Acura ILX

Importing a used Acura ILX from the USA

The ILX is Acura's entry-level luxury sedan, sold only in North America — which makes it a genuinely rare and interesting import for European buyers who like Honda engineering with a premium badge. Because it was never offered in Germany, every ILX on European roads is an import, and the used American market is the only place to source one. As an independent broker for used US vehicles, USCar Trader locates the right ILX, checks its VIN, plant and history, and handles the shipping and customs process into Germany.

Generations at a glance

The ILX ran as a single generation from the 2013 to 2022 model years, built on the ninth-generation Honda Civic platform. At launch it was offered with several powertrains, including a 1.5-litre hybrid. A significant refresh for the 2016 model year simplified the range, updated the styling with Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights, and standardised the drivetrain. A further cosmetic update in 2019 kept it current until production ended in 2022, when the Integra effectively replaced it. Crucially for importers, the ILX was assembled in Marysville, Ohio — a genuinely US-built car.

Powertrain lineup

From the 2016 refresh onward, every ILX used Honda's 2.4-litre K24 naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 201 hp and 180 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with torque converter, driving the front wheels. Earlier 2013-2015 cars offered a 2.0-litre engine with a five-speed automatic and a 2.4-litre with a six-speed manual, plus the short-lived hybrid. The K24 is a well-proven, high-revving engine that gives the later ILX genuinely eager performance for a compact sedan.

Trims in the US market

The ILX is a four-door compact sedan only. US equipment was offered in a base grade plus Premium, Technology (Tech) and, from 2019, the sporty A-Spec appearance package. Higher grades add leather, ELS premium audio, navigation, a larger display and AcuraWatch driver assistance. The A-Spec adds unique wheels, body trim and sport seats without changing the mechanicals.

The used market stateside

ILX supply is steady, typically 30,000-90,000 miles, and many were one-owner cars serviced within the Acura/Honda network. Because it shares so much with the reliable Civic, condition is usually good and running costs low. Southern and West Coast examples avoid road salt and present best for a German TUEV inspection.

Who should import one

A used ILX from the USA suits the buyer who wants a compact, economical, well-built luxury sedan that nobody else on the street has — and who values Honda mechanical dependability. Its US origin is also an advantage at customs. If you want a distinctive, low-cost-to-run import with a proven engine, the ILX is a smart, under-the-radar choice.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

ILX reliability is a strong point, thanks to the shared Honda underpinnings. The K24 engine is durable and largely trouble-free with regular oil changes. The item to understand is the eight-speed DCT: it can feel jerky or hesitant at very low speeds and in stop-start traffic, which is a characteristic rather than a fault, but confirm smooth engagement and check for any recall or software updates. Minor points include dated infotainment on Technology cars, occasional Bluetooth/software quirks, and normal wear items such as front brakes and suspension bushings. Otherwise the ILX is one of the lower-maintenance premium compacts you can import.

What US models do differently

US ILXs run amber side markers, mph-primary instruments, US federal emissions and no rear fog lamp. Navigation and connected features are geared to North America and go partly unused in Europe. Because the platform is shared with the global Civic, servicing and many parts are readily available in Germany.

Seven steps to your import

Select the car and agree terms, then run a VIN and origin check — for the ILX this step is especially worthwhile because it confirms the Ohio build. Funds sit in escrow until verification, then the car is booked onto ocean freight to a port such as Bremerhaven. You clear customs, present it for a TUEV individual approval, complete any required modifications, and register it locally.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

The ILX was assembled in Marysville, Ohio, so it is typically a US-origin vehicle — and where the plant of build is provable via the VIN, the 0% preferential EU import duty for US-origin cars (under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force since 1 July 2026 for directly transported cars) can apply. This is never automatic or guaranteed: the origin must be verified, not assumed. Regardless of origin, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies and is calculated separately on the customs value. USCar Trader acts as a broker and adds no margin to these official charges.

German TÜV and registration

Typical work includes fitting a rear fog lamp, adapting the lighting, and documenting the odometer. The individual approval checks brakes, tyres, emissions and vehicle identity. Once the TUEV certificate is issued, registration proceeds through the normal German channels.

The buyer checklist

Confirm the VIN against the title and verify the Marysville build for the origin benefit. Pull a Carfax or AutoCheck report and read the full history. Test the eight-speed DCT for smooth low-speed engagement. Inspect the underbody for corrosion on any northern car. Verify the service record and oil-change intervals. Confirm the title is clean, not salvage or rebuilt. Check the infotainment and driver-assistance functions.

Questions and answers

Can I import a used Acura ILX from the USA?

Yes. The ILX can be imported and registered in Germany after a TUEV individual approval and customs clearance; as a North-America-only model, importing is the only way to own one here.

Does the ILX qualify for 0% EU import duty?

It may. The ILX is built in Ohio, so where US origin is provable via the VIN and plant, the preferential 0% rate can apply — but this is never guaranteed and must be verified.

Is the 19% import VAT always due?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies to the customs value regardless of origin and is calculated separately from any duty.

Is the Acura ILX reliable?

Yes. It shares Honda Civic engineering and the proven K24 engine, making it one of the more dependable compact luxury imports.

What is the deal with the 8-speed DCT?

It can feel slightly jerky at very low speeds, which is normal for the design; confirm smooth engagement and check for software updates.

What mileage should I expect?

Most available cars run 30,000 to 90,000 miles, often as one-owner, dealer-serviced examples.

Is the ILX related to the Honda Civic?

Yes, it is built on the ninth-generation Civic platform, which keeps parts and servicing straightforward in Germany.

What needs changing for the TUEV?

Usually a rear fog lamp and minor lighting adaptations, plus odometer documentation.

Discover more at Acura in the Carhub, compare the ILX with the larger Acura TLX and its successor the Acura Integra, or browse current ILX listings ready for import.