Import vs local guide
Is it worth importing a car, or should I buy locally in Georgia?
An honest comparison: importing from US auctions vs buying from a Georgian dealer — who wins, and when.
The short answer
Importing from the US via Copart or IAAI typically saves $3,000–$8,000 compared to buying the same car from a Georgian dealer. The savings are real and consistent — provided you understand the process and budget correctly. Buying locally makes sense only when you need a car urgently (imports take 6–10 weeks) or when the specific car you want is readily available in Georgia at a fair price.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | US import (Copart/IAAI) | Georgian dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Price for comparable car | $8,000–$11,000 total | $13,000–$18,000 |
| Savings vs dealer | $3,000–$8,000 | — |
| Waiting time | 6–10 weeks | 1–3 days |
| Car condition transparency | Full auction photos + history | Dealer word + test drive |
| Selection available | Millions of lots | Limited local stock |
| Salvage/damage risk | Exists — must research lot | Lower (but dealers hide issues too) |
| Warranty | None (auction) | Often included |
| Financing | Less common | Easy bank financing |
Why are cars more expensive in Georgia than neighboring countries?
Georgia is a net importer of vehicles with a relatively small market. Dealers here resell imported cars after adding their margin on top of customs, shipping, and their own purchase cost. Every extra hand in the chain raises the final price.
When you import directly from US auctions, you cut out the dealer. You pay the auction price, shipping, and customs directly — and keep the dealer margin in your pocket. For a $12,000 Georgian dealer car, the US import route often brings the same vehicle in for $8,000–$9,500.
Why we import only from the USA
We don't source from anywhere else. The numbers explain why:
For Georgian buyers, US auctions offer the best combination of selection, price, and information. That's why we focus on this single route and do it well — instead of spreading thin across markets that can't match it on price or transparency.
When is importing worth it?
Import makes sense when:
- You have 6–10 weeks to wait — the timeline is non-negotiable
- You want a specific model at significant savings ($3,000+)
- You're comfortable doing research on auction lots
- The car is a petrol/diesel with engine under 2.5L (customs stays manageable)
- You're importing an electric car — zero customs is a massive advantage
- You want transparency: full damage photos, history reports, no dealer games
Buy locally when:
- You need the car within 2–3 weeks
- You want a very common car that's widely available locally at fair prices
- You need dealer warranty and after-sales support
- The car has a large engine (3.0L+) where Georgian excise tax eats into the savings
- You're uncomfortable with the risk of a salvage title car
Used vs new import: which makes more sense?
New cars (2020+) face higher excise rates in Georgia. For most buyers, used cars (2015–2019) offer the best value because customs are lower relative to the car's worth. Here is how the math compares:
| — | Used (2015–2019) | New (2020+) |
|---|---|---|
| Auction price range | $3,000–$8,000 | $15,000–$35,000 |
| Georgian customs | Lower (older = lower rates for most) | Higher (2020+ rates apply) |
| Total savings vs dealer | $3,000–$6,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Repair risk | Depends on damage | Low (mostly clean title) |
| Best for | Budget-conscious buyers | Long-term ownership, premium models |
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Honest answers to comparison questions we hear every day.
See exactly how much you'd save
Enter any car into our calculator to compare the total import cost vs local dealer prices.