Buick Regal

Importing a used Buick Regal from the USA

The Buick Regal is one of the more European-flavoured cars ever sold under an American badge, which is fitting given its close relationship with the Opel Insignia. If you want to import a used Buick Regal from the USA, you are looking at a mid-size sedan (and, in later years, a five-door Sportback and a rugged TourX wagon) that blends American comfort with distinctly Continental road manners. That mix makes it an interesting import: a comfortable, refined cruiser with a familiar mechanical basis, often generously equipped and offered with turbocharged power.

USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles. We are not a dealer, we take no margin on the car itself, and we hold no manufacturer partnership. Our job is to find a sound used Regal in the States, check its history and condition, and handle shipping, customs and German approval so it arrives ready to register.

Model history: years and generations

The modern Regal returned to the US line-up for the 2011 model year as the fifth generation, based on the GM Epsilon II platform it shared with the Opel Insignia. This generation ran through 2017 and included the sporty Regal GS and a mild-hybrid eAssist variant. For 2018, the sixth generation arrived and reshaped the range: the traditional three-box sedan was replaced by the Regal Sportback, a sleek five-door liftback, joined by the Regal TourX, a raised, cladding-clad estate aimed at buyers who wanted wagon practicality with a light off-road flavour. Buick discontinued the Regal in the US after the 2020 model year, so every Regal you import is a used car from a clearly defined production window, with the fifth and sixth generations offering quite different characters.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Most US Regals are powered by GM's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing around 250 to 260 horsepower in the sixth generation and driving through a six-speed or, later, eight- or nine-speed automatic. Earlier fifth-generation cars offered a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four (often with eAssist mild-hybrid), the 2.0T, and the Regal GS with turbo power. The sixth-generation GS stepped up to a 3.6-litre V6 making about 310 horsepower with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available on higher Sportback and GS models and standard on the TourX wagon. The turbo four is the engine you will encounter most often.

Equipment lines and body styles

Body styles depend on generation: a conventional sedan through 2017, then the Sportback liftback and TourX wagon from 2018. Trim walks typically run from base and Preferred levels up through Essence, the sportier GS, and the well-appointed Avenir on late cars. Higher trims add leather, heated and ventilated seats, larger touchscreens, and driver-assistance features. The GS is the enthusiast's pick, while the TourX appeals to buyers who want the rare combination of a US-badged estate with raised suspension.

The US used market

The Regal sold in modest numbers in the US, so it is less common than mainstream sedans, but clean examples are readily found, particularly 2018-2020 Sportbacks and the sought-after TourX wagon. Typical used cars span a broad mileage range, from low-mileage lease returns to higher-mileage commuters, so condition and history matter more than model year. The turbo four cars are the most plentiful; GS and TourX examples take a little more searching but are out there.

Is an import right for you?

The Regal suits a buyer who wants a comfortable, refined mid-size car with European road manners and turbocharged performance, ideally in the more interesting Sportback or TourX body. It appeals to people who like the Opel Insignia underpinnings but want the American trim, equipment and, in the case of the wagon, a body style that is genuinely uncommon. If you need maximum parts commonality or the cheapest possible running costs, a more mainstream car may fit better; if you want something distinctive and pleasant to cover distance in, the Regal delivers.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

Anyone researching Buick Regal reliability will find a car that is generally solid, helped by its shared engineering with the Opel Insignia. The 2.0-litre turbo four is the engine to know: watch for carbon build-up on the intake valves typical of direct-injection engines, keep on top of oil changes to protect the timing chain, and check for any history of PCV or turbo-related issues. On sixth-generation cars, some owners report infotainment quirks and occasional electrical niggles. On the fifth-generation eAssist cars, confirm the mild-hybrid battery is healthy. Across the range, check the transmission shifts cleanly and, on AWD cars, that the system engages without noise. A pre-purchase inspection and a clean service record go a long way.

Differences from the European version

Although the Regal is mechanically close to the Opel Insignia, US cars carry US-market equipment: amber side markers, no dedicated rear fog lamp, a miles-per-hour cluster and US infotainment and telematics. Trim, colours and option packages differ from European Insignias, which is part of the appeal for buyers who want the American specification. Each of the lighting and instrumentation differences becomes a task during German approval, but the underlying platform is well understood by European workshops.

Import step by step

The route is consistent: select a suitable car; run a VIN and origin check to confirm the assembly plant; pay through secure escrow so funds release only against a verified vehicle; ship by ocean freight; clear EU customs on arrival; complete the TÜV inspection and, where needed, an individual approval (Einzelabnahme); then register in Germany. USCar Trader manages each stage and keeps you updated.

Customs and taxes: what applies

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

The Regal is listed with a neutral origin, and this one deserves particular attention: because the Regal is closely tied to the Opel Insignia, many US cars were actually built in Germany rather than the United States. That matters, because the 0% EU import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026) applies only where the VIN and plant data prove genuine US assembly and the car ships directly. If your Regal was built in Europe, that preferential rate will not apply and the standard passenger-car duty is charged instead. We never call an import duty-free or guaranteed; the rate follows the documented plant. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies and is calculated on its own, on top of any duty.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical approval work includes fitting or activating a rear fog lamp, adjusting or replacing headlights for right-hand traffic, addressing side-marker lighting, and confirming the speedometer can display in km/h, along with the usual odometer documentation. Given the Insignia relationship, many components are familiar to German inspectors, which can smooth the process.

What to verify before buying

Before you commit, confirm: the VIN and build plant, which for the Regal directly affects the customs rate; a full Carfax or AutoCheck history with no accident, salvage or flood record; a clean (non-rebuilt) title; the service record, especially oil-change history on the turbo engine; that the transmission and any AWD system operate smoothly; and, on eAssist cars, that the mild-hybrid battery is healthy. Inspecting for carbon-related running issues on the turbo four is also worthwhile.

Common questions

Is the Buick Regal the same as the Opel Insignia?

They are closely related and share their platform, so mechanically they have a lot in common, but US Regals carry American-market trim, equipment and specification.

Will a US Regal qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Only if the VIN proves genuine US assembly and the car ships directly. Many Regals were actually built in Germany, in which case the preferential rate does not apply and standard car duty is charged. We never promise duty-free status.

Does the 19% import VAT still apply?

Yes. The 19% German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer is always due on import and is calculated separately from any customs duty, regardless of origin.

Which Regal body style should I import?

The 2018-2020 Sportback is the sleek liftback, the TourX is the raised estate with standard AWD, and pre-2018 cars are traditional sedans. The TourX is the rarest and most distinctive.

Is the Buick Regal reliable?

Generally yes, helped by its Insignia engineering. Watch for direct-injection carbon build-up on the 2.0T, keep up with oil changes, and check infotainment and AWD operation.

What engine is most common in a used Regal?

The 2.0-litre turbo four, making around 250-260 horsepower in the sixth generation. The GS uses a 3.6 V6, and early cars offered a 2.4 with eAssist.

How long does the import take?

Usually a couple of months from purchase to German registration, driven mainly by shipping schedules, customs clearance and the TÜV appointment.

Ready to look? Browse Buick in the Carhub, compare the Buick LaCrosse and the compact Buick Verano, or view current Regal listings.