Observed Asking-Price Gap: Cleared vs Uncleared Listings of the Same Model Year
Within 2018–2023 model-year cohorts, cleared active listings have 29–58% higher median asking prices. The gap is descriptive and may reflect model, trim, condition and seller mix—not the causal effect of customs clearance.
Median asking price: cleared vs uncleared
Unadjusted medians within model year; association only.
What the comparison shows
Within every 2018–2023 model-year cohort, the median asking price is higher for customs-cleared active listings. The observed difference ranges from 29% to 58%.
What the comparison shows
Within every 2018–2023 model-year cohort, the median asking price is higher for customs-cleared active listings. The observed difference ranges from 29% to 58%.
Median asking price: cleared vs uncleared
Unadjusted medians within model year; association only.
Why it is not a customs premium
Holding model year constant does not hold the car constant. The groups differ in make, model, trim, engine, mileage, condition, damage history and seller mix. The customs flag may be associated with all of them.
The listed clearance-fee field is a separate distribution and cannot be added to the median car price. Use the official calculator for the exact VIN and specifications.
The defensible reading
This is an observed asking-price gap between two listing groups. It is useful for describing active inventory, but it does not estimate how much customs clearance causes a comparable car to cost.
Active canonical listings, 2018–2023 model years, snapshot 3 August 2026. Unadjusted within-year medians; asking prices, not transactions or a causal fee estimate.
Methodology
Active AutoBridge listings under the canonical analytics filter; official Revenue Service calculator is linked for vehicle-specific fees.
10,798 active listings from model years 2018–2023, split by customs-cleared flag within each year. No adjustment for make, model, trim, mileage, condition or seller composition.
Active listings published from 1 March 2026; snapshot 3 August 2026.