How to Secure a Used Car Purchase in Arcos de Jalón: Downloadable Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras)
Buying a second-hand vehicle in Spain can be a daunting process, especially when you find the perfect car and want to ensure it isn't sold to someone else while you arrange financing or inspection. In Spain, the "Contrato de Arras" is the standard legal instrument used to formalize a reservation. It acts as a security deposit, guaranteeing that the seller reserves the car for you, while providing legal protection should either party back out of the deal.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Arcos de Jalón
Unlike administrative appeals, the Contrato de Arras is a private document between two parties. You do not need to submit this to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Arcos de Jalón. Instead, follow these steps:
- Verification: Meet the seller in person. Check the vehicle's "Permiso de Circulación" and "Ficha Técnica" to ensure the person selling the car is the legal owner.
- Execution: Print two copies of the bilingual template below. Both the buyer and the seller must sign every page of both copies.
- Payment: The deposit amount is usually between 200€ and 500€. Always pay via bank transfer or a tracked method to ensure there is a paper trail. Never pay in cash without a signed receipt.
- Location: If you are meeting in Arcos de Jalón, you can sign this at a local gestoría if you wish to have a professional witness the transaction, though it is not strictly required by law.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES
VENDEDOR / SELLER: [Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], y domicilio en [Address].
COMPRADOR / BUYER: [Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], y domicilio en [Address].
OBJETO / OBJECT
El Vendedor se compromete a vender al Comprador el vehículo / The Seller agrees to sell to the Buyer the vehicle:
Marca/Modelo / Make/Model: [Insert details]
Matrícula / License Plate: [Insert Plate]
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT
El precio total acordado es de [Amount]€. El Comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount]€ en concepto de arras / The total agreed price is [Amount]€. The Buyer pays the amount of [Deposit Amount]€ as a deposit.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS
Si el Comprador desiste, perderá las arras. Si el Vendedor desiste, deberá devolver el doble de las arras recibidas (Art. 1454 Código Civil) / If the Buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the Seller withdraws, they must return double the amount received (Art. 1454 Spanish Civil Code).
Firmado en Arcos de Jalón, a [Date].
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional documentation required
Once the Contrato de Arras is signed, you must prepare for the final transfer of ownership. Ensure you obtain the following before finalizing the payment:
- Informe del Vehículo: Request a "Informe de Antecedentes" from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to ensure the car has no outstanding fines, seizures, or liens (cargas).
- ITV: Verify that the car has a valid "Inspección Técnica de Vehículos" (MOT) certificate.
- Impuesto de Circulación: Proof that the previous year’s circulation tax has been paid.
- Transfer Fee: Be aware that you will need to pay the "Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales" (ITP) at your local tax office before the DGT will register the car in your name.
Expert Tip: Always include the specific time and date for the final sale in your Contrato de Arras. If the seller does not show up at the agreed time to sign the final contract of sale (Contrato de Compraventa), the deposit protection clause is your strongest legal leverage to claim damages or force the completion of the sale.