Paperwork and checks before buying a used car

When buying a used car, we tend to focus on what we can see: the paint, the dents, the interior. But there is another equally important part that is not visible at a glance: the paperwork. A car with outstanding charges, a registered keeper who is not the person selling it, or an expired ITV can cause you a lot of trouble, however good it looks. Before you pay, spend some time on these checks.

1. The DGT report

The DGT vehicle report is the most complete tool for finding out a car's administrative history. The DGT is the Spanish traffic authority, and the report can be requested through its online portal or at its offices, using the registration number or the VIN. Depending on the type of report, it includes details such as:

• Current registered keeper and number of previous keepers.
• Date of first registration and where the vehicle came from.
• ITV inspection history and results.
• Charges or restrictions on sale, such as seizure orders or retention of title.
• Whether the car is recorded as deregistered or has any other relevant entry.

2. Ownership

Check that the person selling the car is the registered keeper shown on the registration document (permiso de circulación) and in the report. Ask to see their ID and compare. If a company or a middleman is selling, make sure they are entitled to do so. Be wary of pressure to hurry, prices well below the market, and excuses for not showing the original documents.

3. Charges and seizure orders

A car may be subject to a seizure order or a retention of title, for example if it was bought on finance that has not yet been paid off. While that charge exists, the transfer of ownership may be complicated or blocked. The DGT report will show it. If anything appears, do not pay until the seller has cleared it and you can verify that.

4. The ITV

Check the inspection card and the date of the next ITV (MOT). Look at the history too: whether it has failed any inspections and why. A car whose ITV is about to expire may send you straight to an inspection after buying it, so it is worth knowing and factoring into the price.

5. Taxes and fines

Ask whether this year's road tax has been paid and keep the receipt. Fines belong to the driver, but some outstanding administrative matters can delay the transfer. If in doubt, ask the DGT or a gestoría (a Spanish administrative agency).

6. Repair records

If the seller has invoices for bodywork repairs, ask for them. They will help you understand what was done, where and when, and let you compare it with what you see on the car. If there was a major claim, ask whether the car was ever assessed as a total loss and how it was resolved.

7. The contract

Always sign a written sale contract, with the details of both parties and the vehicle, the price, the payment method and the declared condition of the car, including any known repairs. Then register the change of ownership with the DGT within the required period.

In our pre-purchase inspection we do not just check the bodywork, paint and structure: we also help you check the car's paperwork. We explain what we have found and give you a bodywork and paint report with photos.