To Javea and Javea not

I've moved to Javea in Spain and need to buy a reasonable used car. I'm having trouble locating anything that resembles a reputable, fixed price, UK car supermarket, which is where I would buy a car in the UK. I want a small/mid-size car at a fair price without the fear of misjudging either price or condition. That's not to malign the local used car dealers, it's just that I don't know which are the good ones. Any thoughts on how to tackle this?

Asked on 6 June 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

Barcelona is best for car supersites. Madrid 2nd best. The further south you go in Spain the more the used car trade falls into the hands of horse traders who protect their significant profit margins jealously and with the aid of local government. You cannot buy at auction in Spain unless you are a trader. Not in Sevilla, anyway. There were some expat English car dealers operating in the Javea-Calpe area, but I can’t vouch for them. It’s worth getting hold of "Motoring in Spain” THIRD EDITION (ISBN No. 978-84-611-9278-6), by Brian J Deller. More at www.spainvia.com/motoringinspain.htm

Tags: buying car supermarkets buying abroad spain

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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