I own a holiday home near Benitachell and I want to buy a Spanish registered car.
I am not a resident in Spain, spending no more than 90 days a year here.
I already have a NIE and in order to get the car I need to be on the Padron, however the town hall tell me that to do this I first need a “Certificado de inscripcion en el registro central de extranjeros” .
Is this residency? If so what eactly does it mean and what are the implications for me in getting this.
As I am not a resident in Spain and pay my taxes in the UK it sounds very odd to me.
Its all very confusing.

Call: 96 575 09 79 and ask for Renata she will sort it out for you and give you free advise to you step by step, she works in a garage called Auto-Service in Ondara not to far from you, give her a call.

I do not think you have to be resident to buy a car - yes you do need an NIE (because you have taxes to pay on the car) and an address to register it. I am sure lots of non residents own cars because it is cheaper and easier than renting if they have extended stays and the family also visit.