Used car from the USA

Buying a used car from the USA is the right, profitable, and reliable decision. In countries like Transnistria and Ukraine, the domestic car market is flooded with tired cars imported from Europe, and there is not much variety. Therefore, if you are looking for a car without an accident history, in good condition, and with decent equipment for a reasonable price, the American used car market is the most suitable solution for you.

Used cars are significantly cheaper than new ones, and most of them retain their consumer qualities for a long time. First, it is necessary to determine a range of interesting models. It makes sense to look at used cars that are 3-6 years old, because if a car is less than three years old, its cost may be inflated, and if it is too old, you will have to spend money on maintenance and repairs.

It should be noted that in America, there are practically no car markets and auto bazaars. If an American wants to get rid of his car, he will most likely give it to dealers who are experts in sales, rather than posting daily ads on local car forums and bulletin boards, although there are still people who do that. The main sales of automotive equipment in the USA occur between companies.

Advantages of used cars from the USA

  1. Excellent technical condition. This is due to the mandatory technical maintenance system in the country, which requires every car owner to timely service their vehicle. In addition, the condition of the roads in the USA is more than ideal, so there is no talk of any suspension breakdowns.
  2. Rich equipment. All car manufacturers strive to please the spoiled American consumers and offer maximum equipment.
  3. Low prices. Thanks to low customs tariffs, high competition, favorable leasing offers, and other factors inherent in the American car market, cars in the secondary market in the USA are the most affordable in the world.
  4. Huge selection. The used car market in the USA is the largest in the world and includes almost 45 million cars! No further comments needed.
  5. Complete information. In America, anyone can access the full history of a car for a small fee: carfax, autocheck, dealer service history.

 

 

Where to buy a used car from the USA: websites and auctions

 

Manheim - a system of dealer auctions for the sale of whole cars. Up to 50,000 cars are sold daily. This system is the largest not only in the USA but also in the world. It includes 124 sites located throughout the USA. Up to 50,000 cars are sold daily. All cars presented at the auction are used. Manheim auctions are closed. Only dealers who have official accreditation have access to the auction. Cars at the auction are supplied by manufacturers, insurance companies, government agencies. Trading at the auction is conducted at wholesale prices at a very high pace. Prices are not fixed.

Manheim is a legendary auction that is not easy to access. There are many cars at the auction, but prices are rarely below 20% of dealer prices.

 

Cars.com - the largest American board of private ads for the sale of used cars. More than 11 million buyers every month.

The largest platform for dealer and private ads for whole cars. There is always a wide selection to suit every taste.

 

Craigslist.org - it is essentially an all-American classifieds board, so you can buy anything, including from individuals. There are interesting offers.

 

Ebay.com - a well-known auction platform for selling anything. The advantages of this auction include good photos, detailed descriptions, and full VIN numbers for most lots. The current auction price and the maximum acceptable price for which the seller is willing to sell the item without waiting for the end of the auction are also reflected in the description.

However, the most effective way to save money on buying a vehicle is to buy a damaged car from auto auctions in the USA. This scenario allows you to save 50% of the cost of a whole car. Naturally, there are some risks for the buyer, but with the right approach, the purchase can be extremely profitable. It is not necessary to buy a "beater" - a car with a single dented door can save up to 30% of the cost, which can amount to $5000 or more.

Where to buy a salvage car in America

IAAI

 

Let's start with our favorite Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. Iaai.com is one of the leading North American auctions of salvage cars with the largest area and a huge buyer base. More than 150 auction sites across America and Canada offer sellers and buyers the best solutions for buying or selling damaged, insurance, or used cars, motorcycles, etc.

Most of the vehicles on Iaai are cars, but there are also motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, trucks, buses, and all other types of equipment, down to bicycles and children's electric cars.

IAAI is currently the most open and honest auction. For some lots, Autocheck reports are immediately provided, which the buyer pays for later.

On average, you can save from 30 to 70% on the cost of a repaired car.

 

Copart

The Copart auto auction sells over a million vehicles a year. Participants from all over the world turn to Copart because more than 50,000 vehicles are auctioned daily. Participants can choose from a list of classic cars, old and new car brands, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, jet skis, RVs, and much more. The company has about 140 auction sites worldwide.

Copart is the largest used car auction in the USA, and in the world. Along with Iaai, the majority of lots are cars, but there are also motorcycles and other equipment, including tractors.

Copart is very popular, but there is also a lot of negativity around it. Many cars are sold as whole (body parts are attached), but in reality, they have serious damages that are not visible in the photos. Our experience helps identify such lots and avoid them.

On average, you can save from 30 to 70% on the cost of a repaired car.

Expenses for shipping a car from the USA
Car search  -
Deposit before participating in the auction 10% of the bid or $1000
Buying a car at auction or from a dealer  -
Auction fee or dealer fee $200-800 
Bank wire transfer $50
Delivery within the USA to the container loading port $100-500

Delivery to Ukraine
Delivery of a car from the USA to Odessa 

$1200-1600 with commission
Forwarding, brokerage services, and all port fees

$1000 as of 20.12.2018

Delivery to Transnistria 
Delivery of a car from the USA to Tiraspol

$1700-2100

Delivery to Moldova
Delivery of a car from the USA to Chisinau

$1900-2300

Timelines and stages of car delivery from the USA
Payment for the won lot 1-2 days
Pickup from the auction site 1-3 
Delivery of the car to the port  2-14 
Container formation (consolidation) 2-20
Freight to Odessa from New Jersey, Georgia, Texas 30-40
Freight to Odessa from Indianapolis, California 50-60
Unloading the container at the port of Odessa (for transit cargo) 1-2
Container forwarding to Tiraspol 3-7
Total average for NJ, GA, TX 60 days
Total average for IN, CA 90 days 

Payment timelines and stages
Before purchase Deposit of 10% of the maximum bid
1 day after purchase Payment of the purchase price + auction fee + transfer cost 
10-15 days before arrival at the port of Odessa Payment for delivery within the USA and from the USA
After unloading the container Payment of port fees for Ukraine and customs duties for all.

Other delivery stages: