Save money guide
How to save money when importing a car to Georgia
Nine proven ways to cut costs on your US car import — from car selection to customs optimization.
Where the real savings come from
Most people focus only on the auction price. But the biggest savings come from choosing the right car type, engine size, fuel type, and title status — factors that affect customs by thousands of dollars. Here is what actually moves the needle.
1. Choose the car that minimizes customs
1
Pick a small engine (1.5L–2.0L)
Georgian excise is calculated per cc. A 2.0L car pays roughly 8,100 GEL in excise. A 3.5L car pays 15,750 GEL. The engine choice alone can save you $2,500+.
2
Left-hand drive only
Right-hand drive cars pay a 3,000 GEL RHD surcharge on excise. Stick to LHD unless there's a compelling reason.
3
Electric vehicles — zero customs
LHD electric cars pay 0% import tax and 0 GEL excise in Georgia. This is the single biggest customs optimization available. On a $20,000 EV, you save ~$4,000–$6,000 vs an equivalent petrol car.
4
Avoid cars made in 1995 or earlier
Pre-1996 cars have their own customs brackets. While excise rates are lower, parts and certification requirements often offset the savings.
5
Choose 2016–2019 model years
These years have settled customs rates, are not subject to the higher "new car" (2020+) excise, and still have good value at US auctions.
2. Time your purchase for better auction prices
Auction prices are not fixed. They follow seasonal patterns that smart buyers use to their advantage.
1
Buy in January–February
Post-holiday season sees lower demand at auctions. Prices for most lots drop 5–15% compared to summer peaks. This is the best buying window of the year.
2
Avoid July–September
Summer demand peak — prices at their highest. Natural disasters (hurricane, hail season) also push salvage supply up, but clean titles get more competition.
3
Watch for end-of-model-year clearances
When new model years arrive (August–October), dealers trade in previous-year cars. Good condition used cars flood the market at lower prices.
4
Monitor exchange rate windows
When the Georgian lari strengthens against the dollar, your effective cost drops. Budget in GEL and watch the rate.
3. How to compare importers and avoid markups
Not all importers charge the same. Some add significant markups on top of the actual costs. Here's what to watch for:
- Always request an itemized quote — auction price, buyer's fee, shipping, customs, and service fee listed separately
- Compare at least 3 importers before committing. The difference can be $500–$1,500 on the same car
- Ask specifically: "what is your service fee and is it included in the customs quote?"
- Avoid importers who refuse to provide itemized quotes — they are hiding their margin
- Check if customs estimate is based on the actual car year/engine or just a generic guess
- Verify the shipping quote includes port handling in Batumi — some quotes exclude it
4. Use tax exemptions when eligible
Georgia has specific conditions under which customs duties are reduced or eliminated entirely.
✓
Electric vehicles (LHD)
Full exemption: 0% import tax, 0 GEL excise. The single most valuable exemption available.
✓
Personal import allowance
Individuals importing one vehicle per 6-month period may qualify for reduced documentation requirements. Verify current rules with the Revenue Service before relying on this.
✓
Hybrid vehicles
LHD hybrid cars pay reduced excise: cc × 0.4 rate (vs cc × 4.5 for standard petrol for 1996–2019 range). Meaningful savings on larger hybrids.
✓
Diplomatic exemptions
Not applicable for most buyers, but worth knowing: diplomatic staff may import duty-free.
5. Avoid the hidden costs that eat into savings
These are costs many buyers discover only after committing. Knowing them upfront saves real money.
!
Act immediately after winning a lot
Auction storage fees start at $30–50/day. If your importer is slow to arrange pickup, you're paying daily. Confirm pickup timelines upfront.
!
Research damage before bidding
A cheap salvage car with airbag deployment or structural damage can cost $3,000–$8,000 to repair. Use the damage report and photos to estimate repair costs before you bid.
!
Verify title status
Some states (California, New York) take 4–8 weeks to process titles. This delays shipment. Ask your importer which state the car is in.
!
Budget for port fees
Batumi and Poti port terminal fees run $50–120 and are often not included in shipping quotes. Confirm explicitly.
!
Get a realistic repair estimate for salvage cars
Cosmetic damage (bumper, hood) is cheap. Structural damage, frame bends, or flooding is expensive. Request a professional inspection if unsure.
6. Compare total landed cost — not just the auction price
The only meaningful comparison is total landed cost: auction price + buyer's fee + shipping + customs + registration + repair (if salvage). Never compare auction prices alone.
- Use our free cost calculator to get the full breakdown before bidding
- Add estimated repair cost to the total for salvage cars
- Compare the total against what the same car sells for locally in Georgia
- If the savings are under $2,000, the hassle may not be worth it
- For electric cars: the customs-free advantage makes almost any import worthwhile
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions about saving money
Practical answers to cost-saving questions.
Calculate your total cost before you bid
Enter the exact car specs and get the full breakdown — including customs — before committing.