How to Claim Against Hidden Defects in a Used Car in Roses: Downloadable Template
Buying a second-hand car in Spain can be a stressful experience, especially if you discover mechanical issues shortly after the purchase. If you bought your vehicle in or near Roses and discovered "vicios ocultos" (hidden defects), you are protected by the Spanish Civil Code. This term refers to serious, pre-existing faults that were not visible at the time of sale and that render the vehicle unfit for its intended use or diminish its utility to the point where you would not have purchased it had you known. This template will help you formally notify the seller and initiate your claim.
Instructions on how and where to submit it in Roses
To ensure your claim has legal weight, follow these steps:
- Fill out the form: Complete the provided template with your details and the specific mechanical issues found.
- Send via Burofax: In Spain, the only legally recognized way to send a formal claim is via Burofax (available at any Correos office). This provides proof of both the content sent and the date of receipt.
- Location in Roses: You can visit the Correos office located at Carrer de la Barceloneta, 16, 17480 Roses, Girona, to send your Burofax.
- Timeline: You have a maximum of 6 months from the date of delivery to claim for hidden defects under Article 1490 of the Spanish Civil Code.
RECLAMACIÓN POR VICIOS OCULTOS / CLAIM FOR HIDDEN DEFECTS
A la atención de / To the attention of: [Nombre del Vendedor / Seller's Name]
DNI/NIE: [DNI o NIE del vendedor]
Dirección / Address: [Dirección del vendedor]En Roses, a [Fecha] de [Mes] de 202X
Asunto: Reclamación formal por vicios ocultos en el vehículo [Marca y Modelo] con matrícula [Matrícula].
Subject: Formal claim for hidden defects in the vehicle [Make and Model] with license plate [License Plate].Estimado/a [Nombre del vendedor]: / Dear [Seller's Name]:
Por medio de la presente, le comunico mi disconformidad respecto a la compraventa del vehículo mencionado, realizada el día [Fecha de compra]. / By means of this letter, I communicate my dissatisfaction regarding the sale of the aforementioned vehicle, carried out on [Date of purchase].
Tras la adquisición, se han manifestado los siguientes vicios ocultos que imposibilitan el uso normal del vehículo: [Descripción detallada de la avería]. / After the acquisition, the following hidden defects have manifested, which prevent the normal use of the vehicle: [Detailed description of the fault].
De acuerdo con los artículos 1484 y siguientes del Código Civil español, le solicito [Elegir: la reparación del vehículo / la resolución del contrato con devolución del importe] en un plazo máximo de 10 días hábiles. / In accordance with articles 1484 et seq. of the Spanish Civil Code, I request [Choose: the repair of the vehicle / the resolution of the contract with a refund of the amount] within a maximum period of 10 business days.
En caso de no recibir respuesta, me veré obligado a iniciar las acciones legales pertinentes ante los juzgados de Roses. / In the event of not receiving a response, I will be forced to initiate the pertinent legal actions before the courts of Roses.
Atentamente, / Sincerely,
[Tu nombre y apellidos / Your full name]
[Tu DNI/NIE]
[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).
- A copy of the "Permiso de Circulación" (Vehicle Registration).
- A professional diagnostic report or "factura proforma" from a trusted mechanic in Roses detailing the defect and confirming it is a pre-existing condition.
- Any previous communication (WhatsApp, email) between you and the seller regarding the car's condition.
Expert Tip: Never attempt to repair the vehicle before sending this formal notification. If you fix it beforehand, you risk losing the right to claim, as the seller will argue that they were not given the opportunity to inspect or repair the defect themselves. If the seller refuses your request, the next step is to consult with a local lawyer in Roses to file a "juicio verbal" if the amount is under €6,000.