Nissan 370Z Coupe

Importing a used Nissan 370Z Coupe from the USA

The Nissan 370Z Coupe (chassis code Z34) is one of the most attainable naturally aspirated sports cars ever sold in North America, and the United States is by far its largest market. That combination makes importing a used 370Z from the USA a genuinely sensible route for a German or EU buyer: the American used-car pool is deep, the cars are frequently well specified, and prices reflect a market where the Z was a mainstream product rather than a niche grey import. As an independent broker, USCar Trader helps you find, verify and bring a used 370Z to Germany without ever acting as a dealer or adding a hidden margin.

Model history: years and generations

The 370Z arrived for the 2009 model year as the successor to the popular 350Z (Z33). It is a single, long-lived generation that Nissan sold in the US market all the way through 2020, when the RZ34 "Z" replaced it. Across that run the car changed relatively little mechanically, which is good news for parts and knowledge. Key updates included the 2013 refresh (revised front fascia, LED accents, new wheels) and the introduction of the harder-edged 370Z Nismo, which was uprated over the years. Because production spanned more than a decade, you will find early 2009–2012 cars at the value end and later 2015–2020 examples with lower mileage and more modern infotainment.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Every 370Z uses the 3.7-litre VQ37VHR V6, a naturally aspirated engine with Nissan's VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) system. In standard tune it produces around 332 hp and roughly 366 Nm; the Nismo version was rated up to about 350 hp. Drive goes to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual — famously offered with SynchroRev Match automatic throttle blipping — or a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Enthusiasts overwhelmingly chase the manual cars. A viscous limited-slip differential was standard on Sport and Nismo trims. There is no turbocharging here: the appeal is a high-revving, linear V6 and hydraulic-feeling steering that later turbo coupes moved away from.

Equipment lines and body styles

US 370Z buyers chose between the Coupe and a folding-roof Roadster; this page covers the Coupe. Trim structure evolved but generally ran Base, Touring (leather, Bose, heated/cooled seats), Sport (bigger brakes, 19-inch Rays wheels, SynchroRev Match, LSD, spoiler) and the range-topping Nismo with unique aero, stiffer suspension, Recaro seats and a more aggressive exhaust. The Sport package car is the sweet spot for most drivers who want the mechanical upgrades without full Nismo firmness.

The US used market

Availability in the States is excellent. You can find clean 2015–2019 examples with 30,000–70,000 miles, higher-mileage early cars used as weekend toys, and the occasional low-mileage Nismo. Many US cars come from dry-climate states, which matters for an import because underbody corrosion on a Z is usually mild compared with salted European roads. Typical condition ranges from lightly modified enthusiast cars to bone-stock dealer trade-ins; a clean Carfax or AutoCheck and an unmodified drivetrain are worth prioritising.

Is an import right for you?

A used 370Z suits the driver who wants an old-school, rear-drive coupe with a big-displacement V6, a real manual gearbox and honest handling — and who values that the US market kept the car affordable. It is also a smart target if you specifically want a Nismo or a Sport-package car that is rarer and pricier in Europe. Buyers who need a daily with generous rear space or low running costs should look elsewhere; the Z is a focused two-seater, and the VQ likes fuel.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

370Z reliability is one of its strongest selling points, but there are known weak spots worth checking. On manual cars the clutch slave and master cylinders can fail, causing a soft or dropping pedal; many owners upgrade to a stainless line and a better cylinder. Some VQ37 engines consume oil, so verify oil level and look for a documented top-up habit rather than assuming a leak. The exhaust manifold/pre-cat can occasionally shed material into the engine on high-mileage examples — a compression or borescope check is reassuring. Other items are minor: the plastic paddle-shift feel, tyre wear on staggered setups, and radio/Bluetooth quirks on older head units. Overall the car is robust when serviced, and parts availability from the US market is excellent.

Differences from the European version

US 370Z Coupes were sold with amber side markers, headlights aimed for right-hand traffic, mph-primary instruments and no rear fog lamp — all of which the German TÜV / individual approval process addresses. Infotainment is typically the US-market navigation and radio band. Mechanically the car is identical to what Europe received, which simplifies homologation. Options such as the Bose audio, heated/cooled seats and the Nismo package track the US trim ladder rather than European price lists.

Import step by step

The process runs: (1) selection — you choose a car from US listings or we source one; (2) VIN and origin check — we confirm history, title and, critically, the plant of manufacture; (3) escrow — funds are secured so you never pay a seller directly and unprotected; (4) ocean freight — the car is booked container or RoRo to a German port such as Bremerhaven; (5) customs clearance — import duty is assessed against the true origin and the 19% import VAT is calculated; (6) TÜV / individual approval (Einzelabnahme) — lighting and any required changes are certified; (7) registration at your local Zulassungsstelle.

Customs and taxes: what applies

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

The 370Z is built in Japan, so it is an origin="neutral" case rather than a US-built car. That means the applicable import duty depends on the vehicle's actual origin as proven by the VIN and documentation, not on the fact that it is coming from America. The 0% preferential EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only where genuine US origin can be proven for a directly transported vehicle; a Japanese-built Z will normally fall under the standard passenger-car duty. Separately and always, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is due on the customs value. We never quote "duty-free" and we state duty and VAT as distinct line items with no broker margin.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical work for German approval includes converting or coding the headlights for right-hand traffic, adding a rear fog lamp, confirming the speedometer reads in km/h (or fitting a compliant cluster/overlay), and documenting any aftermarket exhaust or suspension so it can be entered or removed. The odometer must be verified and, where needed, its mileage confirmed in kilometres. A largely stock Z passes individual approval without drama.

What to verify before buying

Before committing, confirm: the full VIN and plant code; a clean Carfax or AutoCheck history with no salvage or flood branding; the title status (clean vs. rebuilt); underbody condition and any rust on a car from a snow state; complete service records including clutch and oil history on manuals; and whether the drivetrain is stock or modified. A pre-purchase inspection at a US shop is strongly advised.

Common questions

Is importing a used 370Z from the USA worth it?

Often yes, because the US market kept the Z affordable and the used pool is large, so desirable Sport and Nismo cars are easier to find than in Europe.

Does the 0% EU import duty apply to a 370Z?

Only if provable US origin exists. The 370Z is built in Japan, so it is usually assessed at the standard duty rate; the 19% import VAT always applies.

Manual or automatic — which should I import?

Enthusiasts favour the six-speed manual with SynchroRev Match; it holds value and defines the car's character, though the automatic is smoother for daily use.

What are the most common 370Z problems?

Clutch slave/master cylinder failure on manuals, some oil consumption on the VQ37, and staggered-tyre wear are the usual items to check.

Will a US 370Z pass German TÜV?

Yes, after lighting conversion, a rear fog lamp and speedometer compliance are addressed during individual approval; a stock car is straightforward.

How is the car shipped to Germany?

By container or RoRo ocean freight to a port such as Bremerhaven, followed by customs clearance and inland transport.

Can I import a 370Z Nismo?

Yes. The Nismo is a US-market trim and imports the same way; its aero and Recaro interior are simply documented at approval.

Ready to start? Browse Nissan in the Carhub, compare the newer Nissan Z and the flagship Nissan GT-R, or the rival Toyota Supra, and view current 370Z Coupe listings.