What is the "Price to Your Door"
If you are interested in importing cars from the United States, you will quickly come across the term door-to-door price. It is one of the most commonly used — and most misunderstood — terms in the car import industry. In this guide, we explain exactly what the door-to-door price means, what it includes, and why it is crucial for accurately evaluating the real cost of importing a vehicle from the USA.
Sebastian
Auction Price vs Door-to-Door Price – The Key Difference
Auction Price
The price you see on Copart, IAAI, or from a US seller is only the starting point. It usually includes:
- the winning bid price
- sometimes basic auction fees
It does not include logistics, taxes, or import-related costs.
Door-to-Door Price
The door-to-door price is the total cost of delivering the car directly to your address in Europe — your home, company, or workshop.
What Does the Door-to-Door Price Include?
A full door-to-door price typically covers every stage of the import process:
Vehicle Purchase in the USA
- winning auction or purchase price
- full auction fees
Inland Transport in the USA
- transport from auction yard to the port
- transport insurance
Ocean Shipping
- container or Ro-Ro shipping
- US and EU port fees
Customs Clearance and Taxes
- import duty (10%)
- VAT
- customs brokerage
Transport in Europe
- delivery from the port to the final destination
Documentation
- export documents
- EU registration paperwork
What Is NOT Included in the Door-to-Door Price?
In most cases, the door-to-door price does not include:
- technical modifications to meet EU standards
- homologation costs
- vehicle registration
- mechanical or body repairs
- excise tax (calculated separately)
At Apex Cars, we check the car's history
before you make an offer.
before you make an offer.
In order to reduce the risk associated with importing cars from the US, at Apex Cars we analyze the CARFAX report, legal title status, and damage history before the auction. This allows our customers to know what they are actually buying before incurring any real costs.
Why Is the Door-to-Door Price So Important?
The door-to-door price allows you to:
- compare offers from different importers accurately
- avoid hidden or unexpected costs
- evaluate profitability before bidding
- plan your total budget properly
A common beginner mistake is judging profitability based only on the auction price.
Door-to-Door Price – Example Calculation
Example:
- vehicle price: $12,000
- auction fees: $1,200
- US transport + ocean shipping: $2,500
- import duty and VAT: $4,000
- EU inland transport: $500
Estimated door-to-door price: $20,200
Door-to-Door Price and Purchase Security
A professional import company will always provide:
- door-to-door pricing before bidding
- a full cost breakdown
- transparent terms with no hidden fees
If someone only quotes the US vehicle price, it should be treated as a warning sign.
FAQ – Door-to-Door Price
Talk to an advisor and find out which
car from the USA will be best for you.
car from the USA will be best for you.
We will find, check, and deliver your dream car straight to your door. All you have to do is pick up the keys.
Contact Us on Phone
(+48) 572 311 313Contact Us on Email
kontakt@apexcars.plLeave your contact details and we will prepare an offer tailored to your budget and requirements.
Leave your contact details and we’ll prepare an offer tailored to your budget and requirements