Is it worth bringing a car from the USA? A comparison with buying in Lithuania
A car from a US auction often costs less than the same car in Lithuania, but not always. It all depends on the full price to Lithuania, the repair and time.
When it usually pays off
- Newer cars with minor damage.
- Cars built in the USA: 0% duty since July 2026.
- Rarer specifications: V8s, pickups, SUVs, electric cars.
- When you can repair the car yourself or through a trusted garage.
When it usually does not
- Cheap old cars: auction fees and shipping eat the difference.
- Heavily damaged, burnt or flooded cars.
- When you need the car urgently: the journey takes 5–8 weeks, sometimes up to 12.
A worked example
A US-built SUV at 8,000 USD at auction (about 7,000 €):
- Price with auction fees and shipping to Klaipėda – about 9,400 €.
- Duty 0 €, VAT 21% – about 1,970 €.
- Port services – 370 €, our service fee – 400 €.
- Total in Klaipėda – about 12,200 €, plus repair and registration.
Compare it with the price of a similar car in Lithuania. The exact amount for each car is on its page under "Price in Lithuania".
How to lower the risk
- Order a Carfax report (5 €) before bidding.
- Check the title type and whether the car can be registered.
- Set a maximum amount and stick to it – a bid at auction cannot be withdrawn.