Buying a Used Car in Villar del Arzobispo: Essential Deposit Agreement Template (Word/PDF)
When purchasing a vehicle between private individuals in Spain, securing the deal is crucial to prevent the seller from selling the car to someone else while you arrange the paperwork. A "Contrato de Arras" (Deposit Agreement) is the standard legal instrument used to reserve a vehicle. By signing this document and paying a small deposit, you create a binding commitment: if the seller backs out, they must pay you double the deposit; if you back out, you lose your deposit. This guide provides a bilingual template tailored for your purchase in Villar del Arzobispo.
How and Where to Use This Document in Villar del Arzobispo
This document is a private contract between the buyer and the seller. You do not need to submit this to the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Villar del Arzobispo. However, you should follow these steps:
- Print two copies: one for you and one for the seller.
- Sign both copies in the presence of the seller.
- Ensure the seller provides a copy of their DNI/NIE.
- Once the final sale is completed, you will then proceed to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) or a private agency (gestoría) to process the "cambio de titularidad" (transfer of ownership).
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PARA LA COMPRAVENTA DE VEHÍCULO / DEPOSIT AGREEMENT FOR VEHICLE PURCHASE
En Villar del Arzobispo, a [Date] de [Month] de 202X.
REUNIDOS / PARTIES:
Vendedor/Seller: [Name], con DNI/NIE [Number].
Comprador/Buyer: [Name], con DNI/NIE [Number].
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El Vendedor se compromete a vender al Comprador el vehículo [Make/Model], con matrícula [License Plate] y número de bastidor [VIN Number].
The Seller agrees to sell to the Buyer the vehicle [Make/Model], with license plate [License Plate] and VIN [VIN Number].
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total de venta es de [Price] €. El Comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] € en concepto de arras.
The total sale price is [Price] €. 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). La firma del contrato definitivo se realizará antes del día [Deadline Date].
If the Buyer withdraws, they forfeit the deposit. If the Seller withdraws, they must return double the deposit received (Art. 1454 Civil Code). The final contract must be signed before [Deadline Date].
Firma del Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma del Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional Documentation Required
To finalize the purchase after using this template, you must ensure you collect the following from the seller:
- The original "Permiso de Circulación" (Vehicle Registration Certificate).
- The "ITV" (Technical Inspection) card, ensuring it is currently valid.
- Proof that the "Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (Road Tax) has been paid for the previous year.
- A copy of the seller's valid DNI/NIE.
Expert Tip: Before signing anything, always perform a "Informe de Vehículo" through the DGT website. This costs a small fee and will tell you if the car has any "cargas" (liens, seizures, or unpaid fines) that could prevent you from registering the vehicle in your name. If the car has outstanding debt, do not proceed with the purchase until the seller provides proof that the debt has been cleared.