Spanish car owners flock to Morocco for cheap repairs

Thousands of Spanish drivers are crossing to Morocco for car repairs at a fraction of domestic costs, El Confidencial Digital reports. Labor rates in Moroccan garages average €2 an hour—compared with €100–150 in Spain—making even complex jobs like turbo replacements or full transmission overhauls vastly more affordable. Parts are cheaper too, and looser environmental rules reduce disposal fees.

Some drivers now align their holidays with car servicing, taking the €200 round-trip ferry to Tangier. A full vehicle repaint costs about €500—less than a single fender repair in Spain. Forums circulate trusted workshop lists by vehicle type.

Yet concerns remain: Spanish media warn of “pirate” mechanics and possibly stolen parts, especially near Ceuta and Melilla.

The trend underscores Morocco’s broader industrial rise. Automotive production rose 36% in early 2025, with over 350,000 vehicles built. The sector now contributes over 10% of GDP. Analysts at JP Morgan and El Economista say Morocco’s low costs and EU ties are driving foreign investment and reshaping the regional economy.