Buying a car from US auto auctions can be highly cost-effective—especially if you choose the right type of vehicle. The most promising options are models that are rare in Europe (e.g. Mustang, RAM, Jeep), luxury premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi), and SUVs, which are cheap and widely available in the US. The best value typically comes from vehicles that are up to 3 years old or between 5 and 10 years old—offering the best price-to-quality ratio. The most profitable choices are cars with light damage and documented history (Carfax, AutoCheck), particularly those sold by insurance companies—transparent, with no hidden damage, and clearly described condition.
Buying a car from an American auction can save you 20–40% off the market price, but only if you know which vehicles are actually worth importing. Platforms like Copart and IAAI offer hundreds of thousands of listings—ranging from damaged vehicles to those in excellent condition. Below is a breakdown of car categories that are usually a smart choice when importing from the USA.
Cars Rare or Unavailable in the EU Market
Auto auctions in the USA are often the only way to get models that are hard to find or practically unavailable in Europe. These are mostly vehicles designed specifically for the American market:
These types of vehicles stand out thanks to their American styling, features, and character. Importing such cars is a great choice for car enthusiasts looking for something unique and different from the typical European lineup.
Premium Cars – Cheaper Than in Europe
USA auctions are also a great source for premium-brand vehicles. Many end up there after collisions, which significantly lowers their purchase price. Even after including shipping and repair costs, these cars are often much cheaper than their European counterparts. Additionally, U.S.-spec cars usually come with better trim and more features. Example models:
This is an excellent opportunity to buy a luxury car with top-tier equipment at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Poland.
SUVs – Wide Selection and Competitive Prices
SUVs are extremely popular in the United States, which translates into a massive selection and favorable pricing. Americans love these vehicles, so auctions are flooded daily with both new and slightly used SUVs — in varying conditions. Many come from first owners or insurance companies and feature rich equipment and powerful engines. Thanks to high supply, it's possible to find models in excellent technical and visual condition at competitive prices.
Cars Up to 3 Years and Between 5 and 10 Years Old
From a cost-benefit perspective, importing cars up to 3 years old is very appealing — especially slightly damaged models that still offer modern features and low mileage. They’re more resilient to tech obsolescence and comply with the latest emission standards. Another profitable group is cars aged 5 to 10 years — already more affordable but still reliable for years of use. These often have proven engines and lower risk of costly failures. Caution is advised with cars aged 3–5 years, as they’re popular with importers from Russia and Belarus, which drives their auction prices up.
Cars Requiring Light Repairs
A large portion of auction inventory includes damaged vehicles, but not all are seriously wrecked. The best value lies in cars needing only minor body or mechanical repairs — like damaged bumpers, headlights, or suspension parts. These fixes are quick and inexpensive to complete in Poland. The low repair cost combined with the resale value creates excellent profit potential. In many cases, the vehicle can be restored to full functionality with minimal effort.
Vehicles With History Reports – Carfax and AutoCheck
One of the key factors in evaluating whether a car from the USA is a good deal is the availability of a service and accident history. Vehicles with clean Carfax or AutoCheck reports are a safer choice — you know the ownership history, service records, and whether the car was involved in any serious accidents. This greatly reduces the risk of costly surprises after purchase. The report can also be a valuable selling point when reselling the car in Poland.
Cars Sold by Insurance Companies
The most reliable vehicles at auctions are those sold by insurance companies. These are usually cars involved in accidents where repairs were deemed economically unfeasible in the U.S. Their histories are typically clear and well-documented, and the vehicles themselves are inspected and trustworthy. Insurers don’t attempt to hide damage or manipulate condition reports — making it easier to assess real repair costs and purchase value.