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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Buick
The Buick Century is one of those quietly ubiquitous American sedans that most European buyers overlook — and that is exactly why it can be an interesting used import.
Model profile
The Century nameplate has a long, layered history, so it helps to know which car you are actually looking at. The badge first appeared in 1936 on Buick's "banker's hot rod" full-size cars and returned in the 1950s. For anyone importing a used example today, three modern eras matter.
Powertrain and equipment
Powertrains are conservative and, for the most part, robust. The 1997–2005 Century used GM's 3.1-litre 3100 SFI V6 (engine family LG8), rated around 160 hp and roughly 250 Nm, driving the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic — the 4T60-E and later 4T65-E.
On the 1997–2005 sedan, trims were kept simple: the Custom formed the base, the Limited added power seats, alloy wheels and more sound insulation, and there were occasional Special Edition packages.
Vehicle selection
Because Buick sold the Century in enormous numbers to a careful, older ownership demographic, the American used market is full of tidy, one- or two-owner cars with complete service histories.
The Century suits a specific buyer: someone who wants an honest, comfortable, low-drama American sedan or wagon rather than a status symbol or a performance car.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): 4-door sedan (A-body also coupe / wagon) |
|---|---|
| Length | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): approx. 4,943 mm (194.6 in) |
| Wheelbase | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): approx. 2,769 mm (109 in) |
| Width | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): approx. 1,847 mm (72.7 in) |
| Kerb weight | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): approx. 1,510 kg (3,335 lb) |
| Seating | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): 5–6 (front bench available) |
| Production years (modern) | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): 1982–2005 (A-body and W-body) |
| Layout | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): Front engine, front-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Engine | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): 3.1 L 3100 SFI V6 (LG8) |
| Power | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): approx. 160 hp (118 kW) |
| Torque | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): approx. 250 Nm |
| Transmission | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): 4-speed automatic (4T60-E / 4T65-E) |
| Fuel | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): Regular unleaded petrol |
| Emissions system | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): OBD-II (1996 onward) |
|---|---|
| Assembly (sedan) | Typical figure (1997–2005 sedan): US plants (verify by VIN) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
Overall Buick Century reliability is good for its class, but the 3.1-litre V6 has one well-documented weakness. The lower intake manifold gasket (LIM gasket) is prone to failure on GM's 3.1 and 3.4 V6s, which lets coolant seep into the oil or out onto the ground.
Germany and Europe
The Century was never officially sold in Europe, so every example here is a genuine US-market car. It is left-hand drive, which is ideal for continental Europe.
Bringing a US Century to German road-legal standard is usually straightforward.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
A used import runs through a clear sequence.
Questions and answers
Yes, within its class. The mechanicals are simple and durable, and parts are cheap. The main thing to check is the 3.1 V6 intake manifold gasket, a known and fixable weak point.
The 1997–2005 W-body sedan is the most common and easiest to source. A-body Estate Wagons from the 1980s and 1990s are rarer and more collectible.
Yes. Every US-market Century is left-hand drive, which suits driving in Germany and the rest of continental Europe.
Modern cars use GM's 3.1-litre V6 with a 4-speed automatic; older A-body versions offered a four-cylinder and several V6s. All are front-wheel drive.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Generally yes, with routine changes such as a rear fog lamp and European-compliant lighting. Sound, rust-free cars pass individual approval without major work.
No. We are an independent broker and intermediary. We source and verify the car and manage the import; we take no vehicle margin.
By ocean freight from the USA, typically container or RoRo, with direct transport to the EU as required for the preferential duty rules.
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