The following article is taken from Eye on Spain, www.eyeonspain.com

Buying or Hiring a Car in Spain

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

Buying

Written by

Susan Pedalino

 


Comments:

CommentDateUser
been told that cars devalue slower, but in effect does this mean that changing yoiur car is cheaper or do tax,s, salesmen and extras tend to swallow up any savings. Are new cars the same price as uk?. We are all told that neverything in Spain is cheaper, which on investigation usually in,nt the case. Does this apply to cars also.11/17/2006 6:19:00 PMkrabi
Well my credit card company just told me thay are just gearing up for the many complaints they have about hire car companies so at least if you own a car you know where you stand. I have just been stupid enough to rent a car from ADVANTAGE car hire at Malaga Airport as I was offerred a cheap deal from Thomson when I booked my flight. The deal was just €32 for a week for an automatic car. I rang a friend who said it was genuine as all the car hire companies were doing stupidly cheap deals so I went for it. It turned out to be a Smart with not enough room for 2 people and luggage so my friend went by train as they literally said they had no other cars. I should've walked away and just lost my €32 which I pre-paid as they then demanded a €400 deposit which the other girl in the office told me, "No one gets it back so you would be better selecting our full insurance deal". The insurance was twice as much as the vehicle rental but I agreed as at that stage I hadn't seen the car and she did say, "It is not expensive for an automatic car". Then after picking up the key I noticed another €58 was taken from my card ON TOP of the insurance which she said was for Petrol. I was annoyed that they took this without my permission as it states, "Cars will be supplied full, bring back full." On my trip I completely ran out, rolling into the garage in San Pedro (yes queues) and filled it to the brim for €43. To add insult to injury when I returned the car half a day late after a misunderstanding they had already taken a €60 late return charge and the smug staff seemed quite pleased about it. So real cost of a tiny smart car from Advantage was €160 for a week, I could have had a nice Seat from my regular place for much less. I usually use Europcar who have always been really good, I've learned a hard lesson! 4/7/2012 4:14:00 PMManxmonkey