Importing a car from the USA is a multi-step process that includes buying the vehicle at an American auction, organizing sea and land transport, customs clearance, paying taxes and duties, and finally registering the car in Poland. Although it may seem complicated, more and more people are choosing to import cars from the USA because it offers real financial benefits and access to better-equipped vehicles.
The vast majority of imported vehicles come from online salvage car auctions in the USA, such as Copart and IAAI. These platforms list vehicles damaged in collisions, floods, or with mechanical issues, often with low starting bids. Buyers can bid online without needing to be physically present.
Thanks to the wide variety of models, years, and trim levels, Copart and IAAI auctions are the best places to find a car tailored to your expectations – in terms of both budget and intended use.
More → Ways to Find Cars from the USA
When buying a car from the United States, you can’t inspect it in person, so verifying its history is crucial. The most common tools for this are CARFAX and AutoCheck reports, which include data on:
These reports offer much greater transparency than listings on European car websites.
More → US Vehicle History Reports — CARFAX and AutoCheck
Absolutely. Even after including all costs – such as shipping, customs duties, VAT, excise tax, and bodywork – buying a car in the USA can be 20–40% cheaper than its European equivalent. In addition, American cars are usually better equipped – often featuring automatic transmissions, leather seats, panoramic roofs, advanced safety systems, premium audio, and other features that are paid extras in Europe.
More → Cars worth importing from US
Importing cars from the USA isn’t just an option for private buyers. Many people turn this model into a profitable business. The idea is to buy a damaged vehicle, repair it in Poland (often much cheaper than in the US), and then sell it with a margin. Thanks to lower purchase and repair costs, it’s possible to offer the end customer a very competitive price.
More → Why Is Importing Cars from the USA Worth It?
When importing a car from the USA, you also need to handle several formalities:
Many people use companies that manage the entire process – from bidding to vehicle registration in Poland.