by In today’s reality, many in Ukraine are considering buying a car from the USA. Some take the risk and purchase vehicles at auctions, others use the services of companies, and yet others buy already imported and cleared cars from America.
Which option is the most reliable and economically beneficial? No one will give a definitive answer to this question, as the risk is always present, regardless of whether the car is from the USA, Europe, or Ukraine. However, there are certain rules that, if followed, can help protect yourself and ensure you don’t end up with junk wrapped in a pretty package.
How not to buy a pig in a poke and save money
When buying a car from the USA in Ukraine from private individuals, be prepared for it to be a “wreck” or flood-damaged vehicle, restored either in Georgia or already on-site in Ukraine. In this case, the risk is indeed high unless you know the seller from childhood or they are well “verified.”
But perhaps the riskiest option is buying a car from an auction. If you have never dealt with such transactions and have only read about them online, it is better to give up on this idea and turn to specialists who have vast experience in the field.
Regardless of the method of acquiring a used car from America, the first and foremost rule of a successful purchase is checking the vehicle by VIN code, which allows you to learn the car’s history.
To bring a used car from the USA to Ukraine, you can and should (!) use the services of reputable carriers and not resort to dubious companies and individuals offering delivery for “pennies.” In this case, saving money can lead to extra expenses.
Electric cars from the USA
As is known, the overwhelming majority of electric vehicles on Ukrainian roads are electric cars brought from America. The most popular is the Nissan Leaf. Indeed, when looking at the prices, purchasing an environmentally friendly and economical vehicle seems like a very attractive idea.
A used Nissan Leaf from American auctions can be purchased for prices starting at $9999. The trick is that finding a “live” specimen is not always simple. Therefore, again, we recommend turning to reputable companies or taking consultations to avoid involuntarily buying “real estate” on wheels with a dead battery instead of an electric car.
Used cars on credit
Until recently, it was nearly impossible to buy used cars from the USA on credit. Or interest rates completely discouraged the willingness, making such an acquisition unprofitable.
Now there are offers comparable to those for new cars from official dealers. For instance, the company Atlantic Express offers car loans at 19% per annum in local currency. Even considering overpayments, this is truly beneficial. For example, a 5-year-old Honda Accord, including commissions and interest for using the loan, will cost $14,500, whereas an equivalent in Ukraine costs more than $20,000!
To buy or not to buy
If you approach the issue of buying a used vehicle from the States wisely, you can save up to 50%. But the key is not to skimp on checking the condition of the car, its history, and not trying to be “the smartest.” Otherwise, you might end up buying a pig in a poke, which after delivery and customs clearance turns out to be unwanted by either you or even the resellers at the auto market.
