34% of used car buyers have been scammed in some way during their purchase
Transparency note: This press release was originally published in Spanish. The text has been machine translated. You can find the original press release here.
15% have been victims of fraud such as false advertisements, undisclosed serious damage or defects, stolen vehicles, or significant mileage tampering, among others.
55% of users are very concerned about scams in the used car market.
Only 10% consider it unlikely that they would check a vehicle's history report before purchasing it.
Madrid, January 28, 2026 – The used car market continues to generate a high level of concern among buyers in Spain. This is reflected in a survey conducted by CARFAX, the leading private provider of vehicle histories in Spain and Europe, of more than 1,000 users via its website.
According to the results, more than a third of buyers (34%) claim to have been the victim of some type of scam during the process of purchasing a used vehicle, highlighting the persistence of fraudulent practices in the sector.
More than a third of respondents have been scammed during a purchase.
The survey distinguishes two groups within this high percentage of users who have been victims of fraud. On the one hand, 19% have suffered some kind of minor scam, such as being asked for a false report, altered mileage, or minor damage not disclosed during the purchase process.
On the other hand, 15% report having suffered more serious scams, such as false advertisements, deposit scams, undisclosed liens or charges, cloning of the vehicle identification number (VIN), stolen vehicles, significant mileage tampering, or serious damage not disclosed to the buyer.
85% of users express concern about possible fraud
These data explain the high level of mistrust that exists in the used car market. Specifically, 55% of those surveyed say they are very concerned about the possibility of being defrauded when buying a used car.
In addition, 3 out of 10 users say they are "somewhat concerned" about possible fraud when buying on the used car market, bringing the percentage of users who approach this type of purchase with a certain degree of concern to 85%. Only 15% say they make a purchase with complete peace of mind.
Nine out of ten respondents would check a vehicle's history before buying.
Given this context, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of gathering information before closing a deal. In fact, the survey indicates that only 1 in 10 users consider it unlikely that they would review a vehicle history report, along with other key documents such as registration documentation or digital proof of ownership, before committing to a purchase.
In contrast, 75% say they are very likely to check this information beforehand, while 15% consider it somewhat likely, confirming a clear trend towards more informed, responsible purchasing based on reliable data.
Francisco Rudilla, head of business development at CARFAX, points out that "the survey shows that buyers are increasingly aware of the risks associated with the used car market, but also of the importance of being informed before making a decision. Transparency is the basis for restoring confidence in the sector."
These data reflect the need to continue moving towards a more transparent and secure used car market, in which access to reliable and comprehensive information on vehicle history goes from being a complement to a necessary step to protect buyers. Only in this way will it be possible to protect buyers, strengthen confidence in the sector, and promote a fairer and more balanced market for all parties involved.