Cars from the USA: how to order all-in from Copart, IAAI and others
Why the auction price is only the start
At American auctions, including Copart and IAAI, a car looks cheap until you add the fees, delivery to the port, shipping by sea, import duty, taxes, the broker’s service and, quite often, repairs. That is why the “all-in price” is what lets you compare offers honestly. Without it, the cheapest calculation can simply be incomplete.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe the car once, and importers reply in chat: which lot, the total, the timing and whether they will do the repair. They see how competitive their offer is and can improve their terms. Your contacts are opened only to the one you choose.
What to weigh when choosing a lot
The damage status is the main thing. A hit to the bumper and a hit to the pillars are different stories: in the second case the body geometry is in doubt. Avoid flood cars and cars after a fire, because the electrics and the interior keep failing for years afterwards. Look at photos from several angles and at the history report by chassis number.
Also look at the damage type in the auction listing, whether the car starts and whether the keys are there. For SUVs and crossovers, remember that some versions for the American market have different headlights and an odometer in miles.
What to put in your request
- Make and model — for example Ford Escape.
- Year — one year or a range.
- How it is imported — all-in from the auction, or already delivered.
- Damage — acceptable or not, and which kind.
- Engine — petrol 2.0 turbo.
- Mileage — in miles, up to how many.
- Repairs after import — whether you need an all-in deal with restoration.
- All-in budget and delivery city.
Example: “I need a Ford Escape 2019, petrol 2.0 turbo, up to 50,000 miles. A Copart lot with light damage, not a flood car. Import and repair all-in, delivery to Hamilton, budget up to $26,000 all-in.”
How to compare offers
Ask for a breakdown: lot price, auction fee, shipping, import duty, services, repairs. Check whether the repair estimate is included and who is responsible if hidden damage turns up after dismantling. Ask about timing: from the bid to handing over the keys can be several weeks.
Also compare cars from Europe or Korea, where the history is usually easier to check, or accident-damaged cars already in New Zealand, which you can inspect in person.
Pluses and quirks of the American market
There are pluses worth knowing: the American market is wide and trims are often rich, especially on crossovers and pickups. The minus is that some cars have market quirks, such as a speedometer in miles and different headlights, and this must be allowed for at registration. Ask the importer which modifications are planned.
Common mistakes
Taking a lot only for its low price without estimating the repair. Not checking the chassis number in several databases. Ignoring the auction videos. Not fixing the estimate and timing in writing. More about the service is on the “How it works” page.
