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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 · Ford
The Explorer Sport Trac is one of those vehicles that barely reached Europe, which is precisely why importing a used one from the USA makes sense.
Model profile
There are two clearly separate generations. The first (2001–2005, internal UN46) was derived from the second-generation Explorer and stretched to accept a roughly 1.3 m composite bed behind the passenger cabin. It launched as a 2001 model and quickly became a niche favourite for people who wanted SUV comfort with an open load area.
Powertrain and equipment
Every first-generation Sport Trac uses the 4.0-litre SOHC V6 (Cologne-derived), rated around 205–210 hp and paired with a 5-speed 5R55E automatic; a 5-speed manual existed early on but is scarce.
The body style never changed — always a four-door crew cab with the integrated bed. Trims ran from base XLS/XLS to XLT and Limited, with the sportier Adrenalin package appearing on the second generation (monochrome styling, larger wheels, sport tuning).
Vehicle selection
Supply is steady across the sun-belt states, where these trucks avoided road salt.
This is a vehicle for someone who wants a comfortable daily driver that can still carry bikes, building materials or a couple of quads without an exposed pickup interior.
Vehicle data
| Body style | 4-door crew-cab pickup (integrated composite bed) |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Body-on-frame (boxed frame on 2nd gen) |
| Length | approx. 5.03 m (1st gen) / 5.24 m (2nd gen) |
| Wheelbase | approx. 3.09 m / 3.31 m |
| Bed length | approx. 1.3 m composite bed |
| Curb weight | approx. 2,000–2,200 kg |
| Seating | 5 |
| Base engine | 4.0 L SOHC V6 (~205–210 hp) |
|---|---|
| Top engine (2nd gen) | 4.6 L 3-valve V8 (~292 hp) |
| V6 torque | approx. 340 Nm |
| V8 torque | approx. 407 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed auto (5R55E); 6-speed auto (6R60, V8) |
| Drivetrain | RWD or ControlTrac 4WD with low range |
| Fuel tank | approx. 83 L |
| Generations | 1st gen 2001–2005; 2nd gen 2007–2010 |
|---|---|
| Max towing (V8) | up to approx. 3,175 kg (7,000 lb) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The recurring Explorer Sport Trac reliability topic is the 4.0 SOHC V6 timing system. The engine uses three chains, and the guides and tensioners at the rear of the block wear out, producing a cold-start rattle. Because the cassette sits behind the engine, the repair is labour-intensive — a car that already rattles should be priced accordingly.
Germany and Europe
US cars use amber rear turn signals combined into the tail lamp, mph-primary instruments, and no rear fog lamp — all of which matter for German approval.
US-market headlights use the FMVSS/SAE beam pattern, which differs from the ECE pattern required in the EU, so they may need adjustment or replacement with ECE-compliant units for registration.
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
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
Yes — it has a separate, weatherproof composite cargo bed on a body-on-frame chassis, just with a full crew cabin ahead of it.
The 2007–2010 4.6 V8 offers the best power and towing and is the more modern platform, but a well-kept V6 is cheaper to run and easier to find.
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.
Mechanically durable, but the rear timing-chain guides are a known weak point; a documented history and a quiet cold start are what you want.
Yes, with a type-approved tow bar; the V8 4WD models have the highest rated towing capacity.
With the usual lighting adaptations and an individual approval, yes — it is a conventional petrol vehicle with no unusual obstacles.
Dry southern and western US states, where the frame and bed avoid road salt.
Typically several weeks door to door, driven mainly by ocean freight scheduling and customs clearance.
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