Spanish families spent almost 2.8 billion euros on after-school activities last year, while most drivers continue to rely on older petrol or diesel cars. Rising costs have led parents to question whether these activities are necessary and when they benefit their children. Experts cited by Google/SpainAuto have weighed in on the issue.
After-school programs in Spain are getting more expensive. Depending on the school, families now pay an average of 70 to 113 euros per month, or 630 to 1,017 euros over a typical nine-month school year. Sector reports put the increase at about 4% from the previous year, adding to pressure on household budgets.
Sur in English reported that average back-to-school expenses in Spain hit a record in 2026, with families spending between 429 and 505 euros per child on basic supplies alone.
As parents debate the value of extra lessons and sports, another cost shapes daily life: most Spaniards lead cars that are neither new nor electric. Spain's used car market is much larger than its new car market, and the most popular vehicles are about ten years old, powered by petrol or diesel. The trend continues as fuel prices rise and more hybrids appear in showrooms.
Among people buying new cars, non-plug-in hybrids are now the top choice. Most drivers, though, still use older combustion-engine cars, affecting family budgets and the environment. Data from ANFAC and Faconauto shows the average age of passenger cars in Spain reached 14.6 years in 2025, with some regions recording even older vehicles. Spain is not alone in this pattern. As reported earlier, hybrids are gaining ground but have yet to overtake traditional engines.
With fuel prices still high, many drivers are looking for ways to save. An instructor from the Centro de Conducción Eficiente del RACC says the biggest savings depend less on the car than on how it is driven. Smoother driving and steady speeds can cut fuel use, especially when drivers anticipate traffic, even in older cars. A representative from the Advanced Driving Center of RACC recently said eco-driving tips can save drivers between 400 and 500 euros a year.
Industry publications report that, as of September 2026, used cars sold in Spain averaged about 11 years old; in private transactions, the figure rises to 15 years. JournalAuto and Russpain.com say the figures reflect how common older vehicles are on Spanish roads and the related safety and maintenance risks.
The figures point to the strain on Spanish families: children's activities cost more, while older cars remain expensive to keep running. Data from Google/SpainAuto suggests that, even as new technology spreads, most households remain guided by practical concerns and long-standing habits. For now, saving money means making smarter choices with what families already have, instead of buying a new car or signing up for more activities.
