Is it worth buying cars from the U.S.?

The market for used foreign cars has undergone significant changes since last year. After the customs exemption was abolished (the well-known saga of “Euro-plated” cars), Ukrainian citizens imported more than 41,200 cars from abroad. Of these, more than half (51.5%) of the passenger cars were from the United States. Simplified logistics and the establishment of delivery channels for North American cars through European ports played a key role.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Car from the U.S.

Products of the American automotive industry meet the criteria for high-quality cars offered at reasonable prices. Let’s examine how beneficial it is to order a car from the U.S., explore the advantages of this type of investment in personal transportation, and identify the pitfalls of such a purchase.

Cost Advantage

Experts note that the zero customs duty on European cars has ended, and the current tax rates on importing cars from abroad, combined with currency fluctuations, make purchasing cars from Europe an unprofitable investment. Prices for passenger cars in Europe are also creeping upward, so the final purchase price ends up being high.

You can pay 30–50% less for an American car than for its European counterpart. There are several reasons for this:

1. Cars from the U.S. are much cheaper to begin with.
2. In the U.S., it’s advantageous to write off cars with insurers (after a breakdown or a minor accident). Insurance companies then sell them at a low price.
3. Americans are accustomed to buying new cars. The U.S. car market is oversaturated, so used cars are readily exported to other countries.

By the next decade, the U.S. auto industry plans to gradually phase out internal combustion engine vehicles in favor of electric cars and self-driving models.

Low Mileage

The average annual mileage for North American cars is up to 20,000 km. Moreover, Americans rarely drive long distances; it is customary in the country to travel by plane. At the same time, families rarely have fewer than two cars.

Mileage is not tampered with. In the U.S., this is a criminal offense, and as of January 1, 2021, the penalties have been made stricter.

High-Quality Road Surfaces

Americans take good care of their road surfaces. Roads are mostly smooth, and gasoline and other fuels are of excellent quality. Consequently, cars last longer. Most Americans have a relaxed driving style, which also helps keep cars in good condition.

Comprehensive Features

Car owners prefer automatic transmissions, and the cars are equipped with air conditioning and climate control systems. Americans like their cars to come with an “all-inclusive” package, unlike thrifty Europeans. And the design of the American version is always more sweeping, free-flowing, and features incredible lines.

Transparent History

Cars from the U.S. are renowned for their transparent history. You’ll have access to accurate information about maintenance records, any involvement in traffic accidents or serious crashes, previous owners, and the exact mileage. Unfortunately, in CIS countries, it’s nearly impossible to obtain such information, given how skillfully the “experts” in the used car market operate.

Drawbacks of the Purchase

If you want to buy a specific car from the U.S., you need to understand that shipping can take a couple of months. If you’re buying a car with mechanical issues or certain defects, it may take a month or two to get it back into working condition. At the same time, participating in auctions on your own, trying to figure everything out in detail, and sifting through a huge number of options will further increase the wait time.

Don’t forget about insurance costs. The car may go through several stages of transportation, including shipping, unloading, and loading at various ports, so it must be insured.

If you want to buy a car from the U.S. more quickly, you can look at models that have already been imported and customized. However, purchasing such a car will cost more, and the configuration may be far from what you want.

The desire to save money on a major purchase is completely understandable in these challenging times, but to buy the car of your dreams, you’ll need to be patient and wait a while. By turning to the experts at Bex Auto, you’ll save yourself stress and energy—and you’re sure to find the car that’s “just right” for you.