← Tüm kılavuzlar

Importing a car , Buying a used car , Costs and money · Güncellendi: 2026-10-18

Import costs explained: what makes up the final price

The most common mistake in car import is comparing the advertised price abroad with the local price at home. The two are not the same thing. Between the ad and a registered, insured car in your driveway there is a chain of costs, and some of them are large. This guide explains each block in plain language, so you can build a realistic total before you make an offer. We do not list amounts or rates, because they differ by country and change; check with the competent authority for the current ones.

The price of the car

This is the starting point, but make sure you know what it contains. Is it a final price or a price before tax? Does it include a warranty, a service, winter tyres or accessories? Do you pay a fee to a dealer or a platform? Ask for the price in writing together with what it includes.

Inspection and verification

An independent check before purchase has a cost, and it is money well spent. If you travel to see the car, add the cost of the trip. Add the cost of a history report where useful, and use our VIN checker to confirm what the number tells you about the model and equipment.

Transport

Getting the car home may be a transporter, a trailer, or your own driving. Each has a different cost. Read transport options to compare. Remember extras such as insurance during transport, tolls, fuel and your return travel if you drive the car yourself.

Customs and import duties

Depending on where the car comes from and where it goes, a customs duty may apply. Whether it does, and how it is calculated, depends on the origin of the car, the trade rules between the two countries and the way the value is established. Some countries use the purchase price, some use a reference value, and some use the age or engine of the car. Because the rules differ by country, check with the competent authority or a licensed customs agent.

Taxes

Several taxes can apply, and they often depend on the value of the car, its engine size, its emissions or its fuel type. Examples include a value-based tax, a vehicle-specific tax and a registration tax. The names and the amounts differ by country. Ask for a written calculation before you buy, because these taxes can add a large share to the price of a car, especially with a bigger engine or older emission class.

Agent and paperwork fees

If you use a customs agent, a transport broker or a registration service, they will charge for their work. There may also be fees for translations of documents, official stamps, copies and certificates. Each is small, but together they matter.

Technical check and registration

Most countries require the car to pass a check before it is registered locally. If it fails, repairs follow. Some cars need adjustments to meet local rules, for example to lights, speed displays or emission equipment. Then come the registration fee, the plates and the road tax or a similar annual charge. Read paperwork overview for the sequence of steps.

Insurance

Insurance for an imported car may cost more or less than for a similar local car, depending on the model, your driving history and the cover you pick. Get a quote before you buy. See insurance types explained for what the cover options mean.

Repairs and preparation

Plan for a service and some repairs after arrival. Even a good car often needs tyres, fluids, a battery or a brake job soon after you buy. If you do not know the maintenance history, assume the next service is due and check the basics. A reserve of money for this is part of the real price.

Value and resale

An imported car may be easier or harder to resell than a local one. Some models and equipment levels are less popular locally, and buyers may be careful about cars with a foreign history. Do not assume you can sell at the price you paid plus your costs. Compare with local market data in market statistics, and remember that advertised prices are asking prices, not what cars actually sell for. Read how to use market prices.

How to add it up

1. Write each cost as a separate line, with a source for the number.
2. Use the import cost calculator for the structure and get the current amounts from the competent authority.
3. Add a reserve for repairs and surprises.
4. Compare the total with the cost of a similar local car.
5. Then estimate the yearly running cost with the cost of ownership tool.

What to remember

• The advertised price is only one line of the total.
• Taxes and duties depend on the country, the car and the way it is valued.
• Ask for written calculations and keep every receipt.
• Add a reserve for repairs after arrival.
• Compare the final total with a local car before you decide.

Beginner Costs Import Prices Taxes Valuation