Mazda MAZDA6

Importing a used Mazda MAZDA6 from the USA

The MAZDA6 has always been the enthusiast's mid-size sedan, the car that answered the question of whether a family four-door could actually be fun to drive. In the United States it sold in far bigger numbers than in Europe and in trims and colours that never reached German showrooms, which is precisely what makes a US import interesting. You can find well-optioned late-model sedans with the smooth 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine, or the punchy 2.5-liter turbo of the final years, often in configurations Europe simply never received. USCar Trader arranges these cars for German and EU buyers as an independent broker, sourcing used examples rather than selling from stock.

Generations at a glance

Three generations reached the US market. The first (chassis GG/GY, 2003–2008) introduced the nameplate that replaced the 626 and offered sedan, hatchback and wagon bodies. The second generation (GH, 2009–2013) grew larger to suit American tastes and leaned on V6 power. The third and final generation (GJ/GL, 2014–2021) is the one most buyers want: it launched Mazda's Kodo design language and the Skyactiv technology suite, and received a significant 2018 refresh that added a turbocharged engine and a much richer interior. US MAZDA6 production ended after the 2021 model year, giving these cars modern-classic appeal.

Powertrain lineup

The US MAZDA6 was front-wheel drive throughout. First-gen cars used the 2.3-liter MZR four-cylinder and an optional 3.0-liter Duratec V6; the rare Mazdaspeed6 added a 2.3 DISI turbo with all-wheel drive. The second generation offered a 2.5-liter four and a 3.7-liter V6. The third-generation car standardised on the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated four (around 187 hp), and from 2018 added the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G Turbo producing roughly 227–250 hp depending on fuel octane. Transmissions were a six-speed manual on early cars and the excellent six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic; the Skyactiv diesel sold in Europe was never federalised for the US.

Trims in the US market

US examples are almost exclusively sedans; the hatchback and wagon disappeared from America after the first generation. Third-generation trim walked from Sport through Touring, Grand Touring and the top Signature, the latter adding Nappa leather, real Sen wood trim and premium sound. The turbo engine was tied to the upper trims, so a US-import Signature Turbo is a genuinely well-equipped car by any standard.

The used market stateside

Availability of the 2014–2021 sedan is strong across the US, with the highest concentration of clean cars coming from the South and West where road salt is absent. Typical import candidates show moderate mileage and single-owner histories; the Signature and Grand Touring turbo trims are the sweet spot for equipment. Early GG-generation cars still circulate but are worth importing only for the Mazdaspeed6 or for enthusiasts who accept their age.

Who should import one

A US MAZDA6 suits the driver who wants a handsome, engaging sedan without German-badge running costs, someone chasing a specific US trim or colour, or a collector eyeing the AWD Mazdaspeed6. Buyers who need all-wheel drive in later cars or a diesel should look elsewhere, since the US range offered neither. For everyone else, importing a used MAZDA6 from the USA delivers a lot of car for the segment.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The third-generation Skyactiv MAZDA6 has a strong reliability record, but a few points recur. Direct-injection engines can accumulate intake-valve carbon over time, so occasional spirited driving and quality fuel help. The turbo cars are robust but demand disciplined oil changes. Infotainment and the Mazda Connect Commander system can show occasional software quirks on early GJ cars. The bigger caution is historical: first-generation MAZDA6 models were notorious for rust around the rear wheel arches, subframe and jacking points, so any early import needs a thorough underbody inspection. Otherwise, Mazda6 common problems are minor and the running costs are modest.

What US models do differently

US cars carry federal lighting with amber-free rear indicators and no rear fog lamp, mph-dominant instruments and US-market infotainment bands. Equipment packaging differs from European trims, and the US never offered the Skyactiv-D diesel or the wagon in this generation. Radio frequency spacing and, on some cars, tyre-pressure and telematics modules are US-specific, which matters at approval and for later servicing.

Seven steps to your import

Selection and terms are agreed through USCar Trader as broker; the VIN and build plant are checked to establish origin; funds are secured in escrow; the car is shipped by container or RoRo from a US port; EU customs clearance is completed on arrival; TÜV and individual approval follow; then German registration. A sedan like this is one of the simpler cars to bring through the process.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

The two charges are distinct. Import duty depends on the car's actual country of manufacture: the US MAZDA6 was typically built in Japan, so the 0% EU origin rate for US-built cars will usually not apply unless the VIN proves US assembly; the applicable passenger-car rate is then determined by origin. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies to the customs value. We never describe any import as duty-free or guaranteed, and USCar Trader adds no margin to these public charges.

German TÜV and registration

Typical work includes fitting or enabling a rear fog lamp, confirming EU-compliant indicators and headlight beam pattern, and documenting the odometer conversion from miles to kilometres. The Skyactiv drivetrain generally passes emissions checks without drama. Keep the US title and history documents together for the Einzelabnahme.

The buyer checklist

Questions and answers

Is the US MAZDA6 different from the European one?

Yes in detail: the US car is sedan-only in the later generation, uses federal lighting and never offered the diesel, but the core Skyactiv engineering is the same.

Which MAZDA6 is the one to import?

The 2018–2021 2.5 Turbo in Signature or Grand Touring trim offers the best blend of performance and equipment.

Does the US MAZDA6 have all-wheel drive?

No, US sedans are front-wheel drive. The only AWD version was the earlier Mazdaspeed6.

How reliable is the Mazda6?

The Skyactiv generation is dependable; watch intake carbon on direct-injection engines and rust on first-generation cars.

Will I pay customs duty importing one?

Because these cars were usually built in Japan, the 0% rate for US-built vehicles will generally not apply; the rate follows the true origin. The 19% import VAT always applies.

How long does the import take?

Sea freight plus clearance and approval typically means a number of weeks; USCar Trader coordinates each stage.

Can I get service parts in Germany?

Yes, mechanical and service parts are broadly available through Mazda's European network; some US-specific trim may need ordering.

To go further, explore Mazda in the Carhub, compare the Mazda3, the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata, or view current MAZDA6 listings.