x

[smithy45]

Used car prices do appear to be coming down a bit in Spain now though with the recession I have noticed, its still not quite as cheap as the UK but I have seen several spanish plate cars around where I live at 600-700 Euros recently, small old hatchbacks mainly like Ford
Fiestas etc.

[CLIVE]

Well, thanks for all the info....plus other stuff..!!
Still not clear on the so called import or registration tax. I've had the car over a year; and am not yet 'resident'... ie not applied for residencia yet. Is it the case that, because I'm not a resident AND I've had the car over 6 months, I can simply bring it into Spain as a personal import and not pay the tax???
As far as driving on the 'wrong' side of the road... ie righthand side..... I find it a doddle, and have no problems at all... dead easy.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by CLIVE

Well, thanks for all the info....plus other stuff..!!
Still not clear on the so called import or registration tax. I've had the car over a year; and am not yet 'resident'... ie not applied for residencia yet. Is it the case that, because I'm not a resident AND I've had the car over 6 months, I can simply bring it into Spain as a personal import and not pay the tax???
As far as driving on the 'wrong' side of the road... ie righthand side..... I find it a doddle, and have no problems at all... dead easy.

If you´ve owned the car for more than 6 months you can bring it over as a personal import and not pay VAT, but you do have to pay an import charge, registering it and ITV. If you´re a resident then you´re allowed to have the car here for 30 days, if you´re a non resident its 6 months. If you take no notice of the law and the guardia catch you they will sieze the car - end of!

They do very regular checks where I live and I wouldnt dare risk it, but your choice. Ask yourself if you have a prang, would your insurance cover it?

Apparently a good guide is "motoring in Spain" by Brian Deller. The rules change frequently, but this guy seems to be fairly "on top of things" Try googling it

Jo

[CLIVE]

Thanks for this..... all helpful. Any idea what the rate of import charge is..??