Is importing from the US as a private individual really worth it?

American cars are fascinating: powerful engines, striking design, and often significantly cheaper than comparable models in Europe. It's no wonder, then, that many prospective buyers are considering importing a vehicle directly from the USA as private individuals .

But is it really worth it – or is buying through a specialized dealer ultimately the better decision?

US Import als Privatperson - KI generiertes Bild

The appeal of private imports – and why they are often underestimated

At first glance, importing goods yourself seems attractive:

• favorable auction prices

• large selection

• seemingly direct savings

What is often overlooked in this context:

The purchase price is only a small part of the actual costs and risks .

The reality of importing from the US as a private individual

Those who import privately bear full responsibility – financially, legally, and technically.

Typical challenges:

• lack of experience with US auctions

• unclear or incomplete vehicle histories

• No personal vehicle inspection

• high transport and logistics costs

• Customs duties, import VAT, customs clearance

• Conversion to EU standards

• Individual approvals and technical surprises

Particularly critical:

There is no contact person after the purchase if problems arise.

US Route by ThierryBEUVE

Costs: The supposed price advantage quickly diminishes.

Many private importers only calculate:

Purchase price + shipping

However, the actual total costs include:

• Auction fee / additional purchase costs

• Pre-transport for seller → Port of transport

• Transport USA → Europe

• Port and forwarding costs

• Customs & Import VAT

• Transport costs port → dealer/workshop/conversion specialist

• Conversions (lights, speedometer, exhaust, etc.)

• Preparation of data sheets & special reports

• Statutory inspections according to §21 StVZO

• Repairs without warranty

It is not uncommon for the final price to be higher than the offer from a dealer who has already factored all these points into their calculations.

Safety: The biggest difference

A crucial point is safety .

For private imports:

• no warranty

• no right of withdrawal

• no liability partner

• No technical pre-testing in Europe

When buying through a retailer:

• Inspected vehicles

• traceable history

• documented repairs

• clear responsibility

Especially with US imports, experience is crucial for realistically assessing risks.

Warranty & Guarantee – a clear advantage when buying from a retailer

Private import:

• no statutory warranty

• The risk remains entirely with the buyer.

Dealer purchase:

• statutory warranty

• often additional warranty options

• legal protection

That means:

Should a problem arise, you are not alone .

Dodge Charger 5.7 V8 by DHA Performance

Technical Inspection & Approval

A reputable dealer will take care of:

• technical inspection before sale

• Conversion to EU standards

• TÜV inspection

• Admission preparation

As a customer, you receive a roadworthy, inspected vehicle , instead of having to deal with authorities, testing centers and workshops.

Transparency instead of risk

Another key point is transparency .

From a professional retailer:

• Access to vehicle history

• Auction images and documentation

• clear explanation of pre-existing damage

• Other documents such as §21 acceptance, window sticker, German registration documents, Carfax & various measurements

For private imports:

• Dependence on online photos

• lack of control

• Hardly any options for making a complaint

Especially with imported vehicles, transparency is not an extra, but a requirement.

Time & nerves – the often forgotten factor

A private import costs:

• Time

• patience

• Annoy

Buying from a dealer offers:

• Vehicles available immediately

• clear processes

• dedicated contact persons

• predictable costs

Many customers consciously choose not to have to do everything themselves .

Dodge Challenger Hellcat 6.2 V8 Schalter by DHA Performance

Conclusion: Private import or dealer?

Importing from the US as a private individual can work –

if you bring experience, time, expertise and a willingness to take risks .

However, for most buyers:

Buying through a specialized dealer is safer, more transparent, and often more economical in the end.

You will benefit from:

• inspected vehicles

• legal protection

• Warranty & Guarantee

• transparent history

• clearly calculable costs

In short:

Buying from a dealer reduces risks – and turns a US dream into a predictable driving experience.