What is the difference between a reconditioned car and a used or new one?

In a context of high prices and inflation, the Spanish automobile market is undergoing a transformation, and reconditioned cars have become an increasingly popular alternative.

It is estimated that 60% of Spaniards have already purchased a reconditioned product, a trend that is gaining ground in the automotive industry.

The main difference between these vehicles and used cars is their rigorous inspection process. A new car is a vehicle that has not had any previous owners. It comes directly from the factory, with few or no kilometers, and comes with a full manufacturer's warranty. Its main advantage is that you know it's in perfect condition and equipped with the latest technology, although its price is the highest on the market.

A used car is a vehicle that has had one or more owners. Its condition, mileage, and maintenance history vary widely. It is sold "as is," so the buyer assumes a greater risk of possible future breakdowns. Although its price is the lowest, it lacks a certification process, and its warranty, if it has one, is limited or has expired.

While a traditional used car is sold as is, reconditioned vehicles are relatively new and free of structural damage. They undergo an exhaustive certification process with more than 320 checkpoints.

This process, which includes electronic diagnostics and dynamic testing, ensures the car returns to impeccable mechanical condition, extending its useful life.

For consumers, this thoroughness translates into confidence and savings. Eighty percent of Spaniards would be willing to pay more for a reconditioned car than a used one, especially valuing the value for money and the after-sales warranty.

"If we want to rejuvenate Spain's vehicle fleet and meet our climate, economic, and social goals, we must think about real people: those who today need their cars to work, take care of their families, or simply make ends meet," says José Carlos del Valle, CEO of Clicars.

"At Clicars, we defend the key role that reconditioned cars play as an immediate and effective tool for removing the most polluting vehicles from circulation and replacing them with more efficient, safer, and, above all, more affordable vehicles. Therefore, it is essential that public institutions recognize and support this model as an integral part of sustainable mobility in Spain."

Furthermore, this option is significantly more sustainable. It is estimated that reconditioning an existing vehicle emits between 161 and 230 times less CO₂ than manufacturing a new one, which contributes to rejuvenating the Spanish vehicle fleet in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. However, the sector is demanding more institutional support, as most aid still focuses on the purchase of new cars.