How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Biota: Downloadable Deposit Contract Template
Buying a second-hand car in a small town like Biota can be a great way to find a reliable vehicle, but you must protect your interests. A Contrato de Arras (Deposit Contract) is a private agreement that secures the purchase by committing both the buyer and the seller to the transaction. By paying a small deposit, you ensure the seller takes the car off the market while you arrange the final transfer, protecting you from the seller changing their mind or selling the vehicle to someone else.
How and Where to Use This Contract in Biota
Because this is a private contract between two individuals, you do not need to submit it to any government office in Biota or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at the time of signing. Instead:
- Sign in duplicate: Both the buyer and the seller must keep a signed copy.
- Proof of payment: If you pay the deposit via bank transfer, ensure the concept of the transfer explicitly states "Arras coche [Make/Model] - [License Plate]".
- Location: You can sign this agreement anywhere in Biota. You do not need a notary for this specific document, though you may choose to visit a Gestoría if you want professional oversight of the subsequent vehicle transfer.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / DEPOSIT CONTRACT
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. [Seller Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" (The Seller).
De otra parte, D./Dña. [Buyer Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" (The Buyer).
OBJETO / THE VEHICLE:
El vendedor se compromete a vender al comprador el vehículo [Make, Model, License Plate/Matrícula], con número de bastidor [VIN Number].
CLÁUSULAS / TERMS:
1. PRECIO: El precio total de venta es de [Amount] euros.
2. ARRAS: El comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] euros en concepto de señal o arras, que serán descontados del precio final.
3. PLAZO: La firma del contrato de compraventa definitivo y el pago del resto del precio se realizarán antes del día [Date].
4. PENALIZACIÓN: Si el comprador desiste, perderá la señal. Si el vendedor desiste, deberá devolver al comprador el doble de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 Código Civil).
Firmado en Biota, a [Day] de [Month] de [Year].
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional Documentation Required
While the Contrato de Arras secures the intent, you will eventually need the following to finalize the change of ownership (Transferencia) at the DGT:
- Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's current registration document.
- Ficha Técnica: The technical inspection card (ITV) showing the vehicle is roadworthy.
- DNI/NIE: Original and copy of the identity documents of both parties.
- Impuesto de Circulación: Proof that the local municipal tax (IVTM) for the previous year has been paid in the Biota Town Hall or relevant municipality.
- Contrato de Compraventa: The final formal bill of sale.
Expert Tip: Before signing, always check the "Informe del Vehículo" via the DGT website. This will cost a small fee but will tell you if the car has any outstanding liens, seizures, or unpaid fines (embargos) that could prevent the transfer of ownership. Never hand over the full payment until you have confirmed the transfer has been successfully processed at the DGT or a registered Gestoría.