Importing a car from the USA alone or with a company: what changes?

You can import an American classic yourself or buy it from a company that handles everything. Both options are legal; what changes is who assumes the risk, the time, and the bureaucracy.

In summary

• Alone. It avoids the middleman's margin, but assumes all the risks: buying without seeing the item, choosing the carrier, handling customs clearance and registration.
• With a company. You pay a fixed price and delegate the selection, verification, transport, and customs clearance to those who know the process.
• In both cases. Import taxes and Portuguese registration apply in the same way: there are no legal shortcuts.

Importing on your own: the steps you need to take care of

1. Finding the vehicle and the seller in the US is almost always done remotely (auctions, dealers, or private individuals).
2. Check the history and title of ownership (title) before paying. One title with restrictions, such as salvage or rebuilt, This devalues the vehicle and should be analyzed before purchase.
3. Pay the seller via international bank transfer and arrange transport to the port and sea shipment.
4. Handle customs clearance upon arrival, usually with a customs broker.
5. To handle the inspection and registration in Portugal, including applicable taxes.

Each stage has its own costs and deadlines. The A complete guide to importing a car from the USA. It details the taxes and fees.

With a company: what gets delegated?

• Selection and verification. The company locates the vehicle and verifies its history and condition before purchase.
• Buy in the USA. The company is responsible for payment to the American seller and for handling the export documentation.
• Transportation and customs clearance. The company arranges the shipment and delivers the vehicle after customs clearance.
• Price known before deciding. You know how much you'll pay before you commit, instead of adding costs along the way.

When does it make sense to import on your own?

If you are already familiar with the model, have trusted contacts in the US, have the time to follow each step, and are willing to accept the risk of buying without seeing the vehicle, importing it yourself might be worthwhile.

When does it make sense to go through a company?

If this is your first import, if you can't see the vehicle before paying, or if you're a professional and need volume with predictable deadlines.

What to check for in an import company

• Legal identification. Name, tax identification number (NIPC), and address of the company in Portugal, visible on the website.
• Presence in the USA. License of dealer or partners identified on the ground.
• Price in writing. What is included and what is not, before any payment.
• Customs situation upon delivery. The vehicle must be delivered cleared through customs, with complete documentation.

How does Autozilla work?

We are a licensed dealer in the USA and import to Portugal. The vehicles are delivered cleared through customs, with complete documentation; the Portuguese registration is the responsibility of the buyer and the registration service is quoted separately. See the... stock available, you Ford Mustang for sale or order one customized search.

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Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

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