Generations at a glance
Chevrolet introduced the Silverado name in 1999 to replace the C/K series. The first modern generation was the GMT800 (1999–2007), followed by the GMT900 (2007–2013) with a stiffer chassis and updated cabin.
Chevrolet Silverado
USCar Trader import service
Import this model from the USA or Canada
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 · Chevrolet
Chevrolet Silverado
The Silverado is Chevrolet's full-size pickup line and one of the best-selling vehicles in North America year after year.
- Range
- Typical figure (Silverado): 1500 (half-ton) to 2500HD/3500HD
- Body styles
- Typical figure (Silverado): Regular / Double / Crew Cab
- Bed lengths
- Typical figure (Silverado): Short / Standard / Long
- Light-duty petrol
- Typical figure (Silverado): 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 2.7L turbo I4
Model profile
Model history and generations
Powertrain and equipment
Engines, drivetrain and trims
Powertrain lineup
The heart of the Silverado range is the small-block V8. The 5.3-litre EcoTec3 (around 355 hp) is the volume engine, with the 6.2-litre (around 420 hp) at the top of the light-duty range.
Trims in the US market
Cabs come as Regular, Double and Crew, with short, standard or long beds. Trim spans work-grade WT and Custom, mainstream LT and RST, off-road Trail Boss, and premium LTZ and High Country.
Vehicle selection
North American market and suitability
The used market stateside
Supply is huge. Fleet and lease trucks reach the market at three to six years old with a broad mileage spread, and southern and western states supply the cleanest, rust-free examples.
Who should import one
A Silverado makes sense for towing, trades, rural life or anyone who wants an authentic American full-size pickup that earns its keep.
Vehicle data
Technical data by generation and specification
Body and dimensions
| Body styles | Typical figure (Silverado): Regular / Double / Crew Cab |
|---|---|
| Bed lengths | Typical figure (Silverado): Short / Standard / Long |
| Length (1500 Crew) | Typical figure (Silverado): approx. 5,880 mm |
| Kerb weight | Typical figure (Silverado): approx. 2,100–3,000 kg (by model) |
| Seating | Typical figure (Silverado): 5–6 |
Engine and drivetrain
| Range | Typical figure (Silverado): 1500 (half-ton) to 2500HD/3500HD |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty engines | Typical figure (Silverado): 6.6L L8T V8, 6.6L Duramax diesel |
| Output (5.3 / 6.2) | Typical figure (Silverado): approx. 355 hp / 420 hp |
| Transmission | Typical figure (Silverado): 6-, 8-, 10-speed auto; Allison on HD |
| Drive | Typical figure (Silverado): RWD or 4WD (2-speed transfer case) |
Model and other data
| Light-duty petrol | Typical figure (Silverado): 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 2.7L turbo I4 |
|---|---|
| Light-duty diesel | Typical figure (Silverado): 3.0L Duramax I6 |
| Max towing | Typical figure (Silverado): up to approx. 10,000 kg on HD (equipment-dependent) |
| Assembly | Typical figure (Silverado): Fort Wayne (IN), Flint (MI), Oshawa (Canada), Silao (Mexico) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
Model-specific inspection points
Inspection plan for this model
For the Chevrolet Silverado, the agreed inspection plan focuses in particular on a cold start only where access is authorised, visible leaks, maintenance records and exhaust-aftertreatment components. USCar Trader can document these points through a separately commissioned on-site inspection; inaccessible areas or unauthorised road tests are explicitly recorded as unchecked.
Germany and Europe
Differences, adaptation and registration
What US models do differently
US Silverados use amber or red rear indicators, often omit a rear fog lamp, and read in miles per hour. Some assistance systems are tuned for US conditions.
German TÜV and registration
Typical work covers a rear fog lamp, rear lighting adaptation where amber indicators are required, speedometer confirmation and emissions documentation.
USCar Trader services
Inspection, purchase processing and escrow
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.
- Vehicle profile and history: The profile can show the VIN, US title status and available history records. No data source guarantees that every earlier event was reported.
- Optional CARFAX report: Additional reported maintenance or service entries can be included. The report is not a complete service book or proof of every interval.
- On-site inspection / USCT AutoCheck: USCar Trader can arrange a separately booked vehicle inspection. Agreed visible and accessible areas are documented. Road or functional tests require suitable access and seller approval; the visual review is not a lift inspection or workshop diagnosis.
- Purchase processing and escrow: After approval, USCar Trader can coordinate seller contact, negotiation, contract and the escrow and import service. Fees, payment route and responsibilities are recorded in advance.
- Recalls: Open safety recalls can be checked by VIN through the NHTSA recall search; they do not describe overall condition.
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
Import, customs, costs and delivery
Seven steps to your import
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
Common questions about importing this model
Does this vehicle automatically qualify for a 0% import-duty rate?
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.
How is import VAT treated when importing a Chevrolet Silverado?
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
Which Silverado should I choose?
A 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.3 V8 for everyday use; an HD with the Duramax if you tow heavy loads regularly.
What is the AFM/DFM issue?
Cylinder deactivation linked to lifter failures on some V8s. Favour a documented service history or a fitted disabler.
Are heavy-duty trucks harder to import?
Not fundamentally, but their weight affects licensing and TÜV assessment, which we clarify per vehicle.
How is it shipped?
By container for a clean, valuable truck or RoRo for a working example.
Will a US Silverado pass TÜV?
Yes, after standard lighting and documentation work done before the appointment.
How can a specific Chevrolet Silverado be checked from Germany?
Available VIN, title and history information can be reviewed in the vehicle profile. USCar Trader can also arrange a separately booked on-site inspection within a scope agreed in advance.
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