Alfa Romeo Giulia

Importing a used Alfa Romeo Giulia from the USA

The Giulia was the car that put Alfa Romeo back on the map for driving enthusiasts, and the US-market versions are among the most interesting to source. American buyers ordered plenty of rear-wheel-drive Giulias with the 2.0-litre turbo, and a healthy number of the wild Quadrifoglio, which means the used pool across the Atlantic is deeper and often better specified than what turns up on German forecourts. As an independent broker for used US vehicles, USCar Trader helps you find the right car, verify its history, and move it through ocean freight and customs to Germany without the guesswork.

Production years and key changes

The current Giulia (internal code Type 952) arrived in Europe in 2015 and reached the United States for the 2017 model year. It rides on Alfa's Giorgio platform, a bespoke rear-drive architecture shared with the Stelvio SUV, and it is built in Cassino, Italy. A meaningful mid-cycle update landed for the 2020 model year, bringing a revised interior, an improved 8.8-inch infotainment system with a proper rotary controller, better switchgear and updated driver assistance. If you want the least troublesome cabin electronics, a post-2020 car is the one to look for.

What is under the hood

Almost every US Giulia left the factory with the 2.0-litre GME turbocharged inline-four producing 280 hp and 306 lb-ft, paired exclusively with a ZF eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard; the optional Q4 all-wheel-drive system is common on cars sold in snow-belt states, which is worth knowing if you want winter traction in Germany. The halo Quadrifoglio uses a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 (engine family 690T, developed with Ferrari input) making 505 hp, good for a sub-four-second 0-60 mph run. All variants use the same eight-speed automatic; there was no manual in the US.

Trims and body styles

The Giulia is a compact executive sedan only — there is no wagon or coupe. US trim walk runs from the base Giulia through Ti, Ti Sport and Ti Lusso, topped by the Quadrifoglio. Ti Sport cars add larger wheels, sport seats and the darker exterior trim many European buyers prefer. Look for the Driver Assistance Plus package if you want adaptive cruise and lane keeping, and the Harman Kardon audio upgrade on better-equipped examples.

What the US market offers

Supply is strongest for 2017-2020 cars, typically with 40,000-90,000 miles, and condition is generally good because many Giulias were leased and dealer-serviced. Quadrifoglios command attention and hold value, so expect them to carry accident-free histories more often than not. Southern and West Coast cars tend to be rust-free, which matters for a German TUEV inspection. Always weigh mileage against service evidence rather than year alone.

Who this import is for

A used Giulia from the USA makes sense if you want a rear-drive sports sedan with real character and a specification that is hard to find locally — a well-optioned Ti Sport, or a Quadrifoglio with a clean Carfax. It is less suited to buyers who need bulletproof, appliance-like reliability. If you go in with realistic expectations and a documented service record, the Giulia rewards you every time you drive it.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

Giulia reliability has improved sharply since launch, but there are known weak points to check. Early cars (2017-2018) suffered software gremlins affecting the infotainment, instrument cluster and occasionally the electronic parking brake; many were resolved under warranty, so ask for evidence of updates. The transmission control unit and various electrical connectors are the usual culprits for warning lights. On the 2.0T, watch for oil consumption and ensure the timing/service history is intact. Quadrifoglios need conscientious owners — carbon build-up and clutch pack wear appear on hard-driven cars. Overall, a documented, dealer-serviced example is far more important here than on a Japanese rival.

US vs. Europe differences

US Giulias run amber front side markers, red rear turn signals in some configurations, and mph-primary instrumentation. They lack the EU-mandated rear fog lamp. Emissions and OBD systems are US-federal spec. None of this stops registration in Germany, but the lighting and rear fog lamp are typical items your workshop will address before the TUEV individual approval.

How the import works

The process runs in a clear sequence: select the car and agree terms, then run a VIN and origin check to confirm the plant and history. Funds are held in escrow until the vehicle is confirmed, after which it is booked onto ocean freight (usually container or RoRo) to a North European port such as Bremerhaven. On arrival you clear customs, then present the car for a TUEV individual approval (Einzelabnahme), carry out any required modifications, and finally register it at your local authority.

Import duty, VAT and fees

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

Because the Giulia is built in Cassino, Italy, it is a non-US-origin vehicle, so the 0% preferential EU import duty for US-origin cars does not apply — the standard passenger-car customs rate is charged on the customs value. On top of that, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies and is calculated separately. USCar Trader works as a broker and adds no hidden margin to these state charges; you pay the actual duty and VAT.

From modifications to registration

Expect to add a rear fog lamp, adapt the lighting where required, and have the speedometer/odometer assessed (km display or documented conversion). The car's identity, brakes, tyres and emissions are checked during the individual approval. Once the TUEV certificate is issued, registration follows the normal German route.

Pre-buy inspection points

Verify the VIN against the title and confirm the build plant. Pull a Carfax or AutoCheck report and read the full history, not just the summary. Inspect for rust on underbody and subframes, especially on ex-northern cars. Confirm the service record and any software updates. Check the title is clean (not salvage/rebuilt) unless you knowingly want a project. Have a pre-purchase inspection done on the transmission and electronics.

What buyers ask most

Can I import a used Alfa Romeo Giulia from the USA to Germany?

Yes. A used Giulia can be legally imported and registered in Germany once it passes a TUEV individual approval and customs clearance.

Does the Giulia qualify for 0% EU import duty?

No — it is built in Italy, so it is not a US-origin vehicle and the preferential 0% rate does not apply. The standard customs rate is charged.

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.

Which Giulia engine is best for import?

The 2.0T covers most needs and is cheaper to run; the Quadrifoglio is the enthusiast choice but demands careful history checks.

Are US Giulias reliable?

Later cars (2020+) are notably better than early examples. A full dealer service history is the single best predictor of a trouble-free car.

What mileage should I expect?

Most available cars sit between 40,000 and 90,000 miles; prioritise documented service over low odometer readings alone.

Do I need to change the lighting for the TUEV?

Typically yes — a rear fog lamp and minor lighting adaptations are the usual requirements.

How is the Giulia shipped from the USA?

By ocean freight, either in a container or via RoRo, to a North European port, followed by customs clearance.

Explore more from Alfa Romeo in the Carhub, compare it with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the newer Alfa Romeo Tonale, or browse current Giulia listings to see what is available for import right now.