American cars are increasingly being imported to Poland. The advantage of the American market is a wide choice of models, better equipment and often a very good technical condition.
The price advantage is also not insignificant. What is the difference between cars from the USA and cars from Europe? Do vehicles from America need to be adapted to the conditions required by the European market? And is it ultimately worth buying cars from the USA?
How do cars from the USA differ from those from European countries?
One of the main advantages of cars from the USA is the more extensive standard equipment than is the case in Europe. Here, it is worth highlighting more advanced air-conditioning systems, larger engines, and a range of extras that in other regions may only be available on more expensive versions of models. This is due to the fact that Americans are usually wealthier than Europeans, so they can afford to buy a car that has a cabin interior that provides better quality. At the same time, American used cars are usually in better technical condition than the same vehicles in Europe. In the United States, any damaged car is taken over by the insurer, which removes the problem of unskilled repairs or the problem of odometer rollbacks. What is more, US cars have an up-to-date service book. As a result, used cars from the USA are less worn out and, importantly, also less expensive than their European counterparts.
At the same time, imported cars from overseas differ in many respects from European cars. The biggest discrepancy concerns the exterior lighting, which is symmetrical in cars from the USA. Regulations in Europe, on the other hand, require cars to have asymmetrical dipped headlights to illuminate the roadside. Many vehicles also do not have fog lighting, which is mandatory in Poland. Unlike their European counterparts, American cars usually also have red rear turn signals, which are not provided for by Polish legislation (in Poland, turn signals are orange). Sometimes American cars are also equipped with yellow fog lamps, which are not allowed on the Polish market.
Another problem is the different unit of measurement used in the US than in Europe. The differences concern both speed measurement, which is calibrated in miles per hour rather than kilometres per hour, and fuel consumption, which is given in miles per gallon (mpg) rather than litres per 100 km.
The slightly different design of the car's braking system may also prove to be a problem. American cars are fitted with smaller brake discs and weaker callipers. The different location of the gearbox can also be a problem. In the USA, cars are usually equipped with an automatic transmission. What is more, its lever is often mounted next to the steering wheel, which is not the case in European cars. In this case, a conversion of the car is not necessary, but will undoubtedly require a change in the driver's habits. The local market offers cars with different engines. The differences in the engines are usually related to their smoother operation, but at the same time lower performance. Furthermore, US cars usually have larger engines, which translates into higher fuel consumption. It can also be more expensive to maintain such a car related to the need to import spare parts from the United States.
It is worth knowing that US cars usually have entertainment systems and radios tailored to the US market. As a result, the radio, for example, can only receive stations that broadcast on odd frequencies.
Is it worth buying a car from the USA?
The lower purchase price and richer cabin interior in used cars from the USA is the reason why more and more people are choosing to import a car from overseas. Undoubtedly, the US market offers a wide range of cars, including models that are not available or are rarely seen in other countries. At the same time, cars purchased in the USA can be cheaper than their used counterparts sold from other European countries, which is especially true for models that offer higher quality, including luxury or specialised cars. Such vehicles also have the advantage of proper maintenance and low mileage, as well as easy access to the vehicle's history (e.g. through CARFAX), which makes it easier to verify their condition.
Importing a used car from the USA has one more advantage. When importing a car from across the Atlantic, you have to reckon with high transport costs, customs, excise duties and potential modifications can significantly increase the total cost of the vehicle. It must be taken into account that equipment such as dipped beam headlights must be modified in these cars, as well as the measurements used (measurement of speed or fuel consumption). Servicing and availability of spare parts can be important for global running costs.
Therefore, when buying a used car from the USA, it is necessary to carefully verify the condition of the vehicle, including going through the stage of checking its history (accidents, repairs). It is worthwhile calculating in advance the total costs, which include import, excise duty, insurance and possible modifications to the car. You should also make sure in advance that the car meets local legal and environmental requirements.
It is worth adding that purchasing and importing a used car from the USA to Poland is a rather complicated process. Therefore, it is worth using the services of an experienced expert or trusted car dealer for this operation. Such companies organise both the purchase and import of the car to Poland on commission. They will also help to examine all aspects of the process, including the global costs of the operation.
What after buying a car from the USA?
Once you have imported a car from the United States, you will need to register it in Poland. According to Polish law, you have 30 days to do this. However, it is worth mentioning that usually a car from the USA obtains a so-called temporary registration, which is valid for 30 days. This allows you to use the vehicle during the registration process.
You must know that before submitting the documents to the relevant office, you are obliged to adapt the car to the legal regulations in force in the Republic of Poland in technical terms and to prepare the relevant documents. It is worth noting that such documents as the purchase agreement, registration certificate or vehicle card issued in the USA will certainly be prepared in English. They will need to be translated into Polish by a sworn translator before being attached to the application for registration.
In order to register a car from the USA, you must submit a written application for registration of the car, together with the following documents, to the traffic department responsible for your place of residence:
- a sales contract to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle
- proof of payment of duties, excise duties and taxes
- confirmation of passage through customs
- registration certificate and vehicle card
- proof of passing a technical inspection with a positive assessment
- American number plates
- and, if the car was imported before 1 January 2016 and is subject to registration for the first time, also a document relating to the recycling of the car.
What else do you need to bear in mind when bringing a car from the United States to Europe? Compulsory third party insurance, of course! Normally, when you import a car in the USA, it has to be de-registered, so you should take out an insurance policy from a trustworthy insurer immediately after purchase. You can opt for a short-term third-party liability policy that is valid for a period of 30 days. This should be enough time to transport the car from the USA to Poland and deal with all the necessary formalities.
