So you’ve sorted out your rental accommodation and you’ve arranged the removals, but how do you intend to get about once living in Spain. Although, some might opt for public transport, most prefer their own set of wheels.

This leaves you faced with the dilemma of buying or hiring a car. Of course, there are pros and cons for either so before you make your decision consider the following points.

Hiring a Car

• A fixed monthly cost that you can set aside.
• If you are going to be hiring long term, many companies will give you a reasonable rate. For example, a friend of mine hires a standard Fiat Punto for less than 350 euros per month.
• Your monthly fee will include insurance, maintenance etc.
• You will avoid eating into your relocation savings in one go as you would do if you bought a car.
• If you fancy a change or an upgrade, it is easily done.
• If you are just testing the water in Spain, you can return the car and you are free to leave without the hassle of reselling it.
• You can hire a car whilst you take your time shopping around for the best deals on your dream mobile.
• If you intend to only spend periods of time in Spain throughout the year than you will avoid the concern of theft, vandalism etc whilst you are out of the country.

Buying

• A car is an asset.
• You can choose exactly what you want.
• You can make it your own i.e. personalise it etc
• If you scratch or damage it, you don’t have to explain it to anyone. 
• In Spain a car is not such a poor investment as it is in the UK because the rate of depreciation is much slower so they tend to hold their value for longer.
• It is entirely your possession and nobody can claim it from you.
• Friends, relatives etc can drive it when they visit.

Written by

Susan Pedalino