Madrid - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Anything would work, but I wouldn't bring anything too big. - Sep 2019
Bring a small car or moped for the city. An electric bike would work well too (there are bike shares you can join too). I wouldn't recommend bringing a car bigger than a small SUV because of narrow parking spaces, but people do manage. - Jun 2019
Mid- to small-size car in the city. You can drive/park a van easier in the suburbs. The traffic isn't so terrible, but the streets are narrow and parking is a pain. We have a 2014 Honda CR-V which is about the limit of what is doable for city driving. You will see Range Rovers and bigger cars, but I don't know where the heck they park them. And don't bring anything you love because you'll probably get scraped up. - Mar 2017
I wouldn't bring a huge car. I see more SUVs and larger cars here than in other European countries, so you don't need a Smart Car by any means, but I would recommend a smaller car, especially for some really cramped parking garages. Don't bring a car that you want to protect from dings and scratches or that you have to baby. Many Spaniards park by feel. - Apr 2012
I have a Honda CRV and it works. Don't bring a big car. - Nov 2011
We have a small SUV and we don´t have any problems. I would say just don´t bring a big car such Range Rover, for example. - Oct 2011
Anything will work. If you are in the city, then think smaller. Parking is big hassle. Highways are in very good shape. - Aug 2010
Any car is fine but be aware that the Spanish do not blink an eye at hitting your car when parking. No pasa nada. Your vehicle will leave Spain with a variety of dings and scrapes. Also, parking is difficult at best. The smaller, the better. - Feb 2009
Small cars are easier to park. If you live in the city you don't really need a car, but it is useful to go to the mountains or villages. - Jan 2008
