New vs. Used Cars - What Suits You?
Buying a New Car in Mallorca
Advantages:
- Full manufacturer warranty (typically 3 to 5 years)
- All modern safety features
- Low maintenance costs in the early years
- No hidden defects
- Attractive financing options
Disadvantages:
- Significantly higher purchase price (20 to 30% more expensive than in Germany)
- Sharp depreciation in the first two years
- Limited choice in Mallorca (long delivery times)
Realistic budget: 15,000 to 30,000 EUR
Buying a Used Car in Mallorca
Advantages:
- Much cheaper (often 40 to 60% below the new price)
- Depreciation is minimal
- Wider choice of models and manufacturers
- You can negotiate
- Available immediately
Disadvantages:
- Watch out for accident damage and hidden defects
- No manufacturer warranty (unless the seller offers one)
- ITV inspection is essential
- Higher likelihood of maintenance costs
Realistic budget: 5,000 to 15,000 EUR for a good vehicle
Tip: The Sweet Spot
Buy a car that is 3 to 5 years old with a good service history. You pay less than for a new car but still get a long service life without parts that are too old.
Where to Buy a Car in Mallorca
Online Platforms
Coches.net The largest Spanish car sales platform. Thousands of vehicles in Mallorca, good filters, direct contact with the seller.
Wallapop Local platform for private sales. Cars are often cheaper than on Coches.net, but more caution is needed around unreliable sellers.
AutoScout24 Europe-wide platform with a good search function and buyer protection.
Authorised Dealers (Concesionarios)
Larger franchise dealers offer used cars with a warranty, but at higher prices (a 5 to 10% mark-up). The advantage: you have a point of contact if problems arise.
Popular brand concesionarios in Mallorca:
- BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, SEAT, Renault, Peugeot, Citroen
Small Independent Garages and Brokers
Some garages and brokers buy cars and resell them. Prices are often fair; service quality varies.
Private Sale
The cheapest option, but with the most risk. Always arrange an independent inspection before buying.
Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Step 1: Set Your Budget
Define your total budget, not just the purchase price:
| Item | Budget |
|---|---|
| Car purchase price | 5,000 to 15,000 EUR |
| ITV inspection | 40 EUR |
| Transferencia (registration) | 50 to 100 EUR |
| Insurance (1 year) | 300 to 600 EUR |
| Maintenance/repairs (first year) | 300 to 500 EUR |
| Total budget | 6,000 to 17,000 EUR |
Step 2: Search
Visit the platforms listed above and filter by:
- Price (your budget)
- Age (3 to 5 years recommended)
- Mileage (under 100,000 km is ideal)
- Body type (saloon, SUV, estate, etc.)
- Automatic vs. manual gearbox
Create a shortlist of 5 to 10 candidates and save the listings.
Step 3: Arrange Viewings
Contact the sellers and arrange viewing appointments. Insist on seeing the cars in daylight, not in the evening.
Step 4: Inspect the Car - Checklist
Exterior:
- Check the paintwork for scratches, dents and irregularities
- Check doors, windows and seals for rust
- Check tyres for wear and damage
- Check the underside for rust (important in Mallorca because of the salt air)
Interior:
- Check seats for wear, cracks and stains
- Check the dashboard for scratches and that everything works
- Check the steering wheel and pedals for wear
- Check the boot for rust stains
Engine compartment:
- Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
- Check for oil leaks
- Check the battery for corrosion
Test drive:
- Check driving behaviour (smooth driving, no vibrations)
- Check brakes (quick, smooth braking)
- Check steering (no play or vibrations)
- Check the gearbox (smooth gear changes without grinding)
Important: Independent Inspection
Always have an expert inspect the car independently (10 to 15 minutes costs around 50 EUR). This prevents expensive surprises later.
Step 5: Check the ITV Report (for Used Cars)
The ITV report shows whether the car passed its last inspection. Ask the seller for the report:
- Favorable = passed, all systems are fine
- Desfavorable = failed, repairs are needed
A desfavorable result is not necessarily a deal-breaker, but you can use it as a basis for negotiation.
Step 6: Prepare the Purchase Contract
Use a standard contract (Contrato de compraventa). You can download a free version from the DGT website, or ask a notary to draw one up (around 50 to 100 EUR).
The contract must include:
- Full names and NIE/passport numbers of both parties
- Exact vehicle description (make, model, year, chassis number)
- Purchase price and payment method
- Date and signatures of both parties
Step 7: Complete Payment
Recommended: Bank transfer
- Secure, traceable, documented
- Both parties have proof
To avoid: Cash
- No documentation
- Risk for both sides
Only pay once you have all the documents and everything has been signed.
Step 8: Collect the Vehicle Documents
The seller must give you the following documents:
- Vehicle registration document (Permiso de Circulacion)
- Vehicle title (Certificado de Registro)
- ITV inspection report (if available)
- Service history (if available)
Check that all the data is correct.
ITV Inspection for Used Cars
If you buy a used car, you need a passed ITV inspection before you can register the car.
What Is the ITV?
The ITV is the Spanish vehicle inspection. It checks the safety, environmental compliance and technical fitness of the vehicle.
Where Do You Get the ITV Done?
ITV Baleares is the central provider in Mallorca. You can book an appointment online:
- Website: www.conselldemallorca.es/es/itv
- Waiting time: 1 to 2 weeks
Costs and Duration
- Car: around 42 EUR
- Motorcycle: around 28 EUR
- Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
- Re-inspection: around 15 EUR (if failed)
Tip: Fix Minor Defects Before the ITV
If you know the car has minor faults (e.g. a broken brake light), get them fixed beforehand. This improves your chances of passing the ITV inspection.
What Happens if It Fails?
If the car fails the ITV test, you need to:
- Carry out the necessary repairs
- Book a new appointment (around 15 EUR)
- Return for the re-inspection
This can delay the buying process by 1 to 3 weeks.
Transferencia - Registration with the DGT
After buying the car, you need to register it in your name. This is called the Transferencia and is initiated by the seller.
The Process
At the time of purchase (the seller does this): The seller submits the Transferencia request to the DGT. This is their responsibility.
After 1 to 2 weeks (you do this): The DGT sends a notification. You go to the DGT, pay the fee (around 55 EUR) and collect your new vehicle registration document.
Documents for the Transferencia
- New vehicle registration document (from the DGT, after registration)
- Vehicle title from the previous owner (handed over to you at the time of purchase)
- Your passport and a copy
- Purchase contract
- ITV inspection report (passed)
Costs
- Transferencia fee: around 55 EUR
- New number plates (optional): around 30 to 50 EUR
Insurance and First Drive
Types of Insurance
Third-party Liability Insurance (Seguro Obligatorio)
- Required by law
- Covers damage to the other vehicle
- Minimum cover, very affordable
- From 200 EUR per year
A detailed comparison of insurance types can be found in our guide to car insurance in Mallorca.
Partial Comprehensive (Terceros Ampliado)
- Third-party liability + theft, glass, fire
- A good compromise for used car purchases
- 300 to 450 EUR per year
Fully Comprehensive (Todo Riesgo)
- Comprehensive cover, even when you are at fault
- Best option for new or expensive cars
- 400 to 800 EUR per year
Tip: Transfer Your No-Claims Bonus
If you had a no-claims bonus in Germany, you can often transfer it to a Spanish insurer. This saves you 10 to 30% on your premium.
Take Out Insurance Before Your First Drive
Take out insurance before you drive the car for the first time. Most policies can be arranged online:
- Linea Directa
- Mapfre
- Mutua Madrilena
- AXA
- Allianz
Insurance is active immediately after you take it out.
Costs and Budget Planning
Total Budget for Buying a Car in Mallorca
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Purchase price (used car, realistic) | 7,000 to 12,000 EUR |
| ITV inspection | 40 EUR |
| Independent inspections (before buying) | 100 EUR |
| Transferencia fee | 55 EUR |
| New number plates | 30 to 50 EUR |
| Insurance (1 year, partial comprehensive) | 350 EUR |
| Minor repairs / maintenance | 200 EUR |
| Total budget | approx. 7,800 to 13,000 EUR |
Avoiding Hidden Costs
- Check the vehicle report before buying (not always offered by the seller)
- Make sure the seller initiates the Transferencia
- Ask the insurer whether there are any activation fees
- Watch out for outstanding maintenance that could cause costs
Common Pitfalls When Buying a Car
Pitfall 1: Missing Rust Damage Salt air corrosion is common in Mallorca. Check the underside and door frames especially carefully.
Pitfall 2: Skipping the ITV Inspection Never buy without an ITV inspection. The risk is far too great.
Pitfall 3: Wrong Insurance Make sure the insurance is active BEFORE your first drive. Driving without insurance is illegal and expensive.
Pitfall 4: Delayed Transferencia The seller can delay the Transferencia. Make sure it is initiated within 1 week of the purchase.
Pitfall 5: Hidden Debts Some cars come with outstanding debts (fines, penalty interest). Ask the seller whether the car has any debts, and check during the Transferencia process.
Warning: Fraud
Be suspicious of cars offered below market price (e.g. 50% under market value). This is often a sign of hidden problems or fraud.
Summary: Buying a Car in Mallorca in 5 Steps
- Search: Browse Coches.net, Wallapop or a concesionario
- Inspect: View the car, take a test drive, book an independent inspection
- Buy: Sign the purchase contract, pay by bank transfer
- ITV and Transferencia: Pass the ITV inspection, initiate the Transferencia
- Insurance and drive: Take out insurance, enjoy!
Don't forget to exchange your German driving licence if you are living in Mallorca as a resident.
With these steps you will save money and avoid the most common pitfalls.