Car Inspection FAQ Spain - Answers to Common Questions
Answers to the most common questions about AutoGuard Spain’s independent car inspections. AutoGuard does not buy or sell vehicles, so our advice is impartial. If you can’t find your answer, please contact us.
Pricing and booking:
How much does an inspection cost?
Our Basic Pre-Purchase Check starts from €149, and our Full Technical Inspection starts from €199 and includes the Diagnostic Plug-In Health Scan. Document/history and mileage checks are separate from these two packages, and our Vehicle History Check is €69. See our pricing and packages for every option.
How do I book, and how quickly can you inspect the car?
Message us on WhatsApp or use the booking form with the car’s registration number, its location and the seller’s contact details if you have them. In most cases we can arrange an inspection within 24 hours, subject to availability. There is no extra fee for same-day inspections.
How do I pay?
Payment is by bank transfer only, in full, before the inspection takes place. Once you have booked, we send our company bank details and the exact amount. Please send us confirmation of the transfer, and your booking is confirmed once payment is received.
What the inspection covers:
What does an inspection include?
Our Basic Pre-Purchase Check covers bodywork and signs of accident damage, basic mechanical checks (engine bay, leaks, belts and hoses), tyres, brakes and suspension, and a short road test where possible. You receive photos and a report with clear advice: buy, negotiate or walk away. The Full Technical Inspection (from €199) goes deeper and includes the Diagnostic Plug-In Health Scan. Document/history and mileage checks are separate. See pricing and packages.
What is the Diagnostic Plug-In Health Scan?
Is an inspection the same as an ITV?
No. The ITV is the mandatory periodic roadworthiness test and checks basic safety and emissions. A car can pass its ITV and still have worn components, hidden accident repairs or a clocked odometer. Our inspection is optional but buyer-focused, and looks at the car’s real condition before you pay for it.
Is a vehicle history (DGT) check included in the inspection?
Not in our Basic Pre-Purchase Check or Full Technical Inspection. Our Vehicle History Check costs €69, and you can order it alongside an inspection or on its own. See our Vehicle History / DGT check.
Do I need to be there, and how do I receive the report?
No. We can arrange access directly with the seller or dealer, carry out the inspection and send you the report. Your PDF inspection report is available within 4 hours. Alternatively, you can choose an immediate WhatsApp report with detailed photographs, and video where necessary.
Can an inspection guarantee the car?
No inspection can guarantee that a vehicle will remain fault-free. Our checks are non-invasive and based on what is visible and accessible on the day. They greatly reduce your risk, but some faults only appear over time or need specialist equipment.
Buying a used car in Spain:
How do I know if a car has outstanding finance or an embargo?
In Spain, debts can stay with the car, not the seller, so check before you pay. Our €69 Vehicle History Check uses multiple data sources covering recorded information from Spain and Europe. Depending on the records available, it can identify legal restrictions and embargos, finance-related information, recorded accident or damage information, kilometre records and stolen-vehicle information. We recommend it for every purchase, especially private sales.
Should I buy from a dealer or a private seller?
We inspect vehicles bought from dealers and private sellers. Both can be good or bad, and an inspection is worth doing either way. Professional dealers are generally required to give a legal guarantee on used cars (often a minimum of one year), while private sales usually come with none, which makes an inspection and history check especially important.
Is the asking price fair?
Use our free car valuation to get an estimated market value from the registration and mileage. AutoGuard does not buy or sell vehicles, so the estimate is impartial. It does not reflect the car’s condition or legal status, so an independent inspection is the next step.
Can you inspect an imported or foreign-registered car?
Yes. We can inspect vehicles regardless of which country they are registered in, subject to service availability. We inspect the car itself and flag anything that does not add up. Registration and tax rules for foreign-registered cars are specialist, so we recommend confirming the route with a gestor before you pay.
What are the most common problems with used cars in Spain?
On the coast, common issues include salt-air corrosion on underbody panels and wheel arches, sun and UV damage to seals and trim, brake and clutch wear from mountain roads, short-trip wear on ex-rental and tourist-fleet cars, clocked mileage, hidden accident repairs and outstanding finance. Our town pages for Marbella, Málaga and Fuengirola explain the local risks.
What if the seller refuses an inspection?
This is often a red flag. A seller with a well-maintained car usually has no problem with a professional, independent inspection. We will advise you honestly on the risks, and you may want to consider other cars or negotiate a lower price to account for the unknown risks.
I'm buying from abroad or can't be there. Can you help?
Yes. Remote and international buyers can use our service without travelling to the vehicle. We arrange access directly with the seller or dealer, inspect the car and send you the report, so you can decide without being there.
Areas and vehicles:
Which areas do you cover?
AutoGuard Spain provides inspections in multiple areas across Spain. Our main current inspection focus is the Costa del Sol, including Marbella, Málaga, Estepona, Fuengirola, Mijas, Benalmádena, Torremolinos and surrounding areas. Customers elsewhere in Spain should contact us with the vehicle’s location to confirm availability. See Areas We Cover.
Can you inspect my own car, or one I'm selling?
Yes. Existing owners and sellers can use our broader vehicle inspection service. Contact us to confirm availability outside the Costa del Sol.
What vehicles do you inspect?
We inspect cars, SUVs, 4x4s, vans and light commercial vehicles. Motorhomes may be considered depending on the individual vehicle. We do not inspect motorcycles or HGVs.
Interested in bringing AutoGuard to your area?
Franchise opportunities are available in selected locations across Spain for people interested in operating their own AutoGuard vehicle inspection business. Get in touch to find out which territories are available.
Still have questions?
Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. Our team is available to answer any questions you have about our inspection services.