How to Claim Hidden Defects on a Used Car in Perafort: Official Template Download

Buying a second-hand vehicle in Spain can be a great investment, but discovering mechanical issues shortly after the purchase is a common nightmare. In Spanish law, this is known as "Vicios Ocultos" (Hidden Defects). These are serious faults that existed prior to the sale but were not visible or disclosed by the seller, rendering the vehicle unfit for its intended use. If you purchased a car in Perafort or the surrounding Tarragona area, you have the legal right to claim a repair, a price reduction, or a contract rescission.

Instructions on how and where to submit your claim in Perafort

To ensure your claim is legally binding, you must follow the formal "burofax" procedure. This provides legal proof of delivery and content. Follow these steps:

• Drafting: Fill in the template provided below with your specific purchase details.
• Submission: Go to any Oficina de Correos. Request a "Burofax con acuse de recibo y certificación de texto". This is the only way to prove in court exactly what you sent and that the seller received it.
• Legal Deadline: Under Article 1490 of the Spanish Civil Code, you have a period of six months from the date of delivery to file a claim for hidden defects.
• Jurisdiction: Since the transaction took place in or near Perafort, if the seller refuses to settle, the case will be handled by the Juzgados de Primera Instancia in Tarragona.

CARTA DE RECLAMACIÓN POR VICIOS OCULTOS / CLAIM LETTER FOR HIDDEN DEFECTS

A la atención de (To the attention of): [Nombre del vendedor / Seller's Name]
Dirección (Address): [Dirección del vendedor / Seller's Address]

En [Ciudad], a [Fecha] / In [City], on [Date]

ASUNTO: Reclamación por vicios ocultos en la compraventa del vehículo [Matrícula / License Plate]
SUBJECT: Claim for hidden defects regarding the sale of vehicle [License Plate]

Muy Sr./Sra. mío/a: / Dear Sir/Madam:

Por la presente, le comunico mi disconformidad respecto al vehículo [Marca y Modelo] con matrícula [Matrícula], adquirido a usted el día [Fecha de compra]. / I hereby communicate my disagreement regarding the vehicle [Make and Model] with license plate [License Plate], purchased from you on [Date of purchase].

Tras la entrega del vehículo, se han manifestado los siguientes defectos ocultos: [Describir avería detalladamente]. Dichos fallos no eran visibles en el momento de la compra y hacen que el vehículo sea impropio para su uso. / Following the delivery, the following hidden defects have manifested: [Describe the fault in detail]. These faults were not visible at the time of purchase and render the vehicle unfit for its intended use.

En virtud del artículo 1484 y siguientes del Código Civil, le solicito [Elegir: la reparación gratuita / la resolución del contrato / la rebaja proporcional del precio]. / By virtue of Article 1484 and following of the Civil Code, I request [Choose: free repair / contract rescission / proportional price reduction].

Quedo a la espera de su respuesta en un plazo de 10 días hábiles. De no recibir contestación, me veré obligado a iniciar las acciones legales oportunas. / I await your response within 10 business days. Should I receive no reply, I will be forced to initiate the appropriate legal actions.

Atentamente, / Sincerely,

[Tu Nombre / Your Name]
[Tu DNI/NIE / Your ID Number]
[Tu Teléfono / Your Phone Number]

Additional documentation required

To strengthen your case, you must attach the following documents to your claim:

• A copy of the Contrato de Compraventa (Purchase Contract).
• The Informe de la DGT (Vehicle History Report) showing the transfer of ownership.
• A professional diagnostic report or "peritaje" from a mechanic in Perafort or Tarragona documenting that the defect existed prior to the sale.
• An estimate (presupuesto) for the necessary repairs.
• Any communication logs (WhatsApp, emails, or SMS) between you and the seller regarding the vehicle's condition.

Expert Tip: If the seller is a professional dealership, you are protected by the Ley General para la Defensa de los Consumidores y Usuarios, which often provides stronger protections (including a mandatory 1-year warranty) than a private sale between individuals. If the repair cost is significant, do not attempt to fix the car yourself before sending this letter, as you may lose the right to evidence the defect.