Buying a used car in Ghana has always come with its own set of challenges. Local prices can be high, vehicle options limited, and sometimes the condition of a car advertised doesn’t match what’s delivered. That’s why many Ghanaians, from small-time traders to individual buyers, have turned to U.S.-based auto auctions like Copart. The appeal is clear: wider selection, competitive pricing, and the chance to get models that are rare in Ghana’s market.
But the process is not as straightforward as simply clicking “buy.” It involves auctions, paperwork, shipping logistics, and an understanding of Ghana’s import duties. For someone attempting this for the first time, the whole process may seem intimidating. Still, with a bit of preparation, it’s possible to navigate Copart auctions successfully and get a car shipped home without too many headaches.
Why Copart?
Copart is one of the largest online auto auction platforms in the United States, with thousands of vehicles listed daily. Cars come from insurance companies, dealerships, banks, rental firms, and sometimes even individuals. A large number of listings are salvaged vehicles—cars written off by insurers after accidents or floods—but there are also clean-title vehicles that have never been in serious incidents.
The attraction for Ghanaians is that these cars are often significantly cheaper than buying locally. A Toyota Corolla that costs GHS 180,000 on the Accra market might be picked up for half that price in an auction, even after factoring in shipping and duty. That said, the lower price tag sometimes hides risks—hidden damage, missing parts, or costly repairs once the vehicle lands in Tema.
Step 1: Registering on Copart
The first step is creating an account on Copart.com. A free account allows you to browse listings, but to actually bid, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid membership. At the time of writing, the Basic membership costs about $59 per year, while the Premier membership is around $249 per year.
If you’re planning to buy only one car, Basic may be enough. Premier is worth considering if you’re a dealer or intend to purchase multiple vehicles over time. One small detail: certain vehicles are marked “No License Required,” while others require a dealer license. Buyers in Ghana often work through brokers to bypass licensing restrictions, since brokers already have access to all listings.
Step 2: Understanding Vehicle Categories
Not all cars listed on Copart are created equal. They’re divided into categories like:
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Clean Title: Vehicle hasn’t been declared a total loss. Often the safest option, though still worth checking closely.
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Salvage Title: Vehicle has been written off by insurance—usually due to accidents, fire, or flood damage. These can be very cheap, but repairing them may cost more than expected.
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Run and Drive: Car can start and move under its own power at the lot. This doesn’t always mean it’s roadworthy, but it’s a positive sign.
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Enhanced Vehicles: Vehicles cleaned or prepped for auction. Don’t assume “enhanced” means damage-free—it may just mean washed and jump-started.
For Ghanaian buyers, a “Run and Drive” with clean title is often the sweet spot. Salvage cars can still be attractive if you have a trusted mechanic who knows how to source parts cheaply, but beginners are usually better off avoiding heavily damaged units.
Step 3: Research and Inspection
Here’s where things can get tricky. Buying from Ghana means you can’t walk into the yard and check the car yourself. The listing photos are useful, but they don’t always tell the full story. A car that looks fine in pictures may have frame damage underneath, or interior water damage that’s not immediately visible.
To reduce the risk, some buyers hire independent inspectors in the U.S. These services typically cost around $100–$200 per vehicle, but they can provide detailed condition reports, including mechanical issues not obvious in photos. While the extra cost may feel unnecessary, it can save thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs later.
If you can’t arrange an inspection, pay attention to Copart’s notes. Look for key terms like “runs and drives” and “primary damage.” Avoid listings where the description is vague or damage is listed as “all over.”
Step 4: Bidding at Auction
Copart auctions run online, and the system works a bit like eBay but in real-time. Once bidding starts, prices climb fast. Vehicles usually open at a low figure—say $200—but may jump to several thousand within minutes.
Set a budget before you bid. It’s easy to get caught up in the competition and overpay. For instance, if you know a 2015 Hyundai Elantra typically sells for $3,000 at auction, set your ceiling slightly below that. Remember to factor in Copart fees (which can be several hundred dollars) and broker fees if you’re using one.
One strategy many Ghanaians use is to let a licensed broker handle bidding. Brokers often have experience gauging the “true” value of vehicles and can keep you from getting carried away. They also make the paperwork smoother. Of course, this means you’ll pay them a fee, but for first-timers, it’s often worth it.
Step 5: Paying for Your Car
If you win an auction, payment is due quickly—usually within two business days. Copart doesn’t accept credit cards for full payment; instead, you’ll need to pay via wire transfer. Delaying payment can result in penalties, and in the worst case, you can lose both the car and your deposit.
Be prepared for Copart’s additional fees, which may include:
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Buyer’s fee (scaled based on vehicle price)
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Gate fee (covers handling and processing)
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Storage fees if you don’t pick up the car within a set number of days
Together, these can add hundreds of dollars to the final cost, so it’s important not to stop your budget at just the winning bid.
Step 6: Shipping to Ghana
Once you’ve paid for the car, the next hurdle is getting it to Ghana. The most common shipping route is from U.S. ports like New Jersey, Savannah, or Houston to the port of Tema. You’ll typically work with a freight forwarder who can handle transport from the Copart yard to the U.S. port, then arrange for ocean shipping.
Two main shipping methods exist:
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Container shipping: The vehicle is placed inside a shipping container. More secure but usually more expensive.
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Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): The car is simply driven onto the vessel and secured. Cheaper, and the most common method for Ghana-bound vehicles.
Shipping costs vary depending on the car’s size and the port, but most sedans fall in the $1,200–$1,800 range for RoRo. SUVs and trucks cost more.
Once the car arrives in Tema, you’ll need to clear it through customs. Ghana’s import duties can be steep—sometimes equaling or even exceeding the purchase price of the car. It’s wise to use the Ghana Customs Duty Calculator (available online) to get a rough estimate before you even bid.
Step 7: Clearing Customs in Ghana
Customs clearance is often the most stressful part for buyers. You’ll need documents including the bill of lading, purchase invoice, and title. If the paperwork is missing or delayed, your car could sit at the port, racking up storage fees.
Many importers in Ghana hire clearing agents to handle the process. While this adds another fee, it helps avoid mistakes and speeds things up. Agents are familiar with duty categories, processing delays, and what paperwork officers are likely to scrutinize.
It’s not unusual for the final cost of a “cheap” car to balloon once duties, clearing fees, and registration are added. A car bought at auction for $3,000 might land in Ghana at a total cost of $7,000 or more after everything is paid. This is why doing your math in advance is critical.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Overbidding: Getting caught in the heat of an auction can erase any savings. Stick to your budget.
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Ignoring fees: Copart’s extra charges plus shipping and customs can easily surprise first-time buyers.
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Buying blind: Skipping inspections may work once, but it’s risky. What looks like a “great deal” can turn into a wreck sitting in your mechanic’s shop.
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Paperwork delays: Not having the correct documents in time can result in hefty port charges in Ghana.
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Underestimating duties: Many people assume duties are minor, then realize they equal half the car’s value.
Is It Worth It?
So, should you buy from Copart for shipping to Ghana? The answer depends. For dealers bringing in multiple cars, the margins can make sense. For individual buyers, the math is more sensitive. If you’re disciplined with bidding, careful about inspections, and realistic about customs duties, you can save money and end up with a good vehicle.
But there are also cautionary tales—cars bought cheaply that needed thousands in repairs, or vehicles that arrived late because of missing paperwork. The process rewards patience and research, not impulse decisions.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used car from Copart auctions for shipping to Ghana is neither a scam nor a guaranteed bargain. It’s a structured process with clear rules, but the outcomes depend heavily on how well you prepare. The platform offers access to thousands of vehicles at prices often lower than the Ghanaian market. Yet between auction fees, shipping, and customs, the savings aren’t always as dramatic as they first appear.
If you’re considering it, start small—maybe one vehicle with the help of a trusted broker and a clearing agent. Learn the ropes, see the true cost once the car is on Ghanaian roads, and then decide if it’s worth repeating. With the right approach, Copart can be a practical gateway to affordable cars. Without preparation, though, it’s just as easy to spend more than you planned.