Georgia or USA - where is it better to bring cars from?
There are more and more cars in our country that have been imported from abroad. Georgia has become one such source of imports. Car enthusiasts often import used cars specifically from this country. It is believed that these vehicles are on par with models from Canada or the U.S. Moreover, they offer a number of advantages. Our experts decided to look into this issue and verify the validity of such claims.
Used Cars in Georgia
One of the largest importers of cars to Georgia is the United States. The vehicles are imported for resale. However, this is not the only source of imported vehicles. In Georgia, you can also find cars from Azerbaijan. These cars are registered with temporary license plates. They can be driven within the country, but this causes some inconvenience. The owner of such a car must cross the border at regular intervals. This allows them to continue driving within Georgia.
Most of the country’s market operates without formal vehicle ownership registration. This less-than-ideal situation limits the selection of cars in Georgia. This is one of the reasons why experts are reluctant to recommend purchasing a car in Georgia for subsequent transport to Ukraine. It is much more convenient to buy a vehicle in Germany or Poland.
Pitfalls of the Georgian Market
Thanks to customs regulations, it’s easier to import a car from Georgia into the country. Unfortunately, not all cars are in good condition. Our experts are ready to discuss the risks of such a purchase.
In Georgia, it’s not uncommon for cars that have been flooded to be resold. They’re supposedly restored, but there are “dummy cars” that look presentable on the outside but have questionable mechanical components. Buying such a vehicle leads to a number of problems, including:
- spending large sums on repairs;
- difficulty finding mechanics willing to take on the repairs.
Buying such a car carries the risk of throwing money down the drain. It is unreliable. The car’s electronic system operates erratically after coming into contact with water. Gauges may turn on or off at any moment. For example, the turn signals might activate without the driver’s input, or the infotainment system might start acting on its own. Even experienced mechanics often can’t resolve this issue. No one can guarantee that the vehicle will operate reliably or that it won’t pose a safety hazard to the driver or passengers.
Characteristics of Georgian Repairs
Our specialists have repeatedly encountered vehicles that were repaired in Georgia. It’s worth noting that the quality of service leaves much to be desired. This factor directly affects the vehicle’s service life.
Why does this problem exist in the country? The reason lies in the low skill level of auto mechanics. After servicing, there’s no guarantee that the car won’t break down on its owner after a few hundred kilometers.
The main problems with Georgian auto maintenance are substandard bodywork repairs:
- thin body filler;
- crooked parts;
- poorly matched paint.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Quality of Parts
Non-genuine parts are used to restore and repair vehicles imported into Georgia. These are often low-quality Chinese spare parts. The cheapest materials are also used for bodywork repairs. At first, the car’s appearance may not raise any suspicions for the first couple of months. The problems start later. First, minor damage appears. Later—large holes from rust. Non-genuine parts lead to gaps in the body, which contributes to the rapid wear and tear of other car components.
Don’t expect the seller to disclose all the flaws in the repairs when you buy the car. On the contrary, they’ll assure you that everything in the car is “factory-original.” You’ll only discover you’ve bought a junk car later, as you drive it.
Cars with a Dubious History
Cars from the U.S. that could not be sold in America are shipped to Georgia. You may come across stolen vehicles. There are cases where cars assembled from parts of several different vehicles are sold.
Such cars may have an attractive price and, perhaps, a good appearance. However, you’ll run into problems with them, since you won’t be able to register them in our country. You won’t be able to sell the car either.
Inaccurate Mileage
To be fair, it’s worth noting that not all cars sold in Georgia are bad. There are some perfectly decent models. However, there’s another detail that isn’t so easy to detect without professional diagnostics: the accuracy of the odometer reading.
In the U.S., odometer tampering is a crime. However, when buying a car through a middleman, you cannot be certain of the odometer’s accuracy. Sellers may lower the mileage to inflate the price of a model that is already expensive.
Low Vehicle Prices
Used cars in Georgia cost a quarter less than in the United States. This price attracts buyers. However, be extremely careful not to purchase a car linked to criminal activity, as you won’t be able to become its legal owner. You should also be wary of “flood-damaged” vehicles and wrecked cars that have been poorly repaired. A moment’s inattention could cost you dearly.
Steps for Buying a “Turnkey” Vehicle
Ukraine has favorable laws, so importing a car from Georgia is fairly straightforward. You can become the full owner of the vehicle in less than a week. The car is transported by ferry. The one-way trip takes two days. It will take about the same amount of time to clear the car through customs at the port of Odessa. Additionally, the vehicle can remain in the country for 60 days without going through customs clearance.
Bex Auto’s Verdict
After reviewing all the market dynamics, we do not recommend purchasing cars in Georgia. If you do decide to buy a vehicle on the Georgian market, use the services of trusted suppliers. Look for those who have been in the car business for many years and have an excellent reputation.
Our company has extensive experience in the automotive industry. We sell cars in major cities across Ukraine. Here are a few reasons to use our services:
- we’ll help you find a vehicle that fits your budget;
- we’ll inspect all used cars before finalizing the purchase;
- we purchase cars directly without involving middlemen.
This allows you to purchase a high-quality vehicle without overpaying.
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