Lincoln MKT

Importing a used Lincoln MKT from the USA

The Lincoln MKT is a large three-row luxury crossover that most Europeans will never have seen in the metal, which is part of its appeal. Distinctive, roomy and available with a strong twin-turbo V6, it became a favourite of the US livery and executive-transport trade as well as families who wanted something out of the ordinary. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles: we source a specific MKT, verify it, ship it and take it through German approval, acting as an intermediary rather than a dealer and taking no margin on the car. If you want to import a used Lincoln MKT from the USA, here is a grounded look at the model, its engines and the market.

Model history: years and generations

The MKT launched for the 2010 model year on Ford's D4 platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Flex and the Ford Explorer of the period. It ran as a single generation through the 2019 model year, receiving a significant refresh for 2013 that updated the front-end styling, interior and technology. Alongside the standard passenger version, Lincoln offered the MKT Town Car livery package, a stretched-feeling, hard-wearing version aimed at the professional car-service market, which is why so many MKTs led hard commercial lives. Passenger MKTs, by contrast, were often family or executive vehicles.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Two engines were offered. The base MKT used Ford's naturally aspirated 3.7-litre Ti-VCT V6 with around 300 hp, driving the front wheels or optional all-wheel drive. The one to seek is the 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing roughly 355 hp and strong mid-range torque, which came with all-wheel drive as standard and gives this heavy crossover genuinely brisk performance. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic. The EcoBoost's turbocharged torque suits the MKT's size and makes it a relaxed, effortless long-distance vehicle.

Equipment lines and body styles

The MKT is a single body style: a tall, five-door, three-row luxury crossover seating six or seven depending on second-row configuration (bench or captain's chairs). Trims centred on a well-appointed standard car with the Elite package adding features, plus the EcoBoost drivetrain and the Town Car livery option. Even base cars were plush, with leather, a panoramic Vista Roof on many examples, power-folding third row and Lincoln's signature quiet cabin. The livery versions are more utilitarian inside and usually much higher-mileage.

The US used market

The MKT is widely available in the USA precisely because so many were fleet and livery vehicles, so you must separate the two populations. Retail passenger MKTs with sensible mileage and full history are the ones worth importing; ex-livery cars can show very high mileage and hard use. Typical retail examples are 2013-2019 refreshed cars with moderate mileage and comprehensive equipment. Condition varies widely, so a private, well-kept passenger car is far preferable to a former airport shuttle.

Is an import right for you?

The MKT suits a buyer who wants a spacious, quiet, distinctive three-row luxury crossover that stands apart from the usual German SUVs. It is ideal for families needing seven seats with comfort, or anyone who values the EcoBoost's effortless torque and all-wheel-drive traction. If you want compact dimensions or the latest driver assistance, look elsewhere; if presence, space and something unusual appeal, the MKT delivers.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

The MKT shares much with the Ford Flex and Explorer, so its mechanical behaviour is well understood, but there are known MKT common problems to watch. The 3.5 EcoBoost can suffer from carbon build-up on the intake valves due to direct injection, and early units had reports of condensation in the intercooler causing a temporary stumble under hard acceleration. Water pumps on the Duratec/Cyclone V6 family are internally driven and expensive to replace if they fail, so check for coolant loss. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on all-wheel-drive cars can overheat and leak if fluid is neglected. Panoramic roof drainage, door latch actuators and the MyLincoln Touch infotainment of earlier cars are other common gripes. Overall MKT reliability is reasonable for a big luxury crossover if you avoid neglected ex-livery cars and keep on top of fluids.

Differences from the European version

US MKT cars use US lighting with amber indicators and no rear fog lamp, an mph-primary cluster, and US-market infotainment and radio bands. Equipment and safety kit follow US regulations, and the vehicle was never EU type-approved. These are the points your import preparation addresses, all routine on a mainstream Ford-based vehicle.

Import step by step

The sequence is consistent. You choose a specific MKT from our US sources; we verify the VIN and origin for customs; funds are held in escrow until the car passes inspection; the vehicle ships by ocean freight to a European port such as Bremerhaven; we clear customs and settle the taxes on arrival; the crossover goes through TUEV and individual approval; and finally you register it in Germany.

Customs and taxes: what applies

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

Keep the two charges apart. The EU import duty rate depends on where the car was actually built. Since 1 July 2026, Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 permit 0% duty for cars of provable US origin shipped directly from the USA, valid until 31 December 2029. The MKT was assembled in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, so it is typically of Canadian rather than US origin, and the 0% US rate generally does not apply; we check the VIN and plant honestly and never promise a rate that origin does not support. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies on the customs value regardless of origin. We add no margin and quote both figures transparently.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical work includes headlight conversion to an ECE beam pattern, fitting a rear fog lamp, adapting amber markers where required, and confirming a km/h speedometer. The odometer reading is documented and, given the number of ex-fleet MKTs, carefully verified. Once individual approval is granted, registration proceeds normally.

What to verify before buying

Before buying any MKT, confirm: the VIN and the Oakville build origin (relevant for the duty rate); whether the car is an ex-livery or retail passenger vehicle; a clean Carfax or AutoCheck history with no accident or salvage flags; a clear, unbranded title; the PTU and water pump service history; panoramic roof drainage and interior for water stains; and the intercooler and intake condition on EcoBoost cars.

Common questions

Can I import a used Lincoln MKT to Germany?

Yes. The MKT was a North American model, so it comes in through private import, and we handle sourcing, shipping and German approval for you.

Does the MKT qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Usually not, because it is built in Oakville, Canada, so US origin cannot normally be proven and the 0% US rate does not apply.

Does the 19% import VAT still apply?

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

Which engine should I choose?

The 3.5 twin-turbo EcoBoost with standard all-wheel drive is the pick for its torque and traction, though it needs diligent maintenance.

How do I avoid an ex-livery car?

Check the history for commercial or fleet use, look at mileage and interior wear, and favour privately owned passenger examples with full records.

Is the MKT reliable?

It is reasonable if well maintained; key items are the PTU fluid, water pump, and EcoBoost intake and intercooler condition.

Do I need individual approval?

Yes. Without EU type approval the MKT goes through Einzelabnahme at TUEV, which is standard for US imports.

Ready to look? Browse Lincoln in the Carhub, compare the Lincoln MKX and the Lincoln Aviator, consider the closely related Ford Flex, and view current MKT listings.