About a third of people in Spain have been scammed when buying a used car. The appeal of a good deal can fade when buyers realize how little they know about a car's past. Carfax recently surveyed 1,000 Spanish consumers and found that unreliable information is now one of the biggest concerns for anyone shopping for a secondhand vehicle.
Price is still the first thing most buyers look at, but it is no longer enough. As new car prices climb, more people turn to the used market, and they are becoming more cautious. A quick look and a test lead no longer cut it. Buyers want details about a car's history, including previous owners, where it came from and anything else that might affect its value or safety.
CARFAX data for January to July 2026 shows that 56% of checked used cars in Spain had hidden risks. Of those, 39% had been in accidents or were damaged, 13% had previously been used as rentals, and 10% were imported.
Transparency has become a way to protect yourself. Carfax reports that two out of three buyers now try to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. Ads often leave out impressive facts, and missing details can end up costing a lot. Two cars might look the same, but one could have a hidden accident record or legal trouble that turns a bargain into a headache.
The rise of hybrids and electric cars is changing the market, too. More than half of those surveyed, 54%, say they would prefer a hybrid or electric car next time. This raises new questions for used-car buyers, including battery condition and how different types of engines work. Spain is also updating its charging network and removing thousands of old stations, making the purchase of a secondhand electric car even more complicated.
Official statistics show that 1,452,851 used cars were sold in Spain in the first eight months of 2026, a 2.8% year-on-year increase. With turnover this high, potential fraud and hidden risks remain a impressive concern for consumers.
Anyone hoping to avoid problems now asks for a full vehicle history report. Mechanical checks and test drives still matter, but they cannot reveal everything. The real dangers are those you cannot see right away, including hidden accidents, tampered odometers or unresolved legal issues. Carfax warns that these can turn a cheap car into an expensive mistake.
The used-car market in Spain is getting tougher. Buyers are starting to weigh information as seriously as price, and those who want to avoid being scammed are less likely to buy without knowing a car's history. Sellers who are open about a car's past are the ones who will earn buyers' trust.
