Cheap and Reliable Cars in Spain: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

If you are living in Spain and looking for cheap and reliable cars, you might be wondering what are the best options available. There are many factors that affect the cost of owning a car, such as fuel consumption, insurance, taxes, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation. In this blog post, we will explore some of the cheapest car brands in Spain based on these criteria and give you some tips on how to save money on your car expenses.

One of the most obvious ways to save money on a car is to buy a cheap one. However, cheap does not always mean low quality or unreliable. There are some car brands that offer good value for money and have models that are affordable, efficient, and durable. According to various sources , some of the cheapest car brands in Spain are:

• Dacia: This Romanian brand is part of the Renault group and offers some of the most economical cars in the market. The Dacia Sandero is the cheapest car in Spain, with a starting price of less than 10,000 euros. It is a spacious and practical hatchback that has a low fuel consumption and a simple design that makes it easy to maintain. The Dacia Logan and Duster are also good options for those looking for a sedan or an SUV at a reasonable price.
• Renault: The French brand is one of the most popular in Spain and has several models that are cost-effective and reliable. The Renault Clio is one of the best-selling cars in Spain and has a low maintenance cost and a high resale value. It is a compact and versatile hatchback that offers a good performance and a comfortable ride. The Renault Twingo and Captur are also affordable models that have a low fuel consumption and a modern design.
• SEAT: The Spanish brand is part of the Volkswagen group and produces cars that are designed for the local market. SEAT cars are known for their quality, style, and technology. The SEAT Ibiza is one of the cheapest cars in Spain and has a high customer satisfaction rating. It is a sporty and agile hatchback that has a low CO2 emission and a high safety standard. The SEAT Arona and Leon are also economical models that have a spacious interior and a dynamic driving experience.
• Fiat: The Italian brand is famous for its small and stylish cars that are ideal for urban driving. Fiat cars are cheap to buy and have a low insurance cost. The Fiat Panda is one of the cheapest cars in Spain and has a simple and functional design that makes it easy to park and maneuver. It is a compact and practical hatchback that has a low fuel consumption and a decent boot space. The Fiat 500 and Tipo are also inexpensive models that have a distinctive personality and a good equipment level.
• Hyundai: The Korean brand is one of the leaders in innovation and quality in the automotive industry. Hyundai cars are cheap to maintain and have a long warranty period. The Hyundai i10 is one of the cheapest cars in Spain and has a high reliability rating. It is a small and smart hatchback that has a low running cost and a generous interior space. The Hyundai i20 and Kona are also budget-friendly models that have a stylish design and a good performance.

Another way to save money on a car is to choose an electric one. Electric vehicles (EVs) have many advantages over conventional cars, such as lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, lower CO2 emissions, lower noise pollution, and lower taxes. According to Wikipedia , there were 200,000 electric vehicles in Spain as of October 2022, representing 6.8% of new car sales. Spain has a target for five million EVs in the country by 2030.

However, electric vehicles also have some drawbacks, such as higher purchase price, limited range, limited charging infrastructure, battery degradation, and environmental impact of battery production and disposal. Therefore, before buying an electric car, you should consider your needs, preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Some of the cheapest electric car brands in Spain are:

• Renault: The French brand offers two electric models in Spain: the Renault Zoe and the Renault Twizy. The Renault Zoe is one of the best-selling electric cars in Europe and has a starting price of around 22,000 euros after subsidies. It is a compact and attractive hatchback that has a range of up to 395 km on a single charge and can be charged at home or at public stations. The Renault Twizy is an ultra-compact two-seater vehicle that has a starting price of around 7,000 euros after subsidies. It is ideal for city driving as it can fit into small spaces and has a range of up to 100 km on a single charge. However, it is not very comfortable or practical for long trips or bad weather.
• SEAT: The Spanish brand offers one electric model in Spain: the SEAT Mii Electric. It is a small and fun hatchback that has a starting price of around 17,000 euros after subsidies. It has a range of up to 260 km on a single charge and can be charged at home or at public stations. It is also equipped with a smart infotainment system that connects to your smartphone and offers various features and services.
• Dacia: The Romanian brand offers one electric model in Spain: the Dacia Spring Electric. It is a small and affordable SUV that has a starting price of around 16,000 euros after subsidies. It has a range of up to 230 km on a single charge and can be charged at home or at public stations. It is also spacious and versatile, with a large boot space and a folding rear seat.
• Fiat: The Italian brand offers one electric model in Spain: the Fiat 500 Electric. It is a small and stylish hatchback that has a starting price of around 25,000 euros after subsidies. It has a range of up to 320 km on a single charge and can be charged at home or at public stations. It is also customizable and innovative, with various colors, trims, and features to choose from.
• Hyundai: The Korean brand offers two electric models in Spain: the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric is a small and sporty SUV that has a starting price of around 35,000 euros after subsidies. It has a range of up to 484 km on a single charge and can be charged at home or at public stations. It is also powerful and efficient, with a fast acceleration and a low energy consumption. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a medium-sized and elegant sedan that has a starting price of around 34,000 euros after subsidies. It has a range of up to 311 km on a single charge and can be charged at home or at public stations. It is also comfortable and spacious, with a large cabin and a generous boot space.

These are some of the cheapest car brands in Spain, both conventional and electric, but there are other factors that can affect the cost of owning a car besides the purchase price. Here are some tips on how to save money on your car expenses:

• Compare different financing options: If you need to finance your car purchase, make sure to compare different offers from dealerships, banks, or online platforms. Look at the interest rate, the number of instalments, the down payment, and the total cost of the loan. Choose the option that suits your budget and needs best.
• Negotiate the price: Don’t be afraid to haggle with the seller to get the best possible deal on your car. You can use various strategies, such as asking for discounts, free extras, lower fees, or better trade-in value. You can also look for special offers, promotions, or incentives from manufacturers or dealerships.
• Choose the right model: Depending on your needs and preferences, you might want to choose a model that has a lower fuel consumption, lower CO2 emission, lower insurance group, lower tax band, or higher resale value. These factors can make a big difference in your annual car expenses.
• Maintain your car regularly: To avoid costly repairs or breakdowns, make sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your car. Check your oil level, tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, lights, etc. regularly and fix any problems as soon as possible. You can also do some simple tasks yourself, such as changing filters, wipers, or bulbs, to save money on labor costs.
• Drive smartly: Your driving habits can also affect your fuel consumption and car wear and tear. To save money on gas, you can adopt some eco-driving techniques, such as driving smoothly, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking, using cruise control, keeping a steady speed, etc. You can also reduce your mileage by planning your trips, using public transport, carpooling, or working from home.

Owning a car in Spain can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. By choosing a cheap car brand and following some simple tips, you can save money on your car expenses and enjoy your ride without breaking the bank.

Now that you know what to look for, have a look at the cars for sale on AUTOBAHN.es!