Buying a car in Ghana is no small task. Prices tend to be high compared to average incomes, and brand-new models are often out of reach for most people. That’s why the used car market, especially imports from North America, has become such an important lifeline. Among the sources, salvage cars from Copart—an American online auction platform—have become a popular option for Ghanaian importers who want affordable vehicles. But the process isn’t as straightforward as clicking “buy now” on a website. There are hidden costs, risks, and tricks of the trade that buyers only discover after making a mistake.
This article will walk you through how to buy a salvage car from Copart for shipping to Ghana, what to watch out for, and whether it’s actually worth the effort.
Why Salvage Cars from Copart End Up in Ghana
Let’s start with the obvious: why salvage cars? In the U.S. and Canada, a vehicle that has been in an accident or damaged by flooding, fire, or theft may get labeled “salvage” by insurance companies. Once that happens, the car is usually written off because repairing it to U.S. safety standards is considered uneconomical. That doesn’t mean the car is useless, though. Many of them still run. Some just have cosmetic damage—a dented fender or a smashed headlight. Others may have engine trouble that’s expensive to fix in the U.S. but cheaper to repair in Ghana where labor costs are lower.
So what looks like “junk” in the U.S. can be a bargain in Ghana. A 2016 Toyota Corolla that goes for $3,500 at Copart might sell for $10,000 or more after repair in Accra. It’s this price difference that keeps importers glued to Copart auctions every week.
Step One: Understanding Copart Membership
Copart isn’t like eBay where anyone can just sign up and start bidding. To participate directly, you need a membership. They offer two tiers: a Basic membership (around $60 a year) and a Premier membership (about $200 a year). Premier members can place larger deposits and have higher bidding power.
But here’s the catch—most salvage cars require a dealer license to bid. Unless you have a U.S. auto dealer license (which most Ghanaian buyers don’t), you’ll have to use a broker. Brokers are licensed dealers who bid on your behalf, for a fee. This is where some people get confused. They sign up for Copart membership thinking that’s enough, only to discover they can’t actually bid on most cars without a broker.
Step Two: Finding a Reliable Broker
If you’re based in Ghana, you’re probably not going to fly to the U.S. every week to attend an auction. That’s where brokers come in. They usually charge a flat fee per car (between $200 and $500), or a percentage of the winning bid. Some also provide shipping assistance, which can make your life easier.
Here’s where caution comes in. The internet is full of so-called “brokers” who are really just middlemen charging inflated fees. The smart move is to look for brokers who are officially listed on Copart’s website under “Authorized Resellers.” That way, you know they’re legit.
A quick anecdote: A friend of mine in Kumasi once used a “broker” he found on WhatsApp. The guy promised to buy him a Hyundai Elantra from Copart, took the money, and then disappeared. It took months of chasing before he got a partial refund. Lesson? Stick to verified channels, even if it means paying a little more.
Step Three: Doing Your Homework on the Car
Not every salvage car is a good deal. Some of them are basically write-offs that can’t be safely repaired. Copart provides photos and a brief description of the damage, but you have to look closely.
For example, water-damaged cars are very common. At first glance, they may look fine. The interior might even look clean. But the engine, wiring, and electronics could be corroded beyond repair. Shipping that to Ghana is asking for trouble.
What you should do is check the vehicle history using services like Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports usually cost about $40 but can save you thousands in mistakes. They’ll tell you whether the car was in a major crash, if it was declared a total loss, or if it has a flood history. Some buyers skip this step thinking they’re saving money, but it’s a false economy.
A simple rule: if you wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it locally, why would you buy one from 6,000 miles away without at least checking its history?
Step Four: Setting Your Budget Properly
Here’s where many first-time buyers get burned. They see a car listed at $2,000, place a winning bid, and think they’ve scored big. But that’s only the beginning. Copart charges buyer fees that can add hundreds of dollars. Brokers add their cut. Then there’s inland transport to the port, loading charges, and ocean freight to Ghana. Once it lands in Tema, you still have to pay duties, clearing fees, and repairs.
Let’s break it down with an example. Suppose you win a Honda Civic at $2,500. Add:
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Copart fees: about $600
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Broker fee: $300
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Inland U.S. transport to port: $400
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Ocean freight: $1,200
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Clearing in Tema (duties, customs, etc.): $3,000–$4,000 depending on engine size and year
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Repairs: maybe $2,000
That “cheap” $2,500 Civic suddenly costs closer to $10,000 before it’s roadworthy in Ghana. You can see how someone who didn’t budget correctly could end up in over their head.
Step Five: Bidding Strategy
When the auction is live, it moves fast. Cars are sold in under two minutes. Bids climb quickly, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. A lot of people make emotional decisions, bidding higher than they planned.
The best strategy is to set a maximum price beforehand—after accounting for all the extra costs—and stick to it. If you can’t stay disciplined, have your broker bid for you and instruct them not to go above your ceiling.
One small tip: avoid the most popular models when possible. Yes, everyone in Ghana wants a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Accord. But that also means prices at auction are inflated. Sometimes you’ll get better value with less “trendy” brands like Mazda, Kia, or even certain American sedans that aren’t as hot in the Ghanaian market but still reliable.
Step Six: Shipping and Clearing
Once you’ve won your car, the broker or shipping company will handle getting it to the nearest port—usually Newark, Savannah, or Houston for East Coast shipments to Ghana. Shipping companies often consolidate cars into containers, though some ship them “RoRo” (roll-on, roll-off), which is cheaper but exposes the car to more handling risks.
When the car arrives at Tema, brace yourself. Clearing isn’t always smooth. Customs officials may revalue the car higher than what you paid, meaning higher duties. Clearing agents will promise quick processing, but delays are common. If you’re not prepared, storage charges at the port can start piling up.
Again, this is where having a trustworthy clearing agent in Ghana is as important as having a good broker in the U.S.
Risks and Realities
It’s tempting to think of Copart as a goldmine where you can snatch up bargain cars and flip them for profit. Sometimes that happens. But the reality is more complicated.
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Hidden damage: The photos don’t always show the full extent of problems.
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Unexpected costs: Shipping delays, port fees, or a surprise customs valuation can throw off your budget.
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Competition: You’re not the only one bidding. Dealers in Nigeria, Ukraine, and the Middle East are also hunting for deals. That drives up prices.
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Repairs: Finding quality parts in Ghana can be hit or miss. Mechanics may fix the car, but not always to the standard you expect.
This isn’t to say it’s not worth it. Many Ghanaians have successfully built car dealership businesses on Copart imports. But success usually comes after years of learning the ropes, building relationships with brokers and shipping agents, and developing an eye for which cars are truly worth the gamble.
Is It Worth It for Individuals?
If you’re just trying to buy one car for yourself, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, you may save money compared to buying locally. On the other hand, the stress, risks, and unpredictable costs may outweigh the savings. It often works better for people bringing in multiple cars, since they can spread out the shipping and clearing expenses.
For a single personal car, it may actually be easier to buy from a Ghanaian dealer who already went through the hassle. You’ll pay a markup, but at least you’ll know what you’re getting without waiting months or dealing with surprises at the port.
Final Thoughts
Buying a salvage car from Copart for shipping to Ghana is not a shortcut to easy savings. It’s a gamble that can pay off, but only if you do your homework, plan your budget realistically, and work with reliable partners both in the U.S. and Ghana. The people who succeed at it treat it like a business, not like a casual shopping trip.
If you’re thinking about trying it, start small. Watch the auctions for a few weeks before placing a bid. Talk to others who’ve done it. Get familiar with the numbers. That way, when you finally pull the trigger, you’re making an informed bet rather than a blind leap.