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[Varche]

I am still looking for a 4x4.

Got two more organised for viewing yesterday.

First one had fair bit of body damage, was unloved. Bonnet catch stuck, air con didn't work. "just needs a regas" Third one in a row like that we have looked at. Oil leak under engine somewhere - been like that ages mate. Test drive clutch hard to engage and gearbox synchro dodgy.

Second one was a dealer. i had high hopes even though price was 500 euros higher than reasonable and no guarantee. It was under cover, had a poor respray and the trim was secured in numerous places with self tappers. Body damage and a big dint near drivers door which meant you couldn't open the door without it twanging the front wing. No service history whatsoever but the car was used by one owner for hunting so it is a "good car"!

Ominous looking oil spots under front end. came for the test drive. Wouldn't start as battery totally flat (as we had booked an appointment to view you would have thought he would have done something about that?) Engine sounded good. Mrs Varche set to on our by now well oiled routine. She tests out loads of stuff including all windows up and down. passenger front stuck permanently down. Might have been an issue with the door card which seemed to be hanging by the top self tapper only.! Air con didn't work.

can we go for a drive? Yes but I haven't any insurance so we will just stay on this (very busy with budding Alonso's) industrial estate on the edge of Cordoba. He drove out and I drove back. On my stint, I tested the 4 wheel drive and immediately there was a crunching graunching sound from front left. I got out and there was oil pouring out of the front transaxle. He limped it back to his sales lot. Are you interested in the car. No. I can reduce the price by a 1000 euros but not a cent more. Are you interested? err no. 

All very depressing.

This Spanish car hunting reveals several things.

people only seem to sell cars when stuff is going wrong with them
They don't look after them or even valet them before sale
prices are outrageous
None of the sellers has been impressed with me looking under the bonnet, carpets, car etc. They assume I must be a mechanic. It is still a country where people have trades and know nothing about anything else.

The hunt continues...............   

[r1]

as 4x4 are cheap[ish] over here why not search the web make a couple of appointments, jump on a plane and then drive it back.

[Varche]

Have seriously thought about that. plenty around. Rust might be an issue whereas it isn't here.

However. It would cost around a 1000 pounds to get there, track one down get insurance and get back to Southern Spain.

Then after six months you have to get it registered as a Spanish vehicle. New V5, inspection and a Spanish MOT and pay transfer taxes (4% of government book value). To get it MOT'd might need LHD headlights if no "Omega" style headlight lever. Rear lights are different too with only one reversing light. If it is a vehicle never sold in Spain you also have to get type approval from the manufacturer (for a fat fee) 

So much for being in the EU........

[Sir Tigger KC]

My Uncle has a villa near Valencia and keeps a Brit Mondeo there.  He brings it back every year for the MOT!! 

I thought this was crazy, and when I said why not buy a Spanish car, He just said ' No! It's a bloody nightmare!!' 

I think he just likes the drive...    as over the long term it would have to be better to have a Spanish car...  Surely??