Used cars guide
Used cars from America: what to know before you import to Georgia
Georgian buyers import thousands of used American cars every year. Here's what separates a smart purchase from an expensive mistake.
Why used cars from the US are good value for Georgia
The US has one of the world's largest and most liquid used car markets — around 40 million used cars change hands each year. Insurance write-offs, rental fleet disposals, and trade-ins flood auctions with well-maintained vehicles at prices unavailable in Georgia. A 2019 Toyota Camry with 80,000 miles that costs $18,000 at a Tbilisi dealer can be bought at US auction for $7,000–$9,000. After all import costs ($2,500–$4,000), you still save $4,000–$7,000. That gap is why over 80,000 cars a year arrive in Georgia from overseas.
Most popular models imported from the US to Georgia
How to assess condition before bidding from Georgia
How car age affects Georgian customs duty
Georgia's excise tax uses the car's age as a major multiplier. Cars under 6 years old pay 1.50 GEL per cc for petrol engines. Cars over 6 years old pay 4.50 GEL per cc — exactly three times more. This is the single most important number to know before choosing a car. A 2018 BMW 328i (3.0L, LHD) imported today: 3,000cc × 4.5 = 13,500 GEL in excise (~$5,000). The same 2020 model: 3,000 × 1.5 = 4,500 GEL. That's a $3,000 difference from year alone.
Rule: if the car will be more than 6 years old at import time, always run the customs calculator before bidding. The age threshold adds thousands.
Price comparison: US auction vs Georgian market
The price gap depends on the model. Popular models imported frequently (Camry, CR-V) have smaller gaps — Georgian dealers have adjusted. Rare or specialty models show larger savings. Typically: 30–50% cheaper before import costs, 15–35% cheaper after all costs. On popular lots you compete with professional Georgian importers — they know the numbers. Use our calculator to set your maximum bid based on total landed cost, not just the auction price.
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions about used cars from America
Common questions from Georgian buyers considering their first US import.
Check the total cost before you decide
Enter the car year, engine, and fuel type into our calculator to see the exact customs duty.