In this article, we will help you figure out the selection and purchase of a car, as well as its customs clearance, certification, and finding verified specialists for importing cars from Europe.
Why did Ukrainians switch to European cars?
Most of our compatriots are now buying cars in Europe. Such cars are cheaper, more reliable, and break down much less often. One might assume there are some hidden nuances, but buying a car in Europe is indeed beneficial for several reasons:
- In EU countries and other developed nations, a car is usually used by one owner for no more than five years, after which the car is sold on the secondary market and a new one is purchased. Therefore, European car markets always have a large selection of relatively fresh cars.
- Cars are sold in excellent condition, as European roads are noticeably better than Ukrainian ones. It is clear to anyone that the wear and tear of parts in a car that drove on our broken roads and a car that covered the same period on smooth asphalt will differ greatly in favor of the latter.
- The engine's lifespan is directly affected by fuel quality. Those who have ever refueled abroad know how much better European gasoline is than ours.
The delivery of a car from Europe itself takes only a few days. Customs clearance and certification will take a few more days. If you entrust the search for options, negotiations with the seller, delivery, and all formalities to a professional, then within a few weeks you can become the owner of a good foreign car at a reasonable price.
How to choose a car on a foreign market?
On car sales websites in Lithuania, Germany, Latvia, Poland, and other countries, there are many listings for used cars. An experienced specialist pays attention to the following points when choosing:
- the price of the car;
- maintenance costs;
- liquidity;
- transaction security and seller reliability.
When ordering a car import from Europe, immediately indicate the amount you expect. Keep in mind that European car prices are usually lower than Ukrainian ones. Approximately, the cost of foreign cars in most European countries looks like this:
- Honda Accord (2017-2018) – 15-17 thousand euros;
- Volkswagen Passat (2016-2017) – 14-16 thousand euros;
- Toyota Camry (2014-2015) – 13-15 thousand euros;
- Audi A6 (2011-2016) – 17-35 thousand euros.
You can also study the offers on car platforms yourself — even from the first pages, it will be clear what prices to focus on.
Finding a suitable car can take time, sometimes up to several months. To speed up the process and get to the deal faster, it is better to entrust the search and negotiations to a specialist. Experienced performers know the market well, know where to look for profitable options, and what to look for during inspection.
Car maintenance is a separate expense item. When buying a car, it is worth estimating in advance how much fuel and maintenance will cost. On average, over three years of operation, maintenance consumes a third of the car's value. Money is spent as follows:
- on gasoline — 23-24% of the total maintenance amount;
- on insurance — 20-30%;
- on taxes — 1.5-2%.
Also, do not forget about unforeseen expenses for repairs and maintenance. To avoid them, it is better to choose newer cars that are in good condition and have not been in accidents.
When buying a car, think about how easy it will be to sell it later on the domestic market when you want to switch to a fresher model. Every year, a car loses about 10% of its value.
When buying a used car, you cannot completely rule out the risk of encountering scammers. To protect yourself, follow simple rules:
- register all documents in your name;
- do not buy a car by power of attorney;
- be sure to check the history by VIN code: involvement in accidents, major repairs, number of owners.
It is harder to deceive a person who knows cars well and knows how to communicate with sellers than an ordinary buyer. Even with a quick inspection, a specialist can tell whether the car has been in a serious accident, which parts are non-original, and how many layers of paint are on the body. An experienced eye notices details that an ordinary buyer would simply miss.
What documents are needed when buying a car abroad
When concluding a sales contract, the seller is obliged to transfer to the buyer:
- technical passport;
- sales contract or power of attorney.
These documents will be needed for customs clearance. The contract specifies the price of the car, from which the customs payment in Ukraine will be calculated.
Customs clearance is carried out to register the vehicle and legalize its presence in the country. Fines are provided for overdue customs clearance. To avoid mistakes, it is better to entrust the paperwork to a specialist familiar with all the intricacies of legislation.
Where to find a specialist for car import?
For a quick and safe purchase of a car abroad, it is better to hire a professional. You can evaluate a candidate by their rating, portfolio, and reviews in their profile.
Here are some tips for choosing a performer:
- Carefully study the information in the profile.
- Exchange users undergo verification — it is better to choose those who have passed it.
- Experience and professionalism are visible in the rating, reviews, and portfolio. Reviews show the opinions of clients who have already used the services, and in the portfolio, you can see which cars have already been imported to order.
You can find such a specialist on specialized exchanges, for example, on VARTA.ua.
Frequently asked questions
On the VARTA exchange, you will find a performer for importing a car from Europe, the USA, and other countries. The experience of our specialists will help you buy a quality car cheaply and register it in Ukraine.
By contacting a car import specialist, you remove the risks associated with the transaction and delivery of the car. Among the many performers, everyone can find someone who offers convenient terms, a reasonable price, and suitable deadlines.
Let's answer the most popular user questions.
- Can I track the import process?
Yes. If the car is transported by sea or rail, the customer can track the delivery by tracking number. Tracking the drive by itself is discussed with the performer separately.
- What is a VIN code check?
VIN is a unique identification number assigned to each car. Using it, through national databases, you can find out the car's history: whether it was in an accident, whether major repairs were made, how many owners it had, and so on.
- Does the performer provide a photo report before the deal and during transportation?
A photo report is provided before payment. The possibility of taking photos during the drive can be agreed individually.
- I want to buy a damaged car. Won't the repair cost more than a whole one?
It all depends on the specific case. Before buying, be sure to consult with a specialist who can estimate the approximate costs of restoration.
- When will I receive the original documents for the car?
Immediately after the car is delivered to your city.
- If the car gets into an accident during the drive, who pays for the repair?
Usually, performers do not take an advance payment. Insurance issues are discussed with the performer individually.
How to place an order on the exchange?
To order an import, simply register on the site and leave a request. In it, you specify which car you are looking for: approximate price, brand and country of manufacture, year of manufacture, type and engine size, and other wishes. The performer will select options, including among cars already imported to Ukraine from Europe.








