How to Buy Car Parts on Otomoto.pl 2026
How to Buy Cars & Parts on Otomoto.pl: The 2026 Export Guide
If you are looking for cars or spare parts in Europe, you probably know Mobile.de or Autoscout24. But the real bargains are hidden on Otomoto.pl.
Poland is the massive hub for second-hand automotive parts and cars in Central Europe. Prices here are often 20-30% lower than in Germany or France. Whether you are looking for a complete Audi engine, a rare bumper for a BMW, or a classic Mercedes project car, Otomoto is where you find it.
However, the site is 100% in Polish, and the market can be a minefield for the inexperienced. Here is your complete guide to navigating Otomoto, avoiding scams, and shipping your finds internationally.
1. Why Otomoto? (The Price Gap)
Otomoto is not just an "eBay for cars". It is the dominant platform in Poland, listing over 500,000 vehicles and parts daily.
Why is it cheaper?
- Labor Costs: Mechanics and dismantlers in Poland charge less than in Western Europe, keeping part prices low.
- Currency: The Polish Złoty (PLN) creates a favorable exchange rate for buyers with EUR, USD, or GBP.
- Volume: Poland imports millions of cars, which are often dismantled for parts. This creates a massive supply of engines, gearboxes, and body panels.
2. Navigating the Language Barrier
Otomoto does not have an English version. Google Translate works, but you need to know the specific "trader keywords" to filter the trash.
Essential Polish Vocabulary for Buyers:
- Bezwypadkowy: Accident-free (take this with a grain of salt).
- Uszkodzony: Damaged / Salvage title.
- Anglik: Right-Hand Drive (RHD) car (imported from the UK). These are very cheap in Poland!
- Faktura VAT: VAT Invoice available (crucial for business export).
- Stan: Używany: Condition: Used.
Pro Tip: Looking for a specific part? Don't just type "BMW E90 Bumper". Type "Zderzak BMW E90". Use a translator to find the Polish name of the part.
3. The Risk: "Igiełka" and Hidden Defects
The Polish car market has a reputation. Sellers often describe cars as "Igiełka" (literally "Needle" – meaning mint condition), even if the car was welded from two different vehicles.
Common Risks for Remote Buyers:
- Rolled Odometers: Mileage fraud is still an issue.
- Photoshopping: Photos can hide scratches, rust, or mismatched paint.
- Ghost Sellers: Scammers who ask for a deposit via Western Union and disappear.
Never buy a car or an expensive engine from Otomoto without independent verification.
4. How We Help: Inspection & Verification
You don't need to fly to Warsaw to kick the tires. PolandExportFlow acts as your eyes on the ground.
Our Otomoto Services:
- Verification: We call the seller (in Polish), check the VIN, and verify if the company is real.
- On-Site Inspection: For high-value items (like engines or classic cars), we can send an inspector to measure paint thickness, check for leaks, and verify the serial numbers.
- Payment Safety: We can handle the transaction so you don't send money to a stranger.
5. Shipping Heavy Parts & Cars
Found a gearbox or a complete car? Shipping is the hardest part. Most Otomoto sellers will not ship internationally. They want you to come with cash and a trailer.
We solve this:
- Pallet Shipping: We collect engines, gearboxes, and seats, secure them on EU-pallets, and ship them to your workshop in the USA, UK, or EU.
- Vehicle Transport: We organize car carriers (tow trucks) for full vehicle export.
- Export Docs: We handle the CMR and export declarations.
Ready to Hunt for Bargains?
Don't let the language barrier stop you from saving thousands on parts. Send us the Otomoto Link of the item you want, and let us verify and ship it to you.