Hi Smidge, At the moment here's how it stands

Ireland - Car Purchase + anticipated upgrades e1500
             Transport to Spain (low season) e600
              Spanish reg costs - itv,lights,fees,gestor etc -e800
          
              Total to drive a e1500 car = e2900

Spain - Change of owner fees e140
This leaves me with e2760 in Spain to shop for an equivalent to a e1500 car in Ireland.

                                 I'm coming over for a few days over the Easter hols and will trawl a few car lots and let you know my findings.

For e1000 I'd be looking at a 00reg Avensis 80k miles then allowing e500 for changing tyres, repairs,timing belt, etc.