A family buys a used BMW for 16,800 euros in Alicante. They take it in for a service, and the mechanics can't believe what they've been told: "They've even canceled the airbag."

Buying a used car is, for many, a way to save money without sacrificing a good brand or certain features. However, it can also become a real trap if the necessary precautions are not taken.

This is what happened to a family who, for 16,800 euros, purchased an imported BMW in Alicante that seemed to be in perfect condition. However, the surprise came when they took the car to a professional inspection, as the vehicle had been in a serious accident, had multiple substandard repairs, and, most alarmingly, the airbags had been disabled and not replaced after the accident.

"I'm embarrassed to have to record this video, but we're not going to let that happen. Let everyone know how you work," says a technician from the Needcarhelp team, a company specializing in used vehicle audits.

His analysis of the car is devastating: from Chinese-made parts installed instead of original ones, to an obvious oil leak, and the observation that several active safety features are missing, despite being listed as functional.

The case is particularly delicate due to the vehicle's history. The BMW was originally registered in the United States, passed through Poland, and ended up in the Spanish market, making it difficult to trace its history. This type of movement is common with some imported vehicles that have been involved in accidents or no longer meet quality standards in their countries of origin. And, as experts explain, once in Spain, they are often sold without the buyer knowing the car's true history.

"It's a piece of junk on wheels," say the specialists who inspected the vehicle. And that's no exaggeration. In fact, in addition to the poor overall condition and poor repairs, as we've said, the airbags that detonated in the previous accident were not replaced, but simply disabled, posing a serious risk to the safety of the occupants.

These types of problems are frequently encountered in the used car market, especially with sellers operating on the fringes of the law. "There are companies that disappear as quickly as they are founded," industry insiders warn. In many cases, sales contracts are protected by clauses limiting any subsequent liability, and the lack of clear regulations on imported vehicles leaves buyers unprotected.

Therefore, in this situation, industry experts like Jordi Delgado of Auto Eland recommend taking extreme precautions. "It's important to be sure where you're buying. If you're buying from a private individual, never advance money without seeing the car first. And always request a report from the Traffic Department," he explains. This report, which can be requested from the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic), allows you to verify whether the vehicle has any encumbrances, its ownership history, or whether it has successfully passed its MOT (Inspection of Vehicles).

Delgado also insists on choosing reputable dealerships that offer written warranties. "I've seen cases where someone bought a rental car that wasn't even in the seller's name. Then, the rental company repossessed it, and the person was left without a car and without money," he notes.

On the other hand, Sergio Ibáñez, a salesperson at Automóviles Ibáñez, emphasizes the importance of requiring a one-year warranty on all professional sales, as required by law. He also recommends paying special attention to the vehicle's technical specifications, reviewing the vehicle inspection history, and verifying that the mileage is consistent.

Furthermore, some advertising hooks from large platforms can be misleading. "Sometimes a car is advertised in Barcelona and then told it's in Madrid. That creates mistrust," explains Ibáñez, who also advises opting for reliable brands with good long-term performance, especially in the used market.