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Have questions about buying a car from Manheim, deposits, logistics, or customs? We've gathered the most common questions in one place. Use the search or filter the answers by topic.
- PLN 3,000 fixed commission
- 100% refundable deposit
- Clean Title cars from Manheim
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21 questionsAUTOMAX Platform
How the portal and user account work
3 questionsWhat is AUTOMAX and how does the platform work?
AUTOMAX is a listings portal integrated with the American wholesale auction Manheim. You search for a vehicle in „Buy Now” mode, and our licensed broker handles the purchase, logistics, and customs clearance. The platform serves as an information layer and does not itself collect payment for vehicles.
Does AUTOMAX own the cars it shows?
No. AUTOMAX aggregates and presents listings from the Manheim exchange. The vehicles shown remain the property of wholesale suppliers, banks, leasing companies, or dealers in the USA until their final purchase by the broker on your behalf.
Do I have to create an account to browse listings?
Browsing listings is available without logging in. Full data - including the VIN and the detailed condition report - as well as the ability to place a purchase order - do, however, require creating and verifying a free account on the platform.
Buying and the Manheim Exchange
Where the cars come from and how to assess their condition
4 questionsWhat is the Manheim exchange?
Manheim is the world's largest wholesale automotive auction (part of the Cox Automotive group), available on a B2B basis exclusively to licensed dealers. It is dominated by off-lease, fleet, and dealer vehicles with a status of Clean Title, with a reliable appraiser's report.
How do cars from Manheim differ from listings on Copart and IAAI?
Copart and IAAI are mainly auctions for accident-damaged vehicles with a status of Salvage from insurers. Manheim offers primarily accident-free, off-lease, and fleet cars with Clean Title status and a Condition Report, which significantly lowers the risk of hidden mechanical defects.
What do the Condition Report and the MMR valuation mean?
Condition Report (CR) is a detailed vehicle condition report prepared by the auction's appraiser. MMR (Manheim Market Report) is an objective market valuation based on real wholesale transactions. Both tools help you assess a car's condition and value before you buy.
What happens if someone else buys the car first?
If your chosen listing is bought first or you cancel the purchase, the Buying Power deposit you paid is returned to your account in full. You can also use your active Buying Power to buy another vehicle from the available database.
Payments and Deposits
Buying Power, commission, and settlements
4 questionsWhat is Buying Power and the deposit packages?
Purchasing Power is a transaction limit activated by a refundable deposit. The Standard package (PLN 3,000) lets you buy cars up to USD 20,000, Premium (PLN 6,000) up to USD 50,000, and Unlimited (PLN 10,000) removes the value cap altogether. The deposit secures the credibility of your order. You'll find the details on the page About the partnership.
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes. The Purchasing Power deposit is 100% refundable. It is returned in full once the purchased vehicle is paid for, or if you withdraw without buying. It is not a service fee, but solely a security deposit authorizing the order.
How much is the broker's commission?
The brokerage commission is flat and amounts to 3,000 PLN per vehicle, regardless of its value. We don't charge a percentage of the car's price, which makes the total cost of import predictable and known up front.
How is the AUTOMAX commission different from the Manheim auction fee?
These are two separate items. AUTOMAX commission is the broker's fixed fee: PLN 3,000 per vehicle, regardless of its price. The auction fee (Buyer Fee) is Manheim's fee for buying the car. It depends on the vehicle price and ranges from USD 455 to USD 1,750.
| Vehicle price (USD) | Fee |
|---|---|
| up to USD 6,499 | 455 USD |
| 6 500 - 11 999 USD | 595 USD |
| 12 000 - 16 694 USD | 680 USD |
| 16 695 - 23 999 USD | 865 USD |
| 24 000 - 28 999 USD | 950 USD |
| 29 000 - 35 999 USD | 1 200 USD |
| 36 000 - 41 999 USD | 1 300 USD |
| USD 42,000 and more | 1 750 USD |
Both items are shown separately in the cost breakdown of every offer and in the import calculator.
How is payment for the vehicle made?
Payment for the vehicle is made by bank transfer on the basis of an official invoice (Bill of Sale) generated by the auction. Settlements are handled securely, and you pay the refundable deposit into AUTOMAX's Polish bank account.
Logistics and Import
Transport, freight, and delivery time
3 questionsHow long does the entire import process take?
The time depends on the car's location, the ship's departure date, and clearance. Usually 8-12 weeks pass from purchase to delivery in Poland: inland transport in the USA, ocean freight to Rotterdam, and customs and tax clearance. We set the exact schedule individually for each order.
Who arranges transport and freight from the USA?
All logistics are handled by AUTOMAX: collection from the Manheim lot, inland transport within the USA, insured ocean freight to the port of Rotterdam, and onward transport of the vehicle to Poland. You can track the status of your shipment in the tab Container Status.
Is the cargo insured during transport?
Yes. The ocean freight is carried out with cargo insurance, which protects the vehicle's value throughout the transoceanic transport all the way to the destination port in Europe.
Customs, Taxes, and Registration
Import fees and formalities in Poland
3 questionsWhat customs charges apply when importing a car from the USA?
When importing a passenger car from outside the European Union, the following are charged: customs duty (standard 10%), excise tax (depending on engine displacement) and VAT tax. The rates are calculated from the vehicle's customs value plus transport costs. A full calculation will be prepared for you by Import Calculator.
Do you help with registering the car in Poland?
Yes. We deliver the vehicle with the full set of documents needed for registration, including the title document (Title), the purchase invoice, and customs documents (SAD). We also advise on further formalities, such as the technical inspection and sworn translations.
Where does customs clearance take place?
Customs-and-tax clearance normally takes place at the port in Rotterdam, the main import gateway for vehicles from the USA to Europe. Once all formalities are completed and dues paid, the vehicle is cleared for circulation within the EU.
Security and Law
Legality, verification, and data protection
3 questionsCan I order a Carfax report before buying?
Yes. During the vehicle verification stage you can request a history check in the database Carfax and AutoDNA. This lets you learn the mileage, service history, any damage, and the number of owners before making a purchase decision.
Why is a scan of an ID card required?
Identity verification is essential for legal reasons (procedures AML/KYC) and because the buyer's data is entered into the official customs and invoicing documentation during import clearance. We process data in accordance with our privacy policy and strictly to the extent necessary.
Is this import model fully legal?
Yes. The purchase is carried out by a licensed broker with authorized B2B access to Manheim, and the client enters into a brokerage agreement with AUTOMAX. The entire process is carried out in compliance with international law and the auction's terms. Read more on the page About the partnership.
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