Your Guide to Importing Cars from the USA
Discover practical tips and verified information about importing cars from the USA. From car selection and auction, through transport and customs clearance, right up to delivery to your address.
What is the "Price to Your Door"
When you think about importing your dream car from the USA, one of the first and most crucial questions is the final price. You often hear the phrase "price to your door." But what exactly does this term mean? It's not just the purchase cost at the auction. It's the sum of all necessary fees, taxes, transport costs, and services you must incur for the car to be ready for registration in Poland/EU. In this article, we will break down the full cost, explaining what you are paying for and why, to avoid unpleasant surprises. 1. Auction Purchase Price This is the easiest part to define. It is the amount for which the car was successfully bid on at a US auction (e.g., Copart or IAAI). Remember that small auction fees and US intermediary commissions are added to this amount, which are included in the final bill. 2. US Logistics Costs and Sea Freight This is one of the most varied components. It includes: Inland Transport in the USA: The cost of transporting the car from the place of purchase (auction yard) to the loading port. Port Fees and Handling: Costs associated with preparing the car for loading and securing it inside the container. Sea Transport: The main cost—the price of space in a container from the US port to a European port (e.g., Bremerhaven, Gdynia). 3. Customs Duties and Taxes in Europe (Duty, VAT, Excise Tax) These are the formalities you must settle to legally introduce the car into circulation in Poland/EU. These are the three main components, calculated on the value of the car plus the sea transport costs (CIF): Customs Duty: Standardly amounts to 10% of the car's value. VAT: Usually 19% (in Germany) or 23% (in Poland). Paying VAT in Germany and then transporting it to Poland is often the most optimal solution. Excise Tax: A mandatory tax in Poland, which depends on the engine capacity: 3.1% of the value (for engines up to 2000 cc). 18.6% of the value (for engines over 2000 cc). 4. Inland Transport to Poland and Unloading Fees After arriving at the European port, the car must be collected and transported to Poland. This includes: Unloading and Port Fees: Costs associated with retrieving the container and unpacking the car. Transport to Poland: Car carrier transport from the port (e.g., Bremerhaven) to the EagleCars headquarters or directly to your address. 5. Preparation for Registration and Insurance The final stage is adapting the car to Polish legal requirements: Modifications: Replacement of turn signals, adjustment of lights, change of units (miles to km). Document Translation: Certified translation of the US registration certificate. Technical Inspection/Homologation: Mandatory inspection before registration. At ApexCars, "Price to Your Door" means you don't have to worry about any of these stages. You receive a full, final calculation, and we handle every fee until the moment you pick up the car, ready for registration. The "Price to Your Door" is the sum of all costs—from the auction, through transport, duty, VAT, and excise tax, up to the final preparation of the car. By choosing our service, you gain transparency and the certainty that the amount we set at the beginning is the final amount. Want to know the real "price to your door" for a chosen model? Contact us, and we will prepare a free, detailed calculation for you!
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Copart vs IAAI - Which American Auction is Better? 2026 Comparison
If you are planning to import a car from the United States, you have certainly come across the names Copart and IAAI. These are the two largest vehicle auction platforms in the U.S., selling thousands of cars every single day. Which one is better? Is it worth bidding on both platforms? What are the key differences? In this comprehensive guide, we compare both auction giants so you can make an informed decision and find your dream car at the best possible price.
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CARFAX Explained – How to Read a Report and Avoid Bad Cars in 2026
A CARFAX report is the foundation of safe vehicle import from the USA. It reveals accident history, flood damage, mileage manipulation and legal status. 1. What Is CARFAX? CARFAX is a vehicle history report based on the VIN number. Data sources include: - service centers - insurance companies - DMV records - police reports 2. How to Read a CARFAX Report Vehicle Overview – VIN, mileage, ownership Service History – maintenance regularity Accident Records – severity & type Title Status – clean, salvage, rebuilt 3. Red Flags - Salvage or Rebuilt Title - Flood Damage - Odometer Rollback - Structural Damage - Lemon Law Buyback 4. Green Signals - single owner - regular servicing - clean title - vehicle from dry US states CARFAX does not guarantee perfection, but it eliminates most import risks when analyzed correctly.
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