Mechanical tourism booms in Tangier as Spaniards seek affordable car repairs

Ya Biladi

6 days ago

Mechanical tourism is firmly establishing itself in Morocco. Each summer, hundreds of Spaniards make the journey across the Strait of Gibraltar... to have their cars repaired. Tangier has almost inadvertently become North Africa's go-to destination for affordable auto repairs.
It often begins with a repair quote considered «exorbitant» in Spain. Take Marcos, a resident of Madrid, who owns a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser. He was facing a staggering 4,000-euro bill for a complete transmission overhaul and turbocharger replacement. A quick search online led him to a car forum recommending Tangier. He followed the advice: for under 1,000 euros, including parts, his vehicle was good as new in just a few days.
According to Spanish outlet El Confidencial Digital, labor costs in Morocco are around 2 euros per hour. In Spain, they can be a hundred times higher. Even a full paint job costs 500 euros, a price that would only cover a single panel in Madrid or Seville.
The savings extend further: a round-trip ferry from Tarifa to Tangier is less than 200 euros. Some even plan their vacations around a visit to the mechanic.
What started as a makeshift solution is becoming a regular practice for thousands of Spaniards. Moroccan garages are building a reputation, particularly those that use new parts directly supplied by manufacturers.
However, the rapid growth of this parallel industry isn't without its downsides. Illegal workshops are emerging, especially near Ceuta and Melilla. Some offer last-minute fixes before technical inspections, often without official approval. The Spanish newspaper highlights «spare parts of dubious origin, including those stolen in Spain», though such instances are said to be «infrequent».