Driving In Tenerife
You will notice that quite a few of the underground car parks have a car washing centre. It is illegal to wash your car in the street and as many people live on complexes and have to park their cars on the road, it makes good sense to use these car washing facilities. If you are able to park your car off road, such as a drive, washing your car isn’t a problem.
If your car is illegally parked the police will have it towed away by the Gruas (pick-up truck) and taken to the car pound (Depósito de Vehículos). To get your car back you will have to go to the car pound, pay a fine and produce your cars documents (which should by law be in the car).
Second Hand Cars
Buying a second hand car is Tenerife is not as easy as it is in the UK. The paperwork involved in transferring ownership requires the services of a Gestor; it is not advisable to do it yourself.
There are very few second hand car dealers, so most cars are sold privately, either through local newspapers or ‘for sale’ (Se Vende) signs in the car window. Note: If you buy a second hand car and don’t follow the correct procedure for transferring it into your name, you could later find out that there are debts associated with the car, and you will become liable for those debts!
New Cars
New cars are around 10% cheaper than in the UK. If you are employed with a contract, you may be able to get finance for a new car, however some dealers will ask for a Guarantor. You will of course need your NIE number, Certificado de Registro, Empadronamiento, your work contract and at least 3 months wage slips (Nomina) and your bank details. If you are self employed you will need at least two years worth of accounts plus all the other paperwork as above.