OPENAUTOTRADE
Open-source · Africa-first · Free to use

Better cars.
Better access.
For Africa.

Understand what a vehicle really costs before you buy. Plan imports, compare options, and learn how to keep your car on the road — without expensive subscriptions.

Explore free toolsContribute on GitHub
BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD / 001
AFRICA
IN MOTION.
Vehicle access · Trade knowledge · Ownership
Free public accessNo citizenship documents requiredEarly public releaseExternal live feeds not yet verified
01 / Free tools

Know the numbers before you buy.

Start with a transparent planning worksheet. We never disguise estimates as official import quotes.

Your planning estimate

Destination: Kenya

$9,500

Purchase $5,000 + shipping $1,500 + taxes $2,500 + local fees $500

This is a user-entered estimate, not a tax calculation or binding landed-cost quote. Tax rates, age limits, steering-side rules and eligibility vary by country. Confirm with official customs and transport authorities before paying a supplier.

02 / The mission

Open knowledge. Stronger mobility.

01 / DISCOVER

Vehicle discovery

Compare international sourcing routes and vehicle types. Verified live inventory will appear only after authorized data integrations are operating.

02 / IMPORT

Import clarity

Understand landed-cost components, documentation and country-specific restrictions. Official rule references are being prepared.

03 / OWN

Ownership support

Practical maintenance, compatible parts and trustworthy repair networks are on the roadmap. No unverified suppliers are endorsed.

03 / Compare your options

Compare two vehicles before committing.

Enter two supplier quotes in USD. This is a transparent worksheet, not a live inventory feed or market valuation.

Cost difference
Enter both quotes

Include purchase, freight, taxes, port fees and repairs in each estimate for a fair comparison.

Cheaper does not necessarily mean better. Check condition, eligibility, inspection history, parts availability and supplier legitimacy.

04 / Verify before you pay

Import smarter. Avoid surprises.

STEP 01

Check eligibility

Confirm vehicle age limits, steering-side requirements, emissions rules and inspection requirements with the destination country's official agencies.

STEP 02

Verify the vehicle

Request the VIN/chassis number, export certificate, inspection report, clear title and independent condition evidence before sending funds.

STEP 03

Verify the seller

Independently confirm business registration, bank beneficiary, shipping documents and written refund terms. Avoid payments to unrelated personal accounts.

05 / Connected vehicle data

Decode a VIN using official US data.

Check manufacturer-reported vehicle specifications through NHTSA vPIC. This is a real external source, not an auction feed or ownership-history check.

Only submit VINs you are entitled to check. US-market decoding may be limited for Japanese, Korean or other non-US vehicles.

NHTSA vPIC response

Enter a VIN to retrieve vehicle specifications.

Official data source: NHTSA vPIC. This is not proof of clean title, condition, accident history, seller identity or import eligibility.

06 / Manufacturer catalogue

Explore models by make and year.

Retrieve manufacturer model names from the official NHTSA database. This is reference data, not an inventory of vehicles available for purchase.

Official model catalogue

Select a manufacturer and year.

Coverage primarily reflects vehicles intended for the US market. No price or sale availability is implied.

07 / Japan & South Korea

Find Japanese and Korean cars.

Browse vehicle stock on the suppliers' own sites. Prices, availability and export terms must be confirmed with the seller. We do not copy or claim live third-party listings without licensed feed access.

JAPAN / EXPORT STOCK

BE FORWARD

Japanese used vehicles for international export. Check shipping destination and total landed cost before purchasing.

Browse Japan stock
JAPAN / DEALERS

Goo-net Exchange

Browse Japanese dealer and export listings, including model, mileage and advertised prices where available.

Browse Japan dealers
SOUTH KOREA / EXPORT STOCK

Korexport

Browse Korean export vehicles and request the supplier's written quote, inspection evidence and shipping details.

Browse Korea stock

External supplier links are for independent research, not Open Auto Trade endorsements. We have not verified their stock or integrated their data feeds.

08 / Dealer stock

Browse dealer cars. No auctions.

Free-to-browse used-car stock on supplier websites. These are outbound inventory links, not copied vehicle listings. Check price, availability, export eligibility and dealer identity with each seller.

No auction inventory is included. Live listings and images are not republished without the seller's permission.

09 / Import services directory

From finding a car to getting it home.

Independent service-provider links for shipping, payments, inspections and import paperwork. These are research resources, not endorsed or contracted partners. Ask each provider about your origin and destination before paying.

Banking & payments

Pay with safeguards

Explore cross-border transfer and trade finance options. Confirm whether vehicle payments and your countries are supported. These links do not provide escrow by default.

Wise

Airwallex

HSBC

Inspection & verification

Check before payment

Request an independent pre-purchase inspection and written evidence of vehicle condition. Confirm local availability and inspection scope.

SGS

Bureau Veritas

DEKRA

Directory inclusion is informational only. Open Auto Trade has no verified commercial partnership with the providers above. Never send funds based solely on a directory link; verify the company, invoice, bank beneficiary, contract, inspection report and import eligibility.

10 / Africa import routes

Choose where your car is going.

Start with official customs guidance, then contact a shipper and an independent inspector. Import age, steering-side, tax and permit rules change; confirm directly before purchasing.

Directory only. These are not negotiated partnerships or guaranteed routes. Check country-specific age limits, RHD/LHD rules, standards, import permits, duties and shipping availability with official authorities and service providers.

11 / Community powered

Help keep the directory accurate.

Submit a dealer, shipping provider, inspector, customs source, or report an outdated link. All suggestions are reviewed before inclusion. Never share bank details, ID documents, passwords or private customer data in a public GitHub issue.

Suggest a link or correctionContributor guidelines
12 / Vehicle freight directory

Shipping companies worth checking.

Browse established vehicle RoRo carriers and freight forwarders, then request quotes for your exact departure and arrival ports. These are independent companies, not contracted Open Auto Trade partners.

Sallaum Lines

Automotive RoRo services including Europe and US connections to Africa.

Routes and quotes

IMS Shipping

Vehicle freight forwarder advertising RoRo and container service to African destinations.

Request a freight quote

A carrier serving a region does not guarantee an available voyage, acceptance of used cars, individual bookings or a fixed price. Confirm shipment eligibility, insurance, ports, sailing date and fees directly.