Acura TL

Importing a used Acura TL from the USA

The Acura TL is one of those cars that America had and Europe largely did not — a well-built, V6-powered sports sedan from Honda's premium division, sold across North America but never as a mainstream European model. For enthusiasts who want a reliable, torque-rich J-series V6, a proper six-speed manual on some versions, and the SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system, the US used market is essentially the only sensible source. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles: we find a specific TL, vet its history and manage the import, taking no dealer margin and never dealing in new cars. A useful detail for customs is that the TL was assembled in Marysville, Ohio, so many examples carry genuine US origin — more on what that means below.

From launch to today

Acura sold the TL from 1995 through 2014 across four generations. The first (1995–1998) grew out of the Vigor. The second (1999–2003) introduced the 3.2-litre J-series V6 and cemented the TL as a mid-size sports sedan. The third generation (2004–2008) is the enthusiast favourite: sharp styling, a 3.2-litre V6 of around 258–286 horsepower in Type-S form, and the availability of a six-speed manual. The fourth generation (2009–2014) brought a larger body, the polarising "power plenum" grille, and the choice of a 3.5-litre front-drive V6 or a 3.7-litre V6 with SH-AWD. The TLX replaced it for 2015, so every TL you import today is a used, well-established car.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The TL is defined by Honda's J-series SOHC V6. Third-generation cars used a 3.2-litre unit; the Type-S raised output to roughly 286 hp. Fourth-generation cars offered a 3.5-litre V6 (about 280 hp, front-wheel drive) and a 3.7-litre V6 (about 305 hp) paired with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which torque-vectors power to the outside rear wheel through corners. Transmissions include a five-speed automatic on earlier fourth-gen cars, a later six-speed automatic, and — the connoisseur's pick — a six-speed manual available on Type-S and 3.7 SH-AWD models. There is no diesel; this is a naturally aspirated petrol sedan.

Trim levels and variants

The TL is a four-door sedan only. Trim naming varied by generation: base and Type-S in the third generation; base, Technology, SH-AWD and SH-AWD with Advance in the fourth. Higher trims added navigation, the ELS premium audio system, ventilated or heated seats and adaptive features. When browsing US listings you are effectively deciding between the lighter, more analogue third-generation car and the roomier, more powerful, AWD-capable fourth-generation TL.

Used availability in the USA

The United States has deep TL inventory across both later generations, from tidy garage-kept third-gen Type-S cars to higher-mileage fourth-gen SH-AWD sedans. Typical examples run from around 100,000 to well over 200,000 km given the car's age, and the J-series V6 routinely reaches high mileage when maintained. Sun Belt cars tend to show minimal corrosion, which matters on a vehicle now more than a decade old. Manual-gearbox cars command enthusiast attention and are worth seeking specifically. We keep European prices out of this section — the landed cost depends on the individual car, freight and duties.

When importing makes sense

The TL is for the driver who wants a dependable, characterful V6 sedan with a real mechanical feel, ideally with the SH-AWD system or the six-speed manual, and who accepts that this is a modern-classic import rather than a current model. It appeals to Honda and Acura enthusiasts, to buyers who value long-term reliability over badge fashion, and to anyone who wants something distinctive that almost no one else in Germany will have. If you need the latest driver-assistance technology or a new-car warranty, this is not that car.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The TL's J-series V6 is one of the reasons people import one — it is durable and forgiving. Still, there are known Acura TL common problems. Some automatic transmissions in the mid-2000s TL and related models earned a reputation for premature failure, so a clean shift feel and documented fluid changes are essential; the manual sidesteps this entirely. SH-AWD 3.7 cars can wear front tyres quickly and the strong front-drive 3.5 exhibits torque steer under hard acceleration. The V6 uses a timing belt, so confirm it was replaced on schedule (roughly every 165,000 km / 105,000 miles or by age). Motor mounts, the front lower control-arm bushings and dated navigation/Bluetooth hardware are typical age-related items. Overall Acura TL reliability is strong when the transmission and belt history check out.

How US versions differ

US cars carry amber or red rear turn signals depending on year, no rear fog lamp, miles-per-hour clusters, and US-band radio and navigation. Headlight beam patterns follow US standards. These are ordinary conversion points rather than obstacles, and each is handled during individual approval.

From US purchase to registration

The path is straightforward: choose the exact TL; verify its VIN and build origin (Ohio assembly is common and helpful here); pay through escrow for security; arrange inland transport and ocean freight to a port such as Bremerhaven; clear customs; complete the TÜV inspection and individual approval (Einzelabnahme); and register for German plates. We coordinate the chain end to end.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Two separate charges apply. The EU import duty can be 0% for vehicles of proven US origin imported with direct transport under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026 through 31 December 2029). Because the TL was built in Marysville, Ohio, many examples can substantiate US origin via the VIN and plant records — but this must be proven for each specific car, and we never describe an import as duty-free or guaranteed. Independently, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies to the customs value, whatever the origin. We take no margin on either.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Typical adaptations include the lighting (adding a rear fog lamp, correcting turn-signal colour where needed, and adjusting the headlight beam pattern) and confirming a km/h speedometer. On older cars the TÜV will scrutinise brakes, tyres, corrosion and the odometer history. Once approval is granted, the car is registered and plated.

Pre-purchase checklist

Before buying any US TL, cover these points: confirm the VIN and Ohio (or other) build origin for the customs case; pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents, title brands and mileage consistency; exclude salvage, rebuilt or flood titles; inspect for rust on a car of this age, especially non-Sun-Belt examples; verify timing-belt and transmission service records; on automatics, test-drive for clean, hesitation-free shifts; and check SH-AWD operation and front tyre wear.

Import FAQ

Was the Acura TL sold in Europe?

Not as a mainstream model. It was a North American car, which is why importing from the US is the practical route.

Which TL should I look for?

Enthusiasts favour the third-generation Type-S and the fourth-generation 3.7 SH-AWD, particularly with the six-speed manual.

Is the TL reliable?

Yes, the J-series V6 is robust. The main caveats are certain automatic transmissions and keeping the timing belt on schedule.

Does it qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Potentially, since it is built in Ohio, but only with proven US origin and direct transport for the specific car. It is never automatic or guaranteed.

Do I still pay German import VAT?

Yes. The 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer applies to every import and is calculated separately from any duty.

Is there a manual gearbox option?

Yes, a six-speed manual was offered on Type-S and 3.7 SH-AWD versions, though such cars are less common.

What mileage is acceptable?

The V6 lasts well; many cars run past 200,000 km. Service history and condition matter more than the odometer alone.

What replaced the TL?

The Acura TLX took over for the 2015 model year.

Discover more Acura in the Carhub, compare the Acura TSX and the newer Acura TLX, look at the compact Acura ILX, or view current Acura TL listings.