The most common question before an import is: how much does it really cost? The answer “it depends” is true, but useless. The truth is that the cost components are fixed and can be calculated before you even bid on a car. Below we break them down.
What the “to your door” price includes
This is the amount you pay for the car to stand at your address in Poland. It covers:
- The auction price of the car plus the auction house fee (COPART, IAA, IMPACT).
- Inland transport in the USA from the auction yard to the port.
- Ocean freight to Rotterdam in a container, with the car secured by specialist tie-downs.
- Customs and tax fees at the port (duty and VAT, see below).
- Delivery to your address in Poland.
- Our fixed commission, known upfront, not “re-estimated” after the fact.
What is billed separately
An honest estimate also shows the items others hide in the fine print:
- Excise duty (statutory rate, depending on engine size).
- Any repairs, if you buy a damaged car.
- Headlight conversion to European standards.
- Document translations and an appraiser’s valuation.
We tell you this upfront in the estimate, before you bid, not after the car arrives.
Customs duty, VAT and excise: how much they are
These are statutory charges when importing a passenger car from outside the European Union (indicative rates, calculated on the customs value):
- Customs duty: 10% of the car’s value plus transport to the EU border.
- VAT: 23% calculated on the car’s value plus duty.
- Excise: 3.1% for engines up to 2.0 l or 18.6% above 2.0 l.
The exact amounts depend on the specific car and its value, which is why we calculate them for you individually before the auction.
Why cars from the USA are cheaper
It’s not a catch, it’s market scale. The same model in the USA can be 30-40% cheaper than at a Polish dealership, and the choice of luxury, sports and well-equipped cars is incomparably wider. The difference is usually “eaten” by fear of the paperwork and transport. That’s exactly what we take on.
How long it takes
From the winning bid to the car at your door usually takes 1–3 months, depending on the US coast. The car sails in a container to Rotterdam, and on arrival we handle customs clearance and the documents, including the US title, which we verify for registration in Poland.
How to avoid surprises
Two things make the difference:
- An estimate before the auction: you know the full “to your door” cost before you spend a złoty.
- The car’s history: before buying we screen CARFAX, AutoAstat or EpicVIN, so damage, mileage and repairs are in black and white.
See real case studies with figures or go straight to the auctions and check how much you’d save on a specific car.