Buick LaCrosse

Importing a used Buick LaCrosse from the USA

The LaCrosse was Buick's full-size sedan flagship, a quiet, softly sprung cruiser built for long American highways. It was never sold new in Germany, so every LaCrosse on European roads is an import — which is exactly why buyers who want a comfortable, distinctive US saloon look across the Atlantic. As an independent broker, USCar Trader helps you find, inspect and ship a used LaCrosse without acting as a dealer and without adding a margin to the car.

Model history: years and generations

The LaCrosse ran across three generations. The first (2005-2009) replaced the Regal and Century as Buick's mid-to-full-size sedan. The second generation (2010-2016) moved onto GM's Epsilon II platform, grew in presence and adopted Buick's more upscale styling with the waterfall grille. The third and final generation (2017-2019) sat on GM's P2XX architecture, shed weight, and gained a lighter, more modern look and a nine-speed automatic before Buick discontinued the car for the US market in 2019 as the brand pivoted to crossovers. Because production spans well over a decade, you can choose between an affordable early V6 car and a nearly new final-year example.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Across the generations the LaCrosse leaned on GM's 3.6-litre V6. In the final generation the LGX 3.6 V6 produced around 310 hp and paired with a nine-speed automatic, driving the front wheels or, on higher trims, an available all-wheel-drive system. Earlier second-generation cars offered the LFX 3.6 V6 (around 303-304 hp) as well as a 2.4-litre four with GM's eAssist mild-hybrid system for better economy, and a base 2.5-litre four appeared later. Transmissions were six-speed autos on the earlier cars and the nine-speed on the last generation. The character throughout is relaxed torque and refinement rather than sportiness.

Equipment lines and body styles

The LaCrosse was sold only as a four-door sedan; there was no coupe or wagon. US trim walks included names such as CX, CXL and CXS on early cars, and Base, Preferred, Essence, Premium and the range-topping Avenir on the final generation. Higher trims layered on leather, ventilated seats, a Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension and driver-assistance features. The Avenir badge in particular marked Buick's most luxurious specification, with unique trim and wheels.

The US used market

Because the LaCrosse was a mainstream Buick, used examples are plentiful across the United States, with strong concentrations in the Midwest and sunbelt where Buick traditionally sold well. Many were owned by careful, older drivers, so low-mileage, well-kept cars in the 40,000 to 90,000-mile range are common, and full service histories are frequent. That ownership profile is a genuine advantage for an importer. As always, avoid branded or salvage titles and read the history in full. We quote no Euro prices here; the value is in finding a clean, honest car with the trim and drivetrain you want.

Is an import right for you?

The LaCrosse suits the buyer who wants a large, comfortable, understated American sedan that stands apart from the usual European saloons, at a sensible entry point. It appeals to drivers who prioritise ride comfort, a quiet cabin and V6 smoothness over sharp handling, and who like the idea of a car few others in Germany will have. If you need a compact or a hatchback the LaCrosse is the wrong size, but for relaxed long-distance cruising it is an appealing and affordable import.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

The LaCrosse is generally dependable, but there are documented weak points. The 3.6 V6 in various GM applications has been prone to timing-chain wear on higher-mileage, poorly maintained cars, so oil-change history matters; listen for chain rattle on a cold start. The eAssist system on the 2.4 cars adds a small lithium battery and belt-alternator-starter that can need attention with age. Electrical gremlins, water pump wear on the V6, and infotainment quirks appear in owner reports. The nine-speed automatic in the final generation was occasionally criticised for hesitant shifts, usually more of an annoyance than a failure. A LaCrosse with complete service records and no timing-chain history is a sound long-term buy.

Differences from the European version

A US LaCrosse comes with North American lighting aimed for right-hand traffic and no rear fog lamp as ECE requires, and its instruments default to miles and Fahrenheit. Equipment content on US trims is often generous. None of this prevents import; it simply forms the list of adaptations for TÜV. The car's mechanicals and safety systems are broadly compatible with European requirements once documented.

Import step by step

Select a clean car and agree terms; verify the VIN and confirm the assembly plant and origin, which is decisive for the customs classification on a car GM has built in more than one country over the years; place funds in escrow; arrange inland transport and ocean freight; clear EU customs; present the car for TÜV and individual approval with the required modifications; then register locally. USCar Trader coordinates each step from the US seller to your registration office.

Customs and taxes: what applies

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

Two charges are always separate. Import duty depends entirely on the documented origin: US-market LaCrosse sedans were built in the United States, and a US origin proven through the VIN and plant can qualify the car for the 0% EU import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force since 1 July 2026 for directly transported goods and valid until 31 December 2029 — but because GM has built LaCrosse variants outside the US for other markets, the rate is confirmed only on the actual plant and is never guaranteed in advance. Second, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies, on any origin, calculated on the customs value plus duty and freight. We add no dealer margin.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical approval work includes fitting or enabling a rear fog lamp, adapting or replacing the headlights for ECE compliance, confirming tyre and rim ratings, and recording the odometer in kilometres. The V6 emissions data and vehicle documentation are assembled for the individual approval, after which registration proceeds like any other car.

What to verify before buying

Decode the VIN and confirm the US assembly plant and origin. Pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck history and read every entry. Confirm a clean, non-branded title. On V6 cars, verify oil-change history and listen for timing-chain noise. On eAssist cars, check the mild-hybrid battery and system. Inspect for rust on cars from northern, salted-road states. Have an independent inspector confirm no flood damage.

Common questions

Was the Buick LaCrosse sold new in Germany?

No. The LaCrosse was a North American Buick, so importing a used one from the USA is the way to own it in Germany.

Does a US-built LaCrosse qualify for 0% import duty?

It can when US origin is proven via the VIN and plant under the 2026 EU regulations. Because GM built LaCrosse variants in more than one country, the rate is confirmed only on the documented origin and is never guaranteed.

Do I always pay the 19% import VAT?

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

Which engine should I look for?

The 3.6 V6 is the smooth, characterful choice; the 2.4 eAssist trades some performance for economy. Either is fine with a documented service history.

Is the 3.6 V6 timing chain a concern?

It can be on neglected, high-mileage cars. Confirm regular oil changes and listen for chain rattle on a cold start before buying.

Will a US LaCrosse pass TÜV?

Yes, after lighting is brought to ECE standard and documentation is assembled during the individual approval.

How is the car shipped?

Usually via container or RoRo from a US port, with inland transport arranged to the loading port first.

Is USCar Trader a Buick dealer?

No. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles, with no manufacturer partnership and no margin on the car.

Begin in Buick in the Carhub, compare with the Buick Regal or the Buick Lucerne, and view current LaCrosse listings.