Are you interested in buying a second hand car in Spain? Avoid this common scam

Second-hand cars can make you feel good. The market is full of options and you can find some real gems. But if you’re browsing used cars in Spain, there’s something you need to watch out for – and it’s not just dodgy mileage or worn-out tyres.

Water-damaged vehicles are being sold and cleaned as if they never happened. If you don’t know what to look out for, it could be too late.

You think it’s a good deal? You might have a car that has been damaged by floods

Here’s how it usually goes: a car gets caught in a flood – fully or partially underwater – during one of Spain’s increasingly common extreme weather events. The insurance companies write off the cars, then auctions are held, and unscrupulous brokers buy them for next to nothing.

What comes next? The next step is a deep clean, perhaps new carpets and some cosmetic repairs. Outside, the house looks fantastic. Inside? It’s impossible to tell that the car has been wet. But water can quietly ruin key systems – the electrics, brakes, even the steering. These problems may not always be apparent on a test drive.

These cars often end up on second-hand car platforms with paperwork that’s been ‘tidied up’, hiding the car’s past. And for the buyer, everything seems fine… until things start to fail.

How to check if the second-hand vehicle you are considering has flood damage

You can find clues even if they are not obvious. Here are a few red flags to look out for that indicate a vehicle may have a watery history:

• That musty smell – Mould and moisture are hard to fully hide. Take note if you smell dampness inside.
• Mismatched interiors – Check the upholstery. If you notice that the carpets and seats are newer, it is possible they were replaced after the flood.
• Rust in strange places – Look under the seats, around the boot, or beneath the dashboard. Surface rust is an indicator.
• Dirt in odd corners – Run your fingers under floor mats, inside seatbelt slots, and glove compartments. Are there any remnants of mud, sand or other debris? Just walk away.
• Moisture in the lights – Foggy headlights or tail lights can mean water’s been inside – and not just from rain.
• Weird electrical issues – Windows acting up, flickering lights, or an erratic radio? It’s the car telling you something.

What to do before purchasing a used car in Spain

If you’re in the market for a used car, don’t panic – but don’t get caught out either. Spain has experienced a spate of serious flooding, which has created an influx of shady listings for used cars.

Protect yourself by following these steps:

• You can ask for the full history of the vehicle. DGT reports can be obtained to find out if a car was ever written-off.
• Get it checked by a mechanic you trust – especially the electronics and undercarriage.
• Do not just take a quick drive. If you can, check under the mats, in the boot, behind the dashboard, and around the doors. Step back if you feel anything damp or patched.

It’s very easy to fall in love with a used car that looks good, especially if the price seems right. But when that “bargain” ends up costing you hundreds in repairs – or worse, fails at a critical moment – you’ll wish you’d been more cautious.

You could save yourself a lot later by taking a little more time.

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