How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Guadix: Downloadable Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras)

Buying a used car from a private seller in Guadix can be a great way to save money, but it carries risks. To ensure the seller doesn't sell the vehicle to someone else while you arrange your finances or inspection, you need a Contrato de Arras. This is a legally binding "earnest money" agreement where you pay a small deposit to reserve the vehicle. If you back out, you lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they are legally required to pay you back double the amount.

Instructions on how to execute this agreement in Guadix

This document is a private contract between the buyer and the seller. You do not need to visit a government office to sign it, but it is highly recommended to sign it in person at a neutral, public location in Guadix—such as a café near the Plaza de la Constitución or a local gestoría. Follow these steps:

• Print two copies of the bilingual template provided below.
• Both parties must bring their original DNI or NIE.
• Check the vehicle's "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT to ensure there are no outstanding debts (cargas) or embargoes.
• Both parties must sign every page of both copies.
• Exchange the deposit amount via a traceable method (bank transfer or Bizum) and note the transaction ID on the contract.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY AGREEMENT

REUNIDOS / PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. _________________________, con DNI/NIE ____________, en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" / "THE SELLER".
De otra parte, D./Dña. _________________________, con DNI/NIE ____________, en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" / "THE BUYER".

OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo marca ________, modelo ________, con matrícula ________ y número de bastidor (VIN) ________________.
THE SELLER agrees to sell to the BUYER the vehicle make ________, model ________, with license plate ________ and VIN ________________.

ARRAS / DEPOSIT:
El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de ________ EUROS (€) en concepto de arras.
THE BUYER pays the amount of ________ EUROS (€) as a deposit.

CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá las arras. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el duplo 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 deposit received (Art. 1454 Civil Code).

Firmado en Guadix, a ____ de ________ de 20__.

Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________

Additional documentation required

While the Contrato de Arras secures the reservation, the actual transfer of the vehicle requires further steps. Before completing the final payment, ensure you have the following:

• Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration document.
• ITV Card: The technical inspection card, which must be valid.
• Proof of Tax Payment: Receipt showing the "Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (IVTM) was paid for the current year in Guadix.
• DGT Vehicle Report: A "Informe Reducido" or "Informe Detallado" to confirm the car is free of encumbrances.

Expert Tip: Never pay the full amount for a car until you have signed the official "Contrato de Compraventa" and have verified the vehicle's status at the DGT. If you feel uncomfortable with the paperwork, visit a local Gestoría in Guadix; they will handle the "Cambio de Titularidad" (transfer of ownership) for a small fee, ensuring the car is legally registered in your name without any hidden legal issues.